The NewZealand Story: Untold Adventure is a new reimagining of the Taito-developed original from 1988. The new title has been developed by ​Bitobit, which describes itself as “a new Italian publisher reviving classic retro games through authentic remasters and modern creativity”. They also said that “with the return of The NewZealand Story, Bitobit affirms its commitment to preserving classic video games and celebrating Taito’s craft and vision”. However, as picked up by Time Extension reporters, some early players haven’t been happy with the changes.

In the original, Taito crafted the stages with inspiration drawn from New Zealand. Bitobit has created an entirely original fifth stage inspired by the Kaikoura district in the south of New Zealand to honour the heritage of the arcade game. There is also a brand-new map layout, a new health system, and many more new features. The final upgrade is a brand-new boss, the colossal Wormeggdon, designed specifically for this remake.

In a press statement, the developer said. “Originally released in 1988 by Taito, The NewZealand Story quickly became a cult classic thanks to its distinctive world, playfulness, and inventive level design.
Today, it returns in a new form, updated for modern platforms while carefully preserving the feel and charm that made the original so memorable. The NewZealand Story is designed to bring a tear to longtime fans while sparking wonder in a new generation. The same thrill once felt before the arcade cabinet now comes alive again on PC for players discovering it for the first time.”