Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole takes the tried-and-true Level 9 adventure engine and refines it into a streamlined, choice-driven experience. Rather than typing commands, you’re presented with three distinct options at each juncture, allowing you to guide Adrian through the ups and downs of teenage life with ease. This pick-and-click style of play eliminates frustrating guesswork while preserving the puzzle-solving spirit that fans of classic text adventures will appreciate.

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Over the course of 18 months in Adrian’s diary, you’ll encounter a variety of challenges—from dodging parental lectures to navigating school politics and neighborhood trivia. Each scenario feels carefully crafted to test your wits and your empathy. Making the right choice boosts Adrian’s popularity with Mum, Dad, Pandora, Nigel, Bert and other colorful characters, but a single misstep can send his social standing tumbling. The interplay between choices and consequences gives the adventure real replay value.

The structure is divided into four self-contained sections, which you can load individually or tackle in sequence. Your cumulative score carries over from one section to the next, so you’ll constantly feel the weight of past decisions. This segmented approach makes it easy to jump in for a quick session without losing track of your overall progress—or to savor each chapter as a complete narrative arc.

Graphics

Graphically, The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole embraces a retro aesthetic that faithfully replicates the feel of early Level 9 titles. The screen layout remains predominantly text-based, but each scene is accompanied by charming, minimalist illustrations that set the mood. Whether Adrian is stuck doing chores in the living room or debating poetry in the schoolyard, the accompanying pixel art frames the action nicely.

While you won’t find AAA-style visuals here, the stylistic consistency plays to the game’s strengths. Character portraits of Adrian’s friends and family members feel expressive despite their simplicity, and subtle animations—like Pandora’s hair flipping or Nigel’s smug grin—add a touch of life to the proceedings. Colors are bright without being garish, reinforcing the lighthearted, diary-entry tone you’ve come to expect from Adrian’s adventures.

One particularly nice touch is the way on-screen text scrolls into view, mimicking the feel of leafing through a paper journal. Combined with period-appropriate background music and sound effects, the overall presentation is a nostalgic homage to text adventures of the 1980s—updated just enough to feel fresh for modern players.

Story

Building on the success of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, this follow-up picks up exactly where the book left off. You relive 18 months of teenage turmoil, from first crushes to family spats, all filtered through Adrian’s overactive imagination. The writing remains genuinely witty—Adrian’s internal monologues brim with equal parts sincerity and comedic self-awareness.

The narrative unfolds in episodic chapters that mirror the original book’s structure. You might find yourself organizing a poetry recital one minute and consoling a weeping younger sister the next. Each segment balances humor and heart, capturing the awkward charm that made Adrian Mole a cultural icon. Moments of genuine warmth—such as a rare compliment from Dad—are punctuated by laugh-out-loud gaffes like Adrian’s ill-advised attempt at heavy metal drumming.

Character interactions are the game’s true highlight. From Pandora’s inscrutable looks to Bert Baxter’s terrifying enthusiasm, every supporting player feels distinct. Your choice-based system affects how they perceive Adrian: win their trust with thoughtful answers or alienate them with brash decisions. This emphasis on social dynamics deepens the storytelling, ensuring you stay invested in each relationship through its ups and downs.

Overall Experience

The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole is a delightful blend of nostalgia and interactive storytelling. It successfully updates the Level 9 engine for modern sensibilities without losing the charm of its text-adventure roots. The choice-driven gameplay keeps you engaged, and the segmented chapters offer flexibility in how you play—perfect for both short bursts and longer marathon sessions.

Although the visuals and audio won’t rival today’s high-budget titles, they serve the story well and reinforce the game’s diary-like atmosphere. More importantly, the clever writing and branching choices give Adrian’s world depth and replayability. You’ll find yourself coming back to experiment with different paths, determined to see every possible reaction from Mum, Dad, Pandora and the rest.

For fans of the books, The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole is a must-play, offering an immersive leap into familiar territory. Even newcomers will appreciate the humor, emotional beats and accessible mechanics. Whether you’re seeking a lighthearted romp through teenage angst or a thoughtful journey of social strategy, this game delivers an engaging and memorable experience that stands on its own merits.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10