Wonder Boy in Monster Land
A sword, a shield, a pocket full of gold and a dragon waiting at the end of the road.
Coming soon to UsuArcade
Votes to bring it to the arcade: 0
In the meantime, head into the arcade and play the cabinets that are already there
- Year
- 1987
- Manufacturer
- Sega / Westone
- Players
- 2 players, alternating turns
- Genres
- Platformers
- Decade
- '80s arcade games
If you knew the first Wonder Boy, this cabinet was a shock. The skateboard kid now had a sword and shield, walked into shops, bought boots and armor and chatted with characters along the way. It was a real adventure crammed into an arcade machine, and some kids kept a scrap of paper with what to buy at every shop.
Wonder Boy in Monster Land isn't on UsuArcade yet, but it's on our wishlist. If you want it in the lobby, vote with “I want to play it.”
History
Sega and Westone released Wonder Boy in Monster Land in 1987 as the sequel to Wonder Boy. Instead of rerunning the run-and-jump formula, it mixed platforming with adventure and RPG ideas: money, gear that boosts your stats and hidden secrets.
It launched a much more adventurous branch of the series that carried on for years on consoles. For a lot of players back then, it was their first taste of powering up a character by buying gear.
How to play
You move forward swinging your sword, jumping and beating monsters that drop coins. Spend that gold in shops on weapons, armor, shields and boots that make you stronger, tougher or faster. There are magic items too, like fireballs and tornadoes, with a limited number of uses.
An hourglass keeps time: when it runs out, you lose health, so don't dawdle. Check every corner, because jumping in certain spots or hitting certain areas reveals hidden coins. And remember, what you buy matters: the right gear can make the final stretch a lot more manageable.
Fun facts
- It's the sequel to Wonder Boy, but with a much stronger adventure flavor.
- An hourglass tracks your time, and when it empties, you lose health.
- Hidden coins pop out when you jump or strike in specific spots.
In the arcade
Coming soon to UsuArcade. Once it's here, you'll be able to play from your browser while the lobby watches your quest live and argues in the chat about what you should buy. Until then, sit down at the original Wonder Boy machine or try Bubble Bobble and Ghosts'n Goblins: they're all in the lobby and free.
FAQ
Can I play Wonder Boy in Monster Land on UsuArcade?
Not yet. It's on the wishlist, so vote with “I want to play it” to help bring it in sooner.
What year did Wonder Boy in Monster Land come out?
It hit arcades in 1987, from Sega and Westone.
How is it different from the first Wonder Boy?
It adds adventure elements: coins, shops, gear that powers up your character and magic items.
How many players does it have?
Two players taking turns.
What similar games can I play in the lobby?
Wonder Boy, Bubble Bobble and Ghosts'n Goblins are all free to play on UsuArcade right now.
