Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
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  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. PlayStation Universe
    May 30, 2021
    90
    Wonder Boy: Asha In Monster World is a gorgeous remake of a much overlooked Sega platforming adventure classic that everybody should play. It's that simple.
  3. LevelUp
    Jun 2, 2021
    83
    Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a fairly faithful remake that evokes nostalgia with charm, color, and a striking appearance. This is what happens when a remake is made with the heart, and it goes as a highly recommended experience for fans of the saga or the action and adventure genre.
  5. 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.
  6. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Jun 21, 2021
    80
    Those wanting to compare the new version of the game to the original can do so if they buy the retail version, which comes with a download code for the original Monster World IV. For the few improvements there have been, though, I’d recommend sticking with the remake; the game just seems more refined even if it does keep most of the ’90s tropes. As an (almost) bug free experience, those looking for a more traditional game will love it. However, those who prefer modern platformers will probably want to avoid it.
  7. GameSpew
    Jun 3, 2021
    80
    Whether or not you’ve played the original, Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is an adventure worth going on. Its gameplay might be old-fashioned, but it’s just as engaging as ever, offering a nice little distraction from the latest AAA blockbuster. Are better side-scrolling adventure games out there? Absolutely. But that doesn’t make this any less worth your time.
  8. 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.
  9. Hey Poor Player
    Jun 1, 2021
    80
    Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World does a wonderful job of rekindling my love of the Monster World franchise and reminding me exactly why I fell in love with it in the first place. While the remaster doesn’t bring any new ideas to the table, it does put a wonderfully charming new coat of paint onto a game that deserves to be seen and enjoyed by a new audience. Old fans of this game should be pleased with the treatment it received, while newcomers can expect a classically crafted platformer adventure that’s short in duration but massive in charm.
  10. Push Square
    May 29, 2021
    80
    Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a fantastic remake. While the save system feels as though it is painfully stuck in the past, every other aspect of the game is lovingly remade. For newcomers and longtime fans alike, this is a great adventure that you will certainly fall in love with.
  11. Noisy Pixel
    May 28, 2021
    80
    Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World stands out as a pleasant journey packed with congenial level design, delightful visuals, and an uncomplicated but effective gameplay loop. While the combat is relatively mindless in execution, the incorporation of movement and attacking is so excellently done that this fault rarely muddled the exuberance I felt. If anything, though, I ultimately feel like there is a well of untapped potential, especially regarding the enemy design being as simplistically elementary as it was.
  12. MGG Spain
    Jun 2, 2021
    78
    The rebirth of a SEGA Megadrive classic is back with a remake to match the original. Labyrinthine phases, many enemies to defeat and abilities to discover in a fun adventure.
  13. Atomix
    May 28, 2021
    75
    Wonder Boy - Asha in Monster World is a pretty decent remake for one of the most beloved Sega Mega Drive's games. A must have to all Wonder Boy fans out there.
  14. CD-Action
    Jul 23, 2021
    70
    This cute Zelda-like 2D action adventure is a remake of Monster World IV, a Sega Mega Drive/Genesis game from 1994. I enjoyed this rad but surprisingly short (6 hours tops!) walk down the memory lane with beautiful re-recorded music. The only things that bothered me were overly old-school boss battles and some minor performance issues. [08/2021, p.47]
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  15. 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.
  16. GameOver.gr
    Jun 25, 2021
    70
    A modern remaster of the 16 bit original. Asha in Monster World is a rather enjoyable and classic, but nevertheless outdated game.
  17. Gamer Escape
    Jun 1, 2021
    70
    Asha in Monster World wears its retro heart on its sleeve, with the modern graphical overhaul only helping to increase its charm. For fans of classic games and platformers, it is definitely worth a shot, though you will need to be ready to overlook a few quirks.
  18. 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.
  19. Worth Playing
    Nov 22, 2021
    65
    Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is fine. The core game mechanics may feel outdated for new players, but those who have played the original entry on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive will appreciate how the game hasn't deviated from that blueprint. The presentation is fine in parts, but the game offers no incentives to keep playing once you finish it. Those with a fondness for the original will love this, but those with no memories of the game will find this to be lacking compared to the remake of Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap and the last sequel, Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom.
  20. The Games Machine
    Jun 7, 2021
    65
    I honestly don’t know if Wonder Boy IV was a real blast in 1994 since I could not play it then. What I know is that Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is not a blast today. It’s kinda average in everything it does, but what I really can’t bear is how the new art style feels like a significant downgrade over the magical 16-bit pixel art.
  21. 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.
  22. App Trigger
    Jun 27, 2021
    55
    Wonder Boy returns except it’s actually Monster World and you’re a girl. This is the least confusing part of this mess of a remake featuring Dreamcast era graphics, poor translations, and lazy settings and textures that create a situation that is less of a history lesson on Wonder Boy and more an essay on why some things should just be left to history.
  23. Destructoid
    May 28, 2021
    55
    I also have to stress that Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World isn’t a bad game. Some of the backtracking got annoying, but mostly it’s just monotonous. The mechanics are tight enough, I just can’t help but shrug at the final product. I’m always happy when an old title is given new life, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to end up loving it.
  24. TheSixthAxis
    Jun 7, 2021
    50
    Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is an exceedingly bland experience. This remake trades heavily on the 90s nostalgia factor, but fails to consider that, with the original only released outside of Japan in 2012, few will have played Monster World 4 in order to have any feelings of nostalgia about it. Sadly, all those playing the game for the first time will find little to get excited about.
  25. God is a Geek
    Jun 7, 2021
    50
    Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a basic platformer that never holds your excitement, with mechanics that just don't work anymore.
  26. IGN
    Jun 3, 2021
    50
    Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World earned its reputation decades ago as a fun action platformer, but this new remake does nothing to hide how much this classic has degraded with age.
  27. 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]
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Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 7 out of 21
  1. 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    … Full Review »
  2. 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.    … Full Review »
  3. 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.    … Full Review »
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