Adventure Island is one of the first games that comes to mind when I think back to video games of my childhood. The graphics were not that great, but the color palette was well chosen. The sprites looked cartoony, but the backgrounds were nice. The gameplay is pure platformer enjoyment. The only variation is the part where you find a skateboard and ride it. Be careful though, because you can't stop, you can only slow down or speed up while riding it. The music is upbeat and pleasant, and the sounds are cute.

Adventure Island was the start of a great series, and this game was one of the hardest. I would say that anyone who has not played Adventure Island should give it a try, as well as its later installments.

It'll be tough, that's for sure. So just remember sweet Tina, and how grateful she'll be when you come to her rescue!
--From the NES Adventure Island 2 instruction manual.

The saga continues in Adventure Island 2. This game is not that much different from the first in the way of game play and graphics. Now the levels and extras in this game are far superior to the first Adventure Island. New cooler weapons, more levels, bonus stages, warp zones, and secret rooms are what you will find in this very cool game. Good luck, and have fun playing Adventure Island 2.

Adventure Island 3 is much like Adventure Island 2 in the realms of graphics and gameplay. They are almost identical, the only real difference is the looks. The only real reason to play this game is to say that you have played the whole series.

Wondrous graphics and spectacular music highlight this 16-bit epic adventure!
--from the back cover of Super Adventure Island

Super Adventure Island is just what it claims to be - Super. Super Adventure Island is a great addition to the series; it plays much like all three of its counterparts, only better. Superior graphics, much more like cartoons; also better sound, and improved game play.

Now the story line is similar to the first three, only the names have changed, and it is some type of flying mage or something that has stolen the girl. The weapons have gotten better, and the more you collect, the stronger it gets, so grab all the weapons you can. Have fun in this action packed game, and anyone who loved the first three should love Super Adventure Island.

From towering heights came a beastly buzzard. Swooping down, he stole Tina from the altar and carried her off. While Master Higgins was passing the castle, he heard the screaming Tina, not recognizing the voice of his lost, fair maiden.
--from the SNES Super Adventure Island 2 game intro