We’ve seen numerous remakes and remasters of beloved 16-bit classics over the years, with games from both the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Mega Drive lifted to new heights. One of these games is Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World, a faithful remake of 1994’s Monster World IV, originally released for the Sega Mega Drive. From the moment the game opens with a Star Wars-style scrolling text intro, it becomes clear that Asha’s journey is one of conviction.
Much like a pixel-era Luke Skywalker, Asha hears the cries of elemental spirits warning of an incoming monster invasion. Without hesitation, she sets out to defeat evil, embrace her role as a warrior, and rescue the four spirits, all without a hint of self-doubt. It’s an old-school setup, but one that can really shine.
The Origins of Wonder Boy
The first entry in the Wonder Boy series was released in 1986 and was developed by Escape, a studio that later renamed itself to Westone. Sega originally published the game for arcades. Later on, Sega handled ports of the game for the SG-1000, Master System, and Game Gear. In the United States, the Game Gear version was titled Revenge of Drancon.
Wonder Boy was released on the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC. The main character in the first game was named Tom-Tom, and the goal was to rescue his girlfriend Tanya, who had been kidnapped by the monster Drancon. The main objective in this sidescroller was to collect fruit, which replenished an energy meter. This meter acted not only as a health bar but also as a kind of timer that constantly ticked down. If the meter ran out, you would lose a life.
Along the way, you had to battle a variety of enemies, including large snails, snakes, and bees. As a weapon, players could use primitive-looking hammers, which were hidden inside large eggs. These eggs, along with other helpful items like a skateboard or a magical fairy, had to be broken by jumping on them. The game included a total of nine different areas, each consisting of four stages. At the end of every area, the player would face a boss fight against Drancon. The stages featured varied visuals, such as cave environments or forest landscapes.
A New Visual and Audio Identity
Visually, the remake rocks a bold new look, transitioning from the original’s pixel art to a vibrant, cel-shaded 2.5D presentation. This visual overhaul may induce mixed feelings for fans of the classic aesthetic. While some may miss the pixel-perfect charm of 16-bit sprites, the cel-shaded graphics are clearly crafted with passion. The art style maintains a joyful vibe with character models that are expressive and environments that vibrate with color.
Asha’s animations in particular are fluid and full of personality. From her determined sword swings to the slight bounce in her run, every motion adds to her charm. Rather than chasing hyperrealism or generic anime aesthetics, the remake has its own identity that still pays homage to its roots. The soundtrack also gets a thoughtful upgrade. Familiar tunes have been reorchestrated with richer instrumentation. Think flutes, strings, and percussion layered in ways that evoke both nostalgia and freshness. The melodies and sounds within the game remain largely faithful, ensuring that returning fans will feel right at home.
Asha now has a voice as well, though she doesn’t deliver full dialogue. Think of it more like noises a JRPG protagonist would make: cheerful yells, determined grunts, and celebratory cheers, which help bring her character to life. These touches create a stronger emotional connection, enhancing the moment-to-moment experience without straying from the game’s minimalist storytelling.
Solid New Additions
With original series creator Ryuichi Nishizawa returning for the remake, it’s no surprise that Asha in Monster World remains remarkably true to the source material. The game is largely linear, offering some minor detours that let Asha explore background layers or visit optional areas. This streamlined design reflects the original’s shift away from open exploration in favor of a more focused, level-based progression. However, this fidelity also means the game sometimes shows its age. Players may find themselves backtracking through repetitive corridors or traversing environments that feel more functionally designed than visually inspired.
Combat remains straightforward but satisfying. Asha is equipped with a sword and shield; the former can be thrust upward or downward, with the latter allowing her to bounce on enemies in a pogo-like attack reminiscent of Scrooge McDuck in DuckTales. Her shield can also block projectiles and, most importantly, enables a “Magic Guard” flip when jumping on enemies, preventing damage and keeping her health intact. This small but crucial mechanic gives platforming a more dynamic rhythm, rewarding well-timed jumps and precise inputs. Helping Asha on her journey is her faithful companion Pepelogoo, a charming blue creature that’s as cute as it is useful. Pepelogoo enables double jumps, gliding, and even puzzle-solving by extinguishing flames or melting ice. While solo platformers can sometimes feel isolating, the presence of Pepelogoo adds a warm, cooperative energy to the experience, plus, he never complains when you throw him around like a tool.
A Surprisingly Forgiving and Short Trip
New to the remake is the “Magic Hit” ability, which charges as you attack enemies. Once activated, it allows for a powerful strike that deals extra damage. It’s a welcome addition, even if it’s rarely essential. On Easy Mode, players start with extra heart containers, and the game now scatters 50 life drops across its stages. Collecting ten grants an additional hit point. Better still, the game tracks how many of these you’ve missed in each zone, allowing completionists to revisit areas and clean up. These modern conveniences make it far more approachable than its 1994 predecessor. Striking a good balance between retro challenge and modern comfort.
That said, Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World isn’t without its drawbacks. The English localization still feels rough, with stilted phrasing, typos, and awkward wordings that distract from the otherwise whimsical atmosphere. More frustratingly, there’s no upgrade path for players who purchased the 2021 PS4 version, meaning fans are expected to pay full price again for minor performance improvements on PS5. In an era of free or discounted cross-gen upgrades, that feels like an unfortunate misstep.
Overall, if you’re looking for a solid remake of a classic 2D sidescroller, Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World can be a great option. There are some shortcomings here and there, but nothing that majorly detracts from the overall charming experience.
Disclaimer: Bliss Brain provided a PlayStation 5 copy of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World for review purposes.
