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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Albgut
    Dec 30, 2020
    7
    Fun game the only downside side in my opinions is that the controls needed to be a bit tighter.
  9. 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!
  10. 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
  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. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  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. 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.
  23. 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
  24. hsh1417
    Apr 13, 2018
    5
    I don't feel like I used to have fun ... I did a great job with the remake.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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.
    Read full review
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