Developer: Escape

Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair (1988)

Introduction:

Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair is a side-scrolling action-adventure game developed by Westone Bit Entertainment and published by Sega for the Sega Master System in 1988. It is the third installment in the Wonder Boy series, following Wonder Boy (1986) and Wonder Boy in Monster Land (1987). The game was ported to various home computers and consoles, including the Atari ST, Commodore Amiga, and NEC PC Engine.

Story:

The game takes place in the peaceful town of Xenobia, which is under attack by monsters. The player takes control of either Leo, the protagonist of the previous games, or Priscilla, a new character introduced in this installment. Both characters are tasked with finding the Legendary Weapons and using them to defeat the monsters and their leader, the evil Mecha Dragon.

Gameplay:

Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair is a side-scrolling action-adventure game similar to its predecessors. The player controls Leo or Priscilla as they explore various levels, fighting enemies, collecting items, and solving puzzles. The game features a variety of weapons and power-ups, including swords, axes, and magic spells.

One of the unique features of Wonder Boy III is the ability to transform into different animals. By collecting animal orbs, Leo and Priscilla can transform into animals such as lions, birds, and fish, each with their own unique abilities. For example, the lion can breathe fire, the bird can fly, and the fish can swim underwater.

Levels:

The game consists of six levels, each with its own unique theme and enemies. The levels include a forest, a cave, a volcano, an underwater level, and a final castle level. Each level is filled with puzzles, traps, and boss battles.

Characters:

  • Leo: The protagonist of the previous Wonder Boy games, Leo is a young adventurer who wields a sword and shield.
  • Priscilla: A new character introduced in Wonder Boy III, Priscilla is a princess who uses magic spells to fight enemies.
  • Mecha Dragon: The main antagonist of the game, Mecha Dragon is a giant mechanical dragon who terrorizes the town of Xenobia.

Reception:

Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and music. The game was also a hit in arcades, where it was released as a coin-operated arcade game.

Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair has been included in several lists of the best Sega Master System games. In 1989, it was ranked number 12 on IGN’s list of the top 100 Sega Master System games. In 2017, it was ranked number 24 on USgamer’s list of the 150 best Sega Master System games.

Legacy:

Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair is considered one of the best games in the Wonder Boy series. It is also one of the most popular and well-regarded Sega Master System games. The game has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers.

Conclusion:

Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair is a classic side-scrolling action-adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. With its charming graphics, addictive gameplay, and memorable characters, it is a must-play for fans of the Wonder Boy series and retro gaming in general.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Wonder Boy (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Wonder Boy (1986): The Pioneering Platformer That Defined a Genre

Released in 1986 by Sega, Wonder Boy is a seminal platformer that laid the groundwork for countless games to come. Developed by Escape (now known as Westone Bit Entertainment), Wonder Boy was the first in a long-running series of games that would span multiple platforms and spin-offs.

Gameplay

Wonder Boy is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls a young boy named Tom-Tom on a quest to rescue his girlfriend, Tina, from the clutches of the evil King. Tom-Tom must traverse a variety of levels, each filled with enemies, traps, and obstacles. He can attack enemies with his sword or by throwing rocks, and he can also collect power-ups to enhance his abilities.

One of the most innovative aspects of Wonder Boy’s gameplay is its transformation system. By collecting certain items, Tom-Tom can transform into different animals, each with its own unique abilities. For example, the lion can breathe fire, the mouse can fit through small holes, and the bird can fly. This transformation system adds a layer of depth and strategy to the gameplay, as players must carefully choose which animal to transform into in order to overcome each level’s challenges.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Wonder Boy’s graphics were impressive. The game’s colorful and detailed sprites and backgrounds brought the world of Wonder Land to life. The game’s music is also noteworthy, with catchy and upbeat tunes that perfectly complement the gameplay.

Legacy

Wonder Boy was a critical and commercial success, and it quickly became one of Sega’s most popular arcade games. The game’s success spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Wonder Boy in Monster Land, Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair, Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap, Wonder Boy in Monster World, and Monster World IV. The Wonder Boy series has sold over 4 million copies worldwide, and it is still considered to be one of the greatest platformer series of all time.

In addition to its sequels, Wonder Boy also inspired a number of other platformer games, including Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, and Donkey Kong Country. The game’s transformation system has also been imitated in many other games, including Metroid, Castlevania, and Mega Man.

Critical Reception

Wonder Boy was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the game’s innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Wonder Boy Today

Wonder Boy is still enjoyed by gamers today, both on its original arcade hardware and on a variety of modern platforms. The game has been ported to numerous home consoles and computers, and it is also available on mobile devices. In 2017, a remake of Wonder Boy was released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Conclusion

Wonder Boy is a classic platformer that deserves its place in the pantheon of great video games. Its innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music have made it a timeless classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Whether you’re a fan of platformers, retro gaming, or simply great games, Wonder Boy is a must-play.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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