Dragon’s Curse
System: TG-16
Release Date: December 1990
Developer: Westone
Publisher: NEC
Genre: Action
Transform into a horde of different monsters as you attempt to reverse the Dragon’s Curse! This is Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap. I’ve played it already. Honestly, it’s the exact same game. The only difference is some better visuals. You’re cursed by the Mecha Dragon from Hu-Man to Lizard Man. You have to find the Salamander Cross in order to break the curse and in order to do that, you have to go through five worlds.
This is a Metroidvania type game. An early style, but still that’s the style. As you defeat levels you gain new forms with new powers that allow you to reach new areas. The Mouse Man can walk on checkered blocks. Piranha Man can swim in the water with the greatest of ease. Tiger Man swings his sword in a way that breaks blocks that others can’t. Hawk Man can fly through the air.
There are shops all about the world where you can buy Swords, Shields, and Armor. These have different strengths, defense, and charisma modifiers. Some weapons have special powers, such as the Tasmanian Sword. This bad boy allows you to jump in the air, hold Select and press Button II to transform to the next creature, whether you’ve unlocked it or not. Wish I would have realized it sooner, but oh well.
I found that sometimes treasure chests that were supposed to grant me extra life didn’t actually give me my treasure. I’d have to go back later for it to work. That was annoying. It’s still a good play, though, but not getting to really use the Hu-Man form kind of sucks. Check the Master System video for a more in depth review.
Graphics: 3.0
The graphics are better than the Master System version, but not that much better than what should have been the jump in a year and console generation.
Sound: 2.5
Some off the music sounds kind of off, while other tracks are pretty good.
Gameplay: 3.0
It’s still a solid playthrough. Could have received some enhancements, but I don’t think it did.
Difficulty: 3.0
The game is mostly fair, though the bugged treasures annoyed me.
Fun Factor: 3.0
I had less fun this second time around, but it’s still a good game.
Overall Rating: 2.9
Dragon’s Curse earns a B. This is a solid game, but the original release was much more novel than this port.