L. Frank Baum's classic novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, captivated generations of audiences with its iconic characters, adventurous storyline, and captivating setting. Published in 1900, the novel inspired countless adaptations in a variety of mediums including stage plays, films, novels, and video games. The Wizard of Oz film, released in 1939 by MGM, became a legendary title and cultural icon. Today the adventure continues through the medium of electronic games. Video games allow players to experience the Wizard of Oz as never before. Publisher SETA Corporation's Wizard of Oz transports players into the Land of Oz where gamers play out Dorothy's adventure. Released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1993, The Wizard of Oz allows players to assume the role of Dorothy and journey across the Land of Oz discovering new and familiar landscapes. Along the way players meet many well-known characters including the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. These characters accompany Dorothy on her journey and may be controlled by the player. While in Oz the player completes puzzles, navigates through mazes and battles foes in order to defeat the Wicked Witch of the West, rescue Toto and return to Kansas. A more recent adaptation, entitled The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road, was released for the Nintendo DS in 2009. Oz-inspired video games add a new dimension to the classic story and allow new generations to experience the adventure in an interactive way.
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