Wonder Boy Asha In Monster World Review (PlayStation 5)
Our Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World Review tells the story of a real Wonder Boy adventure that stays true to its roots as the latest part of the legendary and successful series, which dates back to 1986.
Wonder Boy Asha In Monster World Review Pros:
- Slick cel-shaded graphics.
- 2.46GB download size.
- Platinum trophy.
- Two difficulties-easy and normal.
- Action platformer gameplay.
- Tutorial signs appear as you play and interact with them.
- Japanese voice and English subtitles.
- In-game cutscenes and character interactions.
- You can skip the cutscenes.
- Reworked soundtrack.
- The game goes from a flat 2D design to a 2.5D design.
- Controls feel tighter than the original.
- All-new animations.
- Interacting with doors and chests can be done with a button rather than a direction.
- A new menu system that is easier to read.
- Lightning-fast loading times. So fast, in fact, you can’t read the tips on the screen.
- Hack and slash combat, press down to use a shield to block enemy attacks/projectiles.
- Supports d-pad and analogue controls.
- Coins to collect in the level in many different ways, and spent in the shops.
- Heart-based life systems and enemies can drop hearts.
- The shield lets you deflect and block attacks.
- Can see enemy health bars.
- Save when you want from the menu.
- Life drops-every ten you collect gives an extra heart/life.
- Save points can be triggered, and they are usually off the path, and you go into the background to get them.
- The tips menu acts as a tutorial and manual.
- You can remap the controls.
- Solid platformer.
- Death options – quit, load the latest save or select a save.
- Big boss fight encounters.
- Puzzle elements are throughout the game.
- Elixir- stored in your inventory and can be used whenever you want to replace hearts.
- Vending machines- pay to replace hearts.
- Shops to buy new swords and shields to improve stats and abilities.
- Magical hit-charges as you kill enemies and allowing you to do higher damage attacks.
- The flow of the levels is a lot clearer and more manageable.
- Does a lot of cool new tricks to reinvigorate life into the 2D world.
- I thought the game looked good on the PlayStation 4, but this version seems like it takes it even further.
Wonder Boy Asha In Monster World Review Cons:
- You can only get the original Monster World VI game with physical copies of the PlayStation 4 version, and I can’t see the PlayStation 5 version mentioned with it.
- Minimal settings.
- I wish you could set game conversations to auto-scroll.
- Constant Difficulty spikes.
- Saving anywhere kind of eliminates a lot of the level difficulties and traversal.
- Little to no replay value.
- Loses a tiny bit of the charm that made the original fun.
- At times, it can be hard to know what is on your level or what is behind or in front of you.
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Wonder Boy Asha In Monster World:
Developer: Bliss Brain Corporation
Publisher: Inin Games
Store Links –
Wonder Boy Asha In Monster World
Summary
Wonder Boy Asha In Monster World – The Thrills and Highlights of Gameplay:
Wonder Boy Asha in Monster World offers a refreshed action-platformer experience packed with puzzle elements, hack-and-slash combat, and interactive level designs. With cel-shaded visuals and a reworked soundtrack, players navigate smoother 2.5D environments, collecting coins, battling bosses, and managing hearts and shields. Tutorials are integrated seamlessly into gameplay via signs, and players enjoy features like magical hit-charges, vending machines for health, and remappable controls. Whether using the d-pad or the analogue, Asha’s adventure presents tight platforming, fast loading times, and an intuitive new menu system.
Wonder Boy Asha In Monster World – Where It Falls Short: Key Negatives:
While Wonder Boy Asha in Monster World brings plenty of modern improvements, it loses some of the original charm. Difficulty spikes disrupt the flow, and saving anywhere reduces the traversal challenge. The PS5 version lacks the original Monster World VI, which is only bundled physically with the PS4 edition. Replay value is limited, and minimal settings mean fewer personalisation options. Visual depth can occasionally make it tricky to determine the playable area, and dialogue can’t be set to auto-scroll, slightly hindering pacing.
Wonder Boy Asha In Monster World – Immersive Story and Narrative Elements:
Staying true to the Wonder Boy legacy, Asha’s journey in Monster World is guided by classic character interactions and cutscenes, with Japanese voice acting supported by English subtitles. Players can skip cutscenes as they please, allowing for both immersive storytelling and speed-focused replay. The adventure follows a reimagined tale steeped in nostalgic charm, offering familiar themes while introducing new elements that support modern storytelling sensibilities.
Wonder Boy Asha In Monster World – Visual and Performance Aspects:
Visually, Wonder Boy Asha in Monster World impresses with cel-shaded graphics that enhance the playful, vibrant tone of the game. The shift to a 2.5D presentation breathes life into familiar designs, accompanied by smoother animations and a streamlined UI. Fast loading times so quick you can’t even read the tips, boost the experience, while enemy health bars and ambient cues keep the action responsive and clear. Compared to the PS4 version, this PS5 edition takes the visual polish further, offering sharper performance across the board.
Wonder Boy Asha In Monster World – Overall Verdict: Is It Worth Playing?:
For fans of retro-inspired action platformers, Wonder Boy Asha in Monster World provides a worthy update to a beloved franchise. Though it’s not without its flaws, the modern touches and gameplay variety elevate the experience. With quality-of-life improvements, quick save options, and engaging visuals, this is a solid pick for those seeking nostalgia layered with convenience. Just be aware of its limited depth for repeat plays and some rough edges in difficulty balancing.
Back of the Box Quotes:
“Wonder Boy Asha In Monster World is retro reborn, bright, bold, and beautifully playable.”
