The New Zealand Story

The New Zealand Story is a platformer that Ocean Software ported to the Amiga from the original Taito arcade machine, becoming one of the more colorful and welcoming titles of the genre on this platform. The player controls a kiwi named Tiki, who sets out to rescue his friends kidnapped by an evil seal, moving through a series of colorful levels full of enemies, bonuses, and hidden paths. In addition to running and jumping, the character can fly with a balloon and attack with bows and arrows, or other collected weapons that change from level to level, forcing the player to adapt their tactics.

The gameplay is built on fast pacing, precise jumps, and the need to explore levels in depth for hidden bonuses and rescued characters, giving the game a light collecting element beyond simply progressing forward. The level design alternates more open areas with vertically oriented sections and often forces the player to choose between a quick pass-through and a thorough exploration. The Amiga version retained much of the original's color and cuteness, albeit with some compromises in movement fluidity compared to the arcade original, which contemporary reviewers occasionally pointed out.

The cheerful graphics and lighthearted atmosphere contrasted with the darker action titles more popular at the time and won the game favor with younger audiences as well. The contemporary press rated the port as one of the more successful conversions of an arcade classic to home computers, though it noted minor technical compromises. The New Zealand Story remains to this day a pleasant example of how Amiga players could enjoy a fun Japanese arcade platformer even without a coin-op machine, and for many players it represents a nostalgic memory of the genre's more carefree side, when a few colorful screens and catchy music were enough for a title to win over an audience.

Why play it: For players craving lighthearted, colorful fun, it's a pleasant conversion of an arcade classic, ideal for moments when catchy music and cheerful graphics are all you need, without unnecessary complications.