Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap

 Switch
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
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  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 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.
  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, 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 thingsWonder 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.    … Expand
  3. DeepspaceAU
    Apr 20, 2017
    9
    I played this game when it was first released on the master system back in the late 80's. I loved it. When I saw that the switch was releasing a reboot I was very excited. When I initially saw the new artstyle, I was a little worried- and told myself that I'd play it only in the original 8bit style (I thought it was awesome that this was actually an option). However, on playing it, II played this game when it was first released on the master system back in the late 80's. I loved it. When I saw that the switch was releasing a reboot I was very excited. When I initially saw the new artstyle, I was a little worried- and told myself that I'd play it only in the original 8bit style (I thought it was awesome that this was actually an option). However, on playing it, I can see how much love and detail they have put into the new art, that I have found myself playing it mostly with the new re-booted graphics. It's actually made me slightly critical of the original graphics....what am I saying???...that is ridiculous, they are perfect. ;) Great reboot.… Expand
  4. GranP
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    If you grew up with this or old games, you´re in home. Great visuals and music and has a retro option to play the old way, the only terrible thing on the old version was the slow pause option, which was thankfully fixed here, everything is smooth,
  5. 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 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 sizeA 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.… Expand
  6. jeffbizloc
    Jul 3, 2018
    2
    Didn't get very far in this game as it was too frustrating.

    Pros:
    - Solid visuals
    - Had a very interesting NES feel

    Cons:
    - Even though I played lots of NES games I was easily frustrated with what to do here
    - This probably would have been good 15 years ago
  7. Aumie
    Apr 18, 2017
    8
    Quite fun I must say. nice little time killer. Some of the combat is a bit annoying with odd hit boxes but enjoy the exploration and puzzles so far. Good addition to the switch.
  8. SuperkenGaming
    Apr 19, 2017
    7
    Wonder Boy: The Dragons Trap
    A Modern look with a dated feel
    The Dragons Trap is a remake of the master system game Wonder Boy 3 You can even swap between the 2 versions of both sounds and visuals with the touch of a button This is an action platformer where you play as wonder boy or wonder girl trying to undo a curse that turns you into a lizard man There are definitely some    Wonder Boy: The Dragons Trap
    A Modern look with a dated feel
    The Dragons Trap is a remake of the master system game Wonder Boy 3
    You can even swap between the 2 versions of both sounds and visuals with the touch of a button
    This is an action platformer where you play as wonder boy or wonder girl trying to undo a curse that turns you into a lizard man
    There are definitely some metroidvania style feels here…
    You basically explore a sort of open map until you can’t anymore... you’ll eventually find the right path to the next boss and pick up coins and other items dropped from enemies along the way…
    The coins can be used to heal your character as well as buy new armor shields and swords from shops scattered throughout the game…
    Unfortunately you can’t use the coins to buy any of the consumable weapons which sucks... I’d much rather grind for coins than random drops…
    These consumable weapons are so rare that you’re better off ignoring them, because relying on them you’ll quickly find is a mistake because of this rarity…
    Once you make it to a boss, you take part in a battle of dodging and attacking the head..
    These battles are where the games problems really start to show…
    The biggest issue is that you have to hit the enemies head, meaning you have to get close...
    problem is if you get too close you take damage and you can’t attack for a few seconds after damage is taken…
    This makes every single boss battle feel luck based and cheap…
    There was really only one boss I felt like I beat using timing and skill…
    The others I had to rely on my potions that refilled my health after I lost all of my hearts while I try to get lucky with being just the right distance while at the same time not having taken damage from their spammy attacks…
    These encounters are just not fun…
    and if you die you restart from the little village and have to make your way back through all of the obstacles and enemies again…
    If you do defeat the boss you unlock a new form...
    You then use this form to reach areas you couldn’t reach before and it’s the same cycle of go until you cant or until you find a boss for the next form…
    Each form feels unique and has its own abilities…
    The mouse though clearly the worst and most frustrating to use thanks to its forced extra close ranged attacks...
    Wonder Boy The Dragons Trap is fun to play through... its gorgeous.. It’s my favorite kind of metroidvania where you feel the urge to explorer rather than feeling like you’re forced to do so and it’s a fairly quick game that can be beat in a little less than 3 hours…
    But still this is a remake of an old game and it shows...
    The platforming is stiff... bosses are cheap thanks to this no doing damage after you’ve taken damage window…and the grind for pickups is no fun
    But what is fun is unlocking all of the abilities and finding all of the secrets this game has to offer.
    I give Wonder boy: The Dragons trap
    a 7/10    … Expand
  9. bladex
    Jun 10, 2017
    10
    they took an already great game and made it even better. the new hand drawn graphics, new sound effects and music add to what was already a near perfect game no more having to write down annoying password either the game now auto saves by itself (although it's still there if you want to use it or enter codes.)

    they got rid of that annoying charm system so no more equipping the shiny    they took an already great game and made it even better. the new hand drawn graphics, new sound effects and music add to what was already a near perfect game no more having to write down annoying password either the game now auto saves by itself (although it's still there if you want to use it or enter codes.)

    they got rid of that annoying charm system so no more equipping the shiny armor just to see what is available in the store and every equip now says what stats you get as well as any special features it has!

    and to top it off they even added some new special hidden areas AND a new secret equip to find! BRAVO.    … Expand
  10. AngelLinebeck
    Apr 30, 2017
    9
    Very good graphics HD, and go from Hd to 8.bit is fantastic, has enough challenge, is kind metroidvania, very good, in fear hard if it has enough challenge for veterans
  11. mattbot6001
    Apr 15, 2020
    0
    What an awful game. Mediocre controls, it's annoying that I have to go back to the beginning to switch characters, idiotic difficulty spikes. Garbage.
  12. Lyndell
    Jun 10, 2017
    10
    Amazing remake, the visuals are not only well done but add to the game play, their added animation makes the slipperiness when turning feel natural. They did add a few elements to make the experience a little easier to handle, but still feels like a classic, hard, 8-bit game. As for the game itself, the different characters add variety to the game play and really flesh the experience out.Amazing remake, the visuals are not only well done but add to the game play, their added animation makes the slipperiness when turning feel natural. They did add a few elements to make the experience a little easier to handle, but still feels like a classic, hard, 8-bit game. As for the game itself, the different characters add variety to the game play and really flesh the experience out. This game is worth it for fans of classic gaming or simply fans of great games.… Expand
  13. bramenjam
    Sep 30, 2018
    9
    Beautiful and charming graphics, spot-on controls, and very solidly designed levels. Simply a great game.
    I've never played the original game, so I don't use the option to turn the graphics back to 8-bit style, but it's a fun option to have.
    Oddly the game hardest in the beginning and get progressively easier as you acquire more health and weapons/armor. You'd think it would make more    Beautiful and charming graphics, spot-on controls, and very solidly designed levels. Simply a great game.
    I've never played the original game, so I don't use the option to turn the graphics back to 8-bit style, but it's a fun option to have.
    Oddly the game hardest in the beginning and get progressively easier as you acquire more health and weapons/armor. You'd think it would make more sense if the game became more difficult along the way. So stick with it at the start and you'll be rewarded with a fun game.
    The only negative point for me is that some item shops are hidden and impossible to find without the use of a walkthrough.    … Expand
  14. ricklongo
    Jun 19, 2017
    7
    As a Brazilian, it should come as no surprise I have a keen sense of nostalgia for the Master System. It was my second ever console, after the NES, and it went on to be a staple of my childhood. The Wonder Boy franchise (which was localized in Brazil as Turma da Mônica, after a popular comic book series) has always stood tall among the console's library, and now one of its best titles hasAs a Brazilian, it should come as no surprise I have a keen sense of nostalgia for the Master System. It was my second ever console, after the NES, and it went on to be a staple of my childhood. The Wonder Boy franchise (which was localized in Brazil as Turma da Mônica, after a popular comic book series) has always stood tall among the console's library, and now one of its best titles has received a loving remaster for a new era.

    The Dragon's Trap is one of gaming earliest metroidvanias, predating even that particular term. You play as the titular Wonder Boy (or, in the case of this remaster, as Wonder Girl if you want), who is soon placed under a curse and turned into an anthropomorphic, fire-spewing lizard. Subsequently, you're thrown into a big 2D open world and it's your task to explore it in search for new transformations, each with its own abilities, which in turn allow you to explore new areas.

    The game's graphics have gotten a much needed coat of paint, making it look absolutely lovely. The hand-drawn animations are crisp and detailed, in stark contrast with the Master System original's rigidness. In fact, the graphical work is so well done that it completely changes how the controls feel in regards to the in-game physics, even though those remain 100% unchanged (as the original graphics mode, accessible by the mere click of a button, can attest). It's amazing how the mere addition of extra frames of animation can turn a control scheme that's overly slippy into something that feels just right.

    As a clear labor of love for the original, however, Dragon's Trap misses an excellent opportunity to solve some of the game design quirks that haven't aged well. A few of the game's many secrets, for exemple, are almost impossible to find without a guide, and each new sword or piece of armor hold new powers that are never properly explained. For example: there's a sword which allows the player to transform between characters at any moment, an extremely important ability, but you'd never know it (or how to actually do it) unless you go looking elsewhere for the information.

    TL;DR:
    At around 5 hours to get everything, Wonder Boy: The Dragon's trap is a short but sweet metroidvania platformer. The new graphics are nothing short of stunning, and the extra frames of animation single-handedly manage to fix the otherwise unchanged physics system, which used to feel overly rigid and slippy. Some of the more obtuse conventions from back in the day, such as new powers that are never properly explained, sadly remain, but the game still emerges as a lovely experience that can appeal to gamers old and new.

    Rating: 7.5/10    … Expand
  15. LuccaSSC
    Jul 13, 2017
    7
    While this game is stunningly beautiful with its hand-drawn style, there are still many issues regarding the hitboxes of some enemies that come as an inheritance of the original game for the Master System. Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap can be really, really fun, but also really frustrating during some specific sections of the game. Furthermore, it's really short and offers nothingWhile this game is stunningly beautiful with its hand-drawn style, there are still many issues regarding the hitboxes of some enemies that come as an inheritance of the original game for the Master System. Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap can be really, really fun, but also really frustrating during some specific sections of the game. Furthermore, it's really short and offers nothing interesting to do after defeating the last boss.… Expand
  16. JJTX
    Mar 24, 2019
    8
    If you didn't own a SEGA Master System, SEGA Game Gear, PC Engine, or TurboGrafx-16 -- and most Americans did not -- you probably missed out on one of the best games of the 8-bit video game generation. Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap is an outstanding remake of a somewhat forgotten classic. Players can freely switch between beautiful, charming hand-drawn sprites and backgrounds or theirIf you didn't own a SEGA Master System, SEGA Game Gear, PC Engine, or TurboGrafx-16 -- and most Americans did not -- you probably missed out on one of the best games of the 8-bit video game generation. Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap is an outstanding remake of a somewhat forgotten classic. Players can freely switch between beautiful, charming hand-drawn sprites and backgrounds or their original, colorful pixel versions on the fly. The live-recorded soundtrack can also be reverted to its classic chip-tune basis, and these great tracks will remain stuck in your head for days. I had no idea I would enjoy this game so much. Check it out!… Expand
  17. TheGeekLantern
    Jul 24, 2017
    8
    Si este juego hubiese salido en la NES estaría en el mismo pedestal que juegos como Megaman o Castlevania. Lo compré por la curiosidad de jugar un imprescindible de la Master System y no me arrepiento un segundo. Las gráficas modernizadas son un deleite al igual que la música, pero lo que realmente me sorprendió fue que alguien haya hecho un juego con una jugabilidad tan increíble haceSi este juego hubiese salido en la NES estaría en el mismo pedestal que juegos como Megaman o Castlevania. Lo compré por la curiosidad de jugar un imprescindible de la Master System y no me arrepiento un segundo. Las gráficas modernizadas son un deleite al igual que la música, pero lo que realmente me sorprendió fue que alguien haya hecho un juego con una jugabilidad tan increíble hace tanto tiempo. Recomendado tanto para los nostálgicos de SEGA (alguno debe andar por ahí) como para los que no conocen el juego. Unos $20 USD muy bien gastados.… Expand
  18. rosnk30
    Sep 8, 2020
    8
    Enjoyfull game and nice retro remake game. Wonder boy's amazing plataform game and this one (like the others WB) is possible see that dev team did the job with tons of love (see the optional stuff showing how team did sound recording)....and the result's amazing!

    Great game!
  19. chavaflyfree
    Jun 7, 2018
    8
    I had the Game Gear release when I was young and, though I loved it, never really managed to complete it.
    Several years later, I found out this remaster and I was blown away by it. Not only the presentation is amazing, its attention to detail and respect for the original material is amazing and is packed with content. It's difficult but accessible and looks and sounds perfect.
    Not only    I had the Game Gear release when I was young and, though I loved it, never really managed to complete it.
    Several years later, I found out this remaster and I was blown away by it. Not only the presentation is amazing, its attention to detail and respect for the original material is amazing and is packed with content. It's difficult but accessible and looks and sounds perfect.
    Not only that, but the physical edition comes with much needed goddies, such as manual, japanese GameGear reversible cover, soundtrack and a keychain.

    You can't go wrong with this one.    … Expand
  20. metaknightmare
    Apr 21, 2017
    7
    One of the best remasters of an older game, it looks pleasant and the soundscape is rich. With that said, these are only new skins on an old game and while that may sound appealing, the outdated gameplay is more often frustrating than it is fun. Particularly what is lacking are the combat and progression systems. Combat and movement are clunky, a lot of the times you attack or move in aOne of the best remasters of an older game, it looks pleasant and the soundscape is rich. With that said, these are only new skins on an old game and while that may sound appealing, the outdated gameplay is more often frustrating than it is fun. Particularly what is lacking are the combat and progression systems. Combat and movement are clunky, a lot of the times you attack or move in a way that you did not intend to even knowing the rules of the game. It's nice that there is room to get good but even if you master a zone, it never feels like you have a solid grasp going into the next one. The process results in many deaths and allows only a few moments where you feel like you have control of your own character. Progression is mostly unsatisfying and when you get lost on what to do next you may spend a lot of time going all the way around the map again. That part is forgivable since you can still make gold and buy things from backtracking. I wish they would have enhanced the gameplay to be more intuitive and fluid but then somebody who wants to play the older game the same as it was with updated skins would not be as happy. So for me it is a 7 max, pleasant graphics and music but gameplay is, over 50% of the time, more frustrating than fun.… Expand
  21. juanlobo
    Jun 2, 2018
    8
    Beautiful, great job remaking the game, it's a little short but it's a great game, the music and the visuals are gorgeous.
  22. WhiteWolf81
    May 5, 2017
    8
    Il gioco è stato riproposto ai giorni nostri con cura e la possibilità di "skippare" dalla grafica originale a 8 bit a quella attuale è una trovata sicuramente originale. C'è stata molta cura per confezionare questo gioco, un platform/action 2D con stile "Metroidvania", tuttavia la longevità del gioco è molto corta (4/5 ore) in proporzione al prezzo a cui viene proposto (20Il gioco è stato riproposto ai giorni nostri con cura e la possibilità di "skippare" dalla grafica originale a 8 bit a quella attuale è una trovata sicuramente originale. C'è stata molta cura per confezionare questo gioco, un platform/action 2D con stile "Metroidvania", tuttavia la longevità del gioco è molto corta (4/5 ore) in proporzione al prezzo a cui viene proposto (20 Euro)...Consiglio l'acquisto, magari quando andrà in sconto...15 euro sarebbe stato un prezzo più appropriato.… Expand
  23. hypernewbie
    Aug 16, 2017
    7
    Pretty good retro. The start was REALLY REALLY rocky and almost put me off. I would rework the beginning part. Start would score 0 / 10.

    Rest of the actual game is great, metroidvia game feel to it.
  24. Aaargh
    May 2, 2017
    9
    In an age of Zelda's, Mario's, Megamen, Castlevania, Sonic and countless others, this gem appeared as the third iteration in the Wonder Boy franchise. I'm very happy to have played it on the Sega Master System and would like to advise it to everyone who likes these kinds of games. It isn't a Grand Theft Auto 5, a Breath of the Wild or any of the like. It is a pretty lineair, 2D adventureIn an age of Zelda's, Mario's, Megamen, Castlevania, Sonic and countless others, this gem appeared as the third iteration in the Wonder Boy franchise. I'm very happy to have played it on the Sega Master System and would like to advise it to everyone who likes these kinds of games. It isn't a Grand Theft Auto 5, a Breath of the Wild or any of the like. It is a pretty lineair, 2D adventure game with a decent difficulty setting. Why I liked it? I'm not really sure really. The atmosphere, the reward system for reaching new places or solving puzzles or quests? It is a rich game with plenty to do and it is just plain fun.… Expand
  25. SwitchLover
    Apr 23, 2017
    9
    All I can really say is this is a great game and I completely recommend it the reason I am giving it a 9 is because it is a little to hard for my liking so if you do not like hard games you might want to stay away but other than that it is a fantastic game!
  26. BossRabbit
    Apr 24, 2017
    6
    A fantastic remake of an old classic. Unfortunately it also exists as a prime reason as to how sometimes the games we played as kids don't age that well.

    The art and music in this game are absolutely fantastic. Every character looks absolutely incredible, and I absolutely love the new designs and artwork for Wonder Boy/Girl and their various forms. One of my favorite things has to be    A fantastic remake of an old classic. Unfortunately it also exists as a prime reason as to how sometimes the games we played as kids don't age that well.

    The art and music in this game are absolutely fantastic. Every character looks absolutely incredible, and I absolutely love the new designs and artwork for Wonder Boy/Girl and their various forms. One of my favorite things has to be the dopey, glazed over stares of each form as they stand in the stores. On every single screen I found myself hitting RT just to see what changed, like how they imagined a room of boxes in a black void as a beach house. Another fantastic change is the music in the Meka-Dragon's castle is somber and quiet during the intro, yet triumphant and heroic when you return in your Hawk form.

    As far as gameplay goes, it is a frustratingly well-preserved slice of everything terrible about early video games, with a constant barrage of enemies constantly smacking you off platforms or into other enemies with frustrating patterns. You also never seem to feel stronger or tougher despite shelling out for expensive armors, and it feels like you're a total wimp until you get your legendary gear back.

    I love the Wonder Boy series, and Lizardcube did a fantastic job breathing new life into an old classic, but I found myself saying "it's finally over" rather than joy when I finally beat the game.    … Expand
  27. Aldeberuhn
    Jun 18, 2017
    8
    I've never played the original Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap, so this remastered version was fun for me. The artwork and character animations are really great, and I'm impressed by their ability to modernize the game while keeping the gameplay exactly the same. It's a great game, but I do wish it had a bit more of a storyline or context to the main character's ultimate quest. ConsideringI've never played the original Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap, so this remastered version was fun for me. The artwork and character animations are really great, and I'm impressed by their ability to modernize the game while keeping the gameplay exactly the same. It's a great game, but I do wish it had a bit more of a storyline or context to the main character's ultimate quest. Considering it's just a remastered version of an old game, however, it's not like they could have changed it. I suppose it's just an example of how the old style of video games don't always hold up to modern standards, even when developers modernize the graphics. I definitely still recommend buying the game if you haven't played the old version, or if you played the old version and you absolutely loved it. At $20, it's worth the price, but don't expect it to be the best game you've ever played.… Expand
  28. FrankoAmmo
    Jan 3, 2018
    7
    I have to admit I had never played the original title and I was quite impressed with this new version!! Wow it must have been one of the coolest/better games back in 1989! Even when I was changing the new style to the retro one for a minute or two I found myself still liking the game. The different characters and abilities were pretty fun, but the mouse-man combat style is frustratingI have to admit I had never played the original title and I was quite impressed with this new version!! Wow it must have been one of the coolest/better games back in 1989! Even when I was changing the new style to the retro one for a minute or two I found myself still liking the game. The different characters and abilities were pretty fun, but the mouse-man combat style is frustrating (very short range). The game is somewhat hard in general, but it is not that bad in my opinion. The graphics are awesome and the bosses are good, but frustrating (you need to hit them on the head and it is easy to take damage if you get too close). I find the price a little high therefore I bought it when it was 25% off. I completed the game with almost everything in 7 hours, but I only completed two of ''the unknown'' sections as I did not enjoy them or understand the purpose of them. The game is not that long therefore I would suggest you to wait for a sale if you are not already convinced. The platforming aspect was a little stiff in general, but barely noticeable.

    This title deserves a 7.5 out of 10 in my book.    … Expand
  29. GReviews
    Apr 30, 2018
    8
    Overall Wonder Boy is a remake that I am more then happy to sink 6-7 hours into and is most definitely a game I will pick up again in the future. Personally I think Lizard Cube have done a fantastic job of bringing this classic back to life and maybe more developers should take a look at this and bring more old school classics back.
  30. GlennGlenny
    Jan 23, 2018
    7
    An excellent remake with really solid mechanics, every jump and slash missed was my fault. The flip of switch allowed me to swap between original 8/16 bit graphics and the lovely new visuals and the same trick with the sound and music too. A really good game but as a product of it's time the difficulty and the not having an indication of where to go to next pushes back a little bit moreAn excellent remake with really solid mechanics, every jump and slash missed was my fault. The flip of switch allowed me to swap between original 8/16 bit graphics and the lovely new visuals and the same trick with the sound and music too. A really good game but as a product of it's time the difficulty and the not having an indication of where to go to next pushes back a little bit more than we're accustomed these days.… Expand
  31. LordXangcris
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    A must have version if you were a fan of the original. People who were not fans of the original however may find this game lacking. However I am a total fanboy and hope other classic Sega titles get the same treatment.
  32. Mote-of-Lobross
    Dec 16, 2017
    9
    My first experience with this game was when I was a teenager and played Hudson Soft's port for the Turbografx, known as Dragon's Curse. I absolutely adored the game and it turned me on to the other games in the Wonder Boy/Monster World series. 27 years later, I came across the re-make on the Nintendo Switch and was surprised how great the game holds up after so long.

    I'm not saying this    My first experience with this game was when I was a teenager and played Hudson Soft's port for the Turbografx, known as Dragon's Curse. I absolutely adored the game and it turned me on to the other games in the Wonder Boy/Monster World series. 27 years later, I came across the re-make on the Nintendo Switch and was surprised how great the game holds up after so long.

    I'm not saying this game's perfect, as the original isn't either. The weird hit boxes take a little getting used to if you're not used to the series and the difficulty level might be a bit of a put-off to the current generation of gamers. But despite all this, the gorgeous graphics overhaul, the beat-for-beat re-creation of the gameplay, and the beautiful musical score make this an amazingly crafted love letter to the original.

    The option to play it with the original Master System sounds and graphics was a neat little addition as well, as I have never had the good fortune to experience that version until now.    … Expand
  33. hsh1417
    Apr 13, 2018
    5
    I don't feel like I used to have fun ... I did a great job with the remake.
  34. ENERGONX
    Apr 26, 2021
    8
    Muy buen juego. Nunca había conocido esta versión.
    Me encanta la saga de wonder boy . Mas que nada Monsterland V
  35. TheProGamer-
    Apr 26, 2018
    8
    I never played the classic however that doesn't matter with this version. You can actually flick between both live as you're playing! The game felt great and you can see how much effort went into it. The attention to detail is great and the way everything is hand drawn gives it that modern yet retro feel. The way previous side-scrolling classics had gone through. The story is quite simpleI never played the classic however that doesn't matter with this version. You can actually flick between both live as you're playing! The game felt great and you can see how much effort went into it. The attention to detail is great and the way everything is hand drawn gives it that modern yet retro feel. The way previous side-scrolling classics had gone through. The story is quite simple and doesn't really hold up to many modern day games but other than that this game has everything a side-scrolling classic remake should have with genius ideas including. Definitely sets the bar high and other re-maker's of classic platformer's should take note!… Expand
  36. AllySky
    Jun 18, 2018
    9
    If it's not broke, don't fix it, they simply made a great, classic game look modern, and boy is it beautiful. DotEmu showing developers how a remaster is done.

    PS: Although I feel like they missed out on the opportunity to bring more Wonder Boy games to the modern era.
  37. Pakon
    Jun 16, 2018
    8
    A remake of an older 1989 platformer game with the option to change the graphics from the modern version to the 1989 version and back, just with one button-click. A charming game with classic platforming elements that works well on the nintendo switch.
  38. jsh710
    Aug 29, 2022
    4
    graphic looks good. but always I should find way to go further. really annoying spend my time to find way. play again again same places. there is no hint. this critics too high. I know much better games than this. but their critics lower than this game. this real play times is very short.
  39. ssesses
    Jul 30, 2019
    4
    This game is absolutely stunning. However, the gameplay felt repetitive after a while. The Switch has a phenomenal selection of amazing 2d platforms, and this one just feels bland in comparison. The art direction does give this game it's own unique flair, but ultimately the gameplay was sub-par.
  40. Walhalla
    Jun 20, 2019
    6
    Even its a reskinned game, its fun to play. Or maybe because its a reskinned game its fun to play. I havent played any wonderboy game before.. because of the graphics. It was too retro for me. To oldschool. And I wouldnt play it, if it still would be looking like the 8bit game. But the way it looks now.. its fun to play and this shows, how important the view of the game is. If you are aEven its a reskinned game, its fun to play. Or maybe because its a reskinned game its fun to play. I havent played any wonderboy game before.. because of the graphics. It was too retro for me. To oldschool. And I wouldnt play it, if it still would be looking like the 8bit game. But the way it looks now.. its fun to play and this shows, how important the view of the game is. If you are a fan of the Wonderboy games, this is a must for you. But even if you dont know them.. the same as I dont know them... even then, this game could be a good choice for you. If you at least like platformers... :-)
    https://youtu.be/un8P2SYDkHA    … Expand
  41. sentimento
    Sep 24, 2019
    5
    Graphics were what catched me in this strange web. But it's such poorly balanced game, that i had little fun playing it. What kept me playing was the price I paid for the game and graphics :x but i guess it's not enough
  42. MeteorPolice
    Apr 29, 2020
    10
    For me, Wonderboy, The Dragon's Trap stands back to back on the Switch with Nintendo's own remake of Zelda, Link's Awakening as one of the best remakes I've ever played. Both games have been lovingly recreated with modern graphics and sound without interfering whatsoever with the gameplay of the original 8-bit titles. These titles represent the two sides of the Sega/Nintendo coin and theFor me, Wonderboy, The Dragon's Trap stands back to back on the Switch with Nintendo's own remake of Zelda, Link's Awakening as one of the best remakes I've ever played. Both games have been lovingly recreated with modern graphics and sound without interfering whatsoever with the gameplay of the original 8-bit titles. These titles represent the two sides of the Sega/Nintendo coin and the best those companies could offer in the early nineties. As with their upcoming title, Streets of Rage 4, the developer LizardCube has done a wonderful job in updating the game with handrawn graphics and an orchestral soundtrack that absolutely nails the sense of nostalgia when playing it. Most of the negative reviews I've seen for the Dragon's Trap cite 'too much backtracking' or 'bad controls' but I get the impression that anyone who has stuck with the game for more than 45 minutes would strongly disagree. My reasoning for this is because, as you progress through the game, you unlock new characters and purchase equipment which dramatically change how the game is played from moment to moment. It's almost a bit like DarkSouls or Bloodbourne in some respects as your character returns to a central hub area each time you die. You get to keep the money and items you have collected after death so you never feel like any progress was lost and you just cant beat the feeling of discovering a whole new area, despite having already walked past the entrance a dozen times without noticing, until you unlock the ability that gives you access to it. Games like this and Link's Awakening represent a masterclass in purist game design and I feel that game critics and developers alike should be forced to sit down and play them before spouting off about how great the new Uncharted game is, when beneath the shiny graphics, the gameplay is already formulaic and dated. Games like the Dragon's Trap and Link's Awakening remakes aim to prove that gameplay is king and that good game design is timeless - I for one am convinced.… Expand
  43. abrus
    Sep 6, 2021
    9
    If you were a fan of the original you will be overjoyed at what they have done with this remake. The sound and graphics are outstanding and it plays really nicely. They have also made some tweaks to make the menu system easier to navigate which is much appreciated. Some aspects of this game have aged better than others, so beware of that if you don't already have a soft spot for the 1989If you were a fan of the original you will be overjoyed at what they have done with this remake. The sound and graphics are outstanding and it plays really nicely. They have also made some tweaks to make the menu system easier to navigate which is much appreciated. Some aspects of this game have aged better than others, so beware of that if you don't already have a soft spot for the 1989 version. (For example, it is not always obvious what to do next in this game.) But if you want a nostalgic rerun of a childhood classic then I'm sure you will enjoy this game. This is one of the best early examples of metroidvania and it has been remade with lots of love and care.… Expand
  44. Albgut
    Dec 30, 2020
    7
    Fun game the only downside side in my opinions is that the controls needed to be a bit tighter.
  45. Cywor
    May 2, 2021
    9
    Wonder Boy is an perfect example for good remaster of an original. It's from a-z the original game with better graphics, and you can anytime switch between original and enhanced graphicmode, as same you can switch between original sounds and the new ones.
    I was using both modes intensely, just to see how good work the developers did.
    Gameplay works fine as ever, but i have to warn you.    Wonder Boy is an perfect example for good remaster of an original. It's from a-z the original game with better graphics, and you can anytime switch between original and enhanced graphicmode, as same you can switch between original sounds and the new ones.
    I was using both modes intensely, just to see how good work the developers did.

    Gameplay works fine as ever, but i have to warn you. The game is still a beast. Not a feel-good plattformer you finish easily. But that's Wonder Boy, and we love it. It's a challenging, traditional game with pure retro flair. There is an easymode, but even that one will not forgive you much.

    The new soundtrack is just brilliant. The music tracks are sooo wonderful. Animations and effects are also very well done. This game is absolute recommended, if you want to have a great game from the good old times, with the enhancements of a modern console.

    Just worth buying.    … Expand
  46. ophone
    Feb 10, 2023
    9
    This game plays almost like the original but it has added bonuses, foremost the updated graphics in a classic cartoon hand drawn style and a marvellous soundtrack recorded with acoustic instruments. The other bonuses are a few new hidden areas, a neat art gallery, a few tweaks to the menus as the weapons and inventory management. A really great feature is the possibility to change anytimeThis game plays almost like the original but it has added bonuses, foremost the updated graphics in a classic cartoon hand drawn style and a marvellous soundtrack recorded with acoustic instruments. The other bonuses are a few new hidden areas, a neat art gallery, a few tweaks to the menus as the weapons and inventory management. A really great feature is the possibility to change anytime between the remade graphics and soundtrack, also separately. There's even the option to run the Japanese FM soundtrack of the original game.
    As essential as the original is to the Master System, the remake makes nearly everything better. You just have to cope with the dated physics the remake took over entirely from the original.    … Expand
  47. Jojogonpa
    Apr 12, 2021
    7
    Un jeu magnifique visuellement et musicalement, le gameplay est malheureusement d'un autre âge et le jeu est trop cours... (du fait qu'il s'agit d'un remake d'un jeu game gear, le rajout de contenue n'aurait pas été de trop). Bon jeu malgré ses défauts
  48. Mangamanvii
    Sep 13, 2021
    8
    Without a doubt one of the best remakes I've played in recent memory. While the level design is the same and doesn't offer much new in that department, the new art style, music composition and the ability to swap between both at the press of a button is outstanding!

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Jun 23, 2017
    85
    This may be the most beautiful hand-drawn 2D game I've ever played, and I'd frequently stop while playing just to marvel at the mastery of how each scene was reworked. [Issue #28 – July/August 2017, p. 20]
  2. CD-Action
    Jun 7, 2017
    85
    After you get used to some crudeness related to the fact that the original is 28 years old, you’ll notice that is hasn’t aged that much. What’s more, visuals were revamped so skillfully that The Dragon’s Trap is one of the prettiest games released this year. [06/2017, p.54]
  3. Pocket Gamer UK
    May 26, 2017
    90
    Wonder Boy is full of wistful retro charm, and an absolutely essential purchase on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
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