Kombo’s Review Policy: Our reviews are written for you. Our goal is to write honest, to-the-point reviews that don’t waste your time. This is why we’ve split our reviews into four sections: What the Game’s About, What’s Hot, What’s Not and Final Word, so that you can easily find the information you want from our reviews.
What the Game’s About
New Zealand Story is a platform game that has history back in the NES days. New Zealand Story Revolution is the updated DS version that is being reintroduced after being an obscure footnote in the 1980’s.
What’s Hot
Much like the just reviewed Bubble Bobble Double Shot, Revolution seeks and delivers on old school promises. The best part is the game successfully adds more cheer and color than what some of us at the Kombo offices could remember. The sprites look great in the island nation they live in.
The addition of the touch screen parts is a welcome change that tries to change up the gameplay that will grow stale. The one in particular that is a good challenge is trying to watch both screens looking for the minor difference and touching it. With the on-screen action happening, it will raise your blood pressure in a good way.
What’s Not
The game has not changed that much in twenty years. For one, the is a constant and endless stream of enemies. There is never a break in the persistent assault that makes getting through some levels more than merely difficult. Not only that, the gameplay doesn’t keep fresh for long even if you put it in the crisper (on the shelf), you’ll grow tired of the gameplay that is too simple for its own good.
The controls are sketchy at best. Fumbling around the level hoping to get through unscathed is the ordinary gameplay. The boss fights are just as clumsy relying on the luck factor to make it through with the limited life’s you are given. Starting a level over again to die in the same spots makes you long for a checkpoint system.
Final Word
Revolution doesn’t live up to its name but it will bring old school joy to those that play it. The game doesn’t stay fresh for long and ancient problems from the first game are left unaddressed which, contrary to the bright color palette, is sad. Even with the problems, there is a certain charm that is undeniable.
