Game of the Month (September): Asha in Monster World

At Strictly Limited, we take pride in curating a diverse collection of both classic and modern titles that are cherished by collectors worldwide. However, we understand that some exceptional games often fly under the radar or are tricky to access for some collectors. That's precisely why we've introduced our Game of the Month feature, aiming to shed light on these lesser-known treasures that truly deserve your time and attention. All featured games have been introduced, produced, and shipped some time ago. As of today, there are still units in stock from their initial release, spanning six months or more. As an added treat, each Game of the Month enjoys a special reduced price! Our spotlighted titles are introduced by our passionate team members who share a unique connection with the games.

This month's highlighted game is the incredible remake of Monster World IV, Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World, developed by Studio Artdink.

From today until October 9th, Limited Editions will be available for 24.99€, Collector's Editions for 69.99€, and Mega Collector's Editions for only 119.99€! Plus, get the beautiful Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World Soundtrack Collection (2 LPs!) for just 39.99€!

Join Asha as she embarks on a quest to rescue missing spirits and save the world, aided by her flying friend Pepelogoo. This remastered version features character voices, updated 2.5D graphics, vibrant cutscenes, and a reimagined soundtrack by Shinichi Sakamoto, with an added easy mode for all players to enjoy.

Meet Lea, our Master of Materials, who oversees production at Strictly Limited. A gamer who started with Sonic the Hedgehog on the Mega Drive, she loves story-driven RPGs, action-adventures, and cozy games, especially on Switch. Her favorite SLG game is The First Tree, a heartfelt adventure she highly recommends. She is also a big fan of Asha in Monster World and wanted to share her thoughts on the game:

Q: Lea, as a dedicated fan of the Wonder Boy series, what draws you to Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World?

Lea: My first impression of the remake was pure excitement. Monster World IV always stood out to me because of its Arabian-inspired setting and the fact that Asha was such a refreshing and adorable protagonist. Seeing Rapadagna and its vibrant world come to life in stunning 2.5D graphics was like a dream come true for me.

Q: The original game shifted away from some of the RPG elements that the series was known for. How did you feel about the more streamlined approach in the remake?

Lea: I actually appreciated the more focused approach. While the RPG elements were dialed back, the game became much more about the platforming and the relationship between Asha and Pepelogoo. The dungeons in particular felt more elaborate and fun to navigate with the Pepelogoo mechanics. It’s clear that the developers wanted to highlight the platforming, and I think it worked really well in the remake.

Q: Speaking of Pepelogoo, how did you find the interaction between Asha and her cute companion in the remake?

Lea: Oh, I absolutely loved it! Pepelogoo is not just a tool; it’s a character that adds so much charm to the game. Using it to float, double jump, and solve little puzzles made the gameplay feel really dynamic. Plus, the new animations really bring out the bond between Asha and Pepelogoo, making their teamwork even more endearing.

Q: The combat system in Monster World IV was a bit different from its predecessors, focusing more on melee combat and platforming. How do you think the remake handled this aspect?

Lea: The combat in the remake felt just as satisfying as the original, if not more so. The tweaks to the controls, like the downward thrust and the ability to bounce on enemies, added some nice depth to the gameplay. It’s more action-oriented, which complements the streamlined RPG elements, and it feels like a natural evolution for the series.

Q: The original Monster World IV wasn’t localized outside of Japan until almost 20 years after its release. How do you feel the remake handled the localization and overall accessibility for new players?

Lea: The localization in the remake is excellent. It’s clear and captures the spirit of the original while making it accessible to new audiences. The addition of voice acting and modernized dialogue really helps in bringing the characters to life. I think it’s a great way for new players to experience this classic game, especially if they missed out on the original back in the day.