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CRITIK

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World
Item: Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Platformer, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableMay 28, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperArtdink

Overview

Asha, the warrior protagonist of the game, is involved in a serious incident that will affect the survival of her world. Our green-haired heroine doesn’t have to save the world all alone, and sets off on an adventure with her cute flying friend, the blue Pepelogoo. Asha and the Pepelogoo have to work together to become the heroes the world needs them to be. The road ahead is long - will they be able to save their world?

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

89%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World are generally positive. Many critics appreciate the simplicity of the story, which they feel works well for a colorful platformer like this. IGN, GameSpew, and Noisy Pixel all mention that the story provides good motivation without getting in the way of the action. PC Invasion and Gaming Age highlight the typical premise of saving a kingdom from a great evil, which they find engaging. TheSixthAxis and Worth Playing note that the game follows a standard plot for a 90s era platformer, which may appeal to players seeking nostalgia. COGconnected and Daily Star appreciate the game's faithfulness to the original game's story and its middle-eastern inspired setting. On the negative side, some critics find the story to be simple and lacking depth. Digital Chumps and Siliconera mention that the story is not substantial, with NPCs having little value to say. PlayStation LifeStyle and Pure Nintendo criticize the linear nature of the adventure, with little emphasis on exploration. NintendoWorldReport and Screen Rant describe the story as light and serving as a framework for the gameplay. These critics may have preferred a more intricate or immersive narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is simple but effective. It provides good motivation for the gameplay without overshadowing the action. The typical premise of saving a kingdom from evil, combined with the game's colorful visuals and nostalgic appeal, resonates with many reviewers. However, some critics feel that the story lacks depth and complexity, with little emphasis on exploration or meaningful NPC interactions. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers find the story to be enjoyable and fitting for a platformer game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics generally praise Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World's simple yet effective story, providing good motivation without overshadowing the action. The game's typical premise of saving a kingdom from evil, combined with its colorful visuals and nostalgic appeal, resonates well. However, some critics feel the story lacks depth and exploration opportunities, with limited NPC interactions. Overall, while some find the story lacking, most reviewers enjoy its fitting simplicity for a platformer game.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

34%

Negative (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World are quite varied. Some critics, such as PC Invasion and GameSpew, find the gameplay to be enjoyable and satisfying. They appreciate the simple controls, responsive movements, and varied environments. The addition of light puzzling and the ability to upgrade weapons and shields also add depth to the gameplay experience. Critics like Worth Playing and Video Chums highlight the tight controls, intricate level design, and sufficient moveset of the protagonist. They find the combat to be relatively mindless but enjoyable. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the gameplay. IGN, God is a Geek, TheSixthAxis, and Digital Chumps criticize the gameplay for being simplistic, outdated, and lacking depth. They mention limited moves, frustrating mechanics like backtracking and rote memorization, and uneventful combat. Nintendo Enthusiast and NintendoWorldReport find the gameplay frustrating and lacking in level design. They point out rough edges and confusing objectives. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World offers a mix of positive and negative gameplay elements. While some critics appreciate the simplicity and enjoyability of the platforming, combat, and exploration, others find it lacking in depth and innovation. The game's faithful adaptation of the original Wonder Boy gameplay is praised by critics like Siliconera and Starbit. However, the outdated mechanics and lack of thought-provoking elements are criticized by critics such as GameCritics and Pure Nintendo. Despite the mixed opinions, the majority of critics acknowledge the game's nostalgic appeal and its ability to provide a fun and simple adventure for players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics are divided on Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World gameplay. Some praise its enjoyable controls, varied environments, and upgrade options. Others criticize it for being simplistic, outdated, and lacking depth. While some appreciate its nostalgic charm, others find it frustrating and lacking innovation. Overall, the game offers a mix of positive and negative gameplay elements, with opinions split among critics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World are varied. There are several positive aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Critics like Gaming Age and Push Square praise the game's visuals, stating that the graphics have been redrawn and animated with superb attention to detail, offering a clean and delightful experience. Noisy Pixel and Daily Star also commend the game's art direction, describing it as beautiful, vibrant, and colorful, with each area feeling like stepping into a picture book. The high-definition coat of paint in Switch Player's opinion injects life into the game and showcases what a 25-year-old game could look like with modern graphical technology. However, there are also negative opinions expressed by some critics. IGN, TheSixthAxis, and Nintendo Enthusiast criticize the graphical treatment, considering it a significant downgrade from previous games in the series. IGN even goes as far as describing the world as looking like a cheap knockoff. TheSixthAxis points out issues with the animation, stating that several key frames are missing, resulting in flat movements. CGMagazine and NintendoWorldReport find the 3D graphics to be bland and lacking the original charm, with uneven character models. COGconnected also mentions that the 2.5D presentation can sometimes make it difficult to tell where things are or conceal monsters behind parts of the foreground. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive opinions regarding the visuals, with praise for the attention to detail, vibrant colors, and delightful animations, there are also criticisms of the graphical treatment, including a perceived downgrade from previous games, issues with animation, and a lack of original flavor or flair. However, it is worth noting that some critics, such as Pure Nintendo and The Mako Reactor, appreciate the game's ability to capture the charm of the original while revamping it with a cel-shaded design. Despite the mixed opinions, the general sentiment leans towards a positive perception of the graphics and visual design, with many critics highlighting the game's vibrant and colorful world.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World. Some praise the attention to detail and vibrant colors, while others criticize it as a downgrade with flat animations and bland 3D graphics. Overall, opinions are divided, but many appreciate the game's charming cel-shaded design and colorful world.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World are generally positive. Many critics, such as Gaming Age and PlayStation LifeStyle, praise the overall presentation and orchestral soundtrack, stating that it complements the gameplay and adds to the overall experience. Noisy Pixel also highlights the sensational quality of the soundtrack, particularly the dungeon themes that provide a distinct identity to each area. The inclusion of Japanese voice overs, as mentioned by Gaming Age and But Why Tho??, adds charm and enhances the immersion of the game. The updated sound effects, as noted by Push Square and Video Chums, are also appreciated by critics. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the repetitiveness of the soundtrack. IGN mentions that the main theme can become repetitive on longer levels, while Worth Playing and Impulsegamer feel that certain tracks may be repetitive. However, these criticisms are not overwhelmingly negative, as the overall quality of the music is still praised by Worth Playing and Impulsegamer. In conclusion, the majority of critics have a positive view of the Sound Design and Music of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World. The inclusion of Japanese voice overs, orchestral soundtrack, and updated sound effects are widely appreciated. The dungeon themes, in particular, are highlighted for their ability to provide a distinct identity to each area. While there are some concerns about repetitiveness in certain tracks, the overall consensus is that the music enhances the overall experience of the game and stays true to the spirit of the original Wonder Boy games. Critics such as Gaming Age, PlayStation LifeStyle, and The Mako Reactor specifically support these positive aspects of the Sound Design and Music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World for its captivating sound design and music, with the orchestral soundtrack and Japanese voice overs adding charm and enhancing the gameplay immersion. While some critics note concerns about repetitive tracks, overall, the majority view the music positively, especially highlighting the dungeon themes for their unique touch. Critics like Gaming Age and PlayStation LifeStyle commend the game's sound design for complementing the gameplay and staying true to the original Wonder Boy spirit.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World are varied. Some critics, such as But Why Tho??, appreciate the new Japanese voice acting, stating that it makes the characters more lovable. This positive feedback suggests that the voice actors successfully bring depth and emotion to their performances, enhancing the overall experience of the game. Additionally, Switch Player notes that despite the voice acting being in Japanese, it manages to create a feel-good atmosphere with an English-speaking audience. This indicates that the voice actors effectively convey the intended emotions and tone, transcending language barriers and resonating with players. On the other hand, Worth Playing criticizes the inconsistency in the use of full speech or guttural noises in the game's cutscenes. This inconsistency can be seen as a negative aspect of the voice acting, as it may disrupt the immersion and coherence of the narrative. Furthermore, Hardcore Gamer mentions that while major characters have voice clips, there is a lack of further details or evaluation. This lack of elaboration suggests that the voice acting may not have left a strong impression on the reviewer, potentially indicating a lack of standout performances or memorable moments. Overall, the consensus among the critics is generally positive towards the voice acting in Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World. The positive aspects highlighted by But Why Tho?? and Switch Player, such as the lovable characters and the ability to create a feel-good atmosphere, suggest that the voice acting contributes positively to the game's overall experience. While there are criticisms raised by Worth Playing and Hardcore Gamer regarding the inconsistency and lack of evaluation, these issues do not seem to overshadow the overall positive sentiment towards the voice acting. Therefore, it can be concluded that the voice acting in Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is mostly good, as mentioned by The Mako Reactor.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World. Some praise the new Japanese voice acting for adding depth and emotion to characters, creating a lovable experience. Despite some inconsistency and lack of detail noted by others, overall, the voice acting is seen positively for its ability to resonate with players and enhance the game's atmosphere.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on PC, the majority of critics had positive experiences. PC Invasion commends the game for running at an uncapped framerate, providing a smooth and fluid gameplay experience. Ragequit.gr also praises the technical aspect, highlighting the game's transition to full 3D. However, PC Invasion does mention an issue with puzzle doors in the first ice pyramid not working properly at high framerates, which could potentially hinder the gameplay experience for some players. On the PS4, the technical performance of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is generally well-received. PlayStation LifeStyle describes it as an (almost) bug-free experience, indicating good technical performance and stability. Video Chums notes occasional graphical and auditory stutters but states that they do not occur frequently. Worth Playing adds that the game runs at a smooth 60fps most of the time, although it does criticize the poor translation job with missing punctuation and spacing, which could impact the overall immersion. For the Nintendo Switch, the opinions on the technical performance are more mixed. But Why Tho?? mentions fairly stable performance but notes noticeable frame rate drops during certain situations. CGMagazine describes the game's performance as locked at 30FPS with occasional dips, making it feel sluggish and less responsive than the original. Impulsegamer and Siliconera both point out occasional framerate drop-offs, while The Mako Reactor highlights frame pacing issues and occasional slowdown. However, The Mako Reactor does mention that the load times are quick on the Switch. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World delivers a solid technical performance across all platforms, with some minor issues present. The PS4 version seems to offer the most stable experience, with the game being described as (almost) bug-free. PC reviewers appreciate the uncapped framerate and the transition to full 3D, but there are reports of specific issues, such as puzzle door malfunctions. The Nintendo Switch version receives mixed feedback, with stability being mentioned positively, but frame rate drops and occasional performance issues being noted. It is important to consider these technical aspects alongside other factors, such as gameplay and content, when deciding which platform to experience Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World on.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World for solid technical performance on PC and PS4, with smooth gameplay and few bugs. PC version has uncapped framerate and transition to 3D, but some issues with puzzle doors. PS4 version offers almost bug-free experience, while Switch version shows mixed feedback with stable performance but noticeable frame rate drops. Overall, game delivers good technical performance across platforms but minor issues exist. Consider technical aspects along with gameplay and content when choosing a platform.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World are quite varied. Some critics highlight positive aspects that contribute to the game's replayability. PC Invasion mentions the collectibles and true ending that can be unlocked by collecting all 200 life drops, providing an incentive for players to revisit the game. CGMagazine also mentions hidden treasure and ways to proceed further in the main game, suggesting that there are additional elements to discover and explore. However, there are also negative aspects that impact the replay value of the game. Ragequit.gr notes that achieving 100% completion requires multiple playthroughs or a lot of grind, which may deter some players. PlayStation LifeStyle mentions a point of no return late in the game, limiting the ability to backtrack and find missed items, which could be disappointing for completionists. TheSixthAxis criticizes the limited run-time and the gameplay becoming overly familiar, suggesting that the lack of variety and freshness diminishes the game's replay value. Worth Playing also points out the lack of incentives to keep playing once the game is completed, which may leave players wanting more. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception regarding the replay value of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World. While there are positive aspects such as collectibles, hidden treasures, and ways to proceed further in the main game, the negative aspects such as limited run-time, lack of incentives, and familiarity in gameplay hinder the game's replayability. Critics like COGconnected and Switch Player emphasize the game's replay value, but their opinions are outweighed by critics like TheSixthAxis and Screen Rant, who highlight the game's shortcomings in this aspect. It is worth noting that The Mako Reactor mentions the inclusion of the original Monster World IV as a bonus in the retail release, which could potentially add replay value for fans of the series.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World. Positive aspects like collectibles and hidden treasures add replayability, but negative factors such as grind for completion, limited backtracking, and lack of variety dampen the experience. While some praise its replay value, others criticize its shortcomings, making it a mixed bag for players seeking lasting appeal.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

26%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple critics regarding the overall verdict of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Starting with the positives, several critics commend the game for its charming visuals and delightful character design. Critics such as Noisy Pixel and COGconnected appreciate the pleasant journey and the endearing protagonists, which add to the overall enjoyment of the game. The tight gameplay and rewarding upgrades are also praised by Video Chums and GameSkinny, further emphasizing the positive aspects of the game. Additionally, PlayStation LifeStyle and Push Square recommend the game to fans of traditional platformers, highlighting the refinements made in the remake. However, there are also negative aspects that critics point out. Some critics, including IGN and TheSixthAxis, criticize the game for feeling old and lacking in fun compared to other platformers. The uninspired gameplay, lackluster visuals, and tedious traversal mechanics are mentioned as disappointments by TheSixthAxis. Furthermore, GameCritics and Nintendo Enthusiast express their reservations, stating that unless one is a hardcore fan of classic platform titles or seeking nostalgia, there may not be much to recommend about Asha in Monster World. Taking into account the overall consensus of the critics, it is clear that opinions are divided. While some critics, such as PC Invasion and Worth Playing, suggest that the game is Worth Playing for fans of action platformers and faithful to the original, others like GameSpew and Digital Chumps believe that better side-scrolling adventure games exist or that the game lacks depth. The positive aspects of the game, such as its charming visuals and enjoyable gameplay, are acknowledged by critics like Pure Nintendo and Impulsegamer. However, the negative aspects, such as outdated mechanics and uninspired gameplay, are also highlighted by critics like God is a Geek and GameCritics. In conclusion, the overall verdict of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a mixed one. While there are positive aspects such as the charming visuals and enjoyable gameplay, there are also negative aspects such as outdated mechanics and uninspired gameplay. The opinions of the critics are divided, with some recommending the game for fans of the series or traditional platformers, while others express reservations and suggest that it may not appeal to those seeking a more modern gaming experience. Ultimately, individual preferences and expectations will play a significant role in determining whether Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a game worth experiencing.

TL;DR

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World receives mixed reviews from critics. Positive aspects include charming visuals and enjoyable gameplay, recommended for fans of traditional platformers. However, criticisms include outdated mechanics and uninspired gameplay, leading to divided opinions on the overall verdict of the game.

CRITIK

Reviews

104 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

May 28, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as a nostalgic good time with reimagined visuals that enhance the experience. It is recommended for RPG and platformer fans, as well as newcomers to the series.

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Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Jun 2, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as polished and highly enjoyable.

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Video Chums

PlayStation 4

May 21, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as a lovely experience with tight gameplay, adorable visuals, and rewarding upgrades, but it could use more gameplay mechanics and some elements haven't aged well.

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Hardcore Gamer

Nintendo Switch

Jun 1, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World as one of the finest 2D side-scrolling platformers on the market and the best remake of a classic game in quite some time.

Push Square

PlayStation 4

May 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a fantastic remake. While the save system feels as though it is painfully stuck in the past, every other aspect of the game is lovingly remade. For newcomers and longtime fans alike, this is a great adventure that you will certainly fall in love with.

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Starbit

Nintendo Switch

Jun 3, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game improves visually and sonically while staying true to the original. It also offers a more accessible mode for newcomers and includes the original game in the physical version. The only negative point mentioned is the slow pace in longer levels.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 4

Jun 3, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Engaging gameplay, worth the time, but better side-scrolling adventure games exist.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Jun 21, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is recommended for those who enjoy traditional platformers and appreciate the refinements made in the remake. However, those who prefer modern platformers may not find it as appealing.

Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 4

May 28, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World stands out as a pleasant journey with congenial level design, delightful visuals, and an uncomplicated but effective gameplay loop. There is untapped potential, especially regarding enemy design.

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Ragequit.gr

Jul 28, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Wonder Boy: Asha in the Monster World is a simple and unadorned game that offers a time capsule of feelgood vibes. It is a proposal of academic interest for skilled players and a call to action for younger audiences.

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