[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/wardner_no_mori.png]]
''Wardner'' (Japanese title: ''Wardner no Mori''[[labelnote:translation]]Forest of Wardner[[/labelnote]]) is a horror-themed PlatformGame developed by Creator/{{Toaplan}} and distributed by Creator/{{Taito}}. Originally a 1987 UsefulNotes/ArcadeGame, it was ported to the {{Platform/Famicom}} in 1988 and to the Platform/SegaGenesis in 1990.

Ports of the arcade and FDS versions are available as a DLC add-on in the CompilationRerelease ''Toaplan Arcade Garage: Hishou Same! Same! Same!'' (which also includes ''VideoGame/SkyShark'' and ''VideoGame/FireShark''), which was released in Japan on April 28, 2022 for Platform/PlayStation4[[note]]For the physical version, you need to redeem a code that comes with the package for the DLC[[/note]] and Platform/NintendoSwitch[[note]]The physical version has all content available with no further action needed[[/note]].
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!!Tropes appearing in this game:
* AdaptationExpansion: The Genesis version, titled ''Wardner no Mori SPECIAL'' in Japan, expands Stage 4 and divides it in half, and lengthens the final stage. It also expands the story by including more concise dialogs between the characters.
* AntagonistTitle: Wardner is the final boss.
* BodyHorror: The spider monsters have a gruesome animation where extra limbs burst out of them, leaving their dress covered in blood.
* BossRush: Added to the Genesis version. Towards the end of the final level, you fight all the bosses from the previous five levels again.
* EvolvingWeapon: The hero starts out tossing pitiful fire balls at enemies, but after collecting enough glowing crystal balls it will become a long beam of flame.
* GiantSpider: The seemingly innocent trapped maiden in the second stage turns out to be one of these.
* HelloInsertNameHere: The first thing the game asks when you insert your coin is "Let me know your name" and allows you to enter a three letter initial. Guess what's the most common entry. And yes, it does get spliced into the dialog at several points in the game.
* IFellForHours: After climbing the Wardner's castle in the next-to-last level, the hero falls down a shaft all the way into the basement.
* InconvenientlyPlacedConveyorBelt: Featured in the second stage.
* TheLostWoods: The first stage; the third stage is a mixture of this and LethalLavaLand.
* MarketBasedTitle: The Arcade version is released as ''Wardner no Mori'' in Japan, ''Pyros'' in the US, and just ''Wardner'' in Europe.
* MalevolentArchitecture: Spinning blades and other traps are common in the indoor levels.
* MoodDissonance: The game has dark horror elements and its color palette is predominantly black, brown and gray. However, most of the characters [[ArtStyleDissonance look very cutesy]] -- with the hero in particular looking like a doofus whenever he takes damage, and [[SoundtrackDissonance some of the music]] giving the impression the hero is just taking a walk in the park.
* MoneySpider: Enemies will often drop money.
* OneHitpointWonder: Our hero, except in the Famicom Disk System version. Can be subverted - see SingleUseShield below.
* OneWingedAngel: FinalBoss Wardner's real form is that of a hairy cloaked demon.
* OutsideTheBoxTactic: The Wardner's second phase can be a ZeroEffortBoss if you have two fairies and then get the second one to fly where the monster spawns. He'll die in just two seconds.
* PeninsulaOfPowerLeveling: In the second level there is a spot where you can repeatedly kill a bunch of easy RespawningEnemies. If you know where the level's hidden clock is and you have the equippable one at hand for extra time, you can get a lot of money and fire power with this trick.
* SaveThePrincess: She gets kidnapped in the intro.
* SingleUseShield: The protagonist can find or buy a cloak that protects him from being hit once. There is also a sewing kit that protects the cloak once.
* AWinnerIsYou: After killing the Warden, his castle crumbles to reveal the [[{{Bookends}} scenery from the beginning]] of the game. The hero and the princess then wave their arms around as a little VictoryDance. "Congratulations"!
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