Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap

 Switch
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. IGN
    Apr 17, 2017
    71
    While its antiquated roots cause some minor frustration with unreliable hitboxes and unnecessary grinding, the foundational combat and exploration is still engaging and fun after 30 years. From long-time Wonder Boy fans to platformer enthusiasts who’ve never heard of it until now, you’ll likely be able to find whimsical fun and a neat bit of genre history in this charming adventure.
  2. TrueGaming
    Apr 20, 2017
    70
    Wonderboy: The Dragon's Trap is a perfect example of a remake by preserving a timeless classic which includes a few additions that increase its value and playability.
  3. GamingTrend
    Apr 18, 2017
    65
    Though the graphics and soundtrack showcase the superb effort to update the original game for hardcore series fans, frustrating gameplay mechanics and archaic design keep Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap from rising above anything but average.
  5. Gamer.no
    May 24, 2017
    50
    Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap is amusing for a few hours before it turns rather stale. The combat system is fast and sharp, but also repetitive, and because there is so little in terms of story and characters, there are few reasons to replay the game once the short adventure is over.

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best Switch Game of 2017
31
#31 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
28
#28 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 172 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 123 out of 172
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 172
  3. Negative: 15 out of 172
  1. Tall
    Apr 19, 2017
    9
    Really great port of a retro game. If you look at the gaming mechanics with current standards they fall short in many ways though... I haveReally great port of a retro game. If you look at the gaming mechanics with current standards they fall short in many ways though... I have the 9 for being an almost perfect retro port. If you compare the game with new jump'n runs like Rayman Legends it would only be a 5 or 6 in my opinion.… Full Review »
  2. TaylosNF
    Apr 19, 2017
    9
    Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap was one of those games on the Sega Master System that even back 30 years ago, you knew was special. However,Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap was one of those games on the Sega Master System that even back 30 years ago, you knew was special. However, this version implores gamers to ask the age-old question, do retro games really need to be remade? The answer is yes and no. Nevertheless, before we begin our argument as to why this game is so damn charming and incredible, let’s look a few things first. Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap isn’t your typical High-Def remake of a game.

    The developers at Lizardcube put so much time and effort into The Dragon’s Trap, it’s almost really hard to place into the category of a remake. Every little detail of this game was carefully looked over, fine-tuned and measured in such a way, that it could arguably be considered the best remake of all time.

    For gamers not familiar with the Wonder Boy series probably spent most of their time playing Zelda or Metroid on the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System). However, the good news is those new to the Wonder Boy series will instantly catch on, as this is much like the beloved NES games mentioned above. This game is crammed full of exploration opportunities and even has a feature where you can use the original codes from the 80s’ version, radical!

    Possibly the sweetest thing about this entire game is being able to switch from the current new-age graphics to the retro 8-bit graphics, on the fly. Literally, at the push of a button, it’s like you are playing two different games. This feature isn’t an unlockable or DLC add-on, but built right into the game itself.

    The music and sfx have also been given a face lift. The score originally written by Shinichi Sakamoto, has been revamped and is composed by Michael Geyre and Romain Gauthier. So, whether you want to listen to an original soundtrack or switch to the 8-bit version of the game music, the option is there at the push of a button. It’s quite beautiful how seamless this feature is. Additionally, a new hero not seen in previous The Dragon’s Trap games has been added. Gamers now have the ability to play as a newcomer, Wonder Girl.

    There's a cool little prologue added to the game that allows you to battle the Mecha Dragon. Upon defeating him, a bolt of lightning strikes your character and you become cursed, taking the form of Lizard Man. For the most part, this animal form is who you’ll grow accustomed to while navigating through the game. You’ll eventually discover that there are several animal forms that have their own unique abilities that help unlock different areas of the game to explore. Scattered throughout the game, there are several power-ups and loot to collect that will allow your character to cash in on better gear or attack special enemies.

    Much like the Zelda games, your character’s life is measured by hearts, however, instead of taking out quarters or halves of your hearts, enemies will deal different levels of damage according to their power abilities. Essentially, if you face a enemy that is twice as strong as you, they could possibly take out two hearts instead of a quarter facing lower-level enemies. Good news is, by visiting the local town hub in the game, you can purchase armor and weapons upgrades to assist you in your quest.

    The graphics really stand out in The Dragon’s Trap and I’m surprised to notice that there are hardly any hiccups when switching from the remastered version to 8-bit on the fly. No lag, no visual or sound issues, flawless. The coders really did their homework. To add on top of the already beautiful hand-drawn characters and environments, everything pretty much looks true to the originals. Players take note: pay attention to the ability to switch between modern and retro graphics. The developers have added in secret walls that can only be viewed in certain styles.

    As much as I wanted to give this game a perfect score, there isn’t one game I’ve come across that didn’t come with its own funky quirks and The Dragon’s Trap is not immune.Certain enemies in this game will piss you off. I found it hard at times to avoid certain enemies and their attacks (wait until you encounter the cloud guy with sun glasses). If anything, there also seemed to be a slight delay between when your enemy attacks and when your character can strike. Let’s say, when your enemy has a jumping attack, as you approach to strike, there is a period of delay and you will almost always take damage. Enemy attacks can also result in being knocked back or can repeat stun you enough that will kill you in seconds.

    Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is by far the best representation to why certain retro games deserve a makeover. Not just because they can, but developers such as Lizardcube have taken careful thought and conducted lots of research, love and time into this game. Should DotEmu and Lizardcube decide they want to take aim at another retro game *coughs* Shinobi… I wouldn’t mind at all.    … Full Review »
  3. Dargonet
    Apr 18, 2017
    9
    A reminder that games used to be different thirty years ago. Truly great upgrade visually with the new timeless look. Perfect for TV play orA reminder that games used to be different thirty years ago. Truly great upgrade visually with the new timeless look. Perfect for TV play or on the go. More difficult than you might expect from the first place. However it reminds me a little bit on Ori and the blind Forest mechanically and I can recommend this game for every Switch owner who like 2D platforming. The less than one GB size is also perfect for Download titles on the Nintendo Switch and this actually make this platform the perfect pick for this game. Only critic so far are the controls using 'A' not for interactions feels a little bit weird nowadays and took some time for me until it worked for me.… Full Review »
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