Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Game Info
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Developer: Krisalis
Publisher: Krisalis
Year of Release: 1993

Game Review & Impressions
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Like most of the games consoles and computers of the day, the Amiga had no shortage of platform games in its software library. The custom graphics hardware of the machine was perfectly suited to creating fast-paced, multi-directional scrolling games, which continued to be the mainstay of the platform, even during its twilight years.

UK-based Krisalis made two notable contributions in 1993, publishing both Soccer Kid and Arabian Nights in 1993. While I owned a copy of the former, I never played the latter before this longplay, and I had high hopes for Arabian Nights, with fans citing it as one of the better platformers on the machine. The objective of the game, as depicted in a short-but-nicely-animated intro sequence, is to help Sinbad Jr. rescue the Sultan's daughter, Princess Leila, who has been kidnapped by a winged demon.

Starting in the castle dungeons, Sinbad Jr. must find a way to escape from his cell. Right off the bat, the game requires the player to find certain items to unlock doors, remove barriers, or trade with other characters to make progress. Figuring out which objects need to be used where is mostly simple, and whilst it's hardly a puzzle game, it adds at least a modicum of depth to the standard platformer template. Both 'currency' items and bonus collectibles result in bonus points being added to your score at the end of each round, and you should always keep an eye out for secret rooms, breakable walls, or passages hidden from view which may lead to extra lives or power-ups.

Perhaps the game's greatest strength lies in the quality of the platforming. The Amiga had tons of games of this ilk, many of which were marred by infuriating controls, lacklustre levels, or poor production values, but Arabian Nights bucks the trend by being, dare I say it, pretty darn good. The graphics are polished, the scrolling smooth, and controls responsive and intuitive, which makes playing through the game a mostly enjoyable experience. The shoot 'em up sections in which you shoot guards suspended from balloons and pedalling flying bicycle contraptions aren't particularly spectacular, but I guess they do at least add a change of pace.

For Amiga owners, I think Arabian Nights is one of the better platform games on the machine. It doesn't oversell itself trying to be a Sonic or Mario-beater, but instead delivers a polished, solid gaming experience with plenty of secrets to discover, expansive levels, backed up by excellent music.

Chapters
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00:00 Intro
01:31 Title credits
04:30 Stage 1
11:01 Stage 2
17:31 Stage 3
21:03 Stage 4
28:48 Stage 5
34:30 Stage 6
36:49 Stage 7
40:56 Stage 8
45:47 Stage 9
56:20 Ending