Kiwi Kraze

Kiwi Kraze is a colorful platform game for the NES, released in 1991 by Software Creations and published by Taito. It is based on Taito’s The NewZealand Story, following Tiki, a small kiwi bird, on a journey through hazardous landscapes to rescue his captured friends. The game keeps the cheerful appearance of its arcade inspiration while adapting the action for Nintendo’s 8-bit hardware.

Tiki moves through side-scrolling stages filled with platforms, steep drops, enemies, and environmental hazards. His main weapon is a supply of arrows, which can be fired across the screen to defeat opponents. Movement is not limited to running and jumping: balloons and other objects can help Tiki reach higher areas or cross awkward gaps, giving the stages a light puzzle-solving element alongside their straightforward platforming. The controls are accessible, but careful positioning matters, especially when enemies and narrow platforms leave little room for error.

The NES version presents a compact adventure with varied scenery and a playful visual style. Bright backgrounds, expressive sprites, and the distinctive kiwi protagonist give it more personality than its simple premise might suggest. At the same time, limited lives and hazardous terrain can make progress demanding, particularly when learning the layout of later sections. A two-player option lets players take turns, making it a suitable choice for short sessions with a friend rather than simultaneous cooperative play.

Kiwi Kraze is an appealing slice of early-1990s platforming: charming, brisk, and built around the satisfying rhythm of exploring, shooting, and finding a safe route forward. It is a worthwhile NES curiosity for fans of Taito’s arcade games and anyone who enjoys unusual animal heroes. On RetroCloud, you can play online on your browser and revisit this colorful adaptation without needing the original cartridge.