Wonder Boy in Monster Land
Introduction
Wonder Boy in Monster Land was developed by Westone and released by Sega in arcades in 1987, with the Master System version following in 1988. Many years after the first Wonder Boy, a fire-breathing MEKA dragon has invaded the peaceful Wonder Land and filled it with monsters, and the hero returns, now armed with a sword. Unlike the fast running action of the original game, this sequel mixes platforming with role-playing elements: defeated enemies drop gold, which can be spent in shops on stronger swords, shields, armour and boots, as well as magic items like fireballs and tornadoes. An hourglass timer drains health if it runs out, so players must keep moving. Hidden doors and secret shops reward exploration, and knowing where to spend gold is key to beating the toughest bosses. The game led directly into Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap.
