Adventure Island IV

Game Details:

• This is the fourth installment in the series and the last Adventure Island game for the Japanese FC platform, released only in Japan.
• The game is set on Adventure Island, which is contaminated by dark forces, with dinosaurs being kidnapped. The player controls Higgins and needs to explore 6 major areas. Unlike previous levels, "IV" uses a non-linear map, and players unlock new areas by collecting key items (such as hammers, torches, and sprays).
• The health system is changed to "8 foods = 1 heart," allowing players to save and recover health by returning home, and to obtain passwords to continue the game.
• It also features mini-games and challenges, with victories awarding practical items like resurrection cards, map pointers, and teleportation eggs.
• Supports riding dinosaurs, each with unique abilities, such as crossing lava, flying, and accelerating underwater.

Editor's Recommendation:

As a hidden gem from the late FC era, "Adventure Island IV" cleverly blends action platforming with Metroidvania-style adventure gameplay. The diverse items and dinosaur abilities provide a rich exploration experience, while the non-linear map and password system enhance replay value. Although its graphics and sound are limited by the FC, its design is mature and its mechanics are innovative, making it a bright spot in the series and a masterpiece that is missed on the FC. Translated patches and fan-made versions are available for play, making it a worthwhile experience for players who enjoy retro exploration and a sense of challenge.

Game Guide:

I. Item Acquisition and Uses

• Hammer: Used to break stone walls and obstacles;
• Torch: Illuminates dark rooms and opens hidden exits;
• Sprayer: Enlarges mushrooms for easy access to high places;
• Map Pointer: Displays the direction of travel on the large map;
• Teleportation Egg: Allows for quick travel to and from set locations, saving travel time;
• Resurrection Card: Resurrects immediately after death, reducing the penalty of restarting.

II. Map Exploration and Save Strategies

• Utilize the "home rest to get password" mechanism, and you can save multiple times before entering a new area to avoid losing progress due to death.
• The non-linear map design is highly interconnected; it is recommended to note the locations where roads are blocked, and revisit them after obtaining specific items.

III. Dinosaur Partner Selection

• Red Dinosaur: Can cross fire and lava, suitable for volcanic areas;
• Bird-shaped Dinosaur: Can fly over obstacles, suitable for high platform exploration;
• Water Dragon: Fast underwater movement, suitable for aquatic levels;
• Other dinosaurs can be flexibly matched depending on the level terrain to improve the efficiency of clearing the level.

IV. Boss Battles and Small Puzzles

• Use torches or sprayers to create advantages based on the characteristics of the boss battles;
• Small level puzzles often rely on item status, such as torches illuminating paths, hammers breaking stone walls blocking the way. It is recommended to visit the entire area and collect items before clearing the level.

V. Suggestions for Improving Efficiency

1. Familiarize yourself with the non-linear map structure and master key paths;
2. Participate in mini-games and challenges first, as they can get practical items early;
3. When encountering emergency resurrection levels, you can rely on resurrection cards and teleportation eggs to reduce progress loss;
4. It is recommended to have passwords readily available to prevent progress loss caused by power outages or emulator crashes.