Toki (NES) review "An adaptation of an obscure Arcade is a gem in all its right. "

Muscle-bound hero rushes to rescue his girlfriend being kidnapped by an evil wizard and gets turned into an ape to prevent his heroic intentions. However this also gives the now turned simian hero the ability to spit lethal spheres at his enemies, therefore he goes on his quest undeterred.

Thus, we have Toki, the only simian I took a liking to from his first appearance at Coin-Op games. It is quite amazing that this little 8-bit version retained most from the Arcade. Amusing, but impressive. Well, it is not that hard, since you have multiple hits instead of that one hit, one life loss from the original. Although jumping seems awkward most of the time, and it leaves you falling into a pit full of lava or any other fatal scenario our monkey hero faces.

The graphics aren't that simplistic, really. Every enemy and frame seems to be faithfully adapted, including those grimaces from that butt-ugly first boss whenever you riddle her with pellets. Although everything is quite tiny and flat-colored, making it hard to see what comes your way most of the time. Not a lot of shading for that matter, but I guess it would prevent some sprites from being unrecognizable. The sound includes the complete variations of the BGM original, and are adapted nicely. Although some effects sound like whistles from time to time, but aren't too distracting to prevent progress.

Another aspect of the story is the map appearing between stages narrating Toki’s adventure. Unlike games like Ghosts 'n' Goblins and Trojan, Toki gives a few hints of what’s to come to be prepared. Most of the Arcade stages are remained intact, including the story line as you progress through.

You will still play this every now and then like any other Arcade adaptation, and even consider a nice rival to other games of its type. Renting it would be your best bet, but owning it can give you more time to explore the weird stages in the island where Toki ventures. This port was worked to its fullest to give what it could from an Arcade adaptation. You can’t go wrong with an ape spitting pellets to freaky creatures. Even if the carbon copy is not exactly what one wishes to be, it is comforting that at least tried its best to mimic the Arcade version in all aspects. Unless you are an arcade fanatic and something of a completist, then you could consider this NES title for your personal library.

Community review by CptRetroBlue (December 16, 2018) A bio for this contributor is currently unavailable, but check back soon to see if that changes. If you are the author of this review, you can update your bio from the Settings page.