Adventure Island, also known as Super Mario Bros. 2 in Japan, is a side-scrolling platformer game developed and published by Hudson Soft for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Released in 1986, it was one of the first games to be released for the NES in Europe. The game follows the adventures of a young boy named Navi as he attempts to rescue his sister from the clutches of an evil sorcerer.

In this review, we'll take a closer look at Adventure Island and its classic gameplay mechanics that have stood the test of time.

Gameplay Mechanics

Adventure Island is a side-scrolling platformer that challenges players to navigate through a series of increasingly difficult levels. The game features a variety of enemies, traps, and obstacles that require quick reflexes and clever thinking to overcome. Players control Navi as he runs, jumps, and uses various items to defeat enemies and progress through the game.

One of the unique aspects of Adventure Island is its use of a limited number of items, which can be used to solve puzzles or defeat enemies. These items include bombs, fire flowers, and stars, each with their own special abilities. For example, the bomb item allows Navi to destroy certain blocks and enemies, while the fire flower gives him the ability to throw fireballs.

Level Design

The game's level design is another notable aspect of Adventure Island. The levels are procedurally generated, meaning that they are created on the fly as the player progresses through the game. This creates a high level of replayability, as players can experience different versions of each level based on their performance.

Each level takes place in a unique environment, such as a tropical island or an ancient temple. The levels are filled with hidden secrets and paths that reward careful exploration and attention to detail.

Graphics and Soundtrack

The graphics and soundtrack of Adventure Island are still iconic today. The game's use of bright colors and simple yet effective sprites creates a charming and nostalgic atmosphere that is reminiscent of classic 8-bit games.

The soundtrack, composed by Hirokazu Tanaka, is equally memorable. The catchy and upbeat tunes perfectly capture the lighthearted and adventurous spirit of the game.

Age Rating

Adventure Island was released in Europe with an age rating of 7+ (suitable for players aged 7 and above). This rating reflects the game's relative complexity and difficulty level, which may be challenging for younger players to overcome.

However, it's worth noting that Adventure Island is considered a classic and is widely regarded as one of the best NES games ever made. Its unique gameplay mechanics, charming graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it an enjoyable experience for players of all ages.

Legacy

Adventure Island has had a significant impact on the gaming industry. It was one of the first games to popularize the concept of procedurally generated levels, which would go on to become a staple of many other platformers.

The game's use of items and puzzles also influenced the development of later NES titles, such as Mega Man 2 and Kid Icarus.

Today, Adventure Island remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. Its influence can be seen in many modern platformers, and it continues to be celebrated for its innovative gameplay mechanics and charming graphics.

Collectibility

Adventure Island is considered a rare and highly sought-after game among collectors. Due to its limited release in Europe, the game is relatively hard to find, making it a valuable addition to any NES collection.

In 2020, a sealed copy of Adventure Island sold for £1,500 (approximately $2,000 USD) on eBay, demonstrating the game's rarity and collectibility.

Conclusion

Adventure Island is a classic platformer that has stood the test of time. Its unique gameplay mechanics, charming graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it an enjoyable experience for players of all ages. While its age rating may be 7+, we recommend Adventure Island to players aged 10 and above due to its relative complexity and difficulty level.

In conclusion, if you're a fan of classic NES games or just looking for a challenging yet rewarding platformer experience, Adventure Island is definitely worth checking out. Its legacy as one of the best NES games ever made is well-deserved, and it continues to be celebrated by retro gaming enthusiasts around the world.