Game Review: Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World

In 2017, the remastered version of “Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap” launched to glowing success. Now – four years later – “Wonder Boy IV” AKA Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World returns in a new beautiful release on Nintendo’s extraordinary successful Switch console.

Returning once again to lead the development of the Wonder Boy franchise, series creator Ryuichi Nishizawa joined up with Maki Ōzora (character design), Shinichi Sakamoto (sound) and Takanori Kurihara (creative manager) to produce this fully remastered version of the SEGA Genesis hit.

And the graphics are so beautiful! Crisp cell-shaded 3d graphics revive the original’s Arabian style world! New sound effects and remastered music give you a stunning modern experience of this old gem!

So what’s the game all about? Asha – the game’s “wonder girl” – has to free four spirits to open new stages, where you have to defeat the real bad guys! She is supported by a special blue Pepelogoo, a little flying fluffy thing, who can make you do double jumps or help to push buttons you cannot reach. A great little helper!

The game is about five hours long – which is a little on the short side. But fans will enjoy every minute in one of the best entries in the Wonder Boy series yet. Everything looks so beautiful and you feel to be part of an magical Arabian fairy tale. And the gameplay is as great as it was decades before.

Anything more you should know? Yes, get it and support this refreshing remastered version of a great “Metroidvania” of the golden 90s era. We want more of this great stuff!

Pros

• Beautiful visuals
• Atmospheric music and sound effects
• Varied stages
• Cool bosses
• Great fun to play…

Cons

• … but only for 5 hours ☹

Verdict: An old soup can be tasty again when the original cook remakes it!

Soup Temperature: 9/10

A review code was provided by the publisher for the purposes of this review.