Wonder Boy in Monster World
Fifth Wonder Boy game, third in Monster World sub-series.
Wonder Boy in Monster World (released as *Monster World III* in Japan) is a side-scrolling action role-playing game from 1991. It was created by Westone and published by Sega for the Mega Drive and Genesis. This is the fifth title in the Wonder Boy series and the third in the Monster World sub-series, coming after *Wonder Boy in Monster Land* and *Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap*.
The player controls a young man named Shion, who sets out to rescue Monster World from the villain BioMeka. The gameplay is similar to a standard platformer—running, jumping, crouching, and defeating enemies—but also includes adventure elements: talking to townspeople, collecting money for purchases, extending the health bar by gathering hearts, and equipping a wide range of armor, weapons, and magic. Shion travels through connected regions, finding stronger swords, spears, shields, suits of armor, and boots.
The Genesis version introduced a single save slot, letting players save progress at inns. In the original Japanese release, dying sent Shion back to the last inn where he saved, and he was charged the inn’s fee. Returning to an inn to save could be done simply by letting Shion die. The English-language Mega Drive versions replaced this with a "Game Over" screen, making it tedious to reach inns early in the game before obtaining Return magic. The Master System version uses a complex password system with about 45 characters.
In the plot of the Genesis and Master System versions, Monster World was once peaceful until an army of monsters invaded for no clear reason. The Fairy Queen Eleanora went to the town of Purapril to ask the Princess for help after her own town, Alsedo, was attacked, only to find the Princess missing and many other towns under attack. Eleanora prays for a hero, and her prayers reach a young man named Shion, who vows to defeat the monsters and restore peace.
During his journey, Shion is sometimes joined by a small companion tied to a specific region. These companions return home when Shion leaves that area and stay out of action during boss fights. The Master System version removes all companions.
Several other versions exist. A Master System port was released in Europe in 1993, with redrawn graphics, fewer and shorter stages, and a lengthy password system instead of battery-backed saves. The Genesis version appears on the North American and European Se
- Developer
- Westone
- Publisher
- Sega
- Platform
- Mega Drive/Genesis (1991), Master System (1993), TurboDuo (1994)
- Genre
- Side-scrolling action role-playing
- Series
- Wonder Boy (fifth entry), Monster World (third entry)
- Notable Ports
- The Dynastic Hero (TurboDuo), Turma da Mônica na Terra Dos Monstros (Brazil)
Lore & Background
The game puts the player in control of Shion on a quest to save Monster World from the evil BioMeka. It controls as a standard platform game with adventure elements: talking to townsfolk, collecting money, extending the life bar with hearts, and equipping a variety of armor, weapons, and magic. Shion travels through interconnected regions, acquiring increasingly powerful equipment such as swords, spears, shields, suits of armor, and boots. The Genesis version introduced a one-slot save feature at inns; in the Japanese version, dying returned Shion to the last inn saved at, while the English Mega Drive versions changed this to a Game Over screen. The Master System version uses a 45-character password system.
Reader's Guide
Wonder Boy in Monster World is significant as a key entry in the long-running Wonder Boy series, bridging the action-platforming roots with deeper RPG mechanics. Its multiple ports—including the Master System version for Europe, the TurboDuo remake The Dynastic Hero with an insect-themed cast and Red Book audio, and the Brazilian Turma da Mônica adaptation—demonstrate the game's broad appeal and cultural reach. The inclusion of the Genesis version on the Sega Genesis Mini microconsole and re-releases on the Wii Virtual Console in 2007 ensured continued access. Reception varied: Electronic Gaming Monthly praised the TurboDuo version's music, graphics, and size, while GamePro found it derivative. The game's legacy lies in its role as a transitional title that refined the Monster World formula and inspired multiple regional reinterpretations.
Did You Know?
- The Master System version uses a complex 45-character password system instead of battery-backed save data.
- The TurboDuo remake, The Dynastic Hero, features an all-new insect-themed cast and a Red Book audio soundtrack.
- In the original Japanese version, Shion returns to the last inn saved at upon death and is charged its fee.
- The UK comic Sonic the Comic ran an eight-part comic strip adaptation of the game through issues 2–9.
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