Man, Wonder Boy V on the Genesis is one of those games that just sticks with you. You start off in this bright, colorful world—kinda cutesy at first glance, but don’t let that fool you. The first thing you’ll notice is how smooth the movement feels, especially when you get the hang of sliding down slopes and bouncing off enemies.

It’s not just another platformer, though. You’re constantly swapping between sword swings and this weird little fairy companion who helps solve puzzles. And the gear upgrades? Finding a new shield or pair of boots actually changes how you play—like suddenly being able to block fireballs or jump higher. Took me way too long to realize some paths were locked behind those upgrades.

Yeah, it’s got that old-school challenge—expect a few cheap hits from off-screen enemies—but the music and art make up for it. That chiptune soundtrack is pure Sega magic. If you missed this one back in the day, it’s still a blast to play now.