Bikkuriman World [Model HC62002]

ビックリマンワールド © 1987 Hudson Soft.
(Bikkuriman World)

Bikkuriman World is an action/adventure game by Hudson Soft. The game is known in the west as Wonder Boy in Monster Land and is supposed to be the second episode of the Wonder Boy series. However, Hudson Soft slightly modified the original game and made it fit their Bikkuriman World franchise. The player takes control of a young warrior on a journey to rescue his beloved girlfriend. One of the key element of the original game was to offer a clever mix of platform/action and Role Playing elements. At its core, Bikkuriman World is a side scrolling action game featuring a vitality bar that automatically decreases unless our hero eats fruits and vegetables. Our hero starts his journey with his underwear and his first task is to find a short sword (interestingly called 'Gradius') and a tiny shield. Not the best weapon to bash with, but enough to take down the small snakes and mushrooms wandering around the first area. Defeated enemies often drop coins that can later be used in shops to purchase new equipment. A handy magic potion can be picked up and used to refill the precious health bar but only one can be carried at the same time. Our warrior can also use magic spells and throw tornadoes, lightings and fireballs at his enemies. The game counts numerous areas with small villages, dungeons, caves and mean bosses waiting at the end of each one of them.