Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair is an arcade action game developed by Westone and published by Sega in 1988 for the System 16B hardware. Unlike its RPG-lite predecessor, this entry returns to fast-paced, auto-scrolling gameplay. Players take on the role of Leo or Princess Purapril, battling through vibrant stages that constantly push forward. The game is uniquely split: the first half of each round is a platforming run-and-gun segment where you must constantly collect fruit to replenish your depleting vitality, and the second half shifts into a flying shoot ’em up section on the back of a pink dragon.
How to play
To start playing in your browser, press Shift to insert a coin, then press Enter to begin. Use the Arrow Keys to move your character. Press Z to attack enemies and X to jump. During the flying sections, you can move freely around the screen. You must continually pick up fruit and weapons to stay alive, as your health acts as a timer that drains continuously.
Tips
- Keep moving and eating: Your health bar depletes steadily over time. Prioritise grabbing fruit and food over defeating every single enemy.
- Weapon strategy: Different weapon pickups, like the wide shot or the buzzsaw, only last for a limited time. Grab them just before tricky enemy formations or mid-bosses for maximum effect.
- Co-op advantage: In two-player mode, you can bounce off the other player’s head to reach higher areas or dodge attacks.
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