It may not be the most famous saga belonging to the platform genre, but despite that Wonder Boy (and Monster Boy ) have always managed to captivate all of us who have had the opportunity to enjoy it. A series that returns to the present day with Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World , a new update of one of its most unknown episodes and, also, highlights, in this case Wonder Boy IV: Asha in Monster World . A version that, broadly speaking, respects all the basic elements that were part of the original Mega Drive game (and that never reached our territory officially) but that also incorporates a completely new and revitalized graphic facet .
This adaptation has gone to both PS4 and Switch, although within a month it will also appear in its PC version. A game suitable for all audiences and that offers platforms and very light combat well captured, to which other minor ingredients are added that in a moment we will give a good account. But first we are going to stop very briefly in its narrative that, as it used to be usual in its day in this kind of games, served more as an excuse to give life to the title itself than anything else. In this case, we are transported to a world that has been taken over by monsters of all kinds, creatures that the heroine on duty, Asha this time, has to stop at. A young warrior who must take down a handful of great monsters (final bosses, come on) found inside some temples (the dungeons of all life). A mission that, unfortunately,It will not take us more than four or five hours to carry out … and that is if we try to thoroughly explore the sets and collect treasures and useful objects of all kinds, this being precisely one of its most important defects.
One of the best platforming adventures on Mega Drive has been successfully recreated in this highly desirable remake.
ADVERTISING
Very colorful classic platforms
Overall, this production is a 2.5D side-development arcade platformer, a layout that clearly differentiates it from Sega’s 16-bit 16-bit console essentially fully two-dimensional early title. Of course, apart from the possibility of being able to move from one plane to another of the scenarios in very specific points of each of them, the rest of the game is exactly the same that we enjoyed decades ago. An adventure that, by the way, has been carried out by the development team that signed the original edition, with the great Ryuichi Nishizawa at the wheel. A work that shows the affection with which it has been conceived and that, without being perfect, it is a very enjoyable title unless you are not interested in this type of game at all.
During the adventure we are accompanied by an adorable pet who helps us on occasions, such as when jumping.
Through a small central hub , the Rapadagna village, we have to go to various temples that come to be the classic dungeons . Some places in which, basically, we have to advance and reach the end of them to end the final boss … some combats that are not epic, but good. But to reach them, it is necessary to eliminate the bugs that lurk inside each stage, obtain the appropriate keys that enable us to access previously blocked areas and, of course, circumvent platform areas and overcome the odd simple puzzle. A playable arrangement that will surely sound a lot to you because it cannot be more classic and that continues to work in a more than dignified way, although of course it is not the least bit surprising.
The original game from the mid-90s comes standard as an incentive for those who get hold of the physical edition.
To overcome our mission we have several helps. The most valuable is our mascot, Pepelogoo, a character to whom we can give certain simple commands to help us in various ways, such as activating switches or planning for funds. It is also possible to improve the abilities of the protagonist through new weapons, shields and accessories, as well as to expand her vitality by collecting a kind of bluish tears that are scattered throughout the sets. A playable mechanic so traditional and known as, also, undoubtedly entertaining. It is true that it can be something simple for the most expert users since, except for a couple of minor minor pitfalls, this is a fairly affordable title. But this is not something that seems objectionable in itself, it is simply a characteristic.
Throughout the game, numerous final bosses await us, entertaining but not especially vibrant battles.
Entering now to analyze its technical aspect, it is a very striking work and that, in addition and as we have already mentioned, the developers have not settled for improving the original designs and little else. Everything that can be seen in the game, from the scenes to the enemies and secondary characters, has been recreated in 3D. And although there are some ups and downs in the appearance that both have, in general it seems to us that a great job has been done, being the classic game that enters through the eyesas you can see in the images and videos that accompany this text. A very careful graphic parcel as has also happened with its sound finish, with varied and well interpreted melodies, a quite remarkable dubbing in Japanese (texts in Spanish) and less achieved but not out of tune effects.
On this occasion, the developers have replaced 2D graphics with 3D modeling with great results.
Jumps like before, but more beautiful
It is not the first time that we have enjoyed an update of a title belonging to this saga. And the best of all is that it is another production that is quite worth it, at least if we leave aside its most objectionable point: its short duration and not excessively high replayability . This platform game is capable of entertaining anyone who has the slightest attraction to this type of product, being a title that is enjoyed a lot while it lasts: you always want to play a game . A work that also houses a very showy and totally three-dimensional technical aspect, a transfer that has been extremely good for him. It is not a new reference within its genre, but it is a highly recommended game … especially in its physical version, whichincludes the original game .
We have performed this analysis in your version of Switch with a code provided by PR Hound. The digital version of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is available for purchase from Nintendo and Sony digital stores and is published by STUDIOARTDINK. The physical version exclusively includes the original Monster World IV and is published by ININ Games.
