Zoda’s Revenge: A Late NES Gem That Defies Expectations
The late release of Zoda’s Revenge: Star Tropics II for the NES may have relegated it to obscurity, but this action-adventure game deserves recognition for its improvements over its predecessor. Developed and published by Nintendo, Zoda’s Revenge offers an enjoyable gaming experience with its unique and absurd plot, enhanced mechanics, and challenging gameplay.
An Odd Game Among Nintendo’s Lineup
Star Tropics, which served as the inspiration for Zoda’s Revenge, was a Zelda-inspired adventure game specifically targeted toward the Western audience who might have found the original Zelda game intimidating. While the first installment had flaws, it was generally well-received. However, instead of receiving its anticipated Super Nintendo sequel, fans were surprised with Zoda’s Revenge as one of the last NES releases in 1994.
Time Hopping Adventures
Zoda’s Revenge continues the story after the events of the first game, as protagonist Mike receives a telepathic message from Mika. In his quest to return home and collect the Tetrad pieces, Mike finds himself time hopping and encountering historical figures such as Cleopatra, Merlin, Sherlock Holmes, and Leonardo Da Vinci. The absurd and entertaining circumstances surrounding these encounters further add to the game’s enjoyment.
Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics
In terms of gameplay, Zoda’s Revenge improves upon its predecessor. The controls have been enhanced, allowing for eight-way movement similar to A Link to the Past. This fluid movement adds a sense of satisfaction to the gameplay experience. Combat has also received improvements, with Mike having two weapons: throwing swords and a psychic shock wave attack that upgrades throughout the game. The removal of grid-based movement and the addition of different platform heights enhance the platforming elements.
Dungeon Design: A Missed Opportunity
While Zoda’s Revenge successfully introduces a variety of settings and themes, the dungeon design falls slightly short of expectations. The heavy puzzle element found in Star Tropics has been replaced with simpler switch block puzzles. Although the maps are suitably themed, the lack of unique puzzles is a missed opportunity to elevate the game’s overall experience.
A Notable Increase in Difficulty
The increase in combat focus also comes with a notable increase in difficulty. As early as chapter four, enemies become stronger and more resilient, capable of quickly depleting Mike’s life bar. Despite the improved controls and mechanics, some boss battles prove to be frustratingly challenging. However, with determination and skill, the game remains manageable.
In Closing
Comparing Zoda’s Revenge to its predecessor is a difficult task as both games have their strengths and weaknesses. While Zoda’s Revenge boasts enhanced gameplay mechanics, it still falls slightly behind in certain aspects. Nevertheless, the game exceeded expectations for a late NES release and offers an enjoyable experience for those willing to give it a chance.
Overall, Zoda’s Revenge: Star Tropics II deserves recognition as an underappreciated gem in the NES library. Its unique plot, improved gameplay mechanics, and challenging difficulty make it a worthwhile addition to any retro gaming collection.
Final Score: 7 out of 10