Difference between revisions of "Wardner"

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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=Wardner MDTitleScreen.png
 
| bobscreen=Wardner MDTitleScreen.png
−
| publisher=[[Visco]] (JP), [[Mentrix Software]] (US)
+
| bobscreen2=Wardner MD JP TitleScreen.png
−
| developer={{MD}} [[Dragnet]]
+
| tab1=NTSC-U
 +
| tab2=NTSC-J
 +
| publisher={{company|[[Visco]]|region=Japan}}, {{company|[[Mentrix Software]]|region=US}}
 +
| developer={{company|[[Dragnet]]|system=MD}}
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
−
| romsize=512kB
+
| sounddriver=[[Dragnet]]/Kazuo Okabayashi
−
| sounddriver=
 
 
| peripherals=
 
| peripherals=
 
| players=1
 
| players=1
−
| genre=Action
+
| genre=Action{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}
−
| originalpublishers=[[Taito]]
 
 
| originaldevelopers=[[Toaplan]]
 
| originaldevelopers=[[Toaplan]]
 
| originalsystem=Arcade boards
 
| originalsystem=Arcade boards
 +
| languages={{LanguageList|jp|en}}
 
| releases={{releasesMD
 
| releases={{releasesMD
 +
| md_date_jp=1991-04-26{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}
 +
| md_rrp_jp=6,300e{{magref|bemega|1991-04|12}}
 +
| md_code_jp=T-58013
 
| md_date_us=1991-05{{magref|gamepro|22|37}}
 
| md_date_us=1991-05{{magref|gamepro|22|37}}
 
| md_rrp_us=49.95{{magref|gamepro|22|37}}
 
| md_rrp_us=49.95{{magref|gamepro|22|37}}
 
| md_code_us=58016
 
| md_code_us=58016
−
| md_date_jp=1991-04-26
 
−
| md_rrp_jp=6,300
 
−
| md_code_jp=T-58013
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
| otherformats={{NonSega|Arcade|NES}}
+
| otherformats={{NonSega|Arcade|FDS}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''', called '''''Wardner no Mori''''' in Japan and '''''Pyros''''' in its initial North American release, is a 1987 arcade platformer by [[Toaplan]]. [[Visco]] ported it to the [[Sega Mega Drive]] in 1991, removing Toaplan's name and publishing it in Japan as '''''Wardner no Mori Special''''' (ワードナの森ＳＰＥＣＩＡＬ). They would then license it to [[Mentrix Software]] for publication in the US as ''Wardner''. The later developed ''[[Gods]]'' by [[The Bitmap Brothers]] shares some elements with this game.
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is a platform game developed by [[Dragnet]] and released for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] in 1991. In Japan, it was known as '''''Wardner no Mori Special''''' (ワードナの森ＳＰＥＣＩＡＬ) and published by [[Visco]]. In North America, it was published by [[Mentrix Software]].
 +
 
 +
It is based on a 1987 arcade game called ''Wardner no Mori'' in Japan and ''Pyros'' in North America, which was developed by [[Toaplan]] and published by [[Taito]].
 +
 
 +
[[Columbus Circle]] (in a deal with [[Tatsujin (company)|Tatsujin]]) announced an aftermarket re-release of the game in Japan for September 2024, dropping the Special from the title and naming it as ''[[Wardner no Mori (Columbus Circle)|Wardner no Mori]]'' instead.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20240622214401/https://www.columbuscircle.co.jp/products/?id=1718265711-028526&p=1&ca=49}}
  
 
==Story==
 
==Story==
−
A boy and a girl are wandering about when they get lost in the Forest of Wardner. Suddenly, a green spectre comes and kidnaps the girl, leaving the boy to find her.
+
{{ScreenThumb|Wardner, Introduction.png|width=200|Introduction}}
 +
A boy named Dover and a girl named Mia are wandering about when they get lost in the forest of the sinister warlock Wardner. Suddenly, a green spectre comes and kidnaps Mia, leaving Dover to find her.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
−
{{A}} and {{C}} jump. Jumping on vines will automatically latch you onto them to climb. {{Down}} crouches; you can jump while crouch and will need to do so to collect gold treasure, which serves as a currency. {{B}} shoots fire to destroy enemies with. Defeated enemies drop money bags or orbs, which power up the main shot after you collected 15 of them. You lose a life with one hit, unless you collect a cape (absorbs one hit) or bought needle and yarn (absorbs another hit).
+
The game is a side-scrolling platformer played as Dover, who traverses a fantasy land to rescue Mia. The early stages are linear, populated with obstacles and enemies, requiring the player to traverse the stage by running, jumping, climbing, shooting or dodging enemies, while later stages are more maze-like and exploratory, making the player take different routes to reach the end. Dover walks with {{left}} and {{right}} and crouches with {{down}}. He jumps with {{A}} or {{C}}. He can squeeze through tight spots by jumping while crouching. He automatically grabs vines when he passes in front of them and climbs them with {{up}} and {{down}}.
 +
 
 +
Dover attacks enemies by shooting fireballs at them with {{B}}. Defeated enemies drop Crystals, which power up Dover's attack, or Money Bags, which can be used to buy items in the shop. Dover initially shoots one fireball at a time in a downward trajectory; he must wait until the fireball dissipates by hitting the ground or an enemy before he can shoot another. By collecting 16 Small Crystals (or a single Large Crystal), Dover gains the ability to shoot another fireball, up to a maximum of 8. Additionally, after a stage is completed, the player enters a shop and can spend the money collected from enemies to buy magic items that change the pattern of Dover's attacks. Only one such item can be held at a time, and it is kept until it is replaced or until the end of the game.
 +
 
 +
Ordinarily, Dover dies after taking a single hit from an enemy or hazard. He can find (or buy in the shop) the Magical Cape item, which allows him to withstand one more hit. If he has a cape, purchasing the Needle and Thread item from the shop allows him to repair it in order to take one additional hit. If he dies, he restarts the stage at a predetermined checkpoint. Some hazards, such as spikes and lava, instantly kill Dover regardless of what items he possesses. There is also a timer, and Dover loses a life if he does not complete the stage before time runs out (unless he has the Magical Clock item, which grants him another 30 seconds after time runs out). Some stages contain NPCs, and the timer resets when talking to them. The player gains extra lives at certain points thresholds. Stages contain hidden spots that reward the player with bonus points for moving over them.
 +
 
 +
===Items===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Small Crystal
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Collect 16 to increase the number of fireballs that Dover can shoot at a time, up to a maximum of 8. Sometimes dropped by defeated enemies.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Large Crystal
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Increases the number of fireballs that Dover can shoot at a time, up to a maximum of 8.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Money Bag
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Rewards Dover with $50. Sometimes dropped by defeated enemies.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Treasure Chest
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=32 | crop_height=32 | crop_x=64 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Rewards Dover with $200.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Magical Cape
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Allows Dover to absorb one hit without dying. His sprite changes to show him wearing a cape when he has this item.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Magical Clock
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Gives the player an extra 30 seconds once the timer runs out. A Clock icon appears next to the timer when Dover has this item.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Ocarina
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc= This item is only dropped by the first giant bee enemy in the third stage. If Dover possesses this item while standing in the middle of the fire lake, a phoenix appears and flies him to the end of the stage.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=High Jump Shoes
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=This item is only dropped by the second giant bee enemy in the third stage. It turns Dover's next jump into a super high jump, but only lasts for one jump.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Faerie Statue
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=32 | crop_height=32 | crop_x=96 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Causes a faerie to follow Dover. Faeries are invulnerable and destroy enemies that they touch (as well as enemy projectiles). Faeries last from stage to stage, until Dover loses a life. Up to two faeries can follow Dover at a time.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=1-Up
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Awards the player with an extra life.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Shop===
 +
{{ScreenThumb|Wardner, Store.png|width=200|Shop}}
 +
The player enters a shop after completing each of the first four stages.
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Magic of Stars
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Shop Items.png | 2 | crop_width=20 | crop_height=20 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Upgrades Dover's fireballs to fly in a zigzag motion. Costs $1,500.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Magic of the Moon
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Shop Items.png | 2 | crop_width=20 | crop_height=20 | crop_x=20 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Upgrades Dover's fireballs to loop around in circles. Costs $2,000.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Magic of the Sun
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Shop Items.png | 2 | crop_width=20 | crop_height=20 | crop_x=40 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Upgrades Dover's fireballs to shoot out into a rapid beam. This is the only attack that shoots all of his fireballs out at once. Costs $3,000.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Magical Cape
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Shop Items.png | 2 | crop_width=20 | crop_height=20 | crop_x=60 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Allows Dover to absorb one hit without dying. His sprite changes to show him wearing a cape when he has this item. Costs $300.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Needle and Thread
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Shop Items.png | 2 | crop_width=20 | crop_height=20 | crop_x=80 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Allows Dover to take an additional hit without dying when wearing the cape. A Needle and Thread icon appears in the top-right corner of the screen when Dover has this item. Costs $200.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Magical Clock
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Wardner, Shop Items.png | 2 | crop_width=20 | crop_height=20 | crop_x=100 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Gives the player an extra 30 seconds once the timer runs out. A Clock icon appears next to the timer when Dover has this item. Costs $300.
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
 
===Stages===
 
===Stages===
−
The game has a total of 6 stages, all of which end with a shop where powerups may be purchased.
+
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
−
 
+
{{InfoRow
−
{{sectionsNewStart|imagewidths=200px}}
+
| title=Woods
−
{{SectionsNew
+
| screenshot=Wardner, Stage 1-1.png
−
| name=Stage 1 - Woods
+
| screenshot2=Wardner, Stage 1-2.png
−
| image=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot3=Wardner, Stage 1 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 
| desc=
 
| desc=
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{SectionsNew
+
{{InfoRow
−
| name=Stage 2 - Trap House
+
| title=Trap House
−
| image=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Wardner, Stage 2-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Wardner, Stage 2-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Wardner, Stage 2 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 
| desc=
 
| desc=
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{SectionsNew
+
{{InfoRow
−
| name=Stage 3 - Lava Woods
+
| title=Lava Woods
−
| image=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Wardner, Stage 3-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Wardner, Stage 3-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Wardner, Stage 3 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 
| desc=
 
| desc=
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{SectionsNew
+
{{InfoRow
−
| name=Stage 4 - Castle, lower section
+
| title=Castle, Lower Section
−
| image=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Wardner, Stage 4-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Wardner, Stage 4-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Wardner, Stage 4 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 
| desc=
 
| desc=
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{SectionsNew
+
{{InfoRow
−
| name=Stage 5 - Castle, upper section
+
| title=Castle, Upper Section
−
| image=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Wardner, Stage 5-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Wardner, Stage 5-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Wardner, Stage 5 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 
| desc=
 
| desc=
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{SectionsNew
+
{{InfoRow
−
| name=Stage 6 - Dungeon
+
| title=Dungeon
−
| image=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Wardner, Stage 6-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Wardner, Stage 6-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Wardner, Stage 6 Boss 1.png
 +
| screenshot4=Wardner, Stage 6 Boss 2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 
| desc=
 
| desc=
 
}}
 
}}
−
|}
+
}}
−
 
 
−
===Shop items===
 
−
*Star - wave shot
 
−
*Moon - circle motion shot
 
−
*Sun - long beam shot, most powerful magic
 
−
*Cape - take one hit without dying
 
−
*Needle & Yarn - when in possession of the cape, take another hit without dying
 
−
*Clock - an extra 30 seconds once the timer runs out
 
−
 
 
−
===Tips and tricks===
 
−
By talking to the witch in stage 4, the timer will be reset. This can be abused to collect infinite score as certain enemies in this stage also reset. If this is also present in the Arcade version or not is currently unknown.
 
  
 
==Versions==
 
==Versions==
−
The game has been remixed for the Mega Drive port: Stage 2 got a new boss (was a reused stage 1 boss). Stage 3 got the Arcade version's Stage 4 boss (original stage 3 boss was also a reused boss). Stage 4 has been split up into stages 4 and 5, with new bosses added. These resulting stages also contain a few extra sections. The final series of rooms leading to Wardner has also been changed significantly, with the home port having the double amount of rooms and differing obstacles in them. The final boss had a safe spot just in front of his knee, allowing to defeat him with no effort. This has been fixed by changing his attack pattern.
+
The game has been remixed for the Mega Drive port: Stage 2 got a new boss (was a reused stage 1 boss). Stage 3 got the Arcade version's Stage 4 boss (original stage 3 boss was also a reused boss). Stage 4 has been split up into stages 4 and 5, with new bosses added. These resulting stages also contain a few extra sections. The final series of rooms leading to Wardner has also been changed significantly, with the home port having the double amount of rooms and differing obstacles in them. The final boss had a safe spot just in front of his knee, allowing to defeat him with no effort. This has been fixed by changing his attack pattern. Various other changes exist such as different hidden bonuses.
−
Various other changes exists such as different hidden bonuses, etc.
 
  
−
The graphical conversion left much to be desired. Parts of it, such as missing background details, world map and shop entrance graphics, can be explained by the small ROM size. Other changes however, appear to have been avoidable. Multiple stages have pig parts of the color palette unused (TODO attach Hivepal picture of stage 2 and 3 palette). All enemies aside from the floating skulls draw their colors from this limited pool.
+
The graphical conversion left much to be desired. Parts of it, such as missing background details, world map and shop entrance graphics, can be explained by the small ROM size. Other changes however, appear to have been avoidable. Multiple stages have big parts of the color palette unused. All enemies aside from the floating skulls draw their colors from this limited pool. Color positions were swapped for unknown reasons, so that objects in the background appear brighter than in the foreground.
−
Color positions were swapped for unknown reasons, so that objects in the background appear brighter than in the foreground. (TODO attach picture of stage 1 wine and stage 3 bird statue).
 
  
 
===Localised names===
 
===Localised names===
Line 88: Line 193:
 
|us_name=Wardner
 
|us_name=Wardner
 
|jp_name=ワードナの森ＳＰＥＣＩＡＬ
 
|jp_name=ワードナの森ＳＰＥＣＩＡＬ
−
|jp_trans=
+
|jp_trans=Wardner no Mori Special}}
−
|jp_rom=Wardner no Mori Special
+
 
 +
==Production credits==
 +
{{multicol|
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
*'''Producer:''' Tetsuo Akiyama
 +
*'''Original Works:''' [[Toaplan|Toa Plan]]
 +
*'''Director:"''' Yasuhisa Itoi
 +
*'''Assistant Director:''' Don Gabacho, Ann Hirakawa
 +
*'''Programing:''' Masaharu Ohno, Takanori Kohno, Hirosi Ogura
 +
*'''Character Design:''' Toa Plan, Kyoko Tachibana
 +
*'''Music:''' Toa Plan, Kazuo Okabayashi
 +
*'''Music Arrange:''' Kazuo Okabayashi
 +
*'''Sound Effect:''' Kazuo Okabayashi, Masaharu Ohno
 +
*'''Special Thanks:''' K.Kamio
 +
:Presented by [[Mentrix Software|Mentrix Software, Inc.]]
 +
| source=In-game credits (US)
 +
| console=MD
 +
| pdf=Wardner MD credits.pdf
 +
}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
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{{gallery
 
{{gallery
 
|{{GalleryPrintAd
 
|{{GalleryPrintAd
−
|EGM US 027.pdf|egm|27|129
+
|egm|27|129
−
|16BitVideoGaming US.pdf|gamepro|16bit|13
+
|gamepro|16bit|13
 
}}
 
}}
−
|{{galleryPrintAd|BeepMD_JP_1991-04.pdf|bemega|1991-04|12-13}}
+
|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1991-04|12-13}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Physical scans==
 
==Physical scans==
−
{{ratings
+
{{ratings|MD}}
−
| icon=MD
 
−
| ace=71
 
−
| ace_source={{magref|ace|47|64|printpage=64/65}}
 
−
| ag=75
 
−
| ag_source={{magref|ag|3|43}}
 
−
| bemega=68
 
−
| bemega_source={{magref|bemega|1991-04|32|printpage=30}}
 
−
| bemega_r=61
 
−
| bemega_r_source={{magref|ssmjp|1995-09|87|printpage=85}}
 
−
| famitsu=53
 
−
| famitsu_source={{num|130}}, ''[https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=7252]''
 
−
| gamepro=84
 
−
| gamepro_source={{magref|gamepro|22|36|printpage=34/35}}
 
−
| gamesx=80
 
−
| gamesx_source={{num|11}}
 
−
| hippons=40
 
−
| hippons_source={{num|1991-04|page=42|pdf=}}
 
−
| joystick=83
 
−
| joystick_source={{magref|joystick|17|132}}
 
−
| mdag=43
 
−
| mdag_source={{magref|mdag|3|79}} <!-- Wardner Special -->
 
−
| mdag_1=48
 
−
| mdag_source_1={{num|5|page=95}}<!-- Wardner -->
 
−
| mdag_2=53
 
−
| mdag_source_2={{num|5|page=95}}<!-- Wardner Special -->
 
−
| megatech=75
 
−
| megatech_source={{magref|megatech|1|81}}
 
−
| mm=84
 
−
| mm_source={{magref|mm|10|70|printpage=70-72}}
 
−
| segapower=80
 
−
| segapower_source={{magref|segapower|23|55}}
 
−
| segapower_1=43
 
−
| segapower_source_1={{magref|segapower|25|37}}
 
−
| segapro=54
 
−
| segapro_source={{magref|segapro|6|31}}
 
−
| segapro_1=25
 
−
| segapro_source_1={{num|18|page=68}} <!-- Wardner -->
 
−
| segapro_2=48
 
−
| segapro_source_2={{num|18|page=68}} <!-- Wardner Special -->
 
−
| tilt=85
 
−
| tilt_source={{magref|tilt|97|42}}
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
−
| console=Mega Drive
 
−
| region=US
 
−
| front=Wardner MD US Box.png
 
−
| cart=Wardner md us cart.jpg
 
−
}}{{Scanbox
 
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=JP
 
| region=JP
Line 161: Line 237:
 
| carttop=Wardner MD JP CartTop.jpg
 
| carttop=Wardner MD JP CartTop.jpg
 
| manual=Wardnernomori md jp manual.pdf
 
| manual=Wardnernomori md jp manual.pdf
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=US
 +
| front=Wardner MD US Box.png
 +
| cart=Wardner md us cart.jpg
 +
| manual=Wardner MD US Manual.jpg
 +
| item1=Wardner MD US pcb.jpg
 +
| item1name=PCB
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Technical information==
 
==Technical information==
−
===ROM dump status===
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
−
{{romtable|
 
−
 
 
−
}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 +
{{NECRetro|title=Wardner no Mori|italics=yes}}
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 +
 +
{{WardnerOmni}}

Latest revision as of 16:50, 22 June 2024

n/a

  • NTSC-U
  • NTSC-J

Wardner MDTitleScreen.png

Wardner MD JP TitleScreen.png

Wardner
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Visco (Japan), Mentrix Software (US)
Developer:
Original system(s): Arcade boards
Developer(s) of original games: Toaplan
Sound driver: Dragnet/Kazuo Okabayashi
Genre: Action[1]

















Number of players: 1
Official in-game languages:
  • 日本語
  • English
    • Release Date RRP Code
    Sega Mega Drive
    JP     		¥6,300 (6,489)6,300e[2] T-58013
    Sega Mega Drive
    US     		$49.9549.95[3] 58016
    Non-Sega versions

    Wardner is a platform game developed by Dragnet and released for the Sega Mega Drive in 1991. In Japan, it was known as Wardner no Mori Special (ワードナの森ＳＰＥＣＩＡＬ) and published by Visco. In North America, it was published by Mentrix Software.

    It is based on a 1987 arcade game called Wardner no Mori in Japan and Pyros in North America, which was developed by Toaplan and published by Taito.

    Columbus Circle (in a deal with Tatsujin) announced an aftermarket re-release of the game in Japan for September 2024, dropping the Special from the title and naming it as Wardner no Mori instead.[4]

    Story

    Wardner, Introduction.png

    Introduction

    A boy named Dover and a girl named Mia are wandering about when they get lost in the forest of the sinister warlock Wardner. Suddenly, a green spectre comes and kidnaps Mia, leaving Dover to find her.

    Gameplay

    The game is a side-scrolling platformer played as Dover, who traverses a fantasy land to rescue Mia. The early stages are linear, populated with obstacles and enemies, requiring the player to traverse the stage by running, jumping, climbing, shooting or dodging enemies, while later stages are more maze-like and exploratory, making the player take different routes to reach the end. Dover walks with Left and Right and crouches with Down. He jumps with A or C. He can squeeze through tight spots by jumping while crouching. He automatically grabs vines when he passes in front of them and climbs them with Up and Down.

    Dover attacks enemies by shooting fireballs at them with B. Defeated enemies drop Crystals, which power up Dover's attack, or Money Bags, which can be used to buy items in the shop. Dover initially shoots one fireball at a time in a downward trajectory; he must wait until the fireball dissipates by hitting the ground or an enemy before he can shoot another. By collecting 16 Small Crystals (or a single Large Crystal), Dover gains the ability to shoot another fireball, up to a maximum of 8. Additionally, after a stage is completed, the player enters a shop and can spend the money collected from enemies to buy magic items that change the pattern of Dover's attacks. Only one such item can be held at a time, and it is kept until it is replaced or until the end of the game.

    Ordinarily, Dover dies after taking a single hit from an enemy or hazard. He can find (or buy in the shop) the Magical Cape item, which allows him to withstand one more hit. If he has a cape, purchasing the Needle and Thread item from the shop allows him to repair it in order to take one additional hit. If he dies, he restarts the stage at a predetermined checkpoint. Some hazards, such as spikes and lava, instantly kill Dover regardless of what items he possesses. There is also a timer, and Dover loses a life if he does not complete the stage before time runs out (unless he has the Magical Clock item, which grants him another 30 seconds after time runs out). Some stages contain NPCs, and the timer resets when talking to them. The player gains extra lives at certain points thresholds. Stages contain hidden spots that reward the player with bonus points for moving over them.

    Items

    Wardner, Items.png
    		 Small Crystal
    Collect 16 to increase the number of fireballs that Dover can shoot at a time, up to a maximum of 8. Sometimes dropped by defeated enemies.
    Wardner, Items.png
    		 Large Crystal
    Increases the number of fireballs that Dover can shoot at a time, up to a maximum of 8.
    Wardner, Items.png
    		 Money Bag
    Rewards Dover with $50. Sometimes dropped by defeated enemies.
    Wardner, Items.png
    		 Treasure Chest
    Rewards Dover with $200.
    Wardner, Items.png
    		 Magical Cape
    Allows Dover to absorb one hit without dying. His sprite changes to show him wearing a cape when he has this item.
    Wardner, Items.png
    		 Magical Clock
    Gives the player an extra 30 seconds once the timer runs out. A Clock icon appears next to the timer when Dover has this item.
    Wardner, Items.png
    		 Ocarina
    This item is only dropped by the first giant bee enemy in the third stage. If Dover possesses this item while standing in the middle of the fire lake, a phoenix appears and flies him to the end of the stage.
    Wardner, Items.png
    		 High Jump Shoes
    This item is only dropped by the second giant bee enemy in the third stage. It turns Dover's next jump into a super high jump, but only lasts for one jump.
    Wardner, Items.png
    		 Faerie Statue
    Causes a faerie to follow Dover. Faeries are invulnerable and destroy enemies that they touch (as well as enemy projectiles). Faeries last from stage to stage, until Dover loses a life. Up to two faeries can follow Dover at a time.
    Wardner, Items.png
    		 1-Up
    Awards the player with an extra life.

    Shop

    Wardner, Store.png

    Shop

    The player enters a shop after completing each of the first four stages.

    Wardner, Shop Items.png
    		 Magic of Stars
    Upgrades Dover's fireballs to fly in a zigzag motion. Costs $1,500.
    Wardner, Shop Items.png
    		 Magic of the Moon
    Upgrades Dover's fireballs to loop around in circles. Costs $2,000.
    Wardner, Shop Items.png
    		 Magic of the Sun
    Upgrades Dover's fireballs to shoot out into a rapid beam. This is the only attack that shoots all of his fireballs out at once. Costs $3,000.
    Wardner, Shop Items.png
    		 Magical Cape
    Allows Dover to absorb one hit without dying. His sprite changes to show him wearing a cape when he has this item. Costs $300.
    Wardner, Shop Items.png
    		 Needle and Thread
    Allows Dover to take an additional hit without dying when wearing the cape. A Needle and Thread icon appears in the top-right corner of the screen when Dover has this item. Costs $200.
    Wardner, Shop Items.png
    		 Magical Clock
    Gives the player an extra 30 seconds once the timer runs out. A Clock icon appears next to the timer when Dover has this item. Costs $300.

    Stages

    Wardner, Stage 1-1.png

    Wardner, Stage 1-2.png

    Wardner, Stage 1 Boss.png

    • Wardner, Stage 1-1.png

    • Wardner, Stage 1-2.png

    • Wardner, Stage 1 Boss.png

    		Woods

    Wardner, Stage 2-1.png

    Wardner, Stage 2-2.png

    Wardner, Stage 2 Boss.png

    • Wardner, Stage 2-1.png

    • Wardner, Stage 2-2.png

    • Wardner, Stage 2 Boss.png

    		Trap House

    Wardner, Stage 3-1.png

    Wardner, Stage 3-2.png

    Wardner, Stage 3 Boss.png

    • Wardner, Stage 3-1.png

    • Wardner, Stage 3-2.png

    • Wardner, Stage 3 Boss.png

    		Lava Woods

    Wardner, Stage 4-1.png

    Wardner, Stage 4-2.png

    Wardner, Stage 4 Boss.png

    • Wardner, Stage 4-1.png

    • Wardner, Stage 4-2.png

    • Wardner, Stage 4 Boss.png

    		Castle, Lower Section

    Wardner, Stage 5-1.png

    Wardner, Stage 5-2.png

    Wardner, Stage 5 Boss.png

    • Wardner, Stage 5-1.png

    • Wardner, Stage 5-2.png

    • Wardner, Stage 5 Boss.png

    		Castle, Upper Section

    Wardner, Stage 6-1.png

    Wardner, Stage 6-2.png

    Wardner, Stage 6 Boss 1.png

    Wardner, Stage 6 Boss 2.png

    • Wardner, Stage 6-1.png

    • Wardner, Stage 6-2.png

    • Wardner, Stage 6 Boss 1.png

    • Wardner, Stage 6 Boss 2.png

    		Dungeon

    Versions

    The game has been remixed for the Mega Drive port: Stage 2 got a new boss (was a reused stage 1 boss). Stage 3 got the Arcade version's Stage 4 boss (original stage 3 boss was also a reused boss). Stage 4 has been split up into stages 4 and 5, with new bosses added. These resulting stages also contain a few extra sections. The final series of rooms leading to Wardner has also been changed significantly, with the home port having the double amount of rooms and differing obstacles in them. The final boss had a safe spot just in front of his knee, allowing to defeat him with no effort. This has been fixed by changing his attack pattern. Various other changes exist such as different hidden bonuses.

    The graphical conversion left much to be desired. Parts of it, such as missing background details, world map and shop entrance graphics, can be explained by the small ROM size. Other changes however, appear to have been avoidable. Multiple stages have big parts of the color palette unused. All enemies aside from the floating skulls draw their colors from this limited pool. Color positions were swapped for unknown reasons, so that objects in the background appear brighter than in the foreground.

    Localised names

    Also known as
    Language Localised Name English Translation
    English (US) Wardner Wardner
    Japanese ワードナの森ＳＰＥＣＩＡＬ Wardner no Mori Special

    Production credits

    • Producer: Tetsuo Akiyama
    • Original Works: Toa Plan
    • Director:" Yasuhisa Itoi
    • Assistant Director: Don Gabacho, Ann Hirakawa
    • Programing: Masaharu Ohno, Takanori Kohno, Hirosi Ogura
    • Character Design: Toa Plan, Kyoko Tachibana
    • Music: Toa Plan, Kazuo Okabayashi
    • Music Arrange: Kazuo Okabayashi
    • Sound Effect: Kazuo Okabayashi, Masaharu Ohno
    • Special Thanks: K.Kamio
    Presented by Mentrix Software, Inc.
    Source:
    In-game credits (US)
    Wardner MD credits.pdf
    [5]

    Magazine articles

    Main article: Wardner/Magazine articles.

    Promotional material

    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) #27: "October 1991" (1991-xx-xx)
    also published in:
    • GamePro (US) #16bit: "16-bit Video Gaming: February 1992" (1992-xx-xx)[6]
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1991-04: "April 1991" (1991-03-08)
    Logo-pdf.svg

    Physical scans

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    {{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
    Based on
    0 review
    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Version Score
    1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
    30
    		[7]
    ACE (UK)
    71
    		[8]
    ACE (UK) NTSC
    75
    		[9]
    Ação Games (BR)
    75
    		[10]
    Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
    53
    		[11]
    Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
    68
    		[12]
    Console XS (UK) NTSC-J
    48
    		[13]
    Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
    74
    		[14]
    Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
    53
    		[15]
    GamePro (US) NTSC-U
    84
    		[16]
    Games-X (UK)
    80
    		[17]
    Hippon Super (JP) NTSC-J
    40
    		[18]
    Joystick (FR)
    83
    		[19]
    Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK)
    43
    		[20]
    Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) NTSC-U
    48
    		[21]
    Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) NTSC-J
    53
    		[21]
    Mega Drive Fan (JP) NTSC-J
    55
    		[22]
    MegaTech (UK) NTSC
    75
    		[23]
    Mean Machines (UK) NTSC-J
    84
    		[24]
    Mean Machines Sega (UK)
    75
    		[25]
    Power Play (DE)
    72
    		[26]
    Sega Power (UK) NTSC-J
    75
    		[27]
    Sega Power (UK) NTSC-U
    43
    		[28]
    Sega Pro (UK)
    54
    		[29]
    Sega Pro (UK) NTSC-U
    25
    		[30]
    Sega Pro (UK) NTSC-J
    48
    		[30]
    Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
    61
    		[31]
    Tilt (FR)
    85
    		[32]
    Sega Mega Drive
    		 62
    Based on
    28 reviews

    Wardner

    Mega Drive, JP
    Wardner MD JP Box.jpg
    Cover
    Wardner MD JP CartTop.jpg
    Wardner MD JP Cart Back.jpgWardner MD JP Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Wardnernomori md jp manual.pdf
    Manual
    Mega Drive, US
    Wardner MD US Box.png
    Cover
    Wardner md us cart.jpg
    Cart
    Wardner MD US Manual.jpg
    Manual
    Wardner MD US pcb.jpg
    PCB

    Technical information

    Main article: Wardner/Technical information.

    References

    Necretro-round.svg
    NEC Retro has more information related to Wardner no Mori
    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-02 23:21)
    2. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "April 1991" (JP; 1991-03-08), page 12
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 GamePro, "May 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 37
    4. ↑ [ ]
    5. ↑ File:Wardner MD credits.pdf
    6. ↑ GamePro, "16-bit Video Gaming: February 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 13
    7. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 332
    8. ↑ ACE, "August 1991" (UK; 1991-07-08), page 64
    9. ↑ ACE, "December 1991" (UK; 1991-11-08), page 127
    10. ↑ Ação Games, "Julho 1991" (BR; 1991-07-xx), page 43
    11. ↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "August/September 1991" (DE; 1991-07-26), page 118
    12. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "April 1991" (JP; 1991-03-08), page 30
    13. ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 136
    14. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 114
    15. ↑ Famitsu, "" (JP; 1991-0x-xx), page 1
    16. ↑ GamePro, "May 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 36
    17. ↑ Games-X, "4th-10th July 1991" (UK; 1991-07-04), page 40
    18. ↑ Hippon Super, "April 1991" (JP; 1991-03-04), page 42
    19. ↑ Joystick, "Juin 1991" (FR; 1991-0x-xx), page 132
    20. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "November 1992" (UK; 1992-xx-xx), page 79
    21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 95
    22. ↑ Mega Drive Fan, "July 1991" (JP; 1991-06-08), page 85
    23. ↑ MegaTech, "Xmas 1991" (UK; 1991-12-06), page 81
    24. ↑ Mean Machines, "July 1991" (UK; 1991-06-29), page 70
    25. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 142
    26. ↑ Power Play, "8/91" (DE; 1991-07-1x), page 118
    27. ↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 55
    28. ↑ Sega Power, "December 1991" (UK; 1991-10-30), page 37
    29. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1992" (UK; 1992-03-19), page 31
    30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 68
    31. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 87
    32. ↑ Tilt, "Décembre 1991" (FR; 1991-1x-xx), page 42


    Wardner

    Wardner MDTitleScreen.png

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