Wardner

Wardner

Overview & History

Originally released by Taito as an arcade coin-op in 1987 under the subtitle Wardner no Mori (Wardner's Forest), this eccentric fantasy platformer was ported to the Sega Genesis in 1991 by Vic Tokai. The storyline follows a young magician named Dover (renamed Pyromal in some localizations) whose sweetheart, Mia, is kidnapped by the wicked wizard Wardner and transformed into a glowing orb. To rescue her, Dover must traverse six treacherous, vertically and horizontally scrolling stages filled with grotesque, mythical creatures, ultimately confronting the dark sorcerer in his gothic castle. Unlike typical fast-paced run-and-gun titles, the Genesis conversion offers a deliberate, methodical pace, requiring players to carefully manage resources, collect hidden gold, and purchase vital magic items from wandering shopkeepers between grueling levels.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Dover begins his quest armed only with basic magical fireballs, but the gameplay depth expands dramatically through the in-game economy. By defeating enemies and shattering floating urns, players collect gold coins used at intermittent shops. These merchants sell crucial power-ups, including leaping boots, extended health meters, and temporary transformations that turn Dover into a fire-breathing dragon or a winged beast. The control scheme demands precision; Dover can duck, jump, and hurl projectiles, but the platforming is notoriously punishing due to the knockback sustained from enemy hits. Managing your limited magic reserves and choosing the right upgrade path before brutal boss encounters are essential for survival in this dark, unforgiving fairytale realm.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move / Duck
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause