Item: Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap
Rating: 94
Author: Dinsun

Our Expert Score

94/100

Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap is a masterclass in how to handle a classic remake. Originally a 1989 Master System hit, this version preserves the soul of the original while wrapping it in some of the most stunning hand-drawn animation I've ever seen in a video game. The transition between the modern, fluid art and the original 8-bit sprites is instantaneous and feels like magic every time you press the button. It’s a testament to how well-designed the original game was that the gameplay remains engaging decades later.

The core mechanic—transforming into different animal forms like Lizard-Man, Mouse-Man, and Piranha-Man—creates a brilliant 'Metroidvania' flow long before that term was common. Each form changes your combat reach and traversal abilities, forcing you to rethink how you explore the interconnected world of Monster Land. The difficulty can be spikey, as it stays true to its retro roots, but the sheer charm of the presentation and the tight controls make every death feel like a learning experience rather than a frustration. This is a must-play for both nostalgia seekers and new fans of the action-adventure genre.

Dinsun reviewed on: Thu Feb 26 2026

The Game

Available on: Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, iPod

1442204561

$7.99 9+★3.9 125 reviews

Author : DotEmu

Pubish Date : Thu May 23 2019

Last Update Date : Wed Jul 07 2021

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.1.4Wed Jul 07 2021

- Support address has ben added to the main menu.
- Minor bug fix
Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPad Air, iPad Air Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 2 Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Air 2, iPad Air 2 Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 3 Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad mini 4, iPad mini 4 Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (12.9‑inch), iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (9.7‑inch), iPad Pro (9.7‑inch) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad (5th generation), iPad (5th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (2nd generation), iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (2nd generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (10.5‑inch), iPad Pro (10.5‑inch) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad (6th generation), iPad (6th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (11‑inch), iPad Pro (11‑inch) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (3rd generation), iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (3rd generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad mini (5th generation), iPad mini (5th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Air (3rd generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad (7th generation), iPad (7th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (11‑inch) (2nd generation), iPad Pro (11‑inch) (2nd generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (4th generation), iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (4th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Air (4th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad (8th generation), iPad (8th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (11-inch) (3rd generation), iPad Pro (11-inch) (3rd generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (5th generation), iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini (6th generation), iPad mini (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (9th generation), iPad (9th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air (5th generation), iPad Air (5th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad (10th generation), iPad (10th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (11‑inch) (4th generation), iPad Pro (11‑inch) (4th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (6th generation), iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (6th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Air 11-inch (M2), iPad Air 11-inch (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air 13-inch (M2), iPad Air 13-inch (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 11-inch (M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 13-inch (M4), iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad mini (A17 Pro) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (A16), iPad (A16) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air 11-inch (M3), iPad Air 11-inch (M3) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air 13-inch (M3), iPad Air 13-inch (M3) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 11-inch (M5), iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 13-inch (M5), iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular, and iPod touch.
Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure!
Cursed into a half-human, half-lizard monstrosity by the Meka-Dragon, you are in search for a cure! The only way you can return to human form is to find the Salamander Cross, a magical item with the power to remove curses...
With each dragon slain, the curse intensifies, transforming you into different animals! Explore large, interconnected locations populated with grumpy monsters and exotic dragons!
Play as the game’s classic character, Hu-Man, or as his brand-new, long-awaited co-star Hu-Girl. You can also inhabit Lizard-Man, Mouse-Man, Piranha-Man, Lion-Man, and Hawk-Man, and use their unique abilities to uncover the land’s deepest secrets.
Enjoy 3 difficulty levels catering to players of all types, and switch from modern graphics and sound to 8-bit graphics/audio at any time - even during gameplay!

Ratings & Reviews

3.9 out of 5 with 125 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 9+

Cursed into a half-human, half-lizard form by the Meka-Dragon, you must explore the reaches of Monster Land to find a cure. Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap features breathtaking hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack. Switch instantly between modern HD visuals and original 1989 graphics/audio. Master various transformations like the wall-climbing Mouse-Man or the deep-sea swimming Piranha-Man to uncover every secret.

Features

Breathtaking hand-drawn visuals

Instant Retro Swap (Graphics & Sound)

Six playable transformations with unique skills

Full controller support

Tips

Choosing Your Hero

For the first time in the series, you can choose to play as the classic Wonder Boy or the new lead, Wonder Girl, offering a fresh perspective on the adventure.

Gameplays

The Power of Transformation

Each boss you defeat inflicts a new curse. Use Lizard-Man for fire breathing, Mouse-Man to climb checkered walls, and Lion-Man for powerful overhead and downward swings to reach new areas.