Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World

 PlayStation 4
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World Image
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67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

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5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 21 Ratings

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  • Summary: An icon in adventure gaming history is back!

    Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World becomes a real Wonder Boy adventure that stays true to its roots as the latest part of the legendary and successful series, that dates back to 1986. Asha is tasked to free the four spirits being confined by    An icon in adventure gaming history is back!

    Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World becomes a real Wonder Boy adventure that stays true to its roots as the latest part of the legendary and successful series, that dates back to 1986.

    Asha is tasked to free the four spirits being confined by evil forces whose origin she discovers throughout her journey. Luckily, she does not have to face this adventure alone, as early on she finds her new companion, a special blue Pepelogoo.

    The players can experience the adventures of the dynamic duo like never before thanks to cell-shaded 3D graphics and 2D gameplay as well as enhanced visuals and refined play content. Especially in the event scenes the performance is deepened and the world view is reproduced vividly and colorfully. Plus, for the first time in the series, it comes with a character voice by the popular and talented Japanese voice actress Ai Fairouz.    … Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
  1. Gaming Age
    May 28, 2021
    100
    Wonder Boy: Asha In Monster World is a very nostalgic good time. The reimagined visuals only make the experience better. If you purchase the physical copy, you will have the opportunity to play the original game as it comes free as a bonus. The original game is also fully translated into English for the first time since the limited Wii Virtual Console release. This is one of the best games in the series and it’s fantastic that more gamers can now play this “lost” sequel. RPG and platformer fans will have a blast with this one, while newcomers will surely find something to enjoy as well.
  2. Video Chums
    May 21, 2021
    82
    Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a lovely game through-and-through so if you like the idea of getting lost in a lighthearted old-school adventure that's full of fun surprises then you'll enjoy every second of this adventure.
  3. PlayStation Country
    Jun 1, 2021
    80
    A lovingly recreated homage to Monster World IV for the Mega Drive. Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World captures everything that made the original release so much fun to play, while introducing quality-of-life improvements that keep the action/RPG fun coming in a streamlined fashion. There has never been a better time than now to give this underappreciated gem a try.
  4. Jeuxvideo.com
    May 28, 2021
    70
    Asha in a Monster World thus remains a nifty platform game, which will above all succeed in transporting fans of the original title.
  5. GameMAG
    Jun 27, 2021
    70
    The lack of autosave feature, primitive bosses and orthodox platforming feels like a something from the past. But at the same time, there's nothing wrong with the idea of bringing back old, but visually updated classic. Hardcore fans definitely can appreciate a game like this.
  6. Multiplayer.it
    May 25, 2021
    60
    Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a low budget remake which is perhaps too faithful to a mediocre installment in the beloved franchise.
  7. PLAY
    May 29, 2021
    40
    It’s a shame, because Wonder Boy is fantastic to look at, and the original soundtrack is sweepingly sumptuous. This title opens up a dialogue as to whether these games should mechanically look to the past, or partly adapt to modern gaming conventions in order to make for a more pleasing experience. [Issue#2, p.83]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. PinkPuppet
    Sep 21, 2021
    10
    A classic title remade for the modern day. Nearly everything has been updated, but some things are still a bit dated by today's standards, butA classic title remade for the modern day. Nearly everything has been updated, but some things are still a bit dated by today's standards, but other remakes tend to be too, so it's not truly an issue. The controls, music, and even the cut scenes are indeed superior to the original game in every way.

    It really boils down to what graphical style you prefer honestly. The reveal trailer had me disappointed, but the developers managed to clean up a lot of that and I'm happy with the result! It gets a ten from me ^_^    … Expand
  2. Mangamanvii
    Sep 13, 2021
    9
    Solid game with simple mechanics and hearkens back to a simpler time. Fans of action RPGs and oldschool platforming will likely find somethingSolid game with simple mechanics and hearkens back to a simpler time. Fans of action RPGs and oldschool platforming will likely find something to like here. It's quite an enjoyable experience overall. Controls are tight and many things I did not enjoy about the original are no longer present here. If you are a fan of the Wonder Boy series, this is a must-have!… Expand
  4. EonSonny
    Sep 13, 2021
    9
    Asha in Monster World is a remake that focuses on one thing mainly, making itself accessible to everyone and as such it is an easy game, aAsha in Monster World is a remake that focuses on one thing mainly, making itself accessible to everyone and as such it is an easy game, a relaxed adventure that you can finish with next to no problems at all
    It is also a very straight forward retelling of the original game, but in no way lacks new content. AiMW has a few completely new optional quests and subplots that helps fleshing out the general state of Monster World and Rapadagna
    The plot additions, the extra characterization of almost every classic NPC and greater graphical freedom makes this game a prime addition to the hardcore fans of the Wonder Boy saga, and the generally lighthearted tone is ideal for casual players that just want to spend a few hours with a superbly polished action game

    In this remake you can backtrack to previously cleared dungeons which was impossible in the original release, which is utilized to a good extent by adding extra collectibles which you can track down in the old classic areas and a few redesigned spots, which in the end will bag you a new ending

    The soundtrack has been remastered too with the collaboration of the two main composers of the Wonder Boy Saga, giving you the chance to swap between the new and the retro soundtracks

    in general Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is an undoubtedly complete experience, albeit an easy one
    But it has some clear flaws too
    The translation is faulty, nothing game breaking but it can make you scratch your head in confusion in certain key points of the game
    The a few characters have been redesigned, most in a good way (but not all of them) while others didn't got the redesign that they so much deserved
    The backtrack function is very enjoyable but sadly it's not complete and you are completely unable to return to the starting area

    Recommended game for everyone but especially to the long time fans which will be able to fully enjoy it for what it is and what it teases    … Expand
  5. Unclouded
    Sep 15, 2021
    8
    This is a clean recreation of the original Monster World IV with some quality of life updates and some added content. My only true beef withThis is a clean recreation of the original Monster World IV with some quality of life updates and some added content. My only true beef with it is that it's too easy and some areas get blocked off late in the game for a certain reason I won't spoil for you. An update to Asha's moveset other than the Magical Hit would have been nice to have too. If they plan on a sequel or something, I hope they won't keep it so simple.

    It runs much better on PS4 thankfully due to console power. I recommend it if you're into retro platformers.    … Expand
  6. WolfDoc
    Sep 12, 2021
    8
    Welcome to Monster World!
    This remake of Monster World 4 while being a faithful recreation of the original, also does excellent job of making    Welcome to Monster World!
    This remake of Monster World 4 while being a faithful recreation of the original, also does excellent job of making good use of the modern era technology. From cutscenes that add to the narrative to quality of life features like saving anywhere and rebalancing in various areas and new items, the game is certainly an improvement over the original. The snappy and responsive combat truly shows that the devs behind know what they were doing.

    If the game appear short in length, know that the game encourages you to make multiple runs and backtracking for items that can make your journey easier. Collect the achievements and you may even find secrets

    Don't worry about difficulty either, the rebalancing made the game easier for casual players, and also let's you freely self impose challenged like nuzzloke challenged in Pokemon. And the game was made to be played on a controller, it can and will work on a keyboard, but be aware that the game will be made harder given it's a platformer that relies on quick inputs.    … Expand
  7. ArataLatam
    Jun 17, 2021
    8
    Gameplay en https://arata.lat/wonder-boy-asha-in-monster-world-aratareview-ps4/

    Historia Asha es una joven guerrera del pueblo de Estafan.    Gameplay en https://arata.lat/wonder-boy-asha-in-monster-world-aratareview-ps4/

    Historia
    Asha es una joven guerrera del pueblo de Estafan. La cual ha escuchado una voz pidiendo ayuda; por lo que decide emprender su camino para averiguarlo. Sin embargo, debe pasar una prueba primero y es ahí cuando se encuentra con el genio de la lámpara. Una vez en Rapadagna va a ver a la Reina Papril XIII quien al otorgarle su título de guerrera le encomienda la misión de averiguar lo que está pasando con los cuatro espíritus que protegen la tierra.

    Por lo que ahora debemos emprender nuestra primera misión como guerrero, la cual consiste en averiguar qué es lo que está ocurriendo con los espíritus guardianes y de paso derrotar al mal que ha hecho esto.

    Gameplay
    La jugabilidad es fácil de aprender, pues tenemos un control sencillo de dominar. Saltar, golpear, cubrirse y utilizar un golpe mágico al dejar presionado un botón y atacar. Eso es todo lo que debes aprender. Pero el peso también recae en nuestro “Pepelogoo” quien es como una navaja suiza; pues nos ayudará a llegar a lugares más altos, activar switches, descubrir cosas ocultas y hasta a derretir el hielo.

    Rapadagna se convertirá en nuestra base, pues de ahí obtendremos espadas, escudos y brazaletes. Los cuales nos beneficiaran mucho en la aventura, además, de conseguir unos “cristales de coraje” los que nos ayudarán a proteger nuestra vida con un corazón azul más. Aunque irán aumentando al obtener 10 de ellos. También en la ciudad nos encontraremos algunos; por lo que no debemos dejar de explorar todo.

    El Pepelogoo también crecerá, aunque este lo hará con unas frutas raras que nos encontraremos en un árbol. Sin embargo, después ya no podremos cargar con él tan fácil como cuando era pequeño. Debido a que no nos permitirá avanzar por su peso. Pero sigue siendo más útil cada vez; luego lo irás descubriendo.

    En cuanto a las mazmorras te hacen visitar varias veces un mismo lugar. Porque no sabes cuando una puerta necesita activar un interruptor, hay algún camino oculto, debes eliminar a cierto enemigo, etc.; ya saben, lo normal en este tipo de videojuegos. Aunque hay acertijos complicados como los de la pirámide que te harán sufrir un rato. Pero es satisfactorio terminar esa fase, en cuanto a los subjefes y jefes finales es lo mejor de estos lugares. Cada uno tiene su forma de ser eliminado, algunos pueden ser un poco fáciles; pero otros sí que te harán sufrir.

    Aunque no debes preocuparte si cuentas con un Elixir. Esto permite que tu fiel compañero pueda devolverte a la vida al momento de ser eliminado. Otra cosa a tomar en cuenta es que podemos volver a algún lugar que hayamos visitado antes para completarlo al 100%.

    Apartado gráfico
    El apartado visual se ve muy bien y tiene colores muy vivos. Lo cual hace lucir al videojuego excelente; tampoco tendremos problemas de rendimiento a pesar de contar con varios efectos en pantalla en las batallas contra los jefes.

    Otra cosa a destacar es que no perdieron los personajes su carisma, lo cual es en ocasiones común al pasar un título 2D a 3D. También gracias a esta elección visual el juego envejecerá muy bien. Por lo que sí es vuelto a poner a la venta años después en una nueva consola; de seguro continuará luciendo igual de hermoso.

    Música y sonidos
    La música ha sido compuesta por Jin Watanabe, y los arreglos musicales han sido hechos por Takuya Hanaoka. Esta te llega a transmitir un sentimiento de calma y alegría en la ciudad. Mientras que en las mazmorras llega a transmitirle un sentimiento de misterio y hasta desesperación cuando te enfrentas a un jefe de nivel.

    En cuanto a las actuaciones de voz tenemos varias. Sin embargo, ha Asha la escucharemos más dando uno que otro grito o haciendo algún ruido para expresarse.

    Opinión final
    Al comprar la versión física del videojuego obtendrás de manera gratuita el juego original «Monster World IV» para que puedas revivir esos tiempos de la old school. En cuanto al videojuego en general es bueno y luce hermoso. Además, es una excelente opción para iniciarse en los títulos de plataformas de acción, con un toque de RPG. Debido a que no es tan difícil de terminar. Salvo unos acertijos en los que podría quedar atrapado alguna persona. También debemos tener en cuenta que el juego solo está en inglés.

    Aunque si eres un veterano de este tipo de videojuegos te sugeriría subirle el nivel. Pero si quedaras muy conforme con el lavado de cara que le dieron al título. Debido a que le inyecta nueva vida y lo hace lucir excelente y no solo el apartado gráfico, también el sonoro y musical.

    Ahora que si estás pensando en comprarlo puedo decir que es una buena compra en formato físico, porque te llevarás el remake y su versión original. Lo cual es un buen extra tanto para los nostálgicos, como para los nuevos jugadores.    … Expand
  8. Kurigu
    Sep 9, 2021
    6
    A colorful and nice platform game to play.
    Maybe isn't perfect, but it works pretty well for what it suppose to be the game.

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Best PS4 Game of 2021
51
#51 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2021