Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is set to be a remake of Monster World IV for the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive and has gotten mixed reactions from fans since it was announced but I can say this new trailer looks a lot better than the previous ones.
The game is set to come out May 28th and cost $39.99 (at least the physical versions)!
In case you didn’t know, Japanese publisher G Choice and Studio Artdink are bringing Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World to the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Steam on April 22nd in Japan. Western publisher ININ Games plans for an “early 2021” for both PlayStation 4 and Switch. The game is a remaster of Monster World IV, and it has been confirmed that the original game will be included as a bonus. The latest trailer showcases Pepelogoo, Asha’s round and blue buddy.
We’ll share more news about the upcoming remake as we hear it!
One of the coolest resurrections in recent years has been the return of the Wonder Boy franchise. We have literally almost gotten a new entry in so many different aspects that I think all Wonder Boy fans will be happy from a remake of the first game, LizardCube remaking Wonder Boy and the Dragon’s Trap, a new entry with Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, and now we are getting a remake of Monster World IV; with Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World.
Japanese publisher for the title, G Choice, has come out with developer Studio Artdink to confirm that Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World will launch on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Steam on April 22nd in Japan. The publisher also has two versions of the game on Switch, the regular version (3,980 yen) and the “Special Pack” (5,980 yen) that comes with a collectors box, two art books (one 80 pages, other 40 pages) and the game.
Western publisher ININ Games has come out and said that Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is planned for a “early 2021” for both PlayStation 4 and Switch. Also something cool, this game will come with the original Monster World IV!
[Source Gematsu]
While the build up to GDC 2020 has been steady up to it’s March 16th opening, the official website has been updated with a list of exhibits detailing the latest games from different developers. However when browsing the list of developers and games, one currently unannounced title is listed as “Wonder Boy Universe: Asha in Monster World“. No specifics have been detailed on this title, but the name implies that it will be related to the Mega Drive game Monster World IV and is confirmed to be developed by Studio Artdink. Artdink for reference is a development studio best known for the A-Train series of train simulator titles, along with experimental games such as No One Can Stop Mr. Domino and Aquanaut’s Holiday.
We likely won’t get any official word until GDC 2020 officially opens, but in the meanwhile you can play the original Monster World IV on the SEGA Genesis Mini to pass the time.
Over the years, video game franchises have come in many styles. Platforming, fighting, puzzle, shooting, the list is never ending. But one thing many franchises have in common is that they have to start somewhere, setting up the foundation for future titles to follow up and improve on. However, on occasion, something happens down the line that causes the franchise to become twisted, causing things to become complicated. Copyright issues might make the prospect of new titles impossible so spiritual successors might be necessary (For example Bayonetta being the successor to Devil May Cry), or the franchise suffers from an identity crisis when localized like with Puyo Puyo, or games having inconsistent releases cause confusion like the infamous Final Fantasy I to VI problem.
By far one of the most curious cases is with a franchise called Wonder Boy (Aka Monster World).
Today is the launch day for the Xbox One in America, and as people head to stores to pick up the latest console, the Xbox 360 officially becomes a “last gen” machine. Last week George named the five best SEGA titles to grace the Playstation 3, and seeing as how I’m the site’s Xbox guy, I thought I’d do the same for the Xbox 360. As with George’s list, these are my personal picks, so feel free to add any titles in the comments section!
From the SEGA Blog comes news that is a surprise to nobody: The third wave of Vintage Collection titles are hitting XBLA and PSN next week. What we did not know were the dates and prices, thankfully SEGA has that covered. On May 22nd, PSN will receive the following titles for $4.99 each: Wonder Boy in Monster Land (Arcade), Wonder Boy in Monster World (Mega Drive), Monster World IV (Genesis/Mega Drive), Super Hang-On (Arcade), Revenge of Shinobi (Genesis/Mega Drive), Alex Kidd in Miracle World (Master System).
On May 23rd, XBLA will receive the following compilations: Monster World Collection (800 MSP) includes Wonder Boy in Monster Land (Arcade), Wonder Boy in Monster World (Genesis/Mega Drive) and Monster World IV (Genesis/Mega Drive). Alex Kidd & Co. Collection (800 MSP) includes Super Hang-On (Arcade), The Revenge of Shinobi (Genesis/Mega Drive) and Alex Kidd in Miracle World (Master System). But thats not all! After the break, more games, dates and prices.
Edit: Updated headline, joke still works.
The long awaited Monster World IV, as well as Super Hang-On and Wonder Boy in Monster Land, are now available to download on the American WiiWare Virtual Console. Each game is 900 Wii Store points, or around $9. If you have a PS3 or XBOX 360, it might be best to wait for the upcoming compilations which will feature sharper visuals, a slicker interface and more games for your buck. Still, great to see Monster World IV finally getting a release. We were talking about it as far back as this time last year.
A little over a week back, we featured screens of two new SEGA Vintage Collection releases. One bundles together three Monster World games, including the newly translated Monster World IV. The second collection brings together three SEGA classics: Alex Kidd in Miracle World, The Revenge of Shinobi and Super Hang On. Thanks to Siliconera, we have even more screens to show of the collections. The coolest of these screens shows off the Alex Kidd menu, which confirms that Hang On will be the arcade version, thus making the collection a sampler of Master System, Genesis and arcade SEGA classics. After the break, take a look at even more screens including more menu shots!
Thanks to the spoileriffic xbox360achievements.org, two XBLA SEGA Vintage Collections have been revealed! Unlike past Vintage Collection releases, these bundle three games in one. The first collection is Alex Kidd & Company. A weird collection, the release combines Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Revenge of Shinobi and Super Hang-On. Because, you know, those all go well together. Thankfully, this odd assortment will have some cool features: an option to turn on the original Japanese dialogue in Alex Kidd, a 3D mode for Super Hang-On and in-game juke boxes.
The second collection is really exciting: Wonder Boy’s Monster World trilogy! The Monster World collection has Wonder Boy in Monster Land, Wonder Boy in Monster World and the long awaited english version of Monster World IV. Screens reveal an awesome 3D menu of a Monster World themed room, complete with an arcade machine and two Genesis consoles. Both collections will have leaderboards, achievements, recordable and downloadable game sessions and new trial modes. SEGA has not officially announced the titles, nor have they mentioned a release date, but they’re sure to soon. After the break, check out the many screens!
SEGA Europe has announced the return of the Vintage Collection for Playstation Network and Virtual Console. This collection is going to have Wonder Boy series games, so don’t leave just yet!
Titles in the collection:
Not that bad, since Monster World IV has never had a western release before. The collection is expected to come out late 2011 to early 2012.
[Source: SEGAEurope]
Damn right! Monster World IV wasn’t released here in America and it feels good having something like this to look forward to. The game originally came out on the Genesis/Mega Drive, so expect some of those glorious 16-bit graphics.
The info comes from ESRB, who rated the title for both XBLA and PSN. If you remember we posted a rating story for this game before, Australian rating. Can we pretty much confirm it now?
Oddly enough Wiiware wasn’t on there, even thought it has gotten Monster World games, including this one in Japan. Odd?
[Source: Joystiq]
If you asked me to name an underrated Sega game or series I would have a lot to choose from, but perhaps it’s the entire Monster World aka Wonder Boy series which has been most criminally underrated over the years. I rarely see anyone talking about this fantasitc series anymore and it makes me a sad, sad man.
Monster World IV aka Wonder Boy VI (Confusing right?) Is not only the best game in the series it’s also one of the most beautiful games on the MegaDrive/Genesis period. But worst of all it didn’t even make it out of Japan!
But now this may be rectified. Over at the OFLC (Australia rating board) a rating for Monster World IV has been spotted. What does this mean? It means I’m now courteously optimistic that Sega has seen the light and decided to bring us Monster World IV! Possibly on XBLA, PSN, Wiiware or Steam, maybe all four! Wouldn’t that be a treat?
Is my dream of a brand new Wonder Boy/Monster World game one step closer? It would look amazing on the Hedgehog Engine in a 2D point of view… Please Sega?