Dynastic Hero is basically identical to the Megadrive Wonderboy in Monsterworld. Anyone who has played this MD classic will know that this is no bad thing - it's one of the strongest titles in the Wonderboy series. However, this version features different characters.
I can only guess that after the PC Engine started to beat the Megadrive in Japan, Sega stopped allowing its licences to be directly ported to rival formats, forcing developer Westone to 'respray' the characters. However, this doesn't effect the gameplay in the slightest.
The game is a very simple platform/action RPG hybrid, very much like Zelda II on the NES and Princess Crown on the Saturn. Each enemy killed drops money, and these funds can be used to buy weapons, armour and other items. There's some (limited) NPC interaction, brief exploration and a few simple logic puzzles. This isn't a game that will tax you as a player, but it's fun regardless.
The visuals are bright and colourful (the Megadrive version is slightly better in this department) but it's the music that really impresses. The standard Megadrive tunes have been upgraded beyond recognition - this really is some of the best videogame music I've ever heard. I've heard that some people prefer the original 'chip tunes' of the Sega version as opposed to the redbook audio of the TG-16 edition - I guess it's all down to personal taste.
To sum up, this is a nice little game that is worth picking up. If you've already downloaded Wonderboy, then there's obviously very little point in purchasing this as well as they're the same game. If I really had to pick between the two versions the MD original would probably edge it, purely because the visuals are slightly better and the 'new' characters in the TG-16 version are a little funny-looking - but it's a close call.
1. deggs
27 Oct 2007, 17:54 GMT
which one should we get? this or the MD game?
2. Drake
27 Oct 2007, 19:05 GMT
It's hard to say - If you lived in Japan I'd say no doubt get Wonder Boy in Monster World, as Mega Drive games are 600 points in Japan instead of 800. The differences are very, very minor, I personally prefer Wonder Boy in Monster World though, The Dynastic Hero has odd orchestrated music which, in my opinion, doesn't fit with the game.
3. deggs
28 Oct 2007, 00:32 GMT
Here's a review i found online about the differences between the two games...
http://www.sega-16.com/Side%20By%20Side-%20Wonder%20Boy.php
to be honest, if the wii had a bigger hard drive, i'd hands down go with the turbo cd version because i kinda like the music i've heard for that one and music is a major part of the gaming experience for me. still, i have no idea at this point. though and i'm glad i didn't rush out and get the MD version right away because i had a feeling this might happen...
4. Jazzem
29 Nov 2007, 23:26 GMT
I'd actually quite like to play this, but I can't justify getting it after having Wonderboy in Monster World. It's an excellent game in any case
5. Corbie
30 Nov 2007, 19:37 GMT
The 8 bucks is pretty cheap considering the US version of this game goes for over $350 on ebay the few times it actually shows up there. I'm just glad I kept my original. Who knows, I might sell it now that this is available on the VC. Great game, but if you've already got Wonderboy in Monster World, there's not much new to see with this one.
6. Mirokunite
30 Nov 2007, 20:32 GMT
Hmm, I get a Maple Story feel from this game. But I will check it out.
7. Michael
01 Dec 2007, 14:58 GMT
PAL owners would surely be better off with this 60hz version than the squished down bordered 14% slower mega drive version sega has chosen to deliver
8. michinmuri
05 Dec 2007, 15:22 GMT
Haven't gotten it yet, but from watching the videos and wanting this so badly back in the day, I have to try it. It was one of the few good Turbo games I never got to play. I can't wait to try it (and yes, I'm STILL waiting and drooling for Y's I+II.)
9. animagnum
06 Dec 2007, 16:22 GMT
I picked this up on Monday and I can't put it down. It's a lot of fun.
10. michinmuri
06 Dec 2007, 17:11 GMT
I got it and I love it. I know some of you may get the MD version due to visuals, but as much as like good graphics, I am a complete audiophile for the Turbo games. The music in this game is outstanding. As one reviewer previously stated, there are a few songs here and there that don't really seem to fit, but most of the songs do fit the theme of each stage and all of the music is eautiful none the less. Also, the graphics aren't quite that much worse than the MD version, so it's not such a big deal. Yes the MD has paralax scrolling, but I don't think you'd miss it if you weren't used to it.
Putting the comparisons to the side, this game is just a lot of fun. It's very much like Dragons Curse but with much better music and nice visuals. So fa I've yet to find any major flaws with it, and the fact that it is such a nicely done game, it's fun, and my nostalgia factor had been waiting about 15 years to play this really makes me love it. 5 stars from me!
11. Don
16 Dec 2007, 02:17 GMT
It might be worth downloading again if you already own the Sega Genesis version as the TurboGraphx CD version of this game is very rare and you'll have a copy of a rare game for a low price.
12. agent_lime 24 Jan 2008, 02:49 GMT
This is ok, didnt really "grab" me though.
13. Cally
24 Jan 2008, 07:10 GMT
I actually downloaded both versions and prefer this one--in general I hate that tinny noise the Genesis (Megadrive) calls "music" (though some developers have managed to get some good sound out of it somehow). I've heard lots of people say the Turbo CD's music "doesn't fit the game at all at times," and in one or two cases I tend to agree, but in general the CD-quality soundtrack is a huge plus as far as I'm concerned with some--I dare say it--sublime stuff. Otherwise, the resolution is a lot higher in this version (you'll really appreciate this on a larger screen) which is really nice also. And hey, if you're using a Classic Controller, you have those two rapid-fire buttons that will make you the fastest sword-swinger ever.
Beyond comparisons, I enjoyed this game. It's kind of low-key, and sometimes its exploration elements and item fetching don't feel completely well-conceived (I didn't bother taking very much time finding some previously-inaccessible item pickups), along with some repetitive level design, but I give this game a big thumbs-up for a highly-pleasant gaming experience with, in my opinion, enhanced presentation thanks to the CD format. 4/5
. . .
Okay, the Turbo CD's armor is just stupid.
14. sammy
28 Mar 2008, 13:17 GMT
This is a priceless game. I cant believe the selections that they are releasing on VC from the tg16 library. Top quality.
I finished it the other day and im sad. Did anyone notice that the sound is a little bit out of sync. Not to the point of being annoying.
15. Jupiter Adept
29 Mar 2008, 12:54 GMT
I'm confused... is this a TG-CD game?
16. Dazza
29 Mar 2008, 14:54 GMT
Yeah it is a TG-CD game, we just had it priced incorrectly since the switch to the new website
17. vicviper
10 Apr 2008, 21:13 GMT
I get confused with all the Wonderboy titles...There's some out on the Master System, Mega Drive and the Turbo Duo...Then some are remakes of earlier ones (in the case of the Turbo Grafx/Duo). Bloody confusing. Want to buy this or Dragon's Curse. Which one's best??
18. Tannman42
02 Jun 2008, 14:29 GMT
Great game but I'm stuck on it.
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