I grew up in a household that absolutely loved computer games. From as far back as I can remember, we had whatever tech was popular at the time and as a family we used to devour games. One game that always brings back fond memories is ‘The NewZealand Story’, which was originally released in 1988. If memory serves, we have the game on Amiga and I used to play pretty much nothing but that with a sprinkling of ‘Bubble Bobble’ to keep things fresh every now and again. Over the years, various attempts have been made to revive the popular game, and now Bitobit has released ‘The NewZealand Story: Untold Adventure’, officially licensed by TAITO, on Steam.
Before playing ‘The NewZealand Story: Untold Adventure’, I saw a fair amount of negativity about the game online. There are plenty of claims that this game is ‘soulless’ and hasn’t captured the spirit of the original, so I went into it with trepidation. ‘The NewZealand Story: Untold Adventure’ updates and refreshes the original game, but the selling point here Is the additional fifth stage, which is inspired by the Kaikoura district in the south of New Zealand. That new stage brings four levels and a brand-new boss battle, giving fans of the original game a little something extra.
The first thing you notice is that the graphics look different. Tiki the Kiwi is recognisable, he just looks more polished for this outing. The same observation could be applied to the look-and-feel of the rest of the game. Honestly, I didn’t mind the graphics overhaul as it makes it look a lot cleaner and vibrant for Steam gamers. While there are some changes along the way, as is to be expected, ‘The NewZealand Story: Untold Adventure’ will feel instantly familiar for anyone who played the original game.
The level designs are what you’ll expect as Tiki the Kiwi navigates through a horde of enemies to fry a trapped Kiwi at the end of every level. There is a brand-new map layout and an overhauled health system, but neither of these things bothered me and I didn’t feel like they were unnecessary changes. Purists will likely be upset that the game isn’t an exact replica of the one they are familiar with, but it didn’t bother me in the slightest (and I adored the original game).
As was the case with the original game, there are a variety of weapons that Tiki the Kiwi can collect as you work through the level ranging from guns to bombs, along with the ability to commander devices that enable him to fly. There are plenty of items to collect along the way as you defeat enemies – fruit and letters – and the game gets increasingly more challenging as you work your way through it.
The control system is straightforward enough to get your head around. Tiki the Kiwi perhaps moves a bit faster than he has done previously, and the nuance of his bird state isn’t really utilised here, but again I feel like I’d be trying hard to find negatives if I’m going to complain about such minor changes.
‘The NewZealand Story: Untold Adventure’ was, for me at least, a fun opportunity to revisit a game that has meant so much to me for a very long time. I enjoyed working through the familiar worlds that I knew, and the new stage offered additional value and enjoyment. You’re never going to please everyone when you update a much-loved game, but I had a great time with it and can see myself going back to it often to replay the levels.
Publisher: Bitobit (officially licensed by TAITO) Release date: 3rd March 2026 View ‘The NewZealand Story: Untold Adventure’ on Steam
