The NewZealand Story

STORY / GAMEPLAY
You control a sneaker-wearing kiwi called Tiki and the goal of the game is to rescue your kiwi friends who have been kiwi-napped by Wally, a large blue walrus/leopard seal. You navigate in scrolling maze-like levels at the end of which they release a kiwi trapped in a cage. Your starting weapon is arrows but pickups can change these into bombs, lasers or bouncing fireballs. You may also find (or steal) and ride a variety of flying objects including balloons, blimps, and UFOs. These objects can be found ready to use or can be stolen from an enemy. Collect letters during your quest to complete the word "EXTEND" and it will instantly take you to the next stage (as in Bubble Bobble). The levels (and sub-levels) get progressively harder and the puzzles start creeping in (usually there is no obvious way of getting near the cages and rescue kiwis so you need to find a way with careful timing and appropriate shooting several foes and always having in mind the scattered spikes. There are even sub-aquatic sections in which Tiki must swim through tunnels (with limited oxygen) in order reach the cage. Time is actually a problem. Wander around on a stage for too long and a big "hurry up" notice will warn you. A few seconds later, a Devil appears and hits you with his trident and takes one of your lives (similarly situation as in Bubble Bobble as well)!"

GRAPHICS / SOUND
The NES version is great in terms of graphics, although its colors are not that accurate due to its palette limitations. Other than that, the game is ultra-cool and simple, without offering any special graphics effects really, much like the original. Note that the colors used in the Master System version are way more accurate to the original when compared to the NES version. The sprites move smoothly and quite fast on the screen too. What is really impressive here is the music! It is one of the best arcade musics found on the NES games! Along with the great tune, there are several "arcadey" sound FX that offer an amusing and absolute fun gameplay.