Wonder Boy: Asha In Monster World | PS4 (2.0)

ININ Games/STUDIOARTDINK, the publishers behind this and other retro remakes, usually do very well with their cutesy takes on said games. I particularly enjoyed their new addition to the Bubble Bobble series though the formula was completely different from previous entries. Going into this review I expected something different yet something that adhered to series tradition. For the most part that's what I experienced. In this rendition of Monster World IV, Asha once again hails as the game's protagonist and resident heroine. Done up in a newly animated and cell shaded fashion alongside every detail of her world she goes forth into the fray not only as a rite if passage, but to conquer the evil that is unleashing monsters upon unsuspecting villagers. Sword, and shield in hand she sets forth on her adventure collecting the tools, and knowledge she needs to best the beasties that lie ahead.

Gameplay, for those of you who are unfamiliar, is your basic puzzle platforming affair. Very closely resembling the setup in "The Legend of Zelda II: A Link to the Past". You have in between visits with villagers, and key characters along the way. Obtaining key items, vendor services, and pointers towards future goals. That and the cheerleading from those on your side. Beyond that are outings in which you happen across a variety of enemies, and bosses contained within named locations. The said locations requiring precision platforming, and increasingly difficult puzzle solving to advance. 

As Asha you have heart health to mind in these areas, and a few mechanics with which to deal with the enemy threats. Asha has a sword, a shield, and a bangle. Each of which can be swapped with other pieces of equipment later on in the OPTIONS menu. With the sword she can swipe forward, do a sword uppercut, and pogo off of enemies with a downward thrust. There's even a powered magic hit that can be used once built up by attacking enemies. In tandem with this Asha also has a failsafe maneuver which happens when she runs into enemies. It sends her flipping away from the touched enemy with no damage incurred. A sort of automatic somersault kick off dodge. When it comes to her shield that too offers a bit of defense when facing certain enemy projectiles. The projectiles will also charge up a Guard Hit which will offer temporary invincibility. Supposing Asha does get hit on her journey she'll be able to restore health via elixirs, vending machine hearts, at fountains or through hearts dropped by specific enemies. As you continue onward as Asha you'll be collecting life drops. A collectible item that will upgrade Asha's heart health count when 10 are obtained. The number of hearts you can amass depends on which bangle you wear. Ultimately making her ability to last longer possible. Besides the enemy threats there's also the threat of traps, and hazards. Stuff you'll have to mind as you progress.

The platforming, and puzzles you'll face as you continue onward grow increasingly more difficult with the application of one more key mechanic. Your pet Pepelogoo acts as a glider, a double jump, a shield against elemental damage, a switch activation mechanism, and other things tied to environmental navigation. I actually went through a fire level in Rapaganda that had a sub-boss, and main boss as well as a labyrinth of platforming areas with complex puzzle elements tied to bombs and switches. It felt very much like something you'd playthrough in a 3D Legend of Zelda game. It is that involved at times. For those of you worried about picking up where you left off or after a GAME OVER you can save progress anywhere, and anytime using the save feature in the OPTIONS menu.

In the realm of difficulty there are, but two difficulty settings. Each with their own pros and cons. Easy will gift the player more health restoration items, and magnetize dropped coins to the player. Normal, on the other hand, will disable these two bonus features making the playthrough more challenging, and less hand holding in nature. Enemy threats in either difficulty seem to remain the same regardless of difficulty setting. Leading me to believe the challenge is mostly from the health advantage or disadvantage. For those of you looking to map your controller the developer did include a feature for that. Allowing you to switch button functions to better suit your play style.

The Presentation ...

This revamping of Monster World IV is actually impressive, visually. It's a nice upgrade from the original with cell shaded 2.5D art. Details such as Asha shaking her behind and doing a little dance when opening chests really brings the world before you to life. I'd dare say the art style resembles that of Dragon Quest Heroes. Very similar by design. As far as strictly adhering to the original it does do some things different. Like the special cinematic events, and the ability for Asha to go into the background in a 3D manner. As far as soundtrack goes it's what you'd expect from a game that looks anime. It's magical in it's symphonic and East Asian delight. That being said certain sound effects like Asha's walking and running are off a bit sometimes. I think it should also be noted that the spoken language is in a Japanese/Legend of Zelda kind of mumble speak. The text however is in English for all those English readers. 

The Verdict ...

Given a second chance I found this version of Monster World IV to be more fun than I initially thought. One thing that held me back from recommending the game to begin with was the first boss fight. I learned that the upwards slash works good, and more importantly how the Magic Hit actually works. I do not recall the game explaining the use of the Magic Hit clearly. Neither that or the similarly charged Guard Hit which gifts Asha temporary invincibility. To activate the Magic hit once charged you have to hold down the assigned button, and attack simultaneously. When the button is pressed it isn't really all that noticeable outside of some lite swirling magic effects close to Asha's body. Once I figured this out the boss wasn't as impossible as I first assumed. Getting past that first hurdle opened up the game's better side to me, and for what it was it was enjoyable. I think it's a proper remake of the original, and worthy of your money. It comes out on May 28, 2021. Both through a digital, and physical version. With the physical version including a code for the original version of the game.

The digital version of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World can be purchased from the Nintendo and Sony stores and is published by STUDIOARTDINK.

The boxed retail version of  Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World comes exclusively with the original Monster World IV published by ININ Games https://wonderboy.inin.games/