Review:
Monster Lair (Wonderboy III) was one of the
TurboGrafx-CD launch titles (the other was Fighting Street). The
beautiful graphics and amazing CD-quality music was remarkable at this
time. It was a great reason to spend the
$399.99 for a TG-CD back in 1989 (which, by the way, according to an
inflation calculator, would be like spending $655.00 today--cheap!:)
The Wonderboy series were always a "Sega thing" and Sega introduced the
Genesis version one year later with graphics and sound obviously
inferior to the TG-CD version. Take a gander at the screenshot
comparisons below. The TG-CD version absolutely destroys the Genesis
cartridge version in every possible way!
TurboGrafx-CD version [1989]
Sega Genesis/Mega
Drive version [1990]
The game can either be a one or simultaneous two player game. It is a
forced side scroller which means the game moves forward whether you
like it or not.
This adds to the challenge which, for
the first few levels, make
you laugh in a cocky manner. The challenge does increase and will test
your gaming skills for hours. Monster Lair works on a "vitality"
system much like any Adventure Island game. You must keep getting
colorful fruits or kill enemies to increase and sustain your life
meter. The bosses are at the end of every second world's level (1-2,
2-2, 3-2, etc.) and can be wiped out fast as long as you obtain a
special weapon. Tip: The missiles demolish any boss within
seconds. Monster Lair is most definitely recommended for any
side-scroller adventure fan. You shall not be disappointed with the
superior TurboGrafx-CD version!
Ratings are in consideration of the year the game was introduced:
Graphics
- 8/10
Colorful, fun, and jumbo sized characters compared to the Genesis
version!
Unfortunately, no animated cut-scenes.
Sound/Music
- 10/10
Great music! The riffs are catchy and some tracks even include some
guitar solos (80s style, of course!)
Play
Control - 7/10
The controls consist of simple movements and are easy to learn. The
only drawback is it feels like your character is constantly on a
slippery, iced surface...
Fun -
9/10
If you like colorful side-scrollers, then you'll love this game!
Overall
- 8/10
This is an excellent CD title; it’s a must-have for any collector!
