The Goonies II (1987-)

• Developer: Konami

• Publisher: Konami

• Genre: Platform

• Designer: Yoshiaki Yamada

• Composer: Hidenori Maezawa, Satoe Terashima

The Goonies II for the NES was developed and published by Konami, releasing in 1987 in Japan and North America, and arriving in Europe the following year. It served as the follow-up to Konami’s earlier The Goonies, which had only been released on the Famicom in Japan and in arcades overseas. Building upon the success of the original, The Goonies II was created to bring the beloved characters of the film into a broader home console audience while expanding the scope of the gameplay well beyond its predecessor.

In this entry, players once again take control of Mikey, who must rescue his fellow Goonies along with a captured mermaid named Annie from the Fratelli family. Unlike the straightforward side-scrolling action of the first game, The Goonies II employed a more ambitious structure that combined traditional platforming with first-person exploration sequences. Players alternated between side-view areas filled with hazards, enemies, and puzzles, and 3D-style rooms where they could search for items, talk to characters, and uncover hidden paths. This hybrid design gave the game a sense of depth that stood out among other NES releases of the era.

The gameplay features included a variety of weapons such as yo-yos, boomerangs, and slingshots, along with tools like ladders and diving gear that expanded exploration possibilities. Progression was nonlinear, requiring players to backtrack and discover secrets to advance further into the Fratellis’ hideout. The soundtrack, composed by Konami’s in-house music team, provided energetic and adventurous themes that matched the game’s constant sense of discovery, while sound effects punctuated item collection, combat, and exploration sequences. These elements gave The Goonies II a distinctive identity within Konami’s catalog of NES titles.

While no direct sequel followed The Goonies II, the game itself is often considered the definitive Goonies title on the NES due to its international release and more complex design. It was promoted on the strength of the film license, with marketing focused on both the familiar characters and the expanded adventure gameplay. Reception was generally positive, with critics praising its creativity and depth, although some players found its nonlinear design and first-person exploration challenging to navigate without a guide. Over time, The Goonies II has maintained a cult following, remembered both as a bold expansion of the original concept and as a unique NES adventure from Konami during its most prolific years.

Images from MobyGames