Wonder Boy in Monster World

From Sega Retro

For the Brazilian version, see Turma da Mônica na Terra dos Monstros.

n/a

  • Sega Mega Drive
    NTSC-U/PAL
  • Sega Mega Drive
    NTSC-J
  • Master System

WBiMW Title.png

WonderBoyV MD JP TitleScreen.png

WBiMW SMS Title.png

Wonder Boy in Monster World
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System, Virtual Console, Steam
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Genre: Action[4][5][6][7]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
JP
¥7,000 (7,210)7,000e[8] G-5509
Sega Mega Drive
US
$54.9554.95[10] 1026
Sega Mega Drive
EU
1026
Sega Mega Drive
PT
Sega Mega Drive
UK
£39.9939.99[13] 1026
Sega Mega Drive
SE
(Rental)
Sega Mega Drive
AU
Sega Mega Drive
AU
(Gold)
FWON01SMC
Sega Mega Drive
CA
Sega Mega Drive
KR
GM8017JG
Sega Master System
EU
9012
Sega Master System
EU
(Classic)
9012-50
Sega Master System
PT
Sega Master System
UK
£32.9932.99[15] 9012
Sega Master System
AU
Sega Master System
KR
GB4021JG
Wii Virtual Console
JP
600pts600[18]
CERO: A
Wii Virtual Console
US
800pts800[19]
ESRB: Everyone
Wii Virtual Console
EU
800pts800[20]
PEGI: 7+
Wii Virtual Console
AU
800pts800[22]
OFLC: Parental Guidance (PG)
Sony PlayStation 3
JP
¥571 (600)571 (600)[23] NPJB-00091
CERO: A
Sony PlayStation 3
US
$4.994.99[24] NPUB-30327
ESRB: Everyone
Sony PlayStation 3
EU
€4.494.49[27] NPEB-00411
PEGI: 7+
Sony PlayStation 3
DE
€4.494.49[28] NPEB-00411
USK: 0
Sony PlayStation 3
UK
£3.693.69[26] NPEB-00411
PEGI: 7+
Sony PlayStation 3
AU
$6.756.75[29] NPEB-00411
OFLC: General (G)
Sony PlayStation 3
KR
₩6,3006,300[25] NPHB-00253
GRB: All
Sony PlayStation 3
TW
NT$159159[30] NPHB-00253
GSRR: 0+
Steam
US
$2.992.99[32] 211209
ESRB: Everyone
Steam
EU
€2.492.49[32] 211209
PEGI: 7+
Steam
UK
£1.991.99[32] 211209
PEGI: 7+
Steam
AU
$3.493.49[32] 211209
OFLC: General (G)
Steam Linux
US
$0.990.99[34] 211209
ESRB: Everyone
Steam Linux
EU
€0.990.99[34] 211209
PEGI: 7+
Steam Linux
UK
£0.790.79[34] 211209
PEGI: 7+
Steam Linux
AU
$1.351.35[34] 211209
OFLC: General (G)
Steam OS X
US
$0.990.99[34] 211209
ESRB: Everyone
Steam OS X
EU
€0.990.99[34] 211209
PEGI: 7+
Steam OS X
UK
£0.790.79[34] 211209
PEGI: 7+
Steam OS X
AU
$1.351.35[34] 211209
OFLC: General (G)

Wonder Boy in Monster World, known as Wonder Boy V: Monster World III (ワンダーボーイV モンスターワールドIII) in Japan, is an action game released for the Sega Mega Drive and Sega Master System in 1991 and 1993 respectively. It is the fifth game in the Wonder Boy series and a direct sequel to Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap (Monster World II: Dragon no Wana).

Story

For hundreds of years Monster World had been in peace, until one day when an army of monsters begins causing trouble in the fairy village of Alsedo. When Queen Eleanora went to the nearby town, Purapril, about the situation, she has discovered that the monster problem has also spread to other towns across Monster World, with villagers fearing for their lives each day, powerless to stop the monsters. At this point, a young warrior by the name of Shion vows to defeat the monsters and make Monster World peaceful again.

Gameplay

While Wonder Boy in Monster World clearly plays tribute to Wonder Boy in Monster Land (Monster World) and Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap (Monster World II) it is technically not a sequel to either of them, and doesn't even feature Wonder Boy as its main character. Instead, players control "Shion" to save Monster Land from the alien BioMeka.

Unlike The Dragon's Trap there is no concept of transformations. Instead the game plays similarly to its predecessor, with the player traversing the world, defeating enemies and collecting coins to purchase equipment upgrades.

More of an emphasis is put on the story in Wonder Boy in Monster World. While Shion doesn't speak, other characters do, as opposed to previous games where in-game text could only be found in shops.

Achievements

Main article: Wonder Boy in Monster World/Achievements.

History

Legacy

Wonder Boy in Monster World was ported several years later on PC Engine CD / TurboGrafx-CD, in 1994, in the form of Dynastic Hero with many changes during the transition. In the same way as Wonder Boy in Monster Land which became Bikkuriman World on PC Engine, Dynastic Hero lacks all Wonder Boy branding and therefore features palette-swapped visuals, new insect-themed graphics for main characters and insects' natural predators as bosses. A Red Book audio soundtrack, which is completely different from original, now takes place and anime-style cutscenes have been added at the intro and ending. Due to the PC Engine CD / TurboGrafx-CD lacks of support for a second background layer, the parallax have been removed. lastly, it should be noted that, oddly, in this version all but last shield look the same.

Both Wonder Boy in Monster World (Mega Drive) and The Dynastic Hero have been released for the Wii's Virtual Console service.

Tec Toy published a sprite edit in Brazil as Turma da Monica na Terra dos Monstros in 1994.

For 21 years, Wonder Boy in Monster World stood as the last title in the series to be released in English, its sequel, Monster World IV being a Japanese exclusive until an official translation was brought to western shores in 2012 (eighteen years after its original release).

Comic adaptation

Sonic the Comic included few "Wonder Boy" comic strips, the plot taking place after Wonder Boy in Monster World. The story arcs are: "Wonder Boy in Demon World" (issue #2 to issue #9) and "Wonder Boy in Ghost World" (#22 to #27).

Versions

Localised names

Also known as
Language Localised Name English Translation
English Wonder Boy in Monster World Wonder Boy in Monster World
English (US) Wonder Boy in Monster World Wonder Boy in Monster World
Japanese ワンダーボーイV モンスターワールドIII Wonder Boy V: Monster World III

Production credits

Main article: Wonder Boy in Monster World/Production credits.

Mega Drive version

Source:
In-game credits
Wonder Boy in Monster World MD credits.pdf
[35]

Source:
Sega TV Game Genga Gallery[36]


Digital manuals

Magazine articles

Main article: Wonder Boy in Monster World/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1991-11: "November 1991" (1991-10-08)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Game Champ (KR) #1993-10: "xxxx" (199x-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
40
[37]
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
60
[38]
Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
52
[39]
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
80
[40]
Consoles + (FR)
92
[41]
Console XS (UK) PAL
82
[42]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
63
[43]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1 (RU)
60
[44]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
88
[45]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
68
[46]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
85
[10]
Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
70
[47]
Hippon Super (JP) NTSC-J
70
[48]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
86
[49]
Igry Sega Luchshiye iz luchshikh. Vypusk 1 (RU)
75
[50]
Joypad (FR) NTSC-J
91
[51]
Joystick (FR) NTSC-J
90
[52]
Mega Drive Fan (JP) NTSC-J
75
[53]
Mega Force (FR)
85
[54]
MegaTech (UK) PAL
90
[55]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
68
[56]
Micro News (FR)
75
[57]
Mean Machines (UK) PAL
88
[58]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
88
[59]
Player One (FR)
85
[60]
Play Time (DE)
83
[61]
Power Play (DE)
84
[62]
Power Play (DE)
86
[63]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
79
[64]
Sega Force (UK)
84
[65]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
81
[66]
Supersonic (FR)
92
[67]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
68
[68]
Video Games (DE)
84
[69]
Sega Mega Drive
78
Based on
34 reviews

Wonder Boy in Monster World

Mega Drive, JP
WBiML MD JP Box.jpg
Cover
WonderBoy5MW3 MD JP CartTop.jpg
WBiML MD JP Cart.jpg
Cart
Mega Drive, US
WBiML MD US Box.jpg
Cover
WBiMW MD US Cart.jpg
Cart
WBiMW md us manual.pdf
Manual
WBiMW MD US pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, EU
WBiMW MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
WBiMW MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
WonderBoy in MonsterWorld MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
WBiMW MD EU pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, PT
WBiMW MD PT cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, SE rental (HENT black)
WonderBoyInMonsterWorld MD SE Rental Box back.jpgNospine.pngWonderBoyInMonsterWorld MD SE Rental Box.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, SE rental (HENT orange)
WonderBoyInMonsterWorld MD SE Rental ALT Box back.jpgNospine.pngWonderBoyInMonsterWorld MD SE Rental ALT Box.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, AU
WBiMW MD AU cover.jpg
Cover
WBiMW MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Wonder Boy in MonsterWorld MD AU Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, AU (Sega Gold Collection)
WBiMW MD AU Box Gold.jpg
Cover
WBiMW MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Wonder Boy in MonsterWorld MD AU Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, KR
WBiMW MD KR alt cover.jpg
Cover
MonsterWorldIII MD KR cart.jpg
Cart
Mega Drive, KR (Hi-Com)
WBiMW MD KR hicom cover.jpg
Cover
WBiMW MD KR alt cart.jpg
Cart
Mega Drive, CA
WBiMW MD CA Box.jpg
Cover

Master System version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
83
[70]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
90
[71]
Game Mania (UK)
88
[72]
Joypad (FR) PAL
90
[73]
Megablast (DE) PAL
71
[74]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
88
[75]
Player One (FR)
83
[76]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
57
[77]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
90
[78]
Sega Zone (UK) PAL
80
[79]
Sega Force (UK) PAL
75
[80]
Sonic the Comic (UK) PAL
80
[81]
Sega Master System
81
Based on
12 reviews

Wonder Boy in Monster World

Master System, EU
WBiML SMS EU Box.jpg
Cover
WBiMW SMS EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, EU (Classic Master System)
WBiML SMS EU Box Classic.jpg
Cover
WBiMW SMS EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, PT (Super Preço)
WBiMW SMS PT sp cover.jpg
Cover
Master System, AU

WBiMW SMS AU cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, KR
WBiMW MD KR Box Alt.jpg
Cover

Technical information

Main article: Wonder Boy in Monster World/Technical information.

External links

References

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NEC Retro has more information related to The Dynastic Hero
  1. https:/twitter.com/gdri/status/1101622120868655104 (archive.today)
  2. https://www.mtwo.co.jp/development/retrogame-2/#tab-1 (Wayback Machine: 2020-10-29 22:32)
  3. https://www.mtwo.co.jp/development/retrogame-1/#tab-5 (Wayback Machine: 2020-10-28 01:29)
  4. File:WBiML MD JP Box.jpg
  5. File:WBiMW MD KR alt cover.jpg
  6. 6.0 6.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-20 09:51)
  7. File:WBiML SMS EU Box.jpg
  8. Beep! MegaDrive, "November 1991" (JP; 1991-10-08), page 2
  9. GamePro, "February 1992" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 40
  10. 10.0 10.1 GamePro, "June 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 58
  11. Sega Pro, "June 1992" (UK; 1992-05-21), page 9
  12. Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1992-05-11), page 19
  13. Sega Force, "April 1992" (UK; 1992-03-19), page 69
  14. 14.0 14.1 Sega Power, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-01), page 13
  15. Sega Force, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-10), page 95
  16. Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1994-08-15), page 10
  17. https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/03.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-03-06 00:26)
  18. http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_mw3/ (Wayback Machine: 2007-04-03 22:31)
  19. 19.0 19.1 http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/wxgUzmGS05a1b76f_13XuZcG45-JVF5R (Wayback Machine: 2010-11-23 00:44)
  20. 20.0 20.1 http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/megadrive/wonder_boy_in_monster_world (Wayback Machine: 2017-06-24 16:38)
  21. https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Virtual-Console-Wii-/Wonder-Boy-In-Monster-World--280207.html (archive.today)
  22. http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=catalogue&prodcat_id=41&prod_id=19790&pageID=4 (Wayback Machine: 2012-03-28 00:31)
  23. 23.0 23.1 http://www.jp.playstation.com:80/software/title/jp0177npjb00091_00wonderboymwpsnjp.html (Wayback Machine: 2012-11-17 21:18)
  24. 24.0 24.1 http://blogs.sega.com/2012/05/18/vintage-collection-3-on-the-way-to-xbla-and-psn/ (Wayback Machine: 2012-05-20 17:23)
  25. 25.0 25.1 PlayStation Store (ko-kr; HP0177-NPHB00253_00-WONDERBOYMWPSNAS) (Wayback Machine: 2018-04-07 18:49)
  26. 26.0 26.1 PlayStation Store (en-gb; EP0177-NPEB00411_00-WONDERBOYMWPSNEU) (Wayback Machine: 2018-04-07 18:49)
  27. 27.0 27.1 PlayStation Store (fr-fr; EP0177-NPEB00411_00-WONDERBOYMWPSNEU) (Wayback Machine: 2018-04-07 18:51)
  28. 28.0 28.1 PlayStation Store (de-de; EP0177-NPEB00411_00-WONDERBOYMWPSNEU) (Wayback Machine: 2018-12-20 03:31)
  29. 29.0 29.1 PlayStation Store (en-au; EP0177-NPEB00411_00-WONDERBOYMWPSNEU) (Wayback Machine: 2018-04-07 18:49)
  30. 30.0 30.1 PlayStation Store (en-tw; HP0177-NPHB00253_00-WONDERBOYMWPSNAS) (Wayback Machine: 2018-04-07 18:51)
  31. 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 https://steamdb.info/app/211209/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-11-22 23:45)
  32. 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 http://steamdb.info/app/211209/ (Wayback Machine: 2013-05-22 20:31)
  33. 33.0 33.1 33.2 33.3 33.4 33.5 33.6 33.7 https://steamdb.info/app/211209/history/?changeid=5755185
  34. 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 34.4 34.5 34.6 34.7 http://steamdb.info/app/211209/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-11-22 23:45)
  35. File:Wonder Boy in Monster World MD credits.pdf
  36. Sega TV Game Genga Gallery, Graphic Sha, page 97
  37. 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 340
  38. 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 266
  39. Aktueller Software Markt, "Februar 1992" (DE; 1992-01-10), page 115
  40. Beep! MegaDrive, "November 1991" (JP; 1991-10-08), page 37
  41. Consoles +, "Novembre 1991" (FR; 1991-11-07), page 38
  42. Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 136
  43. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "February 1992" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 26
  44. Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 325
  45. Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 115
  46. Famitsu, "1991-11-01" (JP; 1991-10-18), page 39
  47. Game Informer, "January/February 1992" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 7
  48. Hippon Super, "November 1991" (JP; 1991-10-04), page 89
  49. Hobby Consolas, "Junio 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 72
  50. Igry Sega Luchshiye iz luchshikh. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 2000-12-07), page 358
  51. Joypad, "Décembre 1991" (FR; 1991-11-19), page 70
  52. Joystick, "Décembre 1991" (FR; 1991-1x-xx), page 142
  53. Mega Drive Fan, "January 1992" (JP; 1991-12-07), page 101
  54. Mega Force, "Mai 1992" (FR; 1992-05-05), page 58
  55. MegaTech, "April 1992" (UK; 1992-03-20), page 29
  56. Micromanía (segunda época), "Julio 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 80
  57. Micro News, "Décembre 1991" (FR; 1991-1x-xx), page 182
  58. Mean Machines, "March 1992" (UK; 1992-02-27), page 88
  59. Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 143
  60. Player One, "Mai 1992" (FR; 1992-05-10), page 58
  61. Play Time, "6/92" (DE; 1992-05-06), page 92
  62. Power Play, "1/92" (DE; 1991-12-11), page 173
  63. Power Play, "5/92" (DE; 1992-04-15), page 146
  64. Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 68
  65. Sega Force, "April 1992" (UK; 1992-03-19), page 68
  66. Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 85
  67. Supersonic, "Mai/Juin 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 5
  68. Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 225
  69. Video Games, "1/92" (DE; 1992-02-03), page 23
  70. Aktueller Software Markt, "Januar 1994" (DE; 1993-12-06), page 96
  71. Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 162
  72. Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 81
  73. Joypad, "Octobre 1993" (FR; 1993-xx-xx), page 156
  74. Megablast, "1/94" (DE; 1993-12-29), page 40
  75. Mean Machines Sega, "December 1992" (UK; 1992-11-xx), page 70
  76. Player One, "Octobre 1993" (FR; 1993-xx-xx), page 130
  77. Sega Power, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-03), page 62
  78. Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 40
  79. Sega Zone, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-20), page 32
  80. Sega Force, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-10), page 94
  81. Sonic the Comic, "10th July 1993" (UK; 1993-07-10), page 10


Wonder Boy in Monster World

WBiMW Title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Achievements | Magazine articles | Reception | Region coding | Technical information


Books: Wonder Boy V Monster World III Koushiki Guide Book (1991)
Sega Master System
Prototypes: Prototype

Sega Mega Drive
Prototypes: 1991-07-25



Games in the Wonder Boy Series
Wonder Boy (1986) | Wonder Boy in Monster Land (1987) | Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair (1988) | Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap (1989) | Wonder Boy in Monster World (1991) | Monster World IV (1994) | Monster World Complete Collection (2007) | Sega Vintage Collection: Monster World (2012) | Arcade Archives Wonder Boy (2014) | Wonder Boy Returns (2016) | Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap (2017) | Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom (2018) | Wonder Boy Returns Remix (2019) | Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World (2021) | Wonder Boy Collection (2022) | Wonder Boy Anniversary Collection (2022)
Music
Monster World Complete Collection Original Sound Track (2007)
Book
Wonder Boy V Monster World III Koushiki Guide Book (1991)