Wario World is the Hanafuda Club Games Club game for February

For the month of February Hanafuda Club members will be playing through the 2003 GameCube platformer Wario World.

This oddity, developed by Treasure (of Sin & Punishment and Ikaruga fame), sees garlic-loving Wario take on a sentient, evil gem known as Black Jewel, all in an effort to get back his castle — and as is Wario tradition, countless treasures. It also features Charles Martinet giving us all the Wario ‘waaaahhs’ you could want.

It’s not a game I’ve played before, and me skipping it when it first debuted some 23 years ago was likely due to the reviews, which although had plenty of praise and nice things to say about the 3D platforming action on offer, criticised the short length of the overall experience. As a frame of reference, it was compared to Luigi’s Mansion — another early GameCube title with a run time on the shorter side (4-8 hours). At the time, I was likely hesitant to part with my cash on a shorter experience.

Now though? Such as a short run time holds plenty of appeal. So, I’m looking forward to playing through the game and talking about it with Hanafuda Club members on the Discord.

Hanafuda Club members voted to play this in February, so starting Monday, February 2nd we will be doing just that! If you’d like to join the play through then you can join Hanafuda Club right here and you’ll get an invite to the Discord upon signing up. I’d love for you to join us!

The game is available on the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack tier.