I always loved this game, the graphics are so colourful and cute and the music is catchy as. I live in New Zealand and while we don't have quite so many mazes full of nasty enemies IRL it is fun to see how a Japanese tourist in the '80s saw this place. The difficulty is vicious, but I discovered this gem in the Taito Legends collection for playstation and PSP so this is now my idle game I can play on my Retroid with unlimited credits. I rate this game 10/10, it will hurt you but you will love it anyway.
Wow, I have just discovered Taito did a remake of sorts on the DS called NewZealand Story Revolution. upgraded graphics, music, game mechanics, no more insta death. I just started it but seems like a lot of work went into making something even more playable while keeping the spirit (and level design) of the original. the spot the difference touch screen segments can be... frustrating though. Super catchy music is playing in my head all day now.