Let's Play a Game: "Adventure Island II" (NES)

In this episode we'll be playing Adventure Island 2 for the NES.
I remember renting this game from the video store when I was a kid.

Adventure Island II is a side-scrolling platform game developed by Now Production and published by Hudson Soft. The game was first released in 1991 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

In Adventure Island II, the story continues from the first game where Master Higgins must rescue Princess Tina, who has been kidnapped by the Evil Witch Doctor's minions. The game features eight islands, each with unique themes like desert, ice, and jungle, filled with various challenges and enemies.

The gameplay mechanics are similar to its predecessor, where players control Master Higgins. New to this game is an inventory system, allowing Higgins to choose dinosaur companions before each stage. These dinosaurs provide different abilities like swimming, flying, or breathing fire. The game also introduces shorter levels without checkpoints, requiring players to restart from the beginning if they die, though levels are significantly less lengthy than in the original game.

Players can collect fruits for health, hammers for attacking, skateboards for speed, and eggs which might contain bonus points, power-ups, or even harmful items. Hidden eggs play a different sound to indicate their presence. There are four dinosaur friends that Higgins can ride: Blue Camptosaurus (tail-whipping), Red Camptosaurus (fire-breathing), Pteranodon (flying and dropping rocks), and Elasmosaurus (swimming).

While maintaining the 8-bit aesthetic of the NES, Adventure Island II was noted for its improved graphics over the original, including a map screen for navigation. The music and sound effects were also appreciated for enhancing the game's atmosphere.

The game was generally well-received, often praised for being more accessible and fun than its predecessor due to shorter levels, more extra lives, and the addition of dinosaur companions. Reviewers like Skyler Miller from Allgame noted the "improved graphics, a map screen, and most importantly, four dinosaur buddies for Master Higgins to ride, each with their own special ability."

Adventure Island II has been featured in various forms of media and merchandise, including manga like "Cyber Boy" by Nagai Noriaki. It also maintained a fanbase through emulation and re-releases on platforms like the Wii and 3DS Virtual Console. The game was later released on the Game Boy under the name "Adventure Island" in some regions, further expanding its reach. It was also included in various retro game collections and re-released on modern platforms for nostalgia and new audiences to enjoy.

The game includes debug menus and hidden level selects, which have been documented by enthusiasts exploring the game's ROM. For instance, a specific code on the title screen can access a level select menu. Over the years, the game's ROM has been analyzed for hidden features, leading to fan-made translations, mods, and guides available online, reflecting its enduring popularity.

Adventure Island II holds a special place in retro gaming culture, not just for its gameplay innovations but also for its contribution to the platforming genre on the NES, offering a blend of challenge, charm, and humor that has kept it beloved among gamers.