Commodore has officially released The NewZealand Story Untold Adventure, a modern remake of Taito's beloved 1988 platformer, on Steam.
While the original NewZealand Story was celebrated for its inventive level design and charming character, early feedback for the remake suggests that the latest iteration falls short of recapturing its predecessor's appeal.
Developed by Commodore (a company distinct from the historic computer manufacturer), The NewZealand Story Untold Adventure aims to bring the classic experience to new audiences on contemporary hardware.
Released in mid-2024 for Steam, this updated version promises revamped visuals, new content, and gameplay tweaks intended to modernize Taito's original title for today's platformer fans. However, critical response from seasoned players and industry commentators has been notably mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the remake's execution.
Industry observer Ant, known by the handle Tepidsnake, offered an extensive analysis of the game's shortcomings.
"Rather than faithfully capturing the essence of the original, the remake appears to replicate its surface elements without understanding what made the classic enjoyable," Ant commented in their breakdown.
Key concerns include issues with collision detection, unchanged map layouts despite the introduction of new mechanics, omitted stage features, and hazards that blend indistinguishably with background graphics.
These criticisms point to a lack of cohesion between the updated mechanics and the foundational level design. Despite a marketing push emphasizing fresh content, Ant concluded that the new material also feels lackluster and uninspired.
"This remake lacks the spirit that defined the original game," Ant stated, encapsulating the sentiment that the remake misses the heart and soul that drew fans to Taito's arcade hit over three decades ago. As of publication, The NewZealand Story Untold Adventure has garnered four user reviews on Steam, with three assigning it a positive rating and only one critical, written by Ant/Tepidsnake.
Although the majority of early user reactions are optimistic, the detailed critique from a knowledgeable retro gaming enthusiast raises important considerations for fans of the original and newcomers alike. The NewZealand Story franchise remains a significant part of video game history, noted for its many ports and adaptations across platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and classic home consoles.
As Commodore looks to reinvigorate the series for a new generation, it’s clear that addressing community feedback and delivering gameplay that honors Taito’s original design will be crucial to the remake's long-term reception. The NewZealand Story Untold Adventure is available now for download on Steam.
Players and longtime fans are encouraged to share their impressions and continue the conversation about the future of this iconic platformer.
While the original NewZealand Story was celebrated for its inventive level design and charming character, early feedback for the remake suggests that the latest iteration falls short of recapturing its predecessor's appeal.
Developed by Commodore (a company distinct from the historic computer manufacturer), The NewZealand Story Untold Adventure aims to bring the classic experience to new audiences on contemporary hardware.
Released in mid-2024 for Steam, this updated version promises revamped visuals, new content, and gameplay tweaks intended to modernize Taito's original title for today's platformer fans. However, critical response from seasoned players and industry commentators has been notably mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the remake's execution.
Industry observer Ant, known by the handle Tepidsnake, offered an extensive analysis of the game's shortcomings.
"Rather than faithfully capturing the essence of the original, the remake appears to replicate its surface elements without understanding what made the classic enjoyable," Ant commented in their breakdown.
Key concerns include issues with collision detection, unchanged map layouts despite the introduction of new mechanics, omitted stage features, and hazards that blend indistinguishably with background graphics.
These criticisms point to a lack of cohesion between the updated mechanics and the foundational level design. Despite a marketing push emphasizing fresh content, Ant concluded that the new material also feels lackluster and uninspired.
"This remake lacks the spirit that defined the original game," Ant stated, encapsulating the sentiment that the remake misses the heart and soul that drew fans to Taito's arcade hit over three decades ago. As of publication, The NewZealand Story Untold Adventure has garnered four user reviews on Steam, with three assigning it a positive rating and only one critical, written by Ant/Tepidsnake.
Although the majority of early user reactions are optimistic, the detailed critique from a knowledgeable retro gaming enthusiast raises important considerations for fans of the original and newcomers alike. The NewZealand Story franchise remains a significant part of video game history, noted for its many ports and adaptations across platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and classic home consoles.
As Commodore looks to reinvigorate the series for a new generation, it’s clear that addressing community feedback and delivering gameplay that honors Taito’s original design will be crucial to the remake's long-term reception. The NewZealand Story Untold Adventure is available now for download on Steam.
Players and longtime fans are encouraged to share their impressions and continue the conversation about the future of this iconic platformer.
