Last week, ININ Games announced the western release date for Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World, and it’s not far away: May 28, 2021.
Asha in Monster World is a remake of Monster World IV, which originally came out for Sega Mega Drive in Japan in 1994. That version never saw a worldwide release, though and Monster World IV didn’t make its official English debut until a 2012 re-release on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
The remake has been developed by Studio Artdink, with Monster World IV creator Ryuichi Nishizawa at the helm. It’s a full remake, with new cel-shaded 3D graphics, enhanced visuals, “refined play content”, and voiced dialogue for the main character, Asha—a first for the series—by Japanese voice actress Ai Fairouz. At the same time, it promises a story and 2D gameplay that “remains true to the original from 1994.”
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is coming to PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch on May 28, in both physical and digital releases. The retail versions, both standard and limited editions, will also include the original Wonder Boy IV (digital versions will miss out on that, sadly). The game is also coming to Steam, but a little bit later on June 29.
Strictly Limited Games has three special editions up for pre-order:
- The Limited Edition (€39.99) includes an exclusive color manual and reversible box art
- The Collector’s Edition (€99.99) includes a Monster World Map, two soundtracks (Original & Remix), an artbook, a Squishy Ball Pepelogoo, and more
- The Mega Collector’s Edition (€179.99) includes everything from the Collector’s Edition, as well as an Asha and Pepelogoo Figurine (18cm / 7.1″), Asha Pixel Pin, a vinyl sticker, and more.
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World follows in the footsteps of two other Wonder Boy remakes in recent years, albeit from other developers. CFK’s Wonder Boy Returns, released in 2016, was a remake of the original Wonder Boy from 1986, while LizardCube and DotEmu’s Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap (2018) remade Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap (1989).
The western release date announcement for Asha in Monster World comes not long after the game’s Japanese release on April 22. It’s been fairly well received in Japan, earning a 30/40 score from Famitsu.