Oh man, Wonder Boy V (or Monster World III if you're going by the Japanese title) is one of those Genesis gems that never made it West—which is a shame because it's easily the best in the series. You play as Shion, this blue-haired warrior girl who swings a sword and jumps around these lush, colorful levels packed with secrets. The controls feel tight, and the mix of platforming and light RPG elements just works—you’re always finding new gear or leveling up your stats between slicing up monsters.

What really stands out is the world—every area has its own vibe, from desert temples to floating islands, and the music? Absolute bangers. The first time you climb that giant tree village or dive into the underwater ruins, it just feels special. Some of the later puzzles can be a little cryptic (good luck figuring out that flute sequence without a guide), but the adventure’s worth it.

If you missed this back in the day, it holds up surprisingly well. Just don’t confuse it with the earlier Wonder Boy games—this one’s way more polished.