The ZX Spectrum conversion of "The NewZealand Story", published by Ocean in 1989, achieved critical success. "CRASH" awarded 91%, "Your Sinclair" 93%, and "Sinclair User" 82%. On the conversion from arcade to an 8-bit platform, "Your Sinclair" accepted the "disappointing" monochrome display for the sake of smoother play. CRASH commented on the accuracy of the character graphics and animation describing it as "an arcade conversion masterpiece", but found the multi-load cassette version to be awkward. The gameplay was deemed "addictive", with the variety of weapons and modes of transport being particular highlights. By November, "The NewZealand Story" was number 2 in the Spectrum full-price games chart. The Spectrum version was voted number 34 in the "Your Sinclair Readers' Top 100 Games of All Time". The game was ranked the 19th best game of all time by "Amiga Power". "Mega" placed the game at #40 in their Top Mega Drive Games of All Time.