Adventure Island: The Beginning is an enjoyable, entertaining update to a classic franchise -- but it's one that doesn't seem to have been given much extra effort. Fans of the series will love that Master Higgins is back in action, running across the Island once again. But Hudson might have missed an opportunity here to make the character's revival a more memorable one, skipping out on obvious presentation improvements like widescreen support and tighter controls in favor of getting the game out the door a little bit quicker. It's fun, and worth its 800 Wii Point asking price. But maybe if Hudson does decide to move forward and develop the sequel that the subtitle of this one suggests should happen in the future, the company could take the extra time and offer a fuller set of features. (Like some of those other recent retro revivals have done.)
Presentation - 6.5
Graphics - 6.0
Sound - 6.5
Gameplay - 7.0
Lasting Appeal - 7.0
Overall -
"The Adventure Island and Wonder Boy series have a long shared history so let's explore both franchises and see which one's best." - A.J. Maciejewski from Video Chums
A.J. says: "When it comes to fast-paced retro platformers, very few games stand out in my memory as being as enjoyable as Adventure Island. Pull up your grass skirt, grab a stone axe, and let's eat as much fruit as our stomachs can handle!"
I used to wake up watch Saturday morning cartoons and as soon as Looney Toons was over turn this game on until my parents woke up... Ohhhh to be 5 again.
Replies(1)
GamePro Arcade writes: "ADVENTURE ISLAND The Beginning also hit WiiWare this week. Just like Bubble Bobble, this is a remake of a classic franchise with spruced up visuals and some new content. In Adventure Island you play as Mater Higgins who must traverse through four worlds, each with four levels, to defeat the evil King Quiller, who has kidnapped the love of your life, Tina. It's a basic sidescroller with tons of weapons at your disposal to dispatch enemies all the way to the goal. But it's not as simple as just speeding through the levels and moving on. Higgins is, well, fat, so he must eat in order to keep his stamina up. Food is scattered through the level and you must pick it up in order to keep Higgins going."
I thought it was well worth 8 dollors.