Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Neverending Story II: The Arcade Game offers straightforward platforming mechanics that will feel familiar to anyone who grew up on side-scroll classics. You control Bastian in his quest across Fantasia, running, jumping, and dodging hazards as you pursue the whims of giants and the shadows of dark creatures. Each level introduces simple objectives—outrunning a towering foe, pushing enemies off cliffs, or leaping across moving platforms—keeping the action brisk and accessible.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Controls are generally responsive, with Bastian executing jumps and dashes with minimal lag. There are occasional moments when pixel-perfect precision is required, especially when nimbly navigating narrow ledges or timing a push against a lumbering giant. These tense bursts of timing challenge break up the more forgiving stretches of platform traversal, striking a balance between relaxed exploration and adrenaline-pumping chases.

Progression is tied to the narrative structure: complete each stage and you unlock new pages of the mystical book, moving the story forward while rewarding your platforming prowess. Hidden collectibles and extra pages encourage replaying earlier levels, giving completionists extra incentive to scour every nook and cranny. Overall, the gameplay loop is simple but satisfying, catering especially to younger audiences and fans of story-driven platformers.

Graphics

The visual presentation of The Neverending Story II captures the vibrant color palette of the film, translating Fantasia’s enchanted landscapes into charming pixel art. Lush forests, swirling skies, and ancient ruins are rendered with bright hues and clear outlines, making it easy to distinguish platforms and enemies even amidst busy background scenery. The art style evokes a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of early ’90s arcade cabinets.

Character sprites are well-defined, with Bastian sporting expressive animations as he runs, jumps, and interacts with environmental objects. Giants lumber through the foreground with convincing weight, and small details—like fluttering butterflies or drifting clouds—add life to each stage. While the game lacks advanced effects such as parallax scrolling or particle systems, its consistent frame rate ensures smooth movement and responsive visual feedback.

Cutscenes between levels are illustrated with static book-page images, combining hand-drawn sketches and text to advance the plot. Though modest by modern standards, these interludes reinforce the feeling of reading through a magical storybook, tying the visuals back to the source material in a charming, low-tech way.

Story

Faithful to the movie it’s based on, The Neverending Story II casts you once again as Bastian, summoned by the Childlike Empress to save Fantasia from creeping darkness. The narrative unfolds in bite-sized chunks: each level’s completion reveals a few more pages of the enchanted book, narrated through on-screen text and accompanying illustrations. This book-page mechanic cleverly mirrors the theme of storytelling as a force of creation.

Though the plot is relatively straightforward—traverse environments, overcome foes, and chase after key characters—the game sprinkles in familiar faces like Falkor the luckdragon and rock biter cameos to delight fans. Dialogue is minimal, relying on the classic “book reveal” approach to keep players invested in the overarching quest. It won’t rival a modern RPG for depth, but it succeeds in evoking the same sense of wonder and adventure that made the film a cult favorite.

Replay value in the story mode stems largely from collecting all the hidden book pages. Completing the full set unlocks additional artwork and a more detailed epilogue, rewarding thorough exploration. For players who cherish Nostalgia and enjoy piecing together narrative fragments, this structure adds a compelling extra layer to what might otherwise be a simple platformer.

However, those expecting branching paths or moral choices may find the storytelling linear and concise. The game’s charm lies in its simplicity—embrace its storybook style, and you’ll appreciate the cozy, episodic progression through Fantasia’s wonders and perils.

Overall Experience

The Neverending Story II: The Arcade Game delivers a charming, kid-friendly platformer that captures the spirit of its cinematic inspiration. Its approachable difficulty curve makes it ideal for younger players or nostalgic adults looking for a lighthearted throwback. While it doesn’t push technical boundaries, its combination of colorful visuals, straightforward controls, and storybook presentation creates a cohesive package.

For fans of The Neverending Story franchise, this game offers a fun way to revisit Fantasia and reunite with beloved characters in an interactive format. Collecting book pages adds a mild metagame that encourages replaying levels, and the brisk pace means you can finish the adventure in a few dedicated sittings. Hardcore platforming enthusiasts might crave deeper mechanics or more varied boss battles, but for its target audience, the experience is consistently enjoyable.

Ultimately, The Neverending Story II shines as a nostalgic trip through a magical universe, wrapped in solid arcade-style platforming. It may not reinvent the genre, but it stands as a faithful licensed title that balances fan service with accessible gameplay—making it a worthwhile pick for families and fans eager to save Fantasia once more.

Retro Replay Score

5.4/10