Adventure Island III: A Familiar Yet Solid Platforming Experience

Introduction

Adventure Island III, developed and published by Hudson Soft, is the latest addition to the Adventure Island series. Released in September 1992, this platformer game follows the footsteps of its predecessors, Adventure Island II and Super Adventure Island, in delivering an enjoyable gaming experience. While Adventure Island III may not offer groundbreaking innovations, it remains a solid title that fans of the series will appreciate. Let’s dive deeper into the game and see what it has to offer.

A Familiar Plot

The plot of Adventure Island III closely resembles that of its predecessor, Adventure Island II. Once again, the protagonist, Jeannie Jungle, is kidnapped, this time by aliens, who abandon her on one of eight islands. This recurring theme may give a sense of déjà vu to players who have previously delved into the series. Furthermore, the level themes, enemies, and item sets also exhibit remarkable similarities. It’s evident that Hudson Soft aimed to capitalize on the success of the previous games, offering a sense of familiarity to the players.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Adventure Island III retains the structure and mechanics of its predecessors, particularly Super Mario Bros. 3. The game introduces a few new features to enhance the gameplay experience. The inventory system from the second game returns, but this time, players can stockpile eight different items instead of five. Additionally, a new animal helper, a triceratops capable of rolling into enemies, joins the team. The boomerang serves as an alternative weapon to the throwing axe, flying in an arc before returning. Moreover, the rare crystal grants players an extra hit point at the start of a level, although they are difficult to find. Another noteworthy addition is the ability for Master Higgins to crouch and attack, which may seem minimal but proves to be highly advantageous in various situations.

Familiar Yet Refined Gameplay

Structurally, Adventure Island III closely mirrors Adventure Island II. However, the game incorporates small changes that contribute to a more enjoyable experience. Unlike its predecessor, where each themed island dragged on with repetitive stages, Adventure Island III features a reduced number of levels per island, usually five or six. This change allows for a more focused design, with shorter levels packed with secrets for players to discover. Furthermore, the absence of moving bosses spares players from replaying old stages if their pursuit ends in failure. These refinements make Adventure Island III a smoother and more engaging gameplay experience.

A Steep Challenge

Similar to its predecessors, Adventure Island III poses a significant challenge to players. The game assumes familiarity with its predecessor and does not shy away from presenting difficult scenarios right from the start. By the second island, players will notice a scarcity of fruit, leaving them praying for a hidden piece of meat to reach the exit. Building up a stockpile of items for the later islands proves to be a daunting task. However, despite the high difficulty, the game never feels unfair. The level design is well-thought-out, with deliberate enemy placements and minimal “gotcha” moments. If players meet their demise, the fault lies with their own actions rather than cheap game mechanics. Gradual difficulty progression could have enhanced the overall experience, but Adventure Island III still manages to provide an enjoyable challenge.

Visually Evocative

Although Adventure Island III bears visual similarities to its predecessor, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the artists at Hudson Soft have refined and enhanced the game’s graphics. The art style adopts a more angular and distinct approach, avoiding flat-shaded backdrops. Background animation, such as flowing lava and waterfalls, contributes to a more immersive experience. The bosses, being aliens, exhibit a sinister and out-of-place appearance, which adds to the game’s overall ambiance. Adventure Island III represents a natural evolution in the series, boasting visuals befitting a late-generation title.

In Conclusion

Adventure Island III may lack significant innovations compared to its predecessors, but it remains a solid entry in the series. The game’s striking similarities to Adventure Island II may raise concerns for some players, but those who can overlook the feeling of déjà vu will find an enjoyable platforming experience. Adventure Island III’s refined gameplay mechanics, challenging levels, and enhanced visuals demonstrate the dedication of Hudson Soft in perfecting the Adventure Island formula. So, if you’re up for another thrilling adventure with Master Higgins, Adventure Island III won’t disappoint.