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Dynastic Hero, The

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Dynastic Hero, The - Platformer Classic

The Dynastic Hero is a side-scrolling action-platformer released exclusively for the NEC TurboGrafx-CD (PC Engine CD-ROM²) in 1992. It is a direct port of the arcade classic Wonder Boy in Monster Land, originally developed by Westone. This version was brought to the CD format with redrawn graphics and a full soundtrack pressed on disc, giving it a polish that the arcade and earlier cartridge ports lacked. The game never left Japan, so it remains a niche but beloved entry in the TurboGrafx-CD library.

You control a young hero on a quest to defeat a dragon and save a kingdom. The game mixes platforming with light RPG mechanics: you collect gold coins from enemies and treasure chests, then spend them in shops to buy stronger swords, shields, armor, and other items. Each stage is a linear path filled with monsters, traps, and a boss at the end. Your health bar depletes when hit and can be refilled by buying food or potions. The core loop is simple: fight, gather gold, upgrade gear, and push forward. The difficulty is moderate, expecting you to learn enemy patterns and use your resources wisely.

What makes The Dynastic Hero worth trying today is how faithfully it adapts the arcade original while adding the warmth of CD-quality music and slightly smoother animations. It sits right alongside games like R-Type and Castlevania as a solid action title on the system. That said, it is not a revolution - it is a straightforward port with no extra levels or story. For fans of Wonder Boy who want to hear the soundtrack in its best form, or for collectors seeking a complete TurboGrafx-CD library, this is a genuine gem. Just be prepared for Japanese text in the shop menus and brief intermissions.

GAME INFO

Platform: NEC TURBOGRAFX CD
Genre: Platformer
Released: 1992
Players: 1
Region: Japan

How to play Dynastic Hero, The online

Getting Started: When you first boot up The Dynastic Hero, you will see a title screen. Press Start (Enter) to begin. The game immediately drops you into the first stage - a forest path. You are armed with a basic sword. Walk right using the arrow keys and attack enemies by pressing S (B button). Defeated monsters drop coins; walk over them to collect. After clearing a few screens, you will reach a town. In the town, walk into a shop (the building with a sign) and talk to the shopkeeper by pressing S. The menu is in Japanese, but the options are straightforward: the first is to buy items, the second to sell, and the third to exit. Use the D-pad to highlight items and press X (A button) to confirm purchases. Your goal is to save enough gold to buy the best sword and shield before the end of the game.

The game is entirely linear: you go from left to right through each stage, with occasional upward or downward paths. Each stage ends with a boss fight. Take your time to explore hidden alcoves for extra coins and health items. If you run low on health, look for a food shop or a fairy fountain. Dying sends you back to the beginning of the current stage, but you keep your items and gold. The Japanese text in the shops is limited to item names and prices, so even without knowing the language you can play through by memorizing which items cost more (and therefore are better). Save your game at the end of a stage by pressing Start and selecting the save option (the second option in the pause menu).

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: I button
S: II button
Enter: Run / Start
V: Select

Dynastic Hero, The FAQ

Who developed Dynastic Hero, The?

Development credit is often attributed to Westone, the creator of the Wonder Boy series, but exact details for the PC Engine CD version are not widely documented. The port was likely handled by an internal team at NEC Home Electronics.

What makes Dynastic Hero, The stand out among NEC TURBOGRAFX CD titles of its era?

It offers a full CD soundtrack and enhanced visuals compared to the arcade original, plus it was one of the few console ports of Wonder Boy in Monster Land to retain the complete gameplay. The CD format also allows for seamless level transitions and higher quality sound effects.

Is Dynastic Hero, The exclusive to NEC TURBOGRAFX CD or did it appear on other systems?

The Dynastic Hero was released exclusively for the NEC TurboGrafx-CD (PC Engine CD-ROM²) in Japan. It never appeared on any other console or computer platform, making it a true system exclusive.

All NEC TURBOGRAFX CD games