Wonder Boy V - Monster World III

Wonder Boy V: Monster World III (also known as Wonder Boy in Monster World) is an open-world action-adventure RPG where you play as Shion, a young warrior who journeys through interconnected regions of Monster World to stop an invading army of monsters led by the alien Biomeka. Gameplay blends side-scrolling platforming with RPG elements: equip weapons, armor, shields, and magic spells while collecting hearts to extend your life bar. You save at inns and converse with NPCs for quests, items, and hints across multiple towns like Alsedo and Purapril. The world features companions such as the fairy Priscilla (who heals and attacks) and dwarf Hotta (who finds secrets). It stands out for its expansive interconnected map, story-heavy exploration, and progression gated by special items like the Trident for swimming.