Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap Review

 

Gameplay is king, as the saying goes. That's the case in probably ninety-nine percent of games. It ultimately doesn't matter what the game looks like or how it sounds; people just want to know how it plays. Then occasionally, this phrase gets turned on its head by some game that is so beautiful or stylish that it almost doesn't matter how it plays. Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap is one of those games.

 

The Dragon's Trap is a remake of a Sega Master System title from 1989, part of the cult classic Wonder Boy franchise. This reimagining was developed by Lizardcube (one of my very favorite indie game studios) and, let me be clear here - they absolutely crushed it. This game introduced me to the Wonder Boy series. From the first trailer that I saw for it, seeing that art style, I was immediately captivated. The new aesthetic has some sort of children's fantasy storybook look to it, which I think suits the style and tone of the game. Not to sound exceedingly corny, but this new aesthetic looks appropriate for the title "Wonder Boy," like it'd be just the perfect, classic adventure for a ten year old boy to embark on and experience.

 

Image Credit: Steam

The gameplay has aged about as well as you could expect from a thirty-five year old Master System game. In fact, a slightly modified version of the original game is running under the new coat of paint, and can be toggled at will, providing a fascinating split-second comparison of just how improved the visuals are in the remake. Where once there would've been a neon-colored palace that looked like it was drawn and colored in Microsoft Paint, now there is a fully realized building with shading and intricate detailing that lend vital atmospheric storytelling elements to the game. The Dragon's Trap is a 2D action-platformer with some light RPG elements, involving gear and weapons that change various stats. The main crux of the gameplay though, and my favorite part, is the shape-shifting nature of our protagonist. He is cursed with animal forms that each possess unique, important abilities that allow navigation through the various regions and stages of the game.

Image Credit: Steam

 For much of the game, Wonder Boy is indeed cursed to a specific animal form for the duration of a stage, only to shift forms upon beating the boss of said stage. You must find the appropriate weapons and equipment that pair with each form, as not everything works universally across all forms, and some weapons or armor function better with a particular form. At some point in the game, you can find a sword that allows instantaneous shape-shifting so that you can choose whichever form you prefer, or reach hidden areas that may have been locked away during your first time through a region, where you would've been locked into a predetermined form. The balancing of gear is what made the game really click for me. I found it extremely difficult and unforgiving until I learned that you should be regularly getting new gear, and specific gear for whatever form you're currently locked to. Once I got the sword that allowed for at-will transformations, that made the game considerably more enjoyable as well. The other critical recommendation that I would offer would be to either thoroughly explore or use a walkthrough, so that you can find all of the health upgrades. Between finding suitable armor and upgrading your hit points, boss fights become a lot less stressful, as Wonder Boy can tank hits more than he could. Attempting to play without the recommended gear or available health, you'll likely find yourself getting frustrated like I was.

Image Credit: TheGamer

While finding yourself stuck in particular animal forms can potentially be frustrating if you find yourself not liking one form's capabilities, the various regions were designed around a specific form, so you get to see quite a bit of diversity and variation in the level design. For instance, the Lizard-Man form can spit fire, but cannot wield weapons or armor. The Mouse-Man form can climb specifically designated surfaces that have checkerboard markings, which makes his stage very unique. And the Hawk-Man form can fly, allowing himself to soar over many terrestrial obstacles and enemies, but encountering his own issues in the skies. These sorts of deviations in the gameplay really sets Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap apart from its contemporaries of the era that it originally released. In a way, the remake's beautiful art style and aesthetic, set it apart from its own modern contemporaries as well. This shape-shifting approach to the core loop of the gameplay has been copied in several games, notably in the acclaimed Shantae series, as well in the newest Wonder Boy game - Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom.

Image Credit: Nintendo World Report

 When the gameplay really clicks for you, and you find yourself enjoying the various animal forms and the chase for the best gear and then you start handily defeating bosses and otherwise difficult sections of the game, The Dragon's Trap is second to none for these types of action platformers. Combine that with the gorgeous art, and you'll find yourself smiling through the entire experience. I highly recommend this game, and it doesn't overstay its welcome either, really providing the perfect game to enjoy over the course of a weekend.

VERDICT: Recommended