The original New Zealand Story was an arcade title released in 1988 by Taito. If you live in America, you might remember it better by its US NES title, Kiwi Kraze. After having some success with updated DS versions of Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands, Taito decided to bring New Zealand Story to Nintendo’s handheld as well, in the form of New Zealand Story Revolution. And while this updated version might be just what fans of the original have always wanted, it doesn’t do much to entice players new to the franchise.

New Zealand Story stars Tiki, a kiwi bird in sneakers. After all the other kiwis are kidnapped by some sort of walrus, Tiki arms himself with a bow and arrows and sets out to rescue his friends. As was usual in '80s arcade games, there isn’t much of a story here. Instead, you’ve got 20 levels of platforming action, taking place in seven different areas of New Zealand. The platforming action is pretty basic, and really shows that the game has its gameplay roots in the '80s arcade scene. Much like in the original, Tiki can run, jump, and shoot arrows; new abilities include a double jump and a wing-flap that lets you slow your descent. Each stage is completed when you reach the level exit, with only various platforming challenges and a stream of constantly respawning enemies standing in your way. As in the aforementioned Taito arcade titles, players who run straight through each stage will only see a fraction of the game, as secret areas and alternate paths are frequent. Some of these secret paths require the use of the various vehicles available to Tiki (either found in the stage, or taken from defeated enemies), or some of the bow power-ups you can find throughout the game (for instance, the ice shot freezes enemies, allowing them to be climbed on).

 
Sometimes, freezing enemies with the new ice shot power-up is required to access secret areas.

Aside from a few gameplay additions mentioned earlier, the biggest change in this new version is the addition of frequent touch-screen mini-games. These pop up regularly, and relate to what’s happening in the main game; for instance, when Tiki crosses a tightrope, you’ll be asked to complete a balancing mini-game on the touch screen. These are quick, interesting additions to the basic platforming action, but they can be difficult to complete, as the main-game action doesn’t stop during the touch-screen sequences — so if you’re trying to balance your way across that tightrope, you’ve got to do so while still fending off enemies, and navigating the platforming challenges of the main game.

 
Don’t look at the touch screen too long, or enemies on the upper screen will kill Tiki.

The games visuals have been updated from the original, while maintaining the game’s simple, colorful look. While the game still doesn’t look quite as nice as a modern game made from the ground up for DS, it is easier on the eyes than the 8-bit original. By the same token, the music is comprised mainly of updated renditions of tunes from the original. Like the visuals, the music’s 1980s roots are obvious, so expect plenty of upbeat, looping songs that might grate on the nerves, depending on your tastes.

New Zealand Story Revolution is a quality remake that brings everything that fans loved about the original onto a modern system, while making concessions to the ways the technology has changed. Still, many gamers today are going to feel like the game is unnecessarily difficult and decidedly too retro for their tastes. If you remember the original fondly, New Zealand Story Revolution is tailor-made for you. Anyone who either wasn’t around the gaming scene in the late '80s or doesn’t wish to revisit it should most likely steer clear.

Gameplay: 6.6
The gameplay was designed 20 years ago, and therefore will likely feel outdated and unfair to anyone who doesn’t remember that era of videogames. Old-school arcade rats, though, will feel right at home, and will definitely find the difficult, precision-based gameplay they remember.

Graphics: 7.1
They’ve certainly improved the visual quality in every regard, and the visuals have a cute, old-school charm to them. Still, it’s far from what we think of today as high-quality graphics, even for the DS.

Sound: 7.0
The updated 8-bit tunes remind us what all video-game music used to sound like: bouncy, upbeat tracks that loop a little too often. Much like the rest of the game, you’ll either love the songs or they’ll leave you absolutely cold.

Difficulty: Hard
This game was born in an era before the tutorial, when games were meant, first and foremost, as a challenge to your skills. The game drops you into a difficult situation in the very first stage, and you fight your way to harder and harder challenges. Infinitely respawning enemies, precision-based platforming challenges, and tricky boss fights all conspire to keep you from advancing, so this is not a game for those looking for an easy ride.

Concept: 7.5
The original New Zealand Story is revered as one of the true classics of the late '80s arcade scene. Updating it for modern audiences doesn’t seem to be the developer’s goal, as much as bringing it to a new platform so all the game’s fans can enjoy its classic charms in a more modern way.

Overall: 6.9
New Zealand Story Revolution makes no concessions to the 20 years that have passed since the original hit arcades. It’s tough as nails, but the game’s fan base wouldn’t have it any other way. To many modern gamers, it will be seen as frustrating and dated, but if you dropped quarters into the original, get ready to lose yourself in the game once again.