Product Info

Platform

Switch, PlayStation 4, PC

Publisher

STUDIOARTDINK

Developer

MONKEY CRAFT

Series

Monster World

Genre

Action, RPG

Players

1

File Size (Minimum)

2.9 GB

Release Date (NA)

May 28, 2021

Release Date (JP)

Apr 22, 2021

Purchase From

Amazon

eShop

PSN Store

Official Store

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a remake of the 1994 Sega Genesis game, Monster World IV. The new version follows the original very closely but with modifications to enhance the game’s mechanics. Some changes are welcome, while some could still be improved. If you’ve played the original, you’ll appreciate this updated version more than if you just started your adventure with the remake.

Being one of the best Sega Genesis games in the ‘90s, Monster World IV was ported to multiple consoles, such as the PlayStation 3, Xbox One, and the recently released Sega Genesis Mini. If you don’t have access to those consoles, hope is not lost. ININ and Strictly Limited teamed up to release a physical version of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World for the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch that includes a digital copy of Monster World IV.

A Striking Resemblance

While Asha in Monster World has a new look, it plays faithfully to the original. Following paths through the game remains the same and so are the boss battles. For example, the platform structure prior to and through the first dungeon is remarkably unchanged. Game progression remains the same as well, from traveling to each dungeon to save four spirits to the steps for hatching your blue sidekick, Pepelogoo.

Of course, what good is it if everything is exactly the same? Like many remakes, some elements that didn’t work out or appeared broken were tweaked and enhanced to improve the overall experience. For instance, entering and exploring the Queen’s Palace was originally confusing since stairs and objects blended together too much. In the remake, the palace was revamped, making it less confusing and much easier to get around. The remake also adds cutscenes and voice acting, providing more story details and giving the characters more emotion.

The gameplay mechanics were modified as well. In Monster World IV, you were limited in how many elixirs and healing items you could hold. In Asha in Monster World, that restriction is gone. Additionally, in the original, you could only save at specific spots, and now you are able to save anywhere. It does make playing the remake much easier. Although some might not like the challenge to be taken away, several games today do that. Still, players who’ve experienced the original will appreciate the quality-of-life changes moreso than first-timers.

A couple odd instances remain unchanged, though. It’s confusing as to why you still have to call your genie friend to escape the dungeon instead of being able to leave freely. Also, once you complete a dungeon, you can still return to pick up anything you missed, but you’ll have to do some backtracking. Outside of that, the game’s mechanics remain untouched. You still have to pick up Pepelogoo to double jump and reach those faraway areas.

Linear 3D Paths

The remake isn’t just a 2D game; they added a z-axis to make it 3D. Sort of. You are allowed to move Asha forward or backward from the screen but only in specific areas, such as when entering rooms or dungeon halls. It isn’t perfect and mostly feels constrained. The most annoying one is the city’s back alley. While there are many paths that connect the back alley, it’s really a one-way trip. You have to find specific areas to get back to snag those secret items.

More Than Just 3D

The game’s soundtrack, revamped from its 16-bit original to an orchestrated version, is a treat to players’ ears. Like the visuals, the soundtrack hews very closely to the source material. It’s one of the best features of the game.

User interfaces are cleaned up and easy enough to flow through. The character’s menu screen is more creative, too, since changing weapons and bracelets update the character’s visual. Players can change the control settings easily as well.

In terms of length, the remake is still short like its original. Players can expect to complete the game at 100% by putting in at least 10 hours. Playing the PlayStation 4 version on the PlayStation 5, loading was quick and there were no issues detected in regards to framerate dropping. There’s no rumbling, so don’t expect any including the haptic feedback from the PlayStation 5.

The Final Reveal

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is an entertaining game that plays faithfully to the 1994 Sega Genesis original. It has some mishaps with its new 3D look, but it’s still worth exploring once more.

A PlayStation 4 code provided by the publisher for this review and gameplay footage.