Adventure Island: The Beginning

Adventure Island: The Beginning is an enjoyable, entertaining update to a classic franchise -- but it's one that doesn't seem to have been given much extra effort.

On the one hand, the gameplay is virtually unchanged from the original game and it's still lots of fun to play, even though it's incredibly easy now. Sadly you just can't help but notice all the oversights, such as the lack of a widescreen option, the jerky animations and the lack of a "classic" mode for the main game.

Adventure Island: The Beginning, developed by Hudson, returns after many years. The game, fun and engaging, is limited by some ups and downs. A very short length, balanced by a level of difficulty at times frustrating, it may not attract long-time players and even the less experienced. The idea of the upgrades is interesting and actually extends the gaming experience, but there are only five worlds. The return of Master Higgins is therefore a fun title that, despite the limitations mentioned, it is very suitable for those who appreciated the first titles in the series.

The game hasn’t strayed far from the original at all, except that you don’t die after one hit like the original, unless you fall in fire.

Fans should download it. The one who doesn't know the genre, it up to you. If you don't fit either profile, leave it, because there are more and better platform games on the Virtual Console for a lower price.