The NewZealand Story: Untold Adventure is heading to Steam in February 2026, reviving the 1988 arcade favourite with modern visuals, new mechanics, and a full re-imagining of Tiki the kiwi’s platforming adventure.
It looks bright, busy, and unapologetically retro-minded — exactly the sort of thing that usually goes down well around here.
But there’s an extra wrinkle this time, because the name attached to it isn’t just any publisher. It’s Commodore. And in 2026, that name means two very different things.
Two Commodores, one confused legacy
Right now, there are effectively two “Commodores” operating in the wild.
On one side, there’s Commodore Industries S.r.l. in Italy, which has been releasing new hardware under the Commodore name — with mixed results. Some of that kit has felt rushed, oddly specced, or just not very “Commodore” in spirit, which is why parts of the retro community have been openly sceptical.
On the other side, there’s Commodore International Corporation (CIC), which has the backing of several original Commodore veterans and has been positioning itself as a more historically grounded continuation of the brand, and they’ve just released a brand new Commodore 64.
As you might have guessed, it is the Italian Commodore Industries S.r.l. that has teamed up with TAITO for this sequel. But the fact that confusion exists is a problem for both parties.
It has already resulted in legal noise, and no small amount of eye-rolling among long-time fans who just want clarity about who’s actually stewarding the Commodore legacy.
So where does NewZealand Story: Untold Adventure fit?
Originally released in arcades in 1988, The NewZealand Story is remembered for its maze-like stages, balloon flights, vehicle power-ups, and relentlessly cheerful tone. Untold Adventure keeps that DNA but updates it with:
- New levels and mechanics
- Modern visuals
- Expanded enemy types and abilities
- A structure aimed at longer, deeper play than the original
From what’s been shown so far, it looks less like a simple remake and more like a full modernized reinterpretation.
The game may be simple — the branding isn’t
If Untold Adventure lands well, it could stand on its own as a smart revival of a cult classic. But the Commodore name attached to it brings baggage, confusion, and competing claims to legitimacy.
For players, the question is straightforward: is the game good?
The New Zealand Story: Untold Adventure is due on Steam in February 2026 and is available to wishlist now.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
