Wonder Boy

Sega's Wonder Boy series has enjoyed a welcome resurgence of late thanks to titles like Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap and the more loosely-linked Monster Boy, and it has now been announced that we'll be getting another entry in the franchise early next year.

Wonder Boy – Asha in Monster World will be a remake (and not a sequel, as was originally reported) of Monster World IV, which was released exclusively on the Japanese Sega Mega Drive and was later localised on Wii and other systems.

Development duties are being handled by Studio Artdink, but several members of the original Wonder Boy team are also involved, including series creator Ryuichi Nishizawa, original composer Shinichi Sakamoto, character designer Maki Ōzora and creative manager Takanori Kurihara.

Here's some PR:

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a platform action game and full remake of the Genesis version of Monster World IV, which was developed by Westone Bit Entertainment and released by Sega as the final entry in the Wonder Boy series in 1994.

Story

This is Monster World. The protagonist Asha, who just became a warrior, gets wrapped up in a major event involving the survival of her kingdom. The invaders trying to take possession of this world have captured the four Spirits. Asha, under Queen Purapril’s decree to save the spirits, sets off on an adventure with the mysterious creature Pepelogoo she met in the capital capital Rapadanga. With Pepelogoo’s help, Asha overcomes difficulties time and time again. Will these two two really be able to save the world?

Pepelogoo Actions

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World features various actions that utilize the mysterious creature Pepelogoo. Players can enjoy unique actions prepared for each environment, including gliding or double-jumping by holding onto Pepelogoo, or pressing faraway switches.

RPG Elements

By defeating the enemies you encounter during your adventure, you can receive GOLD. By going to the shop in Rapadanga City, you can spend GOLD to purchase equipment items such as swords, shields, and bangles. Strengthen Asha’s equipment to be prepared for the gradually more difficult enemies Asha will face.

About the Wonder Boy Series

In recent years, the Wonder Boy series has seen various remakes and been a global smash hit, and Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a response to the rising expectations from fans for a Monster Hunter World IV remake.

A Full Remake of Monster World IV for the Modern Day

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a full remake of the 2D side-scrolling action game Monster World IV with full 3D graphics, significantly enhanced visuals, and further refined gameplay. It is not just visual change, as new game modes and other additional elements are planned. It is also the first entry in the series to feature voice-overs. Look forward to hearing what Asha’s voice!

The game has been confirmed for Switch and PS4 release in early 2021, and we'll be getting more details at this year's Gamescom, during the Awesome Indies Showcase which is due to take place at 10AM PT on Saturday, August 29th.

Editor's note: This post has been updated to reflect the confirmation that this isn't an all-new game, but a remake.

[source uk.ign.com, via gematsu.com]