Adventures of Lolo is a puzzle game for the NES that holds up pretty well to this day. The main goal of each level is to collect the gems to unlock the chest you have to reach to win, and it is based on a top down system. Lolo himself also contains the ability to shoot things to turn them into eggs he can push, with limited shots being given per level. There are 50 levels, and each feel like a unique experience that make a game full of enjoyment and without bloat.

The enemies pose the main puzzling aspect of the game. Some of them only activate after collecting every gem which requires you to prepare a safe path to the chest beforehand, while others stay activated the whole time. One such enemy will shoot in its cardinal directions across the room, so you have to find a way to block them somehow. Other mechanics involve powerups such as the ability to place a bridge over water, a hammer that can crush rocks, or enemies that follow you until you freeze them in place via touch. Pushable blocks often form the other half of puzzles, and are the main way to control where enemies can go or shoot.

Overall, definitely a game worth playing both for experiencing retro tastes and in general for being a good puzzler. It is fairly easy as well so most people should be able to give it a go.

Reviewed on Oct 08, 2023


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