Friday, August 25, 2023

Adventure Island 2 - NES Review

  Adventure Island 2

Hudson Soft - 1991





Adventure Island II, developed by Hudson Soft and published in 1991 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is a side-scrolling platformer and a sequel to the original Adventure Island. The game features the same cutesy graphics and catchy music, but with several significant improvements and additional features, including new gameplay mechanics, a more diverse range of worlds, and an increased difficulty level.

The game follows the adventures of the main character Master Higgins, as he sets out to rescue his girlfriend and her sister from the clutches of the evil Witch Doctor. Higgins runs through six different worlds, spanning from ocean depths to an active volcano, all while defeating new enemies such as dinosaurs, bees, and other creatures.


One of the most significant improvements in Adventure Island II is the addition of new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to ride on the back of several different dinosaurs, each with unique powers such as a fire breath or an ice attack. Additionally, the player now has access to new weapons such as boomerangs and axes, adding to the game's replay value and variety.

The graphics and sound in Adventure Island II have also received notable improvements over the original. The graphics are sharper and more detailed, with improved animations and a more expansive world. The music remains infectiously catchy and upbeat, perfectly complementing Higgins' adventurous escapades.

The difficulty level in Adventure Island II has been ramped up considerably, with a range of challenging obstacles and enemies that make for a more difficult and rewarding gameplay experience. Like its predecessor, the game still suffers from some of the same faults, including a repetitive nature to the gameplay and a punishing one-hit death system.


Overall, Adventure Island II is a solid and engaging game that builds upon the groundwork laid by its predecessor. With improvements in graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics, the game manages to surpass the original and offer much more content. While the game's difficulty may deter casual players, fans of platforming games and retro gaming enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in Adventure Island II.


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