Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Hudson Best Collection Vol. 6: Bōkenjima Collection delivers a compelling package of four classic Adventure Island titles, each offering its own twist on the action-platforming formula. From the straightforward side-scroller of the original Adventure Island to the more expansive levels of Adventure Island IV, the collection keeps you on your toes with precise jump-and-run mechanics that stand up well on the GameBoy Advance. You’ll learn quickly that timing and pattern memorization are key to surviving the array of hazards—rolling boulders, swooping pterodactyls and bottomless chasms.

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Adventure Island II introduces mount rides and branching paths, adding a layer of strategy as you choose between fast but vulnerable rides or slow but sturdy ones. Adventure Island III builds on this by expanding the inventory of creatures you can ride, changing how you approach enemy formations and environmental puzzles. Finally, Adventure Island IV shakes things up with more detailed level designs and a handful of unique power-ups that keep the formula feeling fresh. Each title retains its own identity while feeling cohesive in this bundled release.

The collection’s GBA presentation adds a convenient save and password system, relieving the frustration of repeating entire sections when you fail. While some purists might miss the crispness of the original Famicom cartridges, the GBA’s crisp directional pad and responsive buttons ensure that controls remain tight. Whether you’re tackling the speedy platforming of the first game or exploring the secret routes in Adventure Island II, the gameplay loop is as addictive now as it was decades ago.

Graphics

Graphically, the Bōkenjima Collection rides the line between faithful retro presentation and necessary adaptation for the GBA’s smaller screen. Each game’s pixel art is faithfully reproduced, preserving the bright color palettes and charming character animations that define the series. The sprite work feels crisp despite the reduction in screen real estate, and backgrounds retain their original flair—from palm-fringed beaches to foreboding volcano interiors.

The transition from Famicom to GBA occasionally results in slight sprite blurring or color shifts, but these issues are minor and rarely distract from the core experience. In Adventure Island IV, for instance, the richer environments sometimes suffer from palette limitations on the handheld display, but the overall level of detail remains impressive. Load times between stages are minimal, and there’s virtually no lag, so the visual flow of running, jumping and axe-throwing remains uninterrupted.

One of the nicest graphical touches is the display of lives and heart meter at the top of the screen, which has been slightly rearranged for handheld play but remains easy to read at a glance. Special effects—like shimmering water in bonus stages or the flash of a power-up pickup—are faithfully recreated, adding to the sense that you’re handling a true portable release rather than a down-sampled ROM hack. Overall, the visuals reinforce the nostalgic appeal without compromising playability.

Story

Adventure Island has never been renowned for an epic narrative, and Vol. 6 sticks to the series’ light-hearted origins. The core premise across all four titles is delightfully simple: rescue Princess Tina (or other kidnapped companions) from the clutches of devilish monsters. While none of the games offers deep character development, the minimalistic plot serves as the perfect framing device for the high-octane platform action.

Each installment spices up the storyline just enough to keep players invested. Adventure Island II introduces siblings Tina and Master Higgins on a family-friendly rescue mission, while Adventure Island III expands the lore by adding mystical islands and new creatures. In Adventure Island IV, subtle hints of a larger world order emerge—complete with airships and elemental temples—though the focus remains squarely on reaching the final boss. These slight narrative shifts help the collection feel more dynamic than a simple port compilation.

In truth, the charm here is in the arcadey simplicity. You don’t play Adventure Island for sweeping plot twists or moral quandaries, but for tight controls and escalating challenges. If you approach these titles expecting deeper storytelling, you’ll miss the point; however, fans of retro platformers will appreciate the whimsical sprites and upbeat music cues that accompany each world’s distinct motif.

Overall Experience

Hudson Best Collection Vol. 6: Bōkenjima Collection stands as an essential compilation for retro platforming enthusiasts and GBA collectors alike. By bringing Adventure Island II, III and IV to the handheld for the first—and so far only—time, it offers a unique opportunity to experience these gems on the go. The inclusion of the original Adventure Island rounds out the quartet, making this a one-stop package for anyone seeking challenge, charm and old-school design.

While minor visual quirks and the absence of modern conveniences (like rewind or adjustable difficulty) might deter some players, the core presentation remains remarkably polished. The games load quickly, controls feel precise, and the difficulty curve strikes a fine balance between frustration and reward. Whether you’re replaying childhood favorites or discovering them for the first time, the collection’s streamlined UI and reliable performance make for a hassle-free experience.

In summary, Bōkenjima Collection captures the essence of what made Adventure Island a beloved franchise in the 1980s and early ’90s. It’s a testament to Hudson’s design prowess that these straightforward platformers still hold up more than two decades later. For those seeking a portable dose of retro action, this GBA exclusive is well worth adding to your library.

Retro Replay Score

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