Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap - Easy Allies Review
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- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
- Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap is an admirable remake that captures the charm of the original game.
Written by Ben Moore
Reviewed on PlayStation 4 Pro
Available on PS4, Switch, and Xbox One
Our ratings: 5 Stars - Masterful, 4 Stars - Excellent, 3 Stars - Decent, 2 Stars - Inferior, 1 Star - Terrible
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![Every Wonder Boy Game [Reviewed]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_j--Nb_HAPA/mqdefault.jpg)
The fact that someone had the idea to animate over an old platformer and actually pulled it off is amazing. This looks gorgeous.
This game's art style is gorgeous, wow.
hand drawn is so much better than 2.5d
I know right, this is how Mighty No.9 should've looked.
amen
An absolute love letter to an often forgotten console. I love how the physical version has a subtle grid pattern in the background of the boxart, and how the switch cartridge is made to look like a master system one.
The art style alone makes this a 5/5 for me!
I want all Master System platformers to be remade like this. Imagine Alex Kidd or Asterix or Rainbow Islands like this. It would be amazing. Exactly what many of us wanted back in those days - games that look as good as their box art!
That artstyle is so beautiful. I hope more developers try this style out even though I'm sure it is not easy to do.
As someone who played the original in the late 80's, this remake is a absolute gem. Definitely worth the purchase.
Hmmm. This says the review was written by Ben, but at 1:17 the script had "spider" in it. This is either incredibly shady or Ben has been very brave for us.
Nesnomis xplain?
It's well known that Ben is very scared of spiders.
Ben does so much good work, does he ever sleep?
LOL RIGHT!?!
"And for the first time female warrior"
Asha: *Am i a joke to you?*
Wow. I was just thinking of making that joke. lol.
This is by far one of my most favorite games of all time. I'm glad that you took the time to review it. Don't know if I would agree that the game is "difficult", but since it was a game I played in my childhood and I basically memorized it, I would argue that it has the same "frustration" as something like the original Metroid, which they could have learned from and given a map or better hint system.
Just bought this on the PSN Store and here are my overall thoughts:-
It replaces the MS version completely but I was left wanting more....
Sooooo much more.... like a full blown remake. read on.....
I'm a long term fan of the original but something about it just made me want more. Like a full blown remake of certain mechaniqs. Dragon shouldn't breath fire under water (it's so 80's gameplay), wish there was more attributes to elements etc such as certain elements should have damage variants for enemy's and player etc, more secret doors and teasure room should be able to be discovered, armor swords and shields should have special ability that goes way beyond just the one that magically makes blocks appear and destroys those very same blocks. That kind of remake is what I wanted.
Even with the original, there are many times where I would think about where I would place certain extra treasure rooms if I were a Level Designer and was hoping they'd show up more in this remake but there is hardly anything that's new or changed from the original for the better. Another thing that would have been good is that enemy's should no longer constantly drop money after the first time you killed them, thus encouraging the player to do more exploring for treasure rooms, and going out their way to truely get rewarded. That idea alone has been engraved in my mind ever since I played the original 20+ years ago..
I hope all this makes sense and I really wish Lizard Cube see this post I made on various youtube video reviews. I would have also loved a level editor upon completing the game too, or some multiplayer modes such as death match (yea, why not), Co-Op and more.
I know I sound like I'm being nit-picky but the truth is, I've already rinsed both the Master System Original, The slightly remixed Game Gear Version, The Smooth 60fps Dragon Curse version on Turbo Grafx 16, and even the fan-remake on PC (which I still think is by far the best in terms of gameplay), so I was really expecting more varieation in gameplay. Not just the same game all over again.
Don't get me wrong though, I absolutely love the new Remake's Hand-Drawn Art (it's a shame we don't get female animal forms as sprites too), and this is by far superior in every way to the Master System version (basically making it pointless), but I'd still recommend playing the Game Gear version for slight differences if you're a hardcore fan, The Dragons Curse because well, I like the sprites and wish we could have got those too for this remake, and I advise any fan out there to download the Fan Remake on PC. I even remember reaching out to the creator of that fan game for a Level Editor but he refused to offer one. :(
Deserves a higher score
I want to play this so badly, but I'm trying to hold out in the hopes there will be a physical release for it. Fantastic review! As always, you guys are the best!
This is what I wanted the Shinobi 3 remaster on the 3ds to be. Also I love Ian and his edits
THIS IS THE GT GUY. Holy cow I never thought I would hear that sweet hypnotic voice giving a detailed analysis of a game ever again. SUB'ED!
Yep :) When GT closed, the whole crew got together and decided to continue on as Easy Allies. The only one that's missing from the last iteration of GT is Matt Blair. Support them on www.patreon.com/easyallies :)
@EasyAllies There seems to be a bit of the script missing around 3:00, where it is not clear on what is used in place of passwords and auto-saves? Seems like a missed line perhaps?
This is the case, I heard 'and' instead of 'it'. Thanks for the clarification, now I can fall asleep with less anxiety! :D
tht switch between the modern and retro styles is so jarring it's surreal.
WallyBobbywang I now to the point where in frustrating section I will be a bit annoyed then switch to the old style to remind myself that ow wait this is a old game.
What I absolutely love about this game's art, is that it's so reminiscent of Kidd Paddle :P Whenever I used to read the comics, I had always wanted to play a video game with that style, and now I can! :D
What a gorgeous looking game, the ability to swap between the old and new version is almost like an instant-buy incentive. Getting to play both versions at once!
I've always loved these modern 2D platformers where they have hand-drawn, HD sprites. It looks beautiful. Shantae and this game continue that awesome trend.
So for remastered games there's:
1. Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap
2. Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
3. Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World
By any chance, is there a community favorite that most would recommend? I think Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom looks amazing, but I'd rather see what others think.
very excited to dive back into this world for the first time since i was like... 7 yrs old :D
question though!
i've noticed that the allies never bring up or speak about turbo grafx 16. Its crossed my mind in the past while listening to podcasts, game reviews, etc etc. Is it that none of you really got into it back in the day? In my mind its just as historicaly awesome as an NES or SNES.
The somewhat skinned and smoother version of wonder boy 3 for tg16, named Dragons Curse, was leaps and bounds better than the master system version. I just figured it would have been mentioned at some point :p
I gladly bought this game. The people responsible for this absolutely gorgeous remake and tribute to the original game deserve much praise and easily earned my $20. I don't disagree with this review or the score, but I felt like the love and fantastic work put into this needs to be supported.
May I ask where you purchased your copy?
Channel_Hype _II_II_
Digital download via PSN. I'm not even sure if this is being sold in a physical version.
Thank you very much.
Wooooonder Booooyyyyyy! What is the secret of your power?
Wooooonder Booooyyyyyy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now?
Combo: broken.
This looks incredible, like old French comics.
Illustrated History of Life The artist is French.
Ironic considering most Brazilian gamers played the altered version where Book and most NPCs are replaced by Monica and her friends from a popular comic in Brazil.
Yeah the love care and attention to detail ooze's from every aspect , this is a must have
I'm really enjoying this game! I never played the original, but it really stands toe to toe with newer platformers. Not to mention the music and art are beautiful.
I think the reason why American reviewers tend to find aspects of this game difficult is because it's the first time they've ever played it. I can't see why one the friendliest, lightest adventure games of the 8-bit era (set in a world so small a map would be insane overkill) would ever be deemed difficult.
For collectors play asia has chinese english language version for $33+ ship. I hope it gets an official US release too.
The hand drawn art really makes it feel like your playing a flash game from the bygone times =)
They need these guys working with Ryuichi Nishizawa on the next Wonderboy game, for sure. (Yeah I know Monsterboy is coming, but god damn is this art style far superior)
I've finally decided to buy this but Switch or regular PS4? Any insight is welcome!
EDIT: Also, great review, as always.
Andrew Clements They both play the same but switch has additional rumble settings.
I would have given it the full four stars.
I was one of the few here who actually played the game back in the day......Suck on that....you newbie tutorial difficulty gamers of today...
Aside from nostalgia the only other reason to use thr old style is to make the experince more authentic.
3.5/5 = Decent? Is that a typo? 4 is excellent so it goes from Decent to Excellent? Should this be 2.5 not 3.5? Or Labeled good and not decent?
But how come no "good" between "decent" and "excellent?"
Hmm ok, fair enough. I guess I have too much of a negative association with decent or positive association with good.
agreed dude - 2.5 should be decent....3.5 should be good....4 excellent...but still can't stop thinking this was a generous review by a team who hate to be negative. 2.5 stars would be enough for this...at best!!
Decent is commonly used to tactfully pan something. But that's a misrepresentation of the word. 2.5 is definitely not decent.
jdgonzo1982 have you played it? did you play the original or appreciate the remake side of it in any way? this game is incredible and if anything it deserves 4 stars, best retro game remake I've ever seen.
I will get this just because I love the art and Shantae style of games... easy to pick up and take breaks... super casual but beautiful to watch. getting it on the switch cause I have a couple of Flight trips in the near future.
Quique Leal This series was the inspiration for shantae. look up Monster World 4 (wonderboy 6) on the genesis it's Arabian themed like shantae
Wow, I remember this game. I had a illegal copy of this game. And I was too young to figure out what I have to do.
Does anyone know where I might find a copy to purchase?
Oooh, tricky tricky stealth edit at 00:55
Voice-over Audio is a bit muffled.. is this on purpose?
Also the artstyle in this game is how a imagine things look when i listen to Tabletop Escapades.
The original was one of my favorite games growing up so the remake was a joy. It's still got a lot of dated gameplay elements, but it was a fun ride
This game looks amazing and I have been thinking about getting it. I will definitely pick this up, just based on art and soundtrack! Great review Ben! Keep it up!
I'll wait for a physical release for the Switch =P
Played and beat the game in one sitting lol. Awesome game! Gonna replay with the retro ost and retro artstyle. Can't wait for Monster Boy!
Loved this game. Never played the original, but this game is exactly the original but with a facelift. The gameplay holds up well.
I remember playing the everloving shit out of Wonderboy in Monsterland on arcade back in the late 80s. I got so good at it that if any of the secret coins didn't come out as a bag rather than a single coin I'd know that I wouldn't beat my (or my rival friend's) high score - even if it was the very first secret 2 seconds into the game. Me and my friend would trade high scores by sometimes a single point. Loved it. :)
Tony McModeNut This game is the direct sequel.
OMG DAT ART!!! Beautiful!
does anyone know if this game was made on vector graphics or it was bitmap based?
thanx in advance
I've never even heard of this but the art style alone makes me want to play it. It just looks so happy :)
Good choice for a game to review on this one. I liked Ian's editing, too.
Fair review, but if you have any feelings of nostalgia for the original, this perfect remake will have a higher score for you! I hope this team remakes other games, or make their own if they are good at it, because visuals and OST are flawless.
Wonder whats its like to fall endlessly like that mouse/boy
this game looks really jolly. a sit back and put your feet up and kind of game
I'm pretty sure it's more than 3 or 4 hours unless you forget to get all power ups and contents.
Now I eagerly await for the remake of Little Nemo.
I loved this series in the past.
Nothing but positives on the game, then the first mention of "frustrations" not actually detailed at all in the previous 5 minutes, I guess to justify the score?
2:42
Its been the opposite as well where you'll hear them completely trash it, make it sound like a nothing game and then it will get "Decent"
I guess I'm too oldschool for gamers these days that "i don't have a map and don't know where to go" makes me more interested in the game and curious to figure it out, than just frustrated that I can't just keep on pressing the right button
Shapookya I can see that, we've definitely gotten lazy to explore the very end of these games because developers have made games very easy for anyone to pick up and play and there's so many games coming out every month that gamers just want to get to the end so they can move on to the next one. Rarely do people ever play a new game for longer than a week.
i think they listened the good qualities all together then moved on to the few negatives. i lot of reviewers do the "first the good, now what i didnt enjoy" thing
That animation is beautiful
I know you guys are spread thin, but will anyone be checking out What Remains of Edith Finch or Little Nightmares? Both are a little shorter than your past few reviews :)
Awesome!!! Hoping they'll at least get some Don't Skip action :)
Sold, overlooked this gem for some reason!
Haha. Loved the musical edit to the star score reveal. Great editing, Ian, and great review, Ben.
With limited time my real question is should i play this or Monster World 4?
Alex Landry if you have any nostalgia for this, play it, it's great.
Alex Landry I'd pick this since it's shorter but MWIV is a great game also so idk.
Capcom needs to get these guys to remaster the classic Megaman series on the ASAP
A little unrelated but I just realize the disney afternoon collection is being all but ignored right now. Funny, if it was on Switch it'd be doing gangbusters.
The game has absolutely no flaws and thats coming from someone who never played the original. The frustration comes from a gameplay decision to stay true to the original and cant be a demeanor
Music of the game is just fantastic
The review sings the praise of the game for five minutes, mentioning briefly that you sometimes don't know where to go, but come the conclusion the game has suddenly "too many points of frustration to be great". How did we get there lol? It's one of those time where the conclusion hardly match the tone of the review, I wish it would have dived deeper into these issues if they were truly that annoying.
I can elaborate, look at all the areas in the review video, this game is non linear, you have to travel back and forth threw these areas over and over, trying to figure out where the game wants you to go next. The hint in the video showed you "you need to find some kind of antidote"(paraphrase) how is that helping you. Now go explore all these areas looking for that antidote, enjoy. Hope this helps you understand why something seemingly so small has such an impact on the entire game.
The world isn't all that big though and finding where to go is just going to a place you couldn't before.
Would love if nintendo did something similar to this with all 2d Metroid games in a package for the switch.
looks interesting, think I'll give this one a shot
Nice review :)
This doesn't happen in the game, I just thought it was fun - Ian
I agree Ian
Review Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom which is a sequel of sorts to Wonder Boy.
what a piece of art
Dear ImGUI brought me here. Great job
Boy this game looks good
My only real complaint about this game is that it's 4 hours long. $20 is steep for this game. But, aside from that, it's really cool.
it's actually normal .... bastion and transistor are roughly 6 hour games for the same price. I get where you come from though, why were 12 switch and bomberman r priced so high?!?!??
Is it worth the $40 price tag for the physical release that comes out this week?
It's just so beautiful.
Oooo that animation is niiiice
There are some really frustrating enemies in this game.. arghh
Getting Kirby vibes from this
I'm buying it.
best reviews on net!
do this game coming out for the 3 D's if anybody can tell me I appreciated .
Good game for my Switch
One half of a star puts a game from excellent to decent? How does that make sense? Please change your grading criteria back to the old format..
So, 3 stars is "decent" and 4 stars is already "excellent". Shouldn't 3 and a half stars at least be "good" then?
Sees an easy allies review..... likes video before finishing it for that beautiful voice (;
so wonder boy is basicly a shantae game before shantae?
Claus Marcélio da Silva Filho It was the series that inspired it. Look up Monster World IV (Wonderboy 6) on the genesis. It's Arabian themed and the character looks pretty much like shantae.
It a weird review, Ban told everything about good things in the game, and than "game has too many points of frustration... END", I mean.. what's the points of frustration? Tell us more.
Your reviews are getting confusing. You spend most of the review singing its praise, end with a "too many flaws" comment, but still give it 3.5. It's hard to tell where you're going with it.
It is visually amazing!!!!!!!!!! Love it!!!
great game for the switch
The character animations look like they have too much movement it just looks off to me more isn't always better.
What kills this game for me are the controls. It controls like butter on a hot pan. Terrible.
well I guess its the new free epic game today
How can HZD get only + 0.5 Stars than this game baffles me. So far the only 2 reviews i totally disagree.
Dario Custodio They are very different games. They approach each genre differently.
Also, there is the matter of different people reviewing different games, so scores aren't always consistent.
I totally understand that, but the review score does not portray subjectivity. The score is the score. That is why i find the 5 stars evaluation so limited.
I don't really understand what you mean about the 5 star score being limited. Do you think reviews shouldn't be subjective? At the end of the day, it's just best to listen to what the reviewer says (or in this case listen to Brandon's narration) and see if you like what you hear.
A score isn't subjective. The review it self is obviously subjective,since we all have a diferente experience playing the same game.
In the end it will show this game as a 3,5 stars game and so many superior games with the same or close score. That's why a 1 to 5 review feels limited to me and also having watch and listened both reviews and not agreeing with what was said,but of course, it is only my opinion on both games.
It would be a 6/10 vs HZD 9/10 or a 13/20 vs 19/20 for the sake of comparison. 0,5 does not show the difference between both playthroughs,in my opinion of course.
If you threw out your brain perhaps. But anyone can look at the visuals of both games and see the difference. No one is comparing these 2 games based on score. If that makes sense, this game could have gotten a 5/5 the last thing I would be thinking of is why horizon got a lower score. Completely different games with different goals.