Video Game Review - Wonderboy: Asha In Monster World

Rob reviews Wonderboy: Asha In Monster World on Nintendo Switch...

Vintage SEGA classics seem to be going through a renaissance at the moment. With both revivals (Streets of Rage 4) and remakes (Panza Dragoon, Sonic Colours) on the cards, it's great to see these somewhat 'retro' titles being discovered by a new audience. 

Next to have its time in the limelight is Monster World IV - now known as Wonderboy: Asha In Monster World. 

Wonderboy: Asha In Monster World remains largely devoted to the original 1994 game (which is playable as part of the SEGA Mega Drive Collection). The game takes place in an Arabian inspired location as we control Asha, a young girl who's been assigned to save the land from an unknown evil presence. During the adventure, she meets a flying animal dubbed Pepelogoo, who not only simply acts as a means to solve the games many puzzles but also comes to be a friend and companion to Asha. 

The gameplay of Wonderboy: Asha In Monster World comprises of being a fairly simple platform adventure. As we're guided through the environments Asha's able to collect various gems which act a the game's currency. With these gems, we're able to acquire various equipment to utilise along the journey. There's also a special gem which upon collecting 10 of them will increase Asha'a health - which is worth seeking out. Asha is a little squishy throughout the game. So any health bonus is an absolute plus! 

The game also comes with a brand-new 'Easy mode which includes extra life pick-ups, as well as the ability to automatically collect coins from defeated enemies. I'm not going to lie. I played through Wonderboy: Asha In Monster World on this mode and had an absolute blast. It's incredibly accessible, and even my younger gamer was able to pick it up and play. 

With Wonderboy: Asha In Monster World being a remake, naturally, there are a few things unique from the original. The biggest variation is of course its graphics. The Nintendo Switch version utilises fully revamped 3D graphics rather than the 16-bit pixels of its namesake. Character designs from the original are faithfully produced and the game retains many of the 1994 character animations. Level design has also had a revamp whilst conserving their existing look and feel. Levels also have a multi-layered texture which Asha will pass over on occasion. It's a nice feature that if anything highlights how technology has progressed over the years. 

What also sets Wonderboy: Asha In Monster World aside from Monster World IV is the ability to replay previously completed levels. This time around you're able to revisit previous levels with the game showing you what you've missed, and how many important life gems are still up for grabs (200 in total). Another disparity is that we're able to save at any point now, rather than visiting the Sage. The Sage character is still in the game, however, they have been relegated to an almost 4th wall breaking character. 

When compared to the original this remake stays very faithful, whilst adding a new spin on proceedings. Some levels feel a bit too long and can outstay their welcome. Boss battles are also a little too simple with many of their mechanics remaining perhaps a little too faithful to 1994. Either way Wonderboy: Asha In Monster World is a fairly standard puzzle adventure that will take you between 5-8 hours to complete. My playthrough came in at 5 hours 42 minutes, and this was without collecting everything. Naturally, this time will fluctuate between both speedrunners and completionists. 

When it comes to the Nintendo Switch, the console plays the game fairly well. In both handheld and docked mode, the game looks great and doesn't suffer from too much slow down. There is the odd instance when the game gets a little complex, but it's nothing when compared to other Switch titles. 

Overall Wonderboy: Asha In Monster World is a fairly competent remake. Whilst the game has ditched its pixel artwork for a more fluid 3D setting, the game is ultimately still recognisable. I would have loved to have seen a graphics option to switch between both the 3D and 16-bit graphics, however, what we get is just good. Asha is a pretty enduring character and it's incredibly easy to rally behind her quest.

Monkey Craft and ININ Games have done a grand job with Wonderboy: Asha In Monster World even with its retained flaws. There's enough here for franchise fans to revisit the title, and for new players to discover something new.

 

Rating- 8.5/10 

A code was kindly provided for this review. 

Wonderboy: Asha In Monster World is available now on Nintendo Switch and can be purchased by clicking here. 

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev