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Review: Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom (Steam)

by · Published · Updated

A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure! Enjoy a colorful action-adventure game made alongside Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of the original Wonder Boy in Monster World series.

Pros:

  • Cartoon graphics.
  • 5133Mb Download size.
  • Controller support.
  • Can rebind controls for both controller and keyboard.
  • Gamepad icons- Auto, Steam controller, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch Pro
  • Graphics-Fullscreen, Resolution, V-Sync, Framerate limiter (60hz max), Texture quality preset, Reduce flashing light, Ultrawide border design, and Ultrawide Hud position.
  • Opening video language choice- Japanese/English.
  • 10 save slots.
  • Change text size.
  • Cartoon cutscenes.
  • Steam achievements.
  • Trading cards.
  • Action-platformer gameplay.
  • Big boss battles.
  • Hidden music notes to find.
  • Earn/find coins and is the currency in the game.
  • Potion- Fills your hearts as soon as you run out.
  • Many generous checkpoints.
  • Looks really good.
  • Minimal loading times.
  • Cracking soundtrack.
  • Over completion percentage on your save file.
  • Easy to use inventory system.
  • Slots/loadout- Weapons/shields/armour/Bracelet and boots.
  • Difficult.
  • Levels are deceptively bigger than they seem thanks to new items and gear opening up new areas or allowing you to discover further.
  • Puzzle elements.
  • Well polished.
  • Take on the form of many creatures bringing unique abilities and really changes up how you play the game.
  • Tight controls.
  • Can change options in the game.
  • Very easy to get into.
  • Items/loot can change how the game works like heavy boots allow you to go underwater for example. You can swap out items quickly.
  • Replay value in that with new items you can unlock secrets and alternate paths.
  • A proper sense of adventure.
  • Feels like a modern old game.
  • Looks cheerful and happy but is surprisingly tough.
  • Some very clever mechanics.
  • Brilliant level design.

Cons:

  • No real tutorial.
  • Few weird hit detection issues.
  • Difficult.
  • No voicework in-game.
  • Once you finish the story there is little to go back for.

  • 9/10
    Graphics - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Sound - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Accessibility - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Length - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Fun Factor - 9/10
9/10

Summary

Straight from the off, you are treated to an explosion of color and hand-drawn graphics that do nothing but raise a smile. For what has happened here is they have managed to make a deep meaningful action platformer game feel old but look modern, I in no way mean old is a bad  thing, Far from it, What I mean is it has the difficulty of a hard game, Unforgiving sections of play but keeps it light enough that you want to continuously come back for more. If the game were a particular moment in time it would be a lazy Sunday afternoon, Sun beating down but you have the sense of adventure but no energy to lift yourself up from the chair. I mean the game is hard but fair, Short but memorable, Powerful yet soul-destroying at times. It will have you remembering the good old games and evokes the Wonder Boy name whilst carving out its own history. Changing into other creatures with new abilities gives the feeling of many games encased in one collection. Boss fights require you to think and act, Platforming can be tough but man oh man is the game a lot of fun.

Jim Smale

Gaming since the Atari 2600, I enjoy the weirdness in games counting Densha De Go and RC De Go as my favourite titles of all time. I prefer gaming of old where buying games from a shop was a thing, Being social in person was a thing. Join me as I attempt to adapt to this new digital age!