Great news arcade fans! SEGA’s brilliant Wonder Boy is being remastered for the Nintendo Switch and is available for pre-order from Strictly Limited Games now! Wonder Boy Returns Remix boasts an improved interface, smoother gameplay and lots more fruit.
This limited physical release is sure to impress any retro gaming fan, even if you never played the original arcade hit. Just look at that box art, it’s simply beautiful to see classic games get physical releases. The team at Strictly Limited Games have also worked on the impressive Wonder Boy Collection for multiple platforms.
Wonder Boy Returns Remix also has new characters to play as, even cuter graphics and an adapted soundtrack to give the original songs a much-needed refresh. Now you can have this arcade classic at home forever. And who knows, maybe this time you’ll be able to save Tina too.
What is Wonder Boy?
Wonder Boy is one of our absolute favourite gaming memories. Appearing as an arcade machine in 1986, it was later ported to consoles like the Commodore 64, SEGA Master System and Game Gear. It dominated every arcade it entered and was truly a worldwide hit.
Featuring colourful graphics, easy to pick up gameplay and a great soundtrack, the storyline was classically light on detail. You play as TomTom – the Wonder Boy – as he risks life, limb and skateboard to save his girlfriend from monsters.
“he risks life, limb and skateboard to save his girlfriend from monsters.”
In a shift from the norm for arcade games, you’re up against a depleting energy meter. Replacing a traditional timer, the energy meter can be refilled by eating the fruit and puddings dotted around the level. You can also acquire powerups like the skateboard, which speeds up your movement.
Will I like Wonder Boy?
This truly depends on whether you like classic arcade games. It has simple gameplay mechanics that are reminiscent of Super Mario Bros and at times can be frustratingly challenging. Remember, this game was designed to suck in your spare change!
Regularly it will throw timed jumps at you and obstacles that appear to be too hard to pass without taking damage. Yet it is all part of Wonder Boy’s charm. Pull back the sheet and you’ll find a worthy retro remaster that has been given some love for the first time in years.
Strictly Limited Games are well known for doing justice to classic titles. Wonder Boy, Cotton 100% and Darius to name but a few have received their loving care. It is almost assured that you will not be disappointed. Let us know what you think of this latest limited release in the comments. What game would you like a physical re-release of next?
