I've loved the Wonder Boy games since I was a kid, starting with the Sega Master System, but never got a chance to play this final entry until the Genesis Mini due to it never officially releasing in the US. MW IV is a delightful evolution in a series that was in a constant state of change from game to game, and features incredibly charming art and a catchy soundtrack. The OST uses a central theme and repurposes it into different styles to suit the various settings, which lends the game a cohesive feeling.

More linear than say, Wonder Boy III, with re-exploration focused on the town between levels, each stage has its own set of unique challenges, and Asha's companion Pepelogoo if often the key to navigating them. The steadily evolving relationship between Asha and Pepelogoo keeps the gameplay interesting stage to stage, and becomes incredibly endearing by the end of the story. And Pepelogoo is simply adorable.

I thought the game became less compelling toward the end for reasons that would constitute spoilers, and one late stage is a bit of a slog. And there's one level where the designers were clearly inspired by Sonic, and the pairing is not a great fit for how Asha moves. But those issues aside, this is a terrific action/platformer and a wonderful (not sorry) conclusion to the OG Wonder Boy/Monster World series.

Played on Genesis Mini.