Wonder Boy in Monster Land is one of those classic Sega Master System gems that feels like a weird, charming mix of action and RPG. You start off with just a tiny sword and some basic armor, but after smacking a few slimes and grabbing some gold, you’re already eyeing upgrades in the first shop. The whole thing has this arcade-y vibe—you’re constantly moving forward, jumping between platforms, and dodging enemies that get surprisingly tricky.

What’s cool is how it blends simple combat with little RPG touches—you’ll find better gear, temporary power-ups, and even hidden stuff if you poke around. The art’s bright and colorful, though some of the enemy designs are just… bizarre (in a good way). It’s not super long, but there’s enough variety in the levels and bosses to keep it interesting. Just watch out for those cheap hits—some enemies love to gang up on you.

If you’ve played the first Wonder Boy, this one feels like a natural step up. It’s got that same fast-paced energy but with way more depth.