Another must-buy – Another World 20th Anniversary Edition

The early ’90s gave us many of gaming’s finest moments. Platforms like the Amiga and Apple II were home to timeless classics like Flashback, Cannon Fodder, Sensible Soccer and X-Com: UFO Defense. Many of these games play as well today as they did back on release. There’s just something that makes them impervious to the ravages of time. For better or for worse a few of the aforementioned games were given reboots for this generation, but it remains to be seen if they will stand the test of time as well as the originals. Encouragingly, when Eric Chahi decided to bring his iconic action game, Another World, to a new generation, he stayed true to his original design. Slightly updated visuals and sound are all that separates it from the original 1991 release.

Another World 20th Anniversary Edition puts you in the shoes of physicist,  Lester Chaykin. While using his particle accelerator to search for the origins of the universe, a freak accident occurs. Lester finds himself transported to a strange alien world inhabited by man-eating monsters and angry, brutish natives. Things take a turn for the worse when he is taken prisoner by the native race. Lester’s only hope of escape and survival is to team up with a fellow prisoner whom appears to be one of the locals. With your new friend in tow you break free from your prison cell, and make a run for it across your strange and dangerous surroundings. Another World is a story of trust, companionship and friendship. You and your new comrade come to rely on each other to escape a number of dicey situations.

Make no mistake about it, Another World is a product of its time; its archaic design is almost immediately apparent upon booting it up. Movement is slow and clunky, jumping is fiddly, and shooting can sometimes be glitchy. If you’ve ever played and enjoyed Flashback or the original Prince of Persia, you will understand what we mean. The game can also be cripplingly difficult at times, requiring pin-point accuracy from the player. Any and all slip-ups will be punished and require you to start the section over again. Despite these caveats , and the many times we threw out controller down in frustration,  Another World is a supremely addictive title

The game’s clean vector aesthetic, detailed background and soundtrack all foster a mysterious and tense atmosphere that will push you onwards. Each new area is gorgeously detailed (especially with new updated visuals). and is  fraught with danger. You are encouraged to explore each new area, but caution is advised, The unpredictability, difficulty and complete lack of help may irritate some players, but this is how games were in the ’90s. We highly suggest the less patient among you play along with a walkthrough.

Perhaps the game’s coolest new feature is the ability switch between the original and remastered visuals on the fly. Doing so reveals some big changes in some areas, and less noticeable changes in others. If anything, this feature serves to highlight just how impressive the game looked back in 1991. Also included are three different variations of the soundtrack. Players can choose between the original soundtrack, the soundtrack which came with CD versions of the game and a new remastered version.

Another World 20th Anniversary Edition isn’t a game that everyone will pick up and love. In fact, due to its difficulty and Stone Age design we expect many will hate it. But if you enjoyed games like Flashback and Prince of Persia you are in safe hands , provided you can stomach the difficulty. The inclusion of triple cross-buy on Playstation systems further sweetens the deal for Sony fans too, making Another World another must-buy title