It's official, Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a remake of Wonder Boy 4. When Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World was first announced last week, many suspected that it would be a remaster, and now it is confirmed.
A brand new trailer was released today during the Gamesom Awesome Indies event. The gameplay shows footage of the original Wonder Boy 4 alongside the new remastered Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World.
Wonder Boy 4 was released on the Sega Genesis back in 1994, which means the wait for this remaster has been over 25 years. The design of this action platformer uses 3D models to recreate the monsters and characters from the 1994 classic.
The trailer also shows areas, enemies, and details that fans of Wonder Boy IV will remember. It's also clear that the trailer wants to communicate that the game is entirely remastered by "the original Westone team." The creator of the whole Wonder Boy series is returning for Asha in Monster World, as is the composer, the character designer, and more. The Wonder Boy series is one of the more loved Sega series, so it is wonderful to see its return.
2017's Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap and 2018's Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom found success on the PS4, and especially the Nintendo Switch, where indies have found a solid home. The series continuing with a remaster of Wonder Boy IV feels like a natural continuation. Perhaps a brand new Wonder Boy will follow Asha in Monster World.
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is set to release PS4 and Switch in Q1 2021.