USUARCADEA PASSION FOR ARCADES
1988 · Taito

The NewZealand Story

A kiwi with a bow, borrowed balloons and caged friends: Tiki to the rescue.

Coming soon to UsuArcade

Votes to bring it to the arcade: 0

In the meantime, head into the arcade and play the cabinets that are already there

Year
1988
Manufacturer
Taito
Players
2 players, alternating turns
Genres
Platformers
Decade
'80s arcade games

Among all the spaceships and street brawlers, The NewZealand Story was the adorable cabinet in the arcade: a little kiwi in sneakers who fires arrows and hitches a ride on anything that floats. Behind that sweet face were mazes that gobbled up quarters without mercy.

It isn't on UsuArcade yet, but it's on the arcade wish list.

History

Taito released The NewZealand Story in 1988, during its golden run of colorful platformers. Its New Zealand setting, starring a kiwi bird, made it unlike anything else in the arcade.

It was also a big hit on late-80s home computers, which is where a lot of players first found it.

How to play

You play Tiki, a kiwi rescuing his friends, who've been locked in cages by a leopard seal. Each stage is a maze you explore in every direction until you find the cage. Fire arrows, which get upgraded with power-ups, and hop across platforms crawling with enemies.

Knock out an enemy riding a balloon or another flying vehicle and you can take it over and fly freely. Some sections are underwater, where you need to watch your air, and each world ends with a huge boss.

Fun facts

  • Tiki can hijack enemy balloons and flying vehicles to get around.
  • Underwater, an air meter shows up that you have to keep an eye on.
  • Two players alternate on one cabinet.

In the arcade

The NewZealand Story is coming soon to UsuArcade. It's on the wish list, and you can vote for it with the “I want to play it” button. Meanwhile, the arcade has other platform classics with lovable heroes, like Bubble Bobble, Snow Bros. and Tumble Pop, right in your browser with friends watching.

FAQ

Can I play The NewZealand Story on UsuArcade?

Not yet. It's on the wish list, and you can vote for it with “I want to play it”.

What year did The NewZealand Story come out?

In 1988, from Taito.

How many players is The NewZealand Story?

Two players, taking turns.

What similar games can I play there now?

Bubble Bobble, Snow Bros. and Tumble Pop.