The third game in the series would replace Mario all together, beginning the Wario Land set of games.
Yokoi is rarely remembered for his game creations, and more for his hardware. He would produce Metroid II, multiple games used with the Super Nintendo Super Scope, and also a few games for his failed Virtual Boy.
Yokoi’s life sadly ended in 1997 in a tragic car accident. A game titled after his name, Gunpey, would be released in 1999.
Personal Reflection
Like most kids in 1989, the Game Boy was a huge deal. Never mind the blurring screen that made it damn near impossible to see what you were doing. This thing played Tetris. While many a kid waited for Ninja Turtles: Fall of the Foot Clan, we slugged through Super Mario Land.
I must confess, I’m one of the people who shunned the game. There were quite a few incredible Game Boy games at the time, and there’s a reason the hardware became what it did. Mario Land simply fell to the wayside, especially when a year later the NES was graced with Mario 3.
What brought me back was an oddball radio remix of the main theme by Ambassadors of Funk that became a huge player on local radio. Looking back, it’s one of the worst things I ever heard, but to the ears of a 12-year-old kid, this was golden. Setting 8-bit music to rap was never a good idea, though if it led me to realize this game as a classic, it was worth it.
Images and review courtesy of Digital Press.
Article comments
1 - RCM
Gunpey came out for Wonderswan (originally)which Yokoi also had a hand in creating.
Didn't Metroid II pioneer the double jump? I swear it did.
I dig this title, it has a distinct feel and charm when compared to the Miyamoto Marios and is far greater than New SMB for DS.
2 - Matt Paprocki
Yeah, and I'm so glad to see Gunpey branching out too. It's a great design.
3 - Wacky
hey, i love this game it was the first game i ever played on gameboy, it game with it youknow the original fat one, seethrough edition. is it on wii yet? and if not any idea when it will?
4 - Matt Paprocki
Game Boy games aren't on the Virtual Console. Don't know why, but if they eventually add them, I'm sure this would be on of the first.