Super Adventure Island II is one of those SNES sequels that actually changes things up—instead of just another run-and-jump fest, it mixes in RPG elements. You still play as Master Higgins, but now there’s an overworld map, towns to explore, and even a leveling system. Weirdly, it works.

The first thing you’ll notice is how different it feels from the first game. You’ve got swords, magic, and actual equipment to mess with instead of just grabbing fruit and dodging enemies. The platforming’s still tight, though, and those SNES visuals pop with bright colors and smooth animations. It’s a weird but fun blend of action and light RPG mechanics.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure about the shift at first, but after stumbling into a cave and finding my first sword upgrade, I was hooked. If you liked the original but wanted something deeper, this one’s worth a look.