Released on February 27, 2026, this official remake of Taito’s 1988 arcade classic is currently available on Steam. It aims to deliver a mix of 80s nostalgia and modern platforming.
THE NEWZEALAND STORY comes back to life with Bitobit: experience the adventure of TIKI, the little Kiwi created by TAITO in 1988, in a colorful 2D platformer full of challenges and nostalgia!
1. Visuals and Presentation
The remake replaces the original’s pixel art with high-definition 2D graphics.
– The Look: The game is vibrant and polished, running at a smooth 60 FPS (including on Steam Deck).
– The Feel: While some purists may miss the scanlines and grit of the arcade original, the new art style makes it feel like a modern, playable cartoon.
2. Gameplay and Mechanics
The core experience of controlling Tiki the Kiwi remains intact, but with several quality-of-life updates:
– New Health System: Unlike the original’s one-hit-kill system, Tiki now has a health bar. This makes the game much more accessible for modern players without removing the challenge entirely.
– Tightened Controls: Aiming with the bow and navigating the various flying vehicles (balloons, UFOs, etc.) feels more responsive on modern controllers.
– Weapon Variety: In addition to standard arrows, you can pick up fireballs, lasers, and bombs to deal with increasingly crowded screens.
3. The “Untold” Content
The standout feature of this release is the brand-new Kaikoura Stage.
– Inspired by the real-world Kaikoura district in New Zealand, this fifth stage adds four entirely new levels.
– It features a unique boss, Wormageddon, a massive creature designed specifically for this remake that provides a significant jump in difficulty compared to the earlier classic bosses.
4. Difficulty and Steam Deck Performance
– Accessibility: The inclusion of save states and the health bar means you won’t need “infinite 10p coins” to finish the story.
– Steam Deck: The game is “Verified” and is a perfect fit for handheld play, given its arcade roots and short level bursts.
5. Value and Pricing
The game is currently listed on Steam at a base price of £16.75, though it launched with a 10% discount, bringing it down to approximately £15.00 for the launch period.
Final Verdict
Pros:
– Excellent modernization of a cult classic.
– The new Kaikoura stage and Wormageddon boss are high-quality additions.
– Much more forgiving than the 1988 arcade cabinet.
Cons:
– £16.75 might feel slightly high for a game that can be completed in a few hours.
– The clean “HD” look lacks the nostalgic charm of original pixel art for some players.
It is a charming, well-crafted tribute. If you have fond memories of the original arcade game, it’s a worthy addition to your library, though casual fans might find the best value during a Steam sale.
