Adventure Island 3 (USA)

**Adventure Island 3** is a classic side-scrolling platformer game for the NES, continuing the adventures of Master Higgins. In this installment, Master Higgins must rescue Princess Tina, who has been kidnapped by aliens and taken to various islands. The core gameplay remains consistent: players control Higgins, running, jumping, and throwing axes or other weapons to defeat enemies and overcome obstacles. The primary goal is to collect fruit to maintain the health bar; if this bar depletes, or if Higgins touches an enemy without a shield, or falls into a pit, a life is lost.

A significant and new feature in **Adventure Island 3** compared to previous versions is the addition of a diverse range of dinosaur companions and an improved item system. There are a total of five types of dinosaurs that Higgins can ride, each offering a unique special ability:

• Blue Dinosaur (Triceratops): Can breathe fire from its mouth.
• Red Dinosaur (Pterodactyl): Allows Higgins to fly through the air.
• Purple Dinosaur (Brontosaurus): Can launch long-range attacks with its tail.
• Sea Dinosaur (Elasmosaurus): Helps Higgins swim quickly underwater and attack underwater enemies.
• Camel Dinosaur (Camelsaurus): A new dinosaur type appearing in desert stages, capable of moving faster and withstanding certain traps.

Choosing and utilizing the correct dinosaur for each stage is key to overcoming challenges.

The item system has also been significantly upgraded. Higgins can now carry up to 5 items in his inventory and switch between them at any time. Items include: stone axes, skateboards (increases speed and absorbs one hit), fairies (grants temporary invincibility), keys (to unlock hidden areas), and dinosaur eggs (to summon a dinosaur). This flexibility in item management gives players more strategic options to deal with difficult situations.

The game features 8 islands, each with multiple stages and culminating in a boss battle. Environments vary widely from jungles, volcanoes, ice levels, underwater passages, to cloud stages, providing a rich experience. **Adventure Island 3** is known for its challenging difficulty, requiring players to have quick reflexes and the ability to memorize stage layouts and enemy positions. With its colorful graphics and cheerful music, it remains a memorable classic platformer on the NES.