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Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, iOS, Mac, PlayStation 4, Android • 2017

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Quick resume

Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure!

Global score

85/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Platform

Pros

  • Faithful remake with option to switch between retro and modern graphics and music
  • Beautiful hand-drawn art and orchestral soundtrack
  • Tight and responsive controls
  • Engaging exploration and transformation mechanics
  • Strong nostalgic appeal

Cons

  • Short game length
  • Some players find controls and knockback frustrating
  • Lack of modern quality of life features (e.g. map, guidance)
  • Limited story depth
  • No multiplayer or social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can freely explore the world, choose forms with different abilities, and decide their path with minimal guidance."

  • Competence
    3

    "Gameplay involves skillful platforming, combat, and exploration with some challenge and boss fights requiring mastery."

  • Competition
    -5

    "Single-player game focused on personal progress without any player-vs-player or leaderboard competition."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Short game length but players often replay for nostalgia, exploration, and to experience different modes."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players experiment with different character forms and equipment to access new areas, but no building or customization."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; purely individual gameplay."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong nostalgic appeal and immersive fantasy world provide escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal desire and nostalgia rather than obligation."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Encourages exploration of new areas and use of different forms and weapons to progress."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Game design rewards discovering secrets, hidden rooms, and unlocking new zones with different forms."

  • Expression
    1

    "Limited self-expression through choosing character gender and switching between retro and modern visuals."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong fantasy theme with transformations, dragons, and a fictional cursed world."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No multiplayer or community features; purely solo experience."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn game mechanics, improve skills, and acquire better equipment to progress."

  • Health
    -5

    "Traditional sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement; not designed for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship-building features."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players collect items, equipment, and unlock new forms to advance through the game."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Balanced challenge with some tension but overall enjoyable and satisfying gameplay flow."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Appealing hand-drawn visuals and orchestral soundtrack provide rich sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems present."

  • Story
    2

    "Simple narrative about a curse and quest for revenge, with light humor and charming characters."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Requires planning routes, using forms and equipment strategically to access new areas and defeat bosses."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Moderate tension from platforming challenges and boss fights, but overall controlled experience."

  • Value
    1

    "Short game length but high quality and nostalgic value provide reasonable return for money."

  • Violence
    2

    "Combat involves fighting monsters and dragons, but cartoonish and non-gratuitous in style."

  • Survival
    2

    "Players must manage health and resources to survive enemy encounters and boss fights."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026