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Wario’s Woods

NES

NES

Wario's Woods is a puzzle game similar to Tetris or Columns, but with a twist. Instead of directly controlling the monsters and bombs that are falling down, the player controls Toad who has to carry around stacks of monsters and bombs and to combine them in the right way. One bomb plus at least t...

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Developer
Nintendo R&D1

Released on
1994

Size
1–2 Players

Version
NES

Requirements
Nintendo Entertainment System

Downloads
Puzzle

Publisher
Nintendo

ESRB Rating
E - Everyone

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Description

Wario’s Woods is a puzzle game similar to Tetris or Columns, but with a twist. Instead of directly controlling the monsters and bombs that are falling down, the player controls Toad who has to carry around stacks of monsters and bombs and to combine them in the right way. One bomb plus at least two monsters of the same color have to be combined to make them disappear. If five or more objects are cleared at the same time, a diamond will appear. Destroying the diamond will clear all monsters of the diamond’s color.

There are four different ways to pick up objects. The A button lets Toad pick up the whole stack that is in front of him, the B button lets him only pick up one object, even if it’s in the middle of a stack, the Y button lets him kick a monster or bomb that’s in front of him and the X button places him on top of the stack that he is carrying. He can also run up walls and stacks to catch falling objects out of the air or to pick up certain parts of a stack.

There are 5 different modes of play: a “Round Game” in which Toad has to clear numerous levels, a match versus a computer controlled opponent, a two player mode, a “Time Race” mode, and finally, an extensive training mode.

There are some differences between the SNES and NES versions. Due to a lack of buttons, controls are a little different in the NES version (although all the moves from the SNES version are present). Also, there is no vs. mode against the computer, but the “Round Game” mode features two modes of play: one that includes boss-fights on every level ending with a 9.

Wario's Woods

Released in late 1994, Wario's Woods holds a monumental place in gaming history as the final officially licensed Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) title released in North America, and the only NES game to receive an official ESRB rating. Unlike traditional falling-block puzzle games of its era, this colorful gem places players directly inside the action. The storyline follows the heroic Mushroom Kingdom resident, Toad, as he ventures into the Peaceful Woods, which have been seized and corrupted by the villainous Wario. Assisted by Birdo and a magical sprite, Toad must purge the forest of monsters using falling bombs before Wario's dark influence becomes permanent.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The gameplay beautifully blends match-three puzzle mechanics with real-time character platforming. Instead of manipulating falling blocks from a detached perspective, players control Toad as he scurries across the grid, climbs stacks of creatures, and runs vertically up the playing field's walls. As monsters and colored bombs descend, Toad must physically grab, carry, and rearrange them. To clear the board, players must align rows, columns, or diagonal lines of matching colors, ensuring at least one bomb is included in the chain. Toad’s specialized moveset allows him to lift entire columns, pick up single items, or execute a quick kick to slide objects across the screen. Speed is crucial, as Wario periodically interferes, lowering the ceiling to crush Toad if the grid fills up.

Keyboard Controls

Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move Toad left and right, climb up stacks, or scale vertical walls.
Action Keys: 'Z' Key (A Button) to grab/drop entire stacks; 'X' Key (B Button) to kick objects or lift individual items.
Enter: Start game / Pause puzzle action.