Super Wonder Boy - Monster World is one of those classic Sega Master System gems that never made it big outside Japan, which is a shame because it’s a solid action-platformer with a weirdly charming vibe. You play as Wonder Boy (obviously), swinging a sword at monsters, jumping between floating islands, and collecting power-ups that actually feel useful—none of that "here’s a temporary speed boost" nonsense. The sprites are chunky and colorful, and the music has that unmistakable 8-bit cheeriness.

What sets it apart from other Wonder Boy games is the slight RPG twist—you’ve got a tiny bit of inventory management, and some upgrades make a real difference. First time I played, I wasted all my coins on dumb hats before realizing swords were the way to go. The controls are tight, though the hit detection can be a little wonky if you’re used to modern platformers. Still, it’s got that addictive "just one more try" energy when you die (and you will).

If you’re into retro games that don’t hold your hand but also don’t feel unfair, this one’s a hidden treat. Just don’t expect an English translation—most of the menus are in Japanese, but you’ll figure it out after a few minutes.