Bliss Brain is breathing new life into a fan-favorite classic by bringing Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Microsoft Store for PC—priced at a sweet spot of $19.99.
Originally a remake of Monster World IV, this action-adventure gem first appeared on PS4 and Nintendo Switch in April 2021 in Japan, followed by a western release a month later. PC players got it through Steam a bit later that same year. Now, three years down the line, Asha and her blue blob buddy Pepelogoo are back—this time with sharper visuals and smoother performance on current-gen consoles.
A 90s Classic Gets Another Shot—But This Time on Modern Hardware
Asha’s story has been told before, sure. But it’s never looked—or played—quite like this.
This re-release isn’t just a port slapped onto newer consoles. It benefits from smoother frame rates and more polished resolution across the board. While there’s no mention of native 4K or advanced graphical features just yet, the load times are snappier, and gameplay feels more responsive than ever before. On the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, the game’s vibrant aesthetic really pops.
It’s a gentle, side-scrolling action-adventure that wears its heart on its sleeve. The original charm remains fully intact.
And that $19.99 price point? It’s hard to argue with.
Old-School Spirit, New-Gen Touches
What makes this release more than just another rehash is the soul behind it. Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World was developed by the same core team that worked on the original back in the ‘90s.
That includes Ryuichi Nishizawa, the series’ creator himself. His fingerprints are all over the design and direction. Meanwhile, Shinichi Sakamoto brings back the nostalgic soundtrack, Maki Ōzora handles character visuals, and Takanori Kurihara guides creative management.
It’s not just a tribute. It’s a reunion tour.
Fans of the franchise will recognize the familiar beats—exploration, combat, character upgrades, and quirky platforming—but with a presentation that fits today’s gaming standards.
This one’s for the veterans and the new recruits alike.
Gameplay That Balances Challenge and Chill
You’re not getting Elden Ring-level difficulty here, but Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World still keeps you on your toes.
Combat is straightforward, with Asha swinging her sword and using her pet Pepelogoo to solve light puzzles and traverse tricky terrain. The design encourages retrying, but without the punishing consequences. You’ll fall, laugh, retry, and move on—rinse and repeat. It’s old-school in pacing, but modern in forgiveness.
At its core, it plays like a smoother Genesis-era game. Simple to pick up, hard to put down.
Some areas feel more fleshed out than others, but the colorful level design and charming enemy designs help carry the game forward.
There’s something cozy about it.
What You Get for Twenty Bucks
There’s no DLC, microtransactions, or unlockables hidden behind paywalls. You pay once, and that’s it.
Here’s what’s bundled in:
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Full HD remake of Monster World IV
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Enhanced for PS5 and Xbox Series consoles
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Includes classic content true to the original
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Optimized visuals and smoother frame rate
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One-time purchase at $19.99 across platforms
It’s a decent package, especially for those looking to scratch a retro itch without shelling out triple-A prices.
A Closer Look at Platform Launch Timeline
Here’s a quick breakdown of how Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World has rolled out across platforms:
| Platform | Release Date | Region |
|---|---|---|
| PS4 & Switch | April 22, 2021 | Japan |
| PS4 & Switch | May 28, 2021 | North America & Europe |
| PC (Steam) | June 29, 2021 | Worldwide |
| PS5 & Xbox Series | July 3, 2025 | Worldwide |
| Microsoft Store (PC) | July 3, 2025 | Worldwide |
This latest update brings it full circle. Console to PC, and now into the new generation.
Not Just Nostalgia—It’s Still Fun
Some remakes feel more like tech demos or cash grabs. This one doesn’t.
Sure, the art style might not be everyone’s cup of tea—some players still prefer the pixel-perfect versions of yesteryear. But the animation is fluid, the controls are tight, and most importantly, it still feels fun.
You don’t need to know the Wonder Boy lore. You don’t need to be a hardcore gamer. If you like platformers with heart, Asha in Monster World still delivers.
And hey, not everything needs to be a 100-hour RPG.
