16-Bit Gems #26 – Super Adventure Island II

Posted by Roo-CotGW on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 · 69 Comments

We all know what we’re in for when we play an Adventure Island game: Puzzles, swords, magic, and… downthrusts? No, Super Adventure Island 2 may not be the game you’d expect, but it’s so much more. Join Roo as he shows off his favorite game in this storied series, as well as its surprising pedigree. Zelda 2: The adventure of Link anyone?

Anonymous

Another good review, Roo.
I never played this game but wow, I didn’t expect it to be a big departure from the previous titles. Well, I am a fan of Zelda II as well, so I may give this a shot when I see it.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Austin-Kelly-Mackert/100000790359124 Austin Kelly Mackert

Awesome video!! In the past I was typically turned off by the idea of this one as I always enjoyed the original arcade-style gameplay of the other Adventure Island games. I do enjoy Zelda II though and now that I know the details of how the game works as well as its similarities to Nintendo’s game, I am going to check it out.
Hardyboys0

Hey one of those composers was a chick! respect michiko! nice vid roo

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001582780112 Roo Cotgw

See? That’s how hard it was to find any info on them! Thanks for the info – I learned something today.

Anonymous

OK, seriously people. This is getting stupid. “Storied” isn’t a word! Stop saying it. Only Americans say this. It’s not a word. In the context that you’re using this so-called word, here are some actual words that mean what you think ‘storied’ means.
Acclaimed, Celebrated, Illustrious, Renowned, Prominent, Fabled, Famous.

Now seriously people, stop saying “Storied” it does not mean “written about in stories”, grow the fuck up AND LEARN TO TALK! I mean seriously people, is it too much to ask that you learn how to fucking talk. ‘Storied’ has one meaning only one, “to be on mutliple levels” ie. A multiple-storied carpark.

Oh, and before some prick with a dictionary tries to correct me. I don’t care if you’ve found a dictonary with “storied” in it, I can find a dictionary with the word “bling” in it for fuck sake, that doesn’t make it an actual word, it just means there was an idiot of the dictonary submissions committee unfamiliar with the word “lavish”. You can get anything put in the dictionary now. For fuck sake they added “badonkadonk” to the dictionary. Now it’s just a competition to see what rediculous words we can add, it’s not a reference point.

Oh and while we’re at it; niché is pronounced “neesh” not “nitch” and if you don’t care about something the correct phrase is “I couldn’t care less” not “I could care less” you collection of illiterate twats. Dammit America, it’s your native language. Most Europeans can speak 3 languages can you please stop embarrassing yourselves and learn at least ONE so that talking to you doesn’t resemble holding down a conversation with a drunk man with a golf-ball sized hole in his tongue.

Thank you.

djb

ARGH!!!!!!!! I HATE GRAMMAR!!!! IT MAKES ME SO DAMNED MAD!!!!!!!!
LonestarGoner

You have some problems, pal, you really do. If vehemently espousing yourself to the cause of immaculate grammar on a videogame website is so critical to your life, seek help. Language is an evolutionary concept. We don’t use the words “dost” or “thou” anymore, and some may wish otherwise. Are some additions to the common lexicon disconcerting? I think so, but that is life. Deal with it.

As you can see, I too can use big words and I am an American. I was also born in Texas, so I’m sure you consider me less than a wombat on the intellectual scale. As for Europeans speaking 3 languages, bully for them. Those folks have been around thousands of years, but America has made her mark in history in a scant 235, speaking one language and (according to you) speaking it poorly. Of course, I can make a reasonable point without using foul language. Can you? Apparently not.

On-topic – excellent video. Will definitely be picking this one up on Wii VC.

I am done feeding the troll.

Anonymous

No, I don’t require immaculate grammar. I’m prepared to let one or two errors slide. One hilarious person was quick to point out that I mispelt “speak” in one of my posts earlier. One or two errors is expected, no-one is perfect, but when I’m 3 minutes in and he’s made an error every 20 seconds without fail, then goes on to complain that people keep pulling him up on his use of the word “irony”. He makes money off the add revenue of this show, it’s effectively his job (or if not, that’s the aim). Is it so much to ask to expect a little professionalis?

Lolazer

How are “Acclaimed, Celebrated, Illustrious, Renowned, Prominent, Fabled, Famous.” any more valid than “Storied” anyways? At one point, THOSE WEREN’T WORDS EITHER. Words exist because people make them up.

And not everyone knows how to pronounce words that originate from languages they don’t speak. For example, your pronunciation of “niché” is just as “wrong” as Roo’s.

Go **** yourself.

Anonymous

“Words exist because people make them up” – Bullshit and you know it. Words are not just made up, they have to evolve naturally, if you just make up your own words the only person who’ll have the slightest clue what your saying will be you. What is the fucking point of having your own words? Who would you talk to? The reason all the others are more valid words is THEY ACTUALLY FUCKING MEAN SOMETHING!

Also, no, my pronunciation of niché isn’t wrong, I bothered to learn how to talk.

PS: You can swear on the internet you know, the asterisks are not necessary. Your mum probably won’t read it and we already all know what you’re replacing so don’t be such a prude, it’s pathetic.

Fail

“professionalis”?

Anonymous

Are you really so stupid that you couldn’t notice the missing “m” at the end. It’s called a typo, why don’t you just fuck off and do something worthwhile with your time.

I’ll let you in on a little secret, I did that one on purpose just to see if the spelling nazis would come out of the woodwork. Well done, you spotted the obvious mistake, how smart you must feel.

The fact is Roo made a video, professionally, for which he is getting paid; and he made more mistakes in the first 3 minutes than I would expect to find in a whole video. Is quality not worth asking for?

Bob

You are right, cake IS good…. wait, that’s not what you were saying?
Daniel Hoffman

Thank you for proving you have a limited and shallow interpretation of language, especially modern English. Parading your lack of knowledge on a subject by being enraged by it’s ever changing nature is quite entertaining.

To say something isn’t a word is like pointing at a new flavor of ice creme and shouting at it “that doesn’t exist!”. Once a word has become part of popular language no matter how nonsensical it is, it is a word. That’s how we got all those weird Shakespear words , he was just making stuff up. I can just imagine you sitting there in the 1500′s shouting at Shakespear telling him they aren’t words and that he should learn to speak.

Again, pronunciation is based on area, if where Roo is from it’s pronounced “nitch” then he’s saying it correctly. Words evolve, and it looks like you’re being left behind. Just as well, that’s how survival of the fittest works anyway. Good riddance.

*fuels the flames*

Anonymous

Sorry, I don’t listen to the opinions of internet hard men who parade eugenics as a political badge of honour.

BlackagarBoltagon

LMFAO. Eugenics? What he hell are you talking about? Yeah I know the movement and how it is one of the biggest FU’s to the common man but i must of missed the post that shows the relevance. On a digression, just read “Cloning of the American Mind” great book that gives tons of good info on how the eugenics and psychology movement helped derail education, and in my opinion America as a whole.

BlackagarBoltagon

Someone has a little penis. I’m sorry man… I’m sorry. Life is not fair. At least you have grammar.to keep you happy. Wow you are bitter about the most inconsequential thing I have ever seen on any site like this. Get some therapy I think you might have repressed a molestation by an English teacher or something. Sheesh.
Garbageface

I agree with most of your opinions on grammar, but you have a lot to learn about the psychology of convincing others. Shouting and belittling don’t work unless you have actual powers of authority over those you’re verbally abusing. Without that, you’re just going to be laughed (and flipped) off.
pwagmattasquarmsetport

You are such a hypocrite. First, your syntax is absolutely appalling. Second, when you ask a question, rhetorical or not, you need a damn question mark. Finally, you can’t spell. Go kill yourself. Oh, and if a word is in a dictionary, that makes it a word.

Anonymous

Aaaaaahhhhh!!!!! Damn you. One sentence in I make a post because it’s irritating hearing Americans butcher the language, I mention “storied”, “niché”, “couldn’t care less” etc. but then you go on to complain that grammar nazi’s have made it difficult to use the word “ironic” only to use the word incorrectly less than a minute later (which by the way is ironic). Why can’t Americans speek English? What is wrong with you all?

Motherflower

Why can’t Americans “speek” English indeed. Good effort though, buddy.

Anonymous

Am I not allowed to make a typo?

Bob

Nope. Not if Roo isn’t allowed to ironically use the word ironic incorrectly for the sake of a joke (as far as I can tell).

BlackagarBoltagon

How lame is your life that you view language as a means not an end. I get the grammar school mind effed you as a kid but come on grow up. There is more to be gained by being willing to misuse, or accept, language than in being dogmatic. I understand what he meant and I understand its wrong but the point is the message not the curtsy or pinkie lift that accompanies it. Criticize peoples points not their delivery or is all the knowledge you posses that worthless. Probably a failed writer/english teacher..

Cybernator5000

Finally, i find someone else who loves super adventure island 2! this game gets bashed on a lot and it dosnet deserve the bad rap it gets
Anonymous

I can smell Wonderboy in Monsterworld comming… Or the wonderboy that’s actually a girl? (Monster World 4)

Nice Review, but that’s a given from you ;P

I known the fact that Wonderboy/Adventure Island had such a convoluted history, but I wasn’t aware that their respective Gameplay crossed once more. Thanks for this tidbit of conversational trivia.
Anonymous

Roo, a Tenacious D fan? It’s more likely than you think.
Allawrence

Great review. I am also a fan of Adventure Island 2 and Zelda 2..

As for the idiots that think they are correcting grammer. You obviously have a descriptivist approach to grammar which is ridiculous. Most of the English language consists of pointless rules (Example: never end a sentence in a preposition) that was borrowed from Latin. These rules do little to help the English language and serve no purpose. (unnecessary prepositions I understand). Quit trying to make yourself sound smart and go post on some Language message boards.
http://www.youtube.com/afr0blu3 Afr0Blu3

“I hope no one calls me racist!” Epic!

Guest

Why? It didn’t even make sense. The stereotype is the Chinese, not Japanese, being addicted to gambling.

Guest

just search jfreedan on youtube (with adblock active, please)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001582780112 Roo Cotgw

Wow, I had no idea that particular stereotype existed – I was just making a bit of a non sequitur. I guess there are stereotypes for everything. Now excuse me as I put on a wife beater, eat some spaghetti, and sing opera. Mama mia!

OffsetServbot

Wonderboy is a great game. You could say its high above the Mucky Muck
BlackagarBoltagon

What’s ironic is Roo is my number 2 and Pat brought me to this site. Mr Rolfe still runs the review world. 2011 MONSTER MADNESS BITC*ES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (secretly unsure if it is ironic or not)

John T.

James Rolfe still runs the review world? What kind of heroin are you smoking?

Not that he hasn’t made good videos lately (I enjoy some of the board james videos(though those have been going down in quality since he’s been concentrating less on the games themselves than in his earlier videos and more on the terrible comedy), and his movie reviews are generally well done), but as the AVGN it’s very clear that he’s burned out of it and that his enthusiasm for the series has gone way down in the last 2 years.

Jon Dow

Why does he want to make an AVGN movie then?

John T.

Because he thinks that if he stops a mob of super-obsessed fans will come over and murder him, and a movie before retiring the character may appease the crazies. That and he’s had that script sitting there for like 3 years so he figured he might as well go for it.

BlackagarBoltagon

To each his own. Everything from Urkel moments to you know whats bullshit, hell even the throwback vids I enjoy. I mean a TMNT themed pizza tasting? That man is The Man. Just great to see someone doing what they love. Reminds me of Ronald Jenkees you can just feel the heart in their respective works. And maybe it’s me but the NWC 1990 episode was hilarious. I love the anticipation at the beginning and the inclusion of Pat.
http://twitter.com/dezm101 justin ismond

you are a retard. get a life. Roo pwns ghetto ‘angry reviewers’ ,really that type of idea was old like 2 years ago, grow up buddy – even your hero AVGN knows that shit is like beating a dead horse, look at what he did; give birth to shit like Irate gaylord
BlackagarBoltagon

Ghetto angry reviewers? I was unaware James grew up anywhere ghetto like. Old is not bad either I personally enjoy all of James’s stuff not just AVGN, and most posts aren’t angry anyhow. But whatever you obviously have an anger issue yourself. Hope that wasn’t a thinly veiled attempt at irony.
Daddy Mack

that’s very true. His hardcore fans are maniacs

http://www.facebook.com/billy.w.hudson Billy Hudson

I ironically watched this while I was saying something ironic, although ironically I can’t remember what it was.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001582780112 Roo Cotgw

I’m glad that the ironic irony of my irony irony wasn’t irony on you.

Penis.

David Zapata

Finally Roo!! i love that game!!
Jobocan

I thought it was gonna be just another Adventure Island before watching the review (yay for not reading the video description), but this looks pretty cool. And I am also a fan of Zelda 2 so that comment did help in making me interested. If I can find it for lower than the usual 30$, I’ll definitely pick it up. Thanks once again for a great review.
MaxEarthbound

I realised that Tenacious D song Wonder Boy is the exact same beat from the Wonder Boy game, it’s awesome, great review Roo it’s been a while and I’m a huge fan of your serie, as well as a bunch of my friends in Canada.
Anonymous

Oh, sorry that I have to nitpick… but the game titles around 2:10 are false: That’s not Wonder Boy in Monster World, but Wonder Boy in Monster _Land_ (the second in the series on the SMS… that one: http://www.mobygames.com/game/sega-master-system/wonder-boy-in-monster-land ). It’s Named “Super Monser Wold in japan according to moby, so it’s not entirely wrong, but that makes differentiating this one from Monster World on Mega Drive/Genesis difficult, esp that this one got a port to SMS later on afair.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001582780112 Roo Cotgw

You’re absolutely right. I have no excuse except to claim complete and utter brain fart. Hey, at least I got it right in the credits…

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001582780112 Roo Cotgw

By the way, I’m in the process of fixing it and reuploading – this aggression will not stand, man.

Anonymous

yeah, you’re right, Dude.

PKGamerOmega

Good review, Roo. This is actually the only Adventure Island game I’ve played and I really like it. But you forgot to metion that not only is it very similar to Zelda II The Adventure of Link, but it’s also very similar to the Metroid/recent Castlevania styled action adventure platformer games.
PKGamerOmega

Correction: I watched more of the review and noticed you mentioned backtracking and getting items you couldn’t get before like Metroid, but when I played it, from the beginning of the game it reminded me of Metroid A LOT.
PKGamerOmega

Almost forgot, nice Earthbound figurines in the backround, where did you get them?

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001582780112 Roo Cotgw

They were Japan-exclusive crane game prizes. You can find more info here: http://earthboundcentral.com/2011/04/full-earthbound-figure-set/

Kafei_keaton

You called Wonderboy in Monster Land, Wonderboy in Monster World
Mike Crone

I was intrigued that the story line with Wonderboy and Adventure Island was so interesting. There is a moment when you are discussing the casino section of the game that you see the animals racing and one of the has a striking resemblance to Tails when running at top speed. I had to back the video up to make sure I saw it correctly. Can’t wait to watch the Wonderboy review.
John Delia

God I love your videos Roo.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jeffery-Adam-Phillips/842790540 Jeffery Adam Phillips

Love your videos, was wondering if you have any type of schedule or plan for which games you’ll be checking out next?

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001582780112 Roo Cotgw

Schedule is a little too strong of a word… More like goals. I am planning to have two more Gems out this month.

As for content, I usually try to plan out 4 or 5 ahead, but that can also be fluid. I will say this – expect (hopefully) a mega-sized episode around New Year’s.

Daddy Mack

Wonderboy FTW!!!!!!!
Basicrounds

YES! I LOVE THIS GAME SOOOOO MUCH! It’s like Zelda II done right!

Basicrounds

Just so you know, I don’t hate Zelda II. I think SAI2 Is better though.
Bob

Which must mean it’s pretty good considering Zelda II is awesome.

Lulz

No mention of Takahashi-meijin? He’s a legend in gaming, you know
Guest

GEEZ. HOW MANY TIMES CAN ONE MISUSE IRONIC?!

http://www.facebook.com/billy.w.hudson Billy Hudson

it’s ironic that intended misuse of the word ironic gets misconstrued as intended use of the word “ironic” by the commentator to point out actual elements of irony
Bob

An ironic amount of times!

Jobocan

I picked this game up yesterday. Super fun, thanks for the recommendation, once again!

My only complaint right now is that the random battles on the world map feels sort of useless since you don’t level up.
http://www.facebook.com/jayethomas30 Jay Thomas

Finally got this off ebay, should be a good play this weekend

16-Bit Gems #26 – Super Adventure Island II

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