A remarkably charming gem of a game that succeeds in every avenue of its being.
Wonder Boy in Monster World is loosely based off one of Sega's oldest arcade games, but it isn't actually tied to that game at all. Instead, Monster World takes place in a pseudo-medieval fantasy kingdom that's being threatened by evil forces from another plane in space. You're a kid named Shion who answers the plea for a hero and, armed with a trusty sword and shield, you set off to do what a chosen one typically does--save the land from evil. At its core, the game is purely a side-scrolling 2D platformer. But at its heart, it is an adventure RPG. You'll explore a non-linear environment, visit towns, do battle against goofy monsters and obtain important items that would surely aid you in your valiant quest. Combat is strictly weapon-based, so given the nature of the game's light-hearted Mario-esque theme, don't expect to get away with stomping on enemies like a certain Italian plumber and walk away unscathed. The weapon you have in your hand is your totalitarian offense, so use it well and use it often. Of course, if weapons won't do, you can also cast magic and rely on the help of small companions. Exploration is limited to a 2D plane, but the environments are colorful and detailed for a Genesis game. The music is upbeat and catchy--albeit sometimes a little too cheesy, but far from horrible.
Though 800 points might be too much to ask for such a great game, I concur that this unique experience is worth every one. Few other games of its like succeed in what Wonder Boy in Monster World set out to do, but even the imitators could never truly duplicate. If you're looking for a great action RPG from the Virtual Console catalog, look no further.