And the main character was changed as well. Much of the graphics were changed for this version, because Sega owns the "Wonder Boy" trademark and the characters in the game, but not the game software itself (this is why there are so many rebranded Wonder Boy games on the PCE -- the developer of the games changed it enough to be legal and then ported to the PC Engine, as it was more popular in Japan than the Mega Drive).
I guess, they changed the shopkeeper graphics too. But anyway, this is of course the best arcade port of this Sega classic. Graphics, music, controls, scrolling, everything is top notch. A true gem.
This is the PCE port of the SEGA game "Wonderboy in Monster Land." The boss characters have been changed, but the game is otherwise intact. It is a very close arcade port-- far better than the SEGA Mark III/Master System conversion. This game is total classic, and one of my favorite games of all time. This port remained by far the best "vintage" home port of the arcade pendant right up until recent (emulated) retro arcade collections started coming out on last-generation consoles. Fans of the Wonderboy/Monster World series will love this. I give this game 9/10.