Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World Reviews
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is fine. The core game mechanics may feel outdated for new players, but those who have played the original entry on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive will appreciate how the game hasn't deviated from that blueprint. The presentation is fine in parts, but the game offers no incentives to keep playing once you finish it. Those with a fondness for the original will love this, but those with no memories of the game will find this to be lacking compared to the remake of Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap and the last sequel, Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom.
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World remasters a classic game for a new generation to experience and it’s a great one to check out. The visuals and soundtrack are wonderful and Asha and her companion Pepelogoo are very charming. It can come across as a little simple if you’re well experienced with platformers and some of the puzzle design is outdated and annoying. Despite those things I recommend it to fans of side-scrolling platformers as I think you’ll have a good time with it.
Much as I wish I could rave about how amazing the game is, it’s unable to reach the heights I thought it capable of. But since the ending hints there’s gonna be a remake of the next game in the Wonder Boy series, I hope that can fully realize its vision while still being a balanced experience. A fun trip down memory lane, but hard to recommend for anyone other than expert platformers, especially for $34.99.
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a wonderful remake that still manages to keep the charm of the original. It might not be the biggest release this year but it's one that's worth checking out, especially if you are a fan of the series, the original or the genre.
While undoubtedly rudimentary, Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World remains a solid action platformer suitable for all ages.
An old game relying on old conventions is easily forgiven and forgotten. Asha in Monster World has no such excuse.
New graphics, quality of life improvements and humour make Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World an enjoyable platformer. Its level of challenge depends upon player experience in the genre. It is unfortunately let down by the final level which had little challenge and numerous small issues that should have been easy to fix. It is a sound title on Nintendo Switch that could do with some tweaking to make it shine at its best, but for those who love the graphic style and just want to have fun there is plenty to enjoy.
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.
The lack of autosave feature, primitive bosses and orthodox platforming feels like a something from the past. But at the same time, there's nothing wrong with the idea of bringing back old, but visually updated classic. Hardcore fans definitely can appreciate a game like this.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Paying homage in a way that detracts from the experience, Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is an unfortunate missed opportunity to introduce a classic to modern gamers.
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is an odd one. It’s so faithful to the original that those used to newer games will find it too simplistic, but the change in visuals won’t really appeal to fans of the original version either. If you know what you’re getting with Asha in Monster World, then there’s still some fun to be had, though it’s hard to really recommend it over other more interesting platformers.
Those wanting to compare the new version of the game to the original can do so if they buy the retail version, which comes with a download code for the original Monster World IV. For the few improvements there have been, though, I'd recommend sticking with the remake; the game just seems more refined even if it does keep most of the '90s tropes. As an (almost) bug free experience, those looking for a more traditional game will love it. However, those who prefer modern platformers will probably want to avoid it.
The remake could've done much more to the original experience, the faithfulness to the original formula makes it hard to enjoy the game with its limited and very simple combat and outdated game design.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World presents a fun and well-constructed experience. It denotes an excellent work by the producer in updating the technical and visual part, keeping some of the mechanics of the original game. Overall feeling of the project is that you are an elderly person in a rejuvenated body! Despite some minor flaws as a whole, it is noteworthy and respects the legacy of the SEGA classic.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World does exactly what it sets out to do. It recreates the original game in high definition, 3D style. But if you stack it up next to the other contemporary Wonder Boy titles, the inadequacies stack up quickly.
Wonder Boy : Asha in the Monster World was an excellent game back in 1994. Unfortunately, today's remake isn't spicy enough. The game is a classic, but it fails to stand out in today's world especially considering the heavy competition on the market. It's mainly good for the nostalgia if your heart really wants to give it a go.
Review in French | Read full review
Attractive and charming animation makes Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World appear to be a modern game, but don't be fooled. A lack of modern conveniences-autosave, a map, etc.-places Asha squarely in the old-school department. Blistering boss fights, meandering levels, and a very weird-feeling double jump all combine to make Asha in Monster World a fun game to visit, but only fans of the classic franchise will want to stay.
Not every game needs to be remade. That’s fine! Some games are fine as-is. Especially if the ensuing revisitation doesn’t do all that much new. Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World feels like a project that happened because Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap inspired not one, but two good games in the 2010s. So now Asha is back and, while the game is fine, it doesn’t have the same level of improvements and investment.
the best way to replay one of the great SEGA titles
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a rather short, at times archaic, but incredibly enjoyable adventure, which for many may turn out to be a nostalgic return to the past. If you're no stranger to games like Klonoa, Tombi and Brave Fencer Musashi, you can try it.
Review in Polish | Read full review