What's best described as a vertical-scrolling shooter, 'Dino-Riki' provides a unique, challenging take on a tired genre.
User Rating: 6.5 | Adventures of Dino Riki NES
Starting what seems to be a caveman infatuation for game developer Hudson Soft who are also responsible for the 'Bonk' platform games made popular on the 'Turbografx-16', 'The Adventures of Dino-Riki' throws players into the role of the titular tyke as he makes waste of various prehistoric creatures on 4 lengthy vertical-scrolling levels. With a tiered weapon system resembling a shooter, 'Dino-Riki' can progress his weapon from a simple stone throw to a fiery boomerang, which will be a must for the later levels and bosses. Each of the four stages is capped off by an appropriately difficult boss but the frustration levels really kick in with the introduction of jumping into the vertical-scrolling genre. The control of Dino-Riki is quite solid but the quick jumps that is required to negotiate the holes, chasms, and lilypads, particularly the diagonal leaps, throughout the levels in conjunction with the vertical shooting elements will give even a seasoned pro quite a challenge. I imagine most people will give up long before they get a feel for the controls, which is unfortunate, as the game can provide a blistering experience if one is patient. The graphics are solid and simple and slightly above average for this era of 8-bit goodness with nice variations among the enemies, large well-drawn bosses and a distinct look among the levels. 
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