Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Arabian delivers a classic action-platforming experience that feels both familiar and fresh thanks to its Arabian Nights–flavored “storybook” presentation. Players guide a brave Arabian prince through four distinct pages of an enchanted tome: an ocean-bound ship, a winding network of caves, the looming castle walls, and finally the princess’s tower. Each page presents unique platforming challenges—leaping over rolling barrels on the deck, navigating slippery cave floors, scaling crumbling ramparts, and threading tight spaces in the tower’s interior.

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The prince’s moveset is deceptively simple yet deep. In addition to basic running and jumping, he can cling to vines, crawl through narrow crevices, duck under obstacles, and even glide on flying carpets to cross wide chasms or avoid ground-based hazards. The pièce de résistance is the mighty kick: a well-timed strike that not only sends mythical foes flying but also rewards players with score bonuses (in the arcade version) or temporary invincibility (on the NES) when multiple enemies are hit in succession. This encourages risk-versus-reward play, as chaining kicks together in tight quarters can turn a perilous stretch into a triumphant flourish.

Progression hinges on collecting lettered jugs scattered throughout each level. Gathering them in the correct order spells out a specific word—“ARABIAN” in the arcade edition, or a unique word per level on the NES—granting substantial bonuses for precision. This mechanic adds a thoughtful twist to the standard “reach the end” formula, pushing players to explore every nook and cranny rather than sprinting past hazards. Boss-like set pieces and surge difficulty as you rescue each princess ensure that mastery of movement and enemy patterns is consistently rewarded.

Graphics

Arabian’s visuals channel a storybook aesthetic, framing each level as a page illustrated with vivid, hand-painted backdrops. The ocean ship creaks against a deep-blue sea dotted with gulls, while cave passages glow with bioluminescent fungi and veins of shimmering treasure. The color palette shifts dramatically from the earthy browns and greens of the caves to the cold stone grays of the castle ramparts, culminating in the golden-hued tower interiors where the final rescue awaits.

Character sprites are well-defined and animated with fluidity that belies the hardware limitations of the era. The prince’s stride, the subtle flutter of the carpet’s tassels, and the menacing swoop of a Roc are all conveyed with surprisingly nuanced frames. Enemy designs lean into Middle Eastern mythology: serpentine genies coil from brass lamps, desert wolves skulk in dark corners, and giant scorpions skitter across sandy ledges. Each foe is instantly recognizable and visually distinct, which helps players react quickly to threats in the heat of action.

Special effects are handled with a flourish: kicks send foes flying with a brief but satisfying trail of stars, carpet glides leave a soft motion blur, and collecting lettered jugs triggers a gentle sparkle. Even if you’re playing on original hardware or a modern emulator, the blend of bold outlines and vibrant fills gives Arabian a timeless look that stands out among other retro platformers.

Story

Story unfolds like the turning of a page in a fabled tome. There’s no extensive dialogue or cutscenes—just a succinct setup: an evil overlord has seized a princess and hoisted her into a tower, and a courageous Arabian prince must step into the pages of this magical book to free her. Though minimalist, the narrative framing effortlessly evokes the spirit of Scheherazade’s tales, making each level feel like a distinct chapter in an overarching legend.

Each “page” delivers its own mini-episode, from braving high seas swarming with harpies to delving into sunlit caverns haunted by djinn. Brief interstitial panels show the prince’s silhouette approaching new terrain or gripping the lip of a tower window, reinforcing the storybook motif. When the prince finally rescues a princess, the book turns again, promising greater peril and steeper challenges ahead—an elegant way to weave narrative progression into gameplay without lengthy exposition.

While Arabian’s storyline is intentionally light, it thrives on atmosphere and world-building details. Generous titling and evocative background art conjure a rich Arabian Nights world, and the sparse but evocative script leaves room for player imagination. Fans of lore-driven adventures will find just enough context to stay invested without breaking the flow of platforming action.

Overall Experience

Arabian stands out as a shining example of late-’80s platform design, offering a tight move set, layered level structure, and a charming presentation that blends gameplay and narrative seamlessly. Its difficulty curve is firm but fair: early levels teach essential mechanics, while later pages demand precision kicking, strategic use of the flying carpet, and careful jug-collecting to maximize bonuses or invincibility.

Pros include the game’s artistic cohesion, memorable level themes, and the rewarding risk of chaining kicks or exploring off the beaten path for perfect jug-collection runs. On the flip side, some players may find the checkpoint spacing sparse, leading to occasional frustration on the more punishing segments—particularly the spiked walls of the tower or the cavern labyrinth’s blind jumps. However, learning from failure is part of the game’s enduring appeal.

For retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike, Arabian offers a captivating journey through a mythic world rendered in vibrant pixel art. Its blend of creative platforming mechanics, atmospheric design, and light storytelling makes it a must-play for anyone seeking a classic that still feels inventive today. Whether you’re chasing high scores in the arcade original or savoring the console-specific bonuses on the NES, Arabian delivers a thoroughly engaging quest worthy of its legendary setting.

Retro Replay Score

5.5/10