Game: Wardner
Manufacturer: Taito
Year: 1987
Genre: Platform
Players: 2 players (alternating)
My Version is: The board only and marquee only (UK release)
Screen Position: Horizontal

Introduction
The little town of Niknik has stood serene on the edge of the great forest of Sylvaland for eons. The villagers are merrily innocent. Unfortunately, one spring day the sky brings something other than sunshine; they bring Wardner whose evil plan is to control all of Sylvalan and then the world.

His plan is based in a twisted incentive program. He has invested his henchmen with the power to turn all humans into crystals. So long as they give the town over to Wardner and defend his name, they keep the crystals. When they have exhausted a town, they move on. Now Wardner is sweeping into town like a cold wind out of Hades.

Into the middle of his plans walk Dover and Mia, honeymooning in Niknik. Since they are enchanted by the town and nature, there's no better place for them to take a romantic stroll than in the forest. They become so enamoured of the checkerboard sunshine and the foilage that they lose their way.

One of Warnder's wards, Terragon, notices Mia and follows them until he is close enough to hear what they are saying. "I think we're lost, Dover", she says. While Dover tries to calm her, Terragon leaps out, turns Mia into a crystal, and flees.

Now you are Dover, giving chase through Wardner's weird wood and into his complex of challenging stages. Heart-squeezing action and head-splitting suspense follow as you chase after Mia and battle Wardner and his creatures.

So, player, beware!
And remember to store
you money wisely so that
you can buy protective
devices and weapons
from a kindly merchant at
the end of each level.

Do you dare battle Wardner?

Your Magic
Your weapon is your magic. With your magic you are able to throw fire-balls from your finger tips. At the end of each stage you will be able to purchase items to increase your magic. There are four types of magic available. These are;

ORIGINAL MAGIC ------ Projects outwards and down.
MAGIC OF THE STARS -- Projects across the screen, moving up and down.
MAGIC OF THE MOON --- Projects across the screen, moving in a loop.
MAGIC OF THE SUN ---- Projects across the screen, firing rapidly.

Shops and Items
At the end of each stage are shops that offer items to help you on your journey.

Collect as much gold as you can during each stage so that you can stock up for the next.

MAGICAL CAPE ----- Will save your life once.
NEEDLE & THREAD -- Mends the cape once, but is useless without it.
MAGICAL CLOCK ---- Will give you an extra 30 seconds.

MAGICAL FLUTE ---- Will only appear after shooting certain enemies.
HIGHJUMP SHOES --- Will only appear after shooting certain enemies.

NB: When the Magical Flute is used, a friendly eagle will appear to give you a lift. For the Highjump shoes, as soon as you pick the item up it is activated, meaning that the next jump you perform after collecting it will be really high. Once you have performed this single jump, the power is gone.

Wardner's Wards
STAGE 1: THE FOREST
This is the beginning of your quest to save Mia in the dark and creepy Wardner's forest. Watch out for the deadly swamp - there is no escaping even with the magical cape.

A few screens in from the start you should be able to spot the cape. It can be quite tricky to obtain at first due to the gun emplacements. With a bit of practice you'll be able to get hold of the cape, giving you at least one chance to get hit without being killed. If you can survive to the end of the level with the cape, you'll be able to protect it by purchasing a needle and thread from the shop.


STAGE 2: WARDNER'S MANSION
Now you are entering Wardner's mansion of deadly tricks and treats. With several gadgets he is convinced that nobody will get through. So, take your time and learn the patterns of the spinning blades. Most importantly, advance carefully!

As with stage 1 there is a cape up for grabs on the drop just before the guardian. If you can, try and pick up the fairy statue as well. If collected, a fairy will appear destroying enemies with a simple touch.


STAGE 3: DEEP INTO WARDNER'S FOREST
Deep into Wardner's forest, there is no looking back. Volcanoes, the ocean of fire, and flying skeletons are your enemies. Brace yourself for heavy combat in this stage. Shoot the gigantic bees for special items to help you get through. If you manage to collect the shoes DO NOT JUMP until you come to a small temple area with items on the top. Once there, use your one and only super jump to get on top.


STAGE 4: WARDNER'S CASTLE OF MAZE
This stage is Wardner's castle of maze. There is a friendly old lady that may be able to show you a short cut. This level is very tough indeed! Be careful not to climb the very long ladders as rocks will be thrown down from the top of them. You will also need to watch out for areas with disappearing floors, and statues that take LOTS of hits!


STAGE 5: WARDNER'S TOWER
Inside a huge tower, Wardner has prepared more traps for you to get through. And that's not all. He has also kept his most powerful wards in this tower to make sure you are stopped.


STAGE 6: UNDERGROUND
You are underground. This area leads to the Wardner. Here, there are no traps - only the best of Wardner's creatures. You finally made it to Wardner. He may appear as just a regular man, but don't be fooled!!

Hints and Tips
Learn the pattens of the enemies and traps and be patient when progressing through each level.

At the first store, purchase the magic of the stars. If you have the cape, buy the needle and thread too.

At the second store, purchase the magic of the sun or moon.

At the last store, purchase everything you can. The magic of the moon will be the best to fight in the final stage.

Along the way you may be lucky and meet a fairy. This fairy will follow you wherever you go and will destroy the enemy with a simple touch.


Dip Switch Settings

Please note that the below settings are the ones I was provided with on a very dusy and poorly typed-out piece of paper. If any of the settings or details are incorrect, please contact me so that I can rectify the problem.

SWITCH BANK 1
-------------

1 - OFF = COCKTAIL, ON = UPRIGHT
2 - SCREEN INVERSION
3 - GAME = OFF, TEST MODE = ON
4 - SOUND IN ATTRACT MODE

-- 1 Coin 1 Play - 2 Coin 1 Play - 3 Coin 1 Play - 2 Coin 3 Play
5 -- OFF ------------ ON ------------- OFF ------------ ON -----
6 -- OFF ------------ OFF ------------ ON ------------- ON -----
7 COIN SWITCH TWO --- SAME AS ABOVE
8 COIN SWITCH TWO --- SAME AS ABOVE

SWITCH BANK 2
-------------

------------ Normal --------- to ----------- Difficult ---------
1 -------- OFF --------- ON --------- OFF ---------- ON --------
2 -------- OFF --------- OFF -------- ON ----------- ON --------

30000 & every 30000 - 50000 & every 50000 - 30000 only - 50000 only
3 -------- OFF --------- ON --------- OFF ---------- ON --------
4 -------- OFF --------- OFF -------- ON ----------- ON --------

Number of Lives ---- 3 ---- 4 ---- 5 ---- 1
5 ----------------- OFF -- ON --- OFF -- ON
6 ----------------- OFF -- OFF -- ON --- ON
7 TEST MODE
8 TEST MODE

Known Problems
Taito's Wardner seems to have either been badly made, or poor quality parts were used during the production stage, as many boards seem to have developed severe sprite problems. I know of three Wardner boards and out of the three, the only one that works is the one in my collection. If anyone can provide me with further details on the problem, I will be happy to print them here so that they are available to collectors hoping to cure the problem.


Home Versions
As far as I am aware, the only home version of Wardner was available for the Sega Genesis and was published by Mentrix back in 1991. Although not arcade perfect, it is a good conversion with both the graphics and music being very similar. Strangely, there is no mention of Taito on the box, instruction booklet or in the game.