Twinworld Game Reviews

Posts Tagged ‘Wonder Boy’

Stuttgart, December 13, 2022 – The year is 1986, and designer Ryuchi Nishizawa has an idea for a new game. Mr. Nishizawa wanted to create an action game with an added amount of pressure. The initial concept he came up with involved an automatic scrolling platformer, but it was too difficult, and even he couldn’t play it. Some of these elements transferred into the game we know and love as Wonder Boy, such as the iconic skateboard.

Today, more than 35 years after, Bliss Brain brings you a legendary Anniversary Collection of the universally-beloved Wonder Boy adventures in a downloadable version: Featuring 21 versions of six of the most iconic Wonder Boy games ever released, this incredible compilation brings the influential platformer series to today’s hardware, with precise ports and new features such as the ability to rewind your game at any moment, filter, shader, a save anytime option and many more that you’ll find while playing!

This collection will be released digitally by Bliss Brain on January 26th, 2023 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

The perfect blend of platforming and RPG action you can find throughout the Wonder Boy series has delighted generations of gamers, and now, the Anniversary Collection combines the beloved adventures with a complete package of Wonder Boy history, crisp chiptune audio, a menu in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Japanese languages and perfect pixel art!

 

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – 3 June, 2022: ININ Games and Bliss Brain are happy to announce that Wonder Boy Collection launches today, digitally and as a boxed version, on PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Nintendo Switch. The collection features four essential titles of the beloved franchise with new filters and shaders and additional features – perfect for newcomers and retro enthusiasts alike.

Immensely popular throughout the 1980s, 1990s and beyond, the Wonder Boy franchise received several entries and remakes over the years, building up a huge following all over the world with their enjoyable blend of energetic platforming and action RPG. With very few releases in the West, ININ Games and Bliss Brain are happy to bring this carefully curated collection for PS4 and Nintendo Switch to everyone.

Now available at amazon.com and many other retailers worldwide (a retailer list can be found at iningames.com), the Wonder Boy Collection includes these four cult classics:

Wonder Boy (1986)

Console Port version: Arcade (SYSTEM 1)

Help Boy to rescue his girlfriend Tina, who got captured by the evil King. Guide him carefully through different areas and battle the devious enemies that await you on your quest. Use a variety of items that help Boy on his adventure. Face the evil King in various battles to reach your aim and rescue Tina!

Wonder Boy in Monster Land (1987)

Console Port version: Arcade (SYSTEM 2)

Years after the adventures of Wonder Boy, peace in Wonder Land was once again threatened, by the invasion of a dragon with its evil monsters turning Wonder Land into Monster Land. Help protagonist Book fight the monsters, defeat the dragon and restore the peace to the land and its people again. On your journey, you can collect equipment and magical spells to help you in your battles. But beware – every round has a time limit so you got to be quick!

Wonder Boy in Monster World (1991)

Console Port version: SEGA Mega Drive / Genesis

Guide the young, adventurous Shion and help him on his quest to defeat the evil BioMeka and his army of monsters that are threatening the land. However, Shion is not alone! Accompanied by the four spirits Priscilla, Hotta, Shabo and Rotto, he explores the different regions of Monster Land. Collect money, weapons, armour and magic spells to get stronger and banish evil for good!

Monster World IV (1994)

Console Port version: SEGA Mega Drive / Genesis

The young girl named Asha sets out on her mission to save the four spirits that were captured by the evil wizards. With the help of Asha’s loyal companion Pepelogoo, they overcome every obstacle and fight their way through various enemies!

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, March 3rd 2022 – Publisher Strictly Limited Games is looking forward to the pre-order start for the Wonder Boy Anniversary Collection on March 6th. In the course of this announcement, they also revealed the extensive list of games that will be included in this very special collection of one of the most influential series from gaming’s past.

Celebrating a very special anniversary

The legendary Wonder Boy game series has turned 35 and to celebrate this occasion, Strictly Limited Games puts together a legendary collection of epic Wonder Boy adventures that will soon be available for pre-order as Limited and Collector’s Editions for Nintendo Switch and PS4.

To offer true retro fans the most authentic experience possible, the Wonder Boy Anniversary Collection includes titles in various versions. Featuring six games in console ports from Arcade, Master System / Sega MARK III, Mega Drive / Genesis and more, the Anniversary Collection comes with a total of 21 different versions!

• Wonder Boy – International/Western – Arcade (SYSTEM 1)
• Wonder Boy – JP – SG-1000
• Super Wonder Boy – JP – Master System / Sega MARK III
• Wonder Boy – International/Western – Master System / Sega MARK III
• Revenge of Drancon (Wonder Boy) – International/Western – Game Gear
• Wonder Boy – JP – Game Gear
• Wonder Boy in Monster Land – International/Western – Arcade (SYSTEM 2)
• Wonder Boy in Monster Land – International/Western – Master System
• Wonder Boy in Monster Land –  JP – Arcade (SYSTEM 2)
• Super Wonder Boy: Monster World – JP – Master System / Sega MARK III
• Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap – International/Western – Game Gear
• Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap – International/Western – Master System
• Monster World II (Dragon’s Trap) – JP – Master System / Sega MARK III
• Monster World II: The Dragon’s Trap – JP – Game Gear
• Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair – International/Western – Arcade (SYSTEM 16)
• Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair – International/Western – Mega Drive / Genesis
• Wonder Boy in Monster World – International/Western – Master System / Sega MARK III
• Wonder Boy in Monster World – International/Western – Mega Drive / Genesis
• Wonder Boy V: Monster World III – JP – Mega Drive
• Monster World IV – International/Western – Mega Drive / Genesis
• Monster World IV – JP – Mega Drive

This extensive collection of Wonder Boy titles as a boxed version will only be available at Strictly Limited Games! This is a worldwide exclusive boxed release – there will not be any other physical release of equal completeness. Strictly Limited Games’ Japanese partner Bliss Brain will provide a digital version of this amazing collection – more on this will be announced at a later date.

The perfect blend of platforming and RPG action you can find throughout the Wonder Boy series has delighted generations of gamers and now, the Anniversary Collection combines the beloved adventures to a full package of Wonder Boy history. Also included are features like filter, shader, a rewind option, a save anytime option and more!

The Limited Edition will be available for €49.99, limited to 4,000 copies for Nintendo Switch and 2,000 copies for PS4 worldwide.

Also available is a highly limited Collector’s Edition with exclusive collectible items, including:

• Awesome Collector’s Edition box
• Acrylic Wonder Boy diorama
• Best Of soundtrack
• Beautiful artbook
• Card game
• Collector’s coin album
• … and more!

The Collector’s Edition will be available for €99.99, limited to 3,000 copies for Nintendo Switch and 1,500 copies for PS4.

To make the lineup complete, there will also be a Ultra Collector’s Edition including most of the content of the Collector’s Edition and on top of that even more exclusive items:

• Special music box
• Character game ends (like bookends, for your gaming collection)
• An extensive Wonder Boy soundtrack collection
• …and more!

The Ultra Collector’s Edition will be available for €149.99, limited to 999 copies for Nintendo Switch and 499 copies for PS4.

Retail and Digital Editions

As a carefully curated selection of awesome Wonder Boy titles, ININ Games together with Bliss Brain will offer the Wonder Boy Collection (Nintendo Switch/PS4), including four legendary adventures as a boxed and digital version:

• Wonder Boy – Arcade (SYSTEM 1)
• Wonder Boy in Monster Land – Arcade (SYSTEM 2)
• Wonder Boy in Monster World – Mega Drive / Genesis
• Monster World IV – Mega Drive / Genesis

A possible upgrade solution for the Retail Edition with additional games of the Wonder Boy series is currently in evaluation. More info will be announced at a later date!

The Wonder Boy Collection will soon be available for pre-order at retailers in Europe and North America. The download edition including the same four iconic Wonder Boy adventures will hit the digital stores at the time of release!

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, February 22nd 2022 – ININ Games and Strictly Limited Games are excited to announce the Wonder Boy Collection coming to Nintendo Switch and PS4 including the most iconic adventures from the legendary game series of the 80s and 90s. The retail edition including four awesome titles of the Wonder Boy / Monster World universe will soon be available for pre-order in Europe and North America. Through publisher Bliss Brain, the Wonder Boy Collection will also be available as a digital download version for Nintendo Switch and PS4. On top of that, Strictly Limited Games are working on exclusive Limited and Collector’s Editions that will be available at their store!

Celebrating the beloved adventures of Wonder Boy

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the adventures of Wonder Boy have delighted gamers of all generations and built up a huge following all over the world with their dazzling blend of energetic platforming and action-RPG. However, the Wonder Boy games have seen few releases in the West on modern gaming hardware – until now.

To celebrate the legacy of this iconic game series, the Wonder Boy Collection will contain a carefully curated set of essential titles of the legendary series, precisely ported to today’s home consoles and including extended features like filter, shader, a rewind and fast forward option and a save anytime option! On top of that, the collection will come with a beautiful art gallery!

With the the Wonder Boy Collection (Nintendo Switch/PS4), Wonder Boy fans get a total of four games of one of the most influential series from gaming’s past:

• Wonder Boy (1986)
• Wonder Boy in Monster Land (1987)
• Wonder Boy in Monster World (1991)
• Monster World IV (1994)

So, whether you want to experience the epic adventures for the first time, revisit a youth spent playing Wonder Boy, or add a refreshingly distinct platformer to your collection, the Wonder Boy Collection is a perfect fit for you!

The Wonder Boy Collection (Nintendo Switch/PS4) will soon be available for pre-order at retailers in Europe and North America. The download edition including the same four iconic Wonder Boy adventures will hit the digital stores at the time of release!

Limited & Collector’s Editions at Strictly Limited Games

As the legendary Wonder Boy game series is celebrating its 35th anniversary, Strictly Limited Games will offer the ultimate Wonder Boy Anniversary Collection (Nintendo Switch/PS4) that will feature even more of the most iconic Wonder Boy games ever released. On top of that, those games will come in various console ports to create the best possible retro experience!

Dedicated collectors can also look forward to some awesome exclusive items included in the Collector’s Editions of the Wonder Boy Anniversary Collection.

More information about the limited versions will follow soon, so stay tuned!

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – 27th May 2021 – STUDIOARTDINK publisher of the digital version, together with ININ Games publisher of the retail boxed version are getting ready for tomorrow’s (May 28th) release of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.

The retail editions for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 will be available for €39.99 / $39.99 / £34.99 and include the original Monster World IV exclusively. The game is available at all major retail stores in North America and Europe.

The three limited editions including Monster World IV as well (Switch, PlayStation 4) can be exclusively pre-ordered at the Strictly Limited Games Partner Store with shipment expected to start soon.

The digital Switch and PlayStation 4 versions, by STUDIOARTDINK, will be available in EU and US through the online stores for €34.99 / $34.99 / £31.49. Furthermore the Steam version will release a month later on June 29th (€34.99 / $34.99 / £31.49).

The saga continues

The much heralded and eagerly awaited Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a delightful mixture of compelling and exciting gameplay with enhanced 3D visuals that includes many gameplay improvements and great attention to the voiceover work.

The remastered action adventure does not lose touch with its roots: the story, the middle-eastern inspired setting and overall design remain faithful to the original game, Monster World IV. Your quest as Asha will be to free spirits trapped and confined by the forces of evil! Asha will also have a cute blue Pepelogoo to keep her company on her journey. Only together they can save the world!

The mastermind behind Asha

The creator and mastermind of the Monster World series, has overseen creation and development and is overjoyed that the remake of the game is finally being released.

“Now the adventure of Asha and Pepelogoo can be played on the latest consoles. Whether you’ve played the Mega Drive version of MW4 or not, I’ve tried to make it enjoyable for everyone. This is what I consider to be an ideal remake. I hope you will enjoy the game! Welcome to Monster World!” – Ryuichi Nishizawa – creator of the Monster World series.

Source: PR Email

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

Stuttgart, Germany – May 4th 2021 – ININ Games and STUDIOARTDINK are delighted to announce the official release for Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World for the Western retail release for both physical and digital Nintendo Switch and PS4 versions will be on May 28th 2021 for North America, Europe and Australia.

The retail editions for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 will be available for €39.99 / $39.99 / £34.99 and include the original Monster World IV exclusively.

The digital Switch and PS4 versions, by STUDIOARTDINK, will be available in EU and US through the online stores for €34.99 / $34.99 / £31.49 (GBP to be confirmed). Furthermore the Steam version will release a month later on June 29th. The game will be available for €34.99 / $34.99 / £31.49 (GBP to be confirmed) on Steam. The digital versions won’t include the original game.

Two friends saving the world

Asha, with her companion, Pepelogoo, must free the four spirits confined by evil forces whose origin she discovers throughout her journey. While the story remains true to the original 1994 game it is a full remake of Monster World IV, with cell-shaded 3D graphics and 2D gameplay that stays close to the beloved original, including enhanced visuals and refined play content.

Limited and exclusive physical editions

Three limited editions for Switch and PS4 can exclusively be pre-ordered at Strictly Limited Games. All three editions include the original Monster World IV:

The Limited Edition is available for €39.99 and includes exclusive color manual & reversible box art.

The Collector’s Edition includes terrific items like the Monster World Map, 2x soundtrack (Original & Remix), Artbook, a Squishy Ball Pepelogoo and more (€99.99).

The Mega Collector’s Edition celebrates the origins of the game and includes everything from the CE and even more fantastic items like the Asha and Pepelogoo Figurine (18cm / 7.1″), Asha Pixel Pin, a Vinyl Sticker for your console and more (€179.99).

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – February 18th 2021 – ININ Games and STUDIOARTDINK were overwhelmed and delighted with the feedback and media support from the recent press release and trailer released last month and would like to present another dazzling new trailer showing Asha’s good friend Pepelogoo in action.

The retail editions for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 will be available for €39.99 and will include the original Monster World IV. The Western retail release will be in Q2/2021 for North America, Europe and Australia.

The digital Switch and PS4 versions by STUDIOARTDINK will be available in EU and US through the online stores for €34.99 in Q2/2021. Furthermore the game will be available on Steam in Q2/2021 as well (price to be announced). The digital versions won’t include Monster World IV.

Pepelogoo – Ashas blue friend

The theme of the new trailer is Pepelogoo, Asha’s trusted blue sidekick and one of the main characters. The trailer shows the two of them working together to overcome any obstacles.

Without their special friendship and interaction Asha wouldn’t get far with her adventure.

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World contains puzzles and adventure elements that Asha and Pepelogoo can only solve together. Some paths seem blocked, but maybe a secret way will open up if Pepelogoo helps? A gap is too wide for jumping? Then Asha can hold on to Pepelogoo and he’ll fly her across it. As Pepelogoo is fond of extreme temperatures, he even stands by her side through the freezing cold and hot lava.

Any time Asha whistles, her loyal friend quickly comes flying, rushing to her rescue. Everyone should have a Pepelogoo in their life!

The legendary quest of two friends

Asha must free the four spirits being confined by evil forces whose origin she discovers throughout her journey. Luckily, she embarks on to this big adventure with her companion Pepelogoo.

While the story remains true to the original game from 1994, the game is a full remake of Monster World IV, with cell-shaded 3D graphics and 2D gameplay that stays close to the beloved original gameplay as well as enhanced visuals and refined play content.

Exclusive, physical editions

Three exclusive limited editions can only be pre-ordered at Strictly Limited Games. All include the original Monster World IV:

• The Limited Edition is available for €39.99.
• The Collector’s Edition is available for €99.99, and includes fantastic items like Monster World Map, 2x OST (Original + Remix), Artbook, a Squishy Ball Pepelogoo and more.
• The Mega Collector’s Edition is available for €179.99. This edition celebrates the origins of the game and includes everything from the CE and more awesome items like the Asha and Pepelogoo Figurine (18cm / 7.1″), Asha Pixel Pin, a Vinyl Sticker for your console and more.

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – 25th January 2021 – ININ Games and STUDIOARTDINK are happy to present a new trailer for Wonder Boy – Asha in Monster World and reveal the retail packshots for North America, Europe and Australia as well as to provide additional information about the limited and retail editions, their prices and release dates.

New Trailer showing the adventure that awaits Asha & Pepelogoo

We are happy to announce the brand new trailer of Asha in Monster World showing unique characters, teamwork with Asha’s blue sidekick Pepelogoo and gimmick-filled stages. The trailer is packed with lots of content. Whether you’re a longstanding fan of the series or discovering Monster World anew, we hope you sense the beginning of an exciting adventure.

Developed by the original members of Westone Bit

The fully remastered version of Wonder Boy IV is led by none other than it’s creator, Ryuichi Nishizawa. Additionally, he is supported by Shinichi Sakamoto for new and improved music and sound effects, Maki Ōzora for character design and Takanori Kurihara as creative manager to create a worthy remake and new entry to the iconic series.

Experience the dynamic duo Asha and Pepelogoo like never before

Asha is tasked to free the four spirits being confined by evil forces whose origin she discovers throughout her journey. Luckily, she does not have to face this adventure alone, as early on she finds her new companion, a special blue Pepelogoo.

While the story remains true to the original game from 1994, the game is a full remake of Monster World IV, with cell-shaded 3D graphics and 2D gameplay that stays close to the beloved original gameplay as well as enhanced visuals and refined play content. Especially in the event scenes the performance is deepened and the world view is reproduced vividly and colorfully. Plus for the first time in the series, it comes with a character voice – by the popular and talented Japanese voice actress Ai Fairouz.

Including the original Monster World IV

As an ode to the game’s legacy, the beloved original Monster World IV is included in all physical editions of ININ Games. The original game is not included in any of the digital versions, it’s exclusively available in the physical retail and limited editions for North America, Europe and Australia. For the Nintendo Switch, it will be featured on the cartridge, while there will be an exclusive download code included with the PS4 disc version.

Retail Edition

The retail editions for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 will be available at a price of €39,99. As mentioned above, these will also include the original Monster World IV. The Western retail release will be in Q2 2021 for North America, Europe and Australia.

Exclusive, physical editions

Three exclusive limited editions can be pre-ordered only at Strictly Limited Games. All limited editions come with the original Monster World IV:

• The Limited Edition is available for €39.99, limited to 3,500 copies for Nintendo Switch and 1,700 copies for PlayStation 4 worldwide.
• The Collector’s Edition is available for €99.99, limited to 2,500 copies for Nintendo Switch and 1,200 copies for PlayStation 4 worldwide and includes fantastic items to celebrate the game like Monster World Map, 2x OST (Original + Remix), Artbook and a Squishy Ball Pepelogoo and many more.
• The Mega Collector’s Edition is available for €179.99, limited to 999 copies for Nintendo Switch and 499 copies for PlayStation 4 worldwide. This edition celebrates the origins of the game and features everything from the Collector’s Edition and in addition more awesome items like the Asha and Pepelogoo Figurine (18cm / 7.1″), Asha Pixel Pin, a Vinyl Sticker for your console and more.

Join Asha and Pepelogoo in their quest to save the world!

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – 17th December 2020 – ININ Games and STUDIOARTDINK announce the pre-order start of three limited editions for Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World. All three limited editions are available for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, exclusively via the Strictly Limited Games Partner Store. The limited editions as well as the retail editions of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World will be released in 2021.

The original development team behind the wheel

The game is a fully remastered version of the famous Wonder Boy IV from 1994 with the development being led by the creator of the Wonder Boy series, Ryuichi Nishizawa. Nishizawa-san is supported by members of the original development team. Shinichi Sakamoto (sound), Maki Ōzora (character design) and Takanori Kurihara (creative management) are creating the next entry of the beloved series.

Dream team with new features

Asha is chosen to leave her village in order to rescue missing spirits and to save the world. Luckily, she has her blue flying friend Pepelogoo to help her on her adventures.

While the story stays true to the origins, there are many updates and features that will be included in the new Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World:

• For the first time ever: Character voices
• Remastered graphics with a fresh 2.5D design
• New dynamic and impressive cutscenes and animations
• Remastered game sounds & soundtrack by Shinichi Sakamoto
• Additional easy mode, so everyone alike can enjoy the game

The devs listened closely to the fans to make sure that their feedback will be implemented in order to create a stunning fresh take on the Wonder Boy brand that will make gamers happy.

Original Monster World IV included

The beloved original Monster World IV is included in all physical editions. Monster World IV is featured on the cartridge for Nintendo Switch and will be an exclusive download code that comes with the PS4 disc version of Asha in Monster World..

Exclusive, physical editions

The Limited Edition is available for €39.99, limited to 3,500 copies for Nintendo Switch and 1,700 copies for PlayStation 4 worldwide and features:

• Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World game (PS4/NSW)
• Monster World IV original game (PS4/NSW)
• Manual (Mega Drive Style)
• Reversible Variant Cover
• Individually Numbered

The Collector’s Edition is available for €99.99, limited to 2,500 copies for Nintendo Switch and 1,200 copies for PlayStation 4 worldwide and includes:

• Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World game (PS4/NSW)
• Monster World IV original game (PS4/NSW)
• Manual (Mega Drive Style)
• CE Box
• 2-sided Poster
• Monster World Map
• 2 OST (Original + Remix)
• Squishy Ball Pepelogoo
• Sticker
• Artbook
• Shikishi
• Acrylic Standee
• Fridge Magnet
• Stamper

The Mega Collector’s Edition is available for €179.99, limited to 999 copies for Nintendo Switch and 499 copies for PlayStation 4 worldwide. This edition celebrates the origins of the game and features everything from the Collector’s Edition plus:

• Asha and Pepelogoo Figurine (18cm / 7.1″)
• Mega Drive- / Genesis-Style Plastic Case with reversible inlay
• Console-Style Packaging
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Asha Pixel Pin
• Retro-style Registration Card
• Vinyl Sticker for your Console

For all music enthusiasts, there is a limited Vinyl Set with two picture disks with the original soundtrack and the remastered soundtrack. It is limited to 499 sets and is available for €49.99.

Source: PR Email