The NewZealand Story
IGDB
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About The NewZealand Story
The New Zealand Story is a 1988 side-scrolling shooter from Taito that blends platforming and arcade action. You play Tiki, a kiwi bird in sneakers, racing through maze-like levels to rescue his captured lover and chicks from a giant blue leopard seal. The game’s charm lies in its quirky characters and tight scrolling levels, set to a soundtrack that matches the frantic pace. Available on arcade machines, FM Towns, and Sharp X68000, it’s a relic of late ’80s gaming. The goal? Navigate traps and enemies to free each chick, with a focus on precision and speed. A short but punchy experience with a cult following.
Gameplay
The New Zealand Story tasks you with dodging hazards and shooting foes in a side-scrolling maze. Each level is a vertical and horizontal puzzle filled with moving platforms, fireballs, and the ever-present leopard seal. Controls are simple: jump, shoot, and adjust to tight spacing. The challenge lies in timing, missing a jump means respawning at the level start. Multiplayer allows two players to team up, splitting the screen for co-op chaos. Levels escalate in complexity, with tighter corridors and faster enemies. You’ll spend most of your time reacting to sudden threats while aiming for the next platform. The gameplay feels brisk, rewarding quick reflexes over strategy.
What Players Think
The PlayPile community rates it 7.2 out of 10, with 65% completing the game in under three hours. IGDB’s 76.6 score (22 ratings) reflects its cult status. 70% of players describe it as “fun,” while 25% note “frustrating difficulty.” Average playtime hovers around 2.8 hours, and 80% finish all stages. Moods are split: 50% “nostalgic,” 30% “challenged,” 20% “annoyed by difficulty spikes.” A review snippet: “Feels like a relic, but the co-op mode is a blast if you can ignore the dated visuals.” Completion rates are highest in single-player, with 15% of players abandoning it after stage three.
PlayPile's Take
The New Zealand Story is a niche pick for retro arcade fans craving a tough, frantic challenge. It’s not impressive but offers tight controls and a quirky premise. At its peak price of $15 for a physical copy, it’s affordable for collectors. Achievements aren’t tracked here, but beating it with a friend adds replay value. Skip if you prefer slow-burn strategy or modern polish. It’s best suited for those who enjoy punishing platformers with a hint of humor. Worth a try if you’re in the mood for 80s-style chaos.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
IGDB Rating
76.6
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