Wunderling DX’s Physical Edition Is A Truly Retro, Premium Offering

I don’t think it’s a surprise to anybody reading this that I’m a huge fan of quirky game experiences. Not just indie (though I do love me some indies), but any game that stands out as something unique and worthwhile. I’m also a dinosaur, and I adore owning games I can hold in my own two hands. Physical editions just have a lasting power and collectability that digital games don’t. So I’m always on the hunt for distributors that provide unique physical copies of interesting games.

In the past, that has included the likes of Limited Run Games, who are pretty much world-renowned for the amazing special editions they put out. But it also includes companies like the superb Super Rare Games and Special Reserve Games. That’s only a small smattering, but there’s plenty more contenders. And today, one of those contenders is none other than Premium Edition Games and their recently produced Wunderling DX.

Now, some of you may recognize the name Wunderling DX, since we’ve covered it here at HPP before. Developed by Bitwave Games (formerly Retroid Games), it’s the tale of a lowly lackey that has to find the strength and fortitude to defeat the powerful hero, Carrot Man. Just based on the premise alone, I found Wunderling DX promising. And though this Gear Review won’t be focusing on how the game itself plays, if you’re a fan of retro-styled platformers, I’d say it’s worth checking out. As for what this review will be focusing on, it will specifically contend with the packaging and bonus items included in the Retro Edition of the game.

The Retro Edition of Wunderling DX came well packaged with plenty of bubble wrap to keep everything safe. That included both the main box, which is shaped like a Super NES display and came with a bunch of goodies within, as well as external items. Those were a gorgeous enamel pin, shaped like a yellow controller, as well as a card highlighting other games that can be ordered from Premium Edition Games, such as Raji: An Ancient Epic and They Bleed Pixels.

Once I got the SNES box opened up, I found a lovely sandwich of more items. Those included the music CD, the primary game box which held the Switch game itself, and folded sheets of stickers. The music CD includes 15 songs to listen to, all featured in the game itself. As for the sticker sheet, there were several really well-designed characters from Wunderling DX. My only complaint was that the sheet came folded on either end so that they could fit inside the SNES display. As a result, some of the stickers got a bit defaced by the unfortunate bends. I would have preferred shorter sticker sheets that didn’t need to be folded, which would have avoided the issue altogether.

Now for the piece de resistance, the primary game box. Much like all the other main items, this was well wrapped in tight plastic, but not so tight I couldn’t rip it off safely with a little effort and a fingernail. While the box was well-designed front and back, it had even more fun artwork inside. Once opened up, there was the main Switch game box inside a double-sided sleeve. Though not a steelbook, it’s still an attractive design, and it contrasts well with the primary box it came situated in. Inside is a cartridge with all of the Wunderling DX content for good measure, including Kohlrabi’s Ruin.

Other than the unfortunately bent sticker sheets, I have no real complaints about the Retro Edition of Wunderling DX distributed by Premium Edition Games. Their card boasts “Modern retro, done right!” and I can’t help but agree with that assessment. Any fan of a bygone era will be happy with this version of Wunderling DX, as well as compulsive physical collectors. Better yet, it’s relatively affordable at $69.95, especially given all the cool extras. I’d definitely say this game helped put Premium Edition Games on my radar as a reliable supplier of cool physical games. Be sure and check out what else they’re offering in the new year.

Final Verdict: 4.5/5

Full disclosure: This review is based on a product sample provided by PR.