This side-scrolling action game brought the fantastical world of RPGs to arcades. The combination of comical and appealing characters with lively sound design that perfectly matched the controls earned the game many fans from across the globe.
WARDNER/Pyros
Japanese title: ワードナの森
| Release | 1987 |
| Genre | Side-scrolling action |
| Platforms | Arcade Nintendo Switch PlayStation 4 Mega Drive Others |
Story
The main characters, a boy and a girl, accidentally wander into the mysterious Wardner Forest. However, once there, the girl is transformed into a crystal ball and taken away deep into the forest by Wardner, the ruler of the forest. Determined to rescue the girl, the boy sets out with powerful flame magic at his disposal.
Controls & How to Play
The game is played with an 8-way joystick, a Shot button, and a Jump button.
Use the Shot button to inflict damage on the enemy.
You will start with a fireball shot that fires in the direction you are facing.
After traveling a set distance, the fireball will fall in a parabolic arc.
The fireball disappears when it hits an obstacle or the ground.
Press the Jump button to make your character jump a set distance.
Also, if you move the joystick to the left or right during a jump, you will move in that direction during your jump.
In locations where there is a difference in height, you can fall from the elevated spots.
You are unable to use the joystick to move to the left or right while falling.
Even if you fall from a great height, you will not lose a life if you land on the ground.
You can climb up and down ladders and vines by using the joystick.
Move the joystick down when on the ground to crouch.
You will lose a life if you are hit by an enemy attack, or collide with an enemy or certain obstacles.
You will also lose a life if your character falls into a hole.
Also, you will lose a life if you do not clear the stage within the given time limit.
When you restart after losing a life, you will lose all of your items except for your equipped shot and shot power-up level.
The game is over if you lose all of your lives.
There are a total of five stages, and you can also visit the Shop following a stage to purchase items.
The game ends when you clear Stage 5.
【Items】
Orbs (small, large)
A small orb will appear when you defeat certain enemies.
Some stages will feature large orbs placed within them.
Pick up sixteen small orbs, or one of the large ones, in a stage to power up your shots (10 total levels).
Money bag & treasure chest
A money bag full of gold will appear when you defeat certain enemies.
You will acquire the gold when you pick up the money bag.
You can also acquire gold from treasure chests placed in certain stages.
Gold can be used to buy items at the Shop.
Magic mantle
These can be found in some stages.
They allow you to deflect a single enemy attack.
It will disappear once it is struck.
Needle & thread
This can repair the magic mantle and prevent it from disappearing.
It is consumed upon use.
Magic clock
These can be found in some stages.
If you exceed the time limit while holding the clock, the item will be automatically consumed and 1 minute will be added to the time limit.
Goddess statue
These can be found in some stages.
If you get one, you will receive a flying fairy. These fairies will follow behind you while maintaining a certain distance.
They are capable of attacking the enemy and will damage any that they fly into.
Jump shoes
These appear when you defeat certain enemies.
If you have the jump shoes, you are able to jump higher in certain places.
The increased height of your jump allows you to reach previously unreachable locations, and the item is consumed upon use.
Ocarina
These appear when you defeat certain enemies.
If you have the ocarina and stand in a certain location, a firebird will appear.
The ocarina will be consumed when you grab hold of the firebird, and you can fly safely through the stage.
Key
These can be found in some stages.
They are able to open specific doors.
Shop items
Star Sword: Shoots fireballs that travel up and down in a wave-like motion.
Moon Sword: Shoots fireballs that spin in a circle.
Solar Sword: Shoots fireballs that are linked in a horizontal line and fly great distances like a laser.
Magic mantle: Allows you to deflect a single enemy attack.
Needle & thread: Allows you to repair the magic mantle one time. This can repair the magic mantle and prevent it from disappearing.
Magic clock: Adds one extra minute when the time limit runs out.
- POINT1
- There is a secret technique that lets you traverse the gap between blocks if you use the joystick while crouching.
There are also various secrets that can be discovered throughout the game, giving you things such as bonus points, additional time to complete the stage, and even extra lives.
- POINT2
- The fairies also have a secret ability that lets them remove the hit detection box of certain obstacles.
Impressions
The Japanese title of Wardner's Forest sounds like something straight out of a fantasy movie, and the game itself also has a magical feel to it, while the charming characters and energetic soundtrack also leave a lasting impression on players. That combination is a large reason why players found the game so fun and interesting, and replayed the game over and over. It goes without saying that much like other Toaplan titles, Wardner was a carefully crafted experience with a high attention to detail, which is probably why it is so highly rated by numerous players around the world.