Adventures of Lolo 2 - NES Review

 Adventures of Lolo 2

Hal Laboratory - 1990

The Adventures of Lolo 2, developed by HAL Laboratory and published in 1990 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is a puzzle game that builds on the success of its predecessor, The Adventures of Lolo. While retaining some of the original game's features, Lolo 2 introduces a range of new levels, enemies, items and challenges.

The game features a colorful and cute design, which is well-suited to the puzzle genre. Players control Lolo, a blue ball-shaped creature, and navigate him through dungeons while solving increasingly difficult puzzles. The graphics are well-designed and charming, with each level possessing its unique visual style.

The puzzles in Lolo 2 require the player to utilize a combination of strategy and critical thinking to progress through the game, involving puzzles such as pushing blocks into place, deflecting enemy attacks, and avoiding traps. The game also introduces new items such as hammers and ladders that add an extra layer of complexity.

The game's audio components are well-executed, and the game's music and sound effects are both upbeat and memorable, reflecting the game's bright and colorful aesthetics.

One of the game's key drawbacks is its level of difficulty. While the game's puzzles start off relatively easy, they become increasingly complex as the player progresses through the game's numerous stages. At times, players may become stuck or stumped by particular challenges, necessitating considerable trial and error or even the use of online guides, which detracts somewhat from the game's overall enjoyment.

Another issue with the game is its lack of innovation. While The Adventures of Lolo 2 does a good job of expanding and enhancing some of the original game's features, it doesn't venture far from the formulaic game design, which may make the game feel stale for some players.

In conclusion, The Adventures of Lolo 2 expands on the success of its predecessor, featuring well-executed graphics, tight gameplay mechanics, and charming sound design. However, the game's high level of difficulty and its lack of innovation may limit its appeal to some players. Despite this, for puzzle enthusiasts, The Adventures of Lolo 2 is a game worth exploring, offering numerous hours of challenging and enjoyable gameplay.