Interplay released one of the most clever action-puzzle titles nearly ten years ago with The Lost Vikings, and now it’s back, this time on the Game Boy Advance. Back then, the idea of having three characters work cooperatively to solve a puzzle was very unique, hence making The Lost Vikings those one-of-a-kind titles. After the success of The Lost Vikings, developer Silicon and Synapse changed their company name to a more familiar title most gamers easily recognize today, Blizzard. Blizzard’s reincarnation of this 16-bit classic is a pure treat to newcomers to the series.

The Lost Vikings puts players in control of three different Vikings, who each have unique abilities essential to finishing off a level. These three companions also must cooperate at times with their abilities and weapons to get to the next level (such as jumping on a partner’s shield to reach a higher level).

Erik the Swift is the fastest Viking who has the only abilities to jump and dash. Baelog the Fierce carries the only weapons, one being a sword, the other a crossbow. Olaf the Stout carries a shield that can block projectiles and even glide through the air as he holds it above his head. The only disadvantage about having three Vikings is that players need to have all three Vikings survive all the way to the end of the level. If a Viking dies early before all three are at a level’s goal, one will have to repeat the level.

Each Viking has a small three-heart life meter. If one is hurt, fruits and meat are available around the levels to replenish this volatile health bar.

If you’re expecting an action game out of Lost Vikings, you’re wrong. Lost Vikings is truly a puzzle game with action elements. All of the levels are laid out in a linear fashion, requiring smarts and precision to pull off some of the hardest puzzles. Even worse, you need to keep all of your Viking friends alive.

All in all, the conversion from SNES to GBA was done very nicely. Mass Media even kept the same soundtrack, with a catchy tune which sounds better than most main GBA themes. Graphics wise, the low color backgrounds and pixel-art sprites aren’t to par as some GBA titles, such as Golden Sun. However, the animation and the numerous situations within the game make up for the lack of eye-candy.

The new addition within the conversion includes a cartridge save, different from the SNES’ password feature (Thank you Blizzard!). However, sadly, that’s all “new” you’re going to get with this title. It would’ve been nice to see a three-player co-op feature for the GBA or even a time trial mode. Still, Blizzard’s release gives all of us a firm understanding on how important this game was to the puzzle genre back in the 16-bit era.