Game: Another
World
Version: Android
Year: Original release 1991
This Android review is the third time having played through Another World, having played originally on the Mega Drive and a few years back on PC. The Android version was the same as the iOS 20th anniversary edition which was released in 20122, although the Android version didn’t release until 2012. This version lets players choose between original graphics and a new HD version. To be honest I probably prefer the original art but the option for both is a nice feature. This version also features a new “intuitive touch screen” controls or a floating D-Pad. I played using the touch screen controls and although I’m not a fan of touch screen controls they do work particularly well after a bit of practice. One of the main problems however is that this game requires some very precise inputs from the player which can be tricky due to the non-precise controls which are touch screens. However for the most part it is fine. This version also features 3 difficulty levels and re-mastered sound. I’m not sure how the difficulty level alters game play but even on normal it is bloody hard! You will die many times playing this game even if you have played through it before. Death is inevitable.
Version: Android
Year: Original release 1991
This Android review is the third time having played through Another World, having played originally on the Mega Drive and a few years back on PC. The Android version was the same as the iOS 20th anniversary edition which was released in 20122, although the Android version didn’t release until 2012. This version lets players choose between original graphics and a new HD version. To be honest I probably prefer the original art but the option for both is a nice feature. This version also features a new “intuitive touch screen” controls or a floating D-Pad. I played using the touch screen controls and although I’m not a fan of touch screen controls they do work particularly well after a bit of practice. One of the main problems however is that this game requires some very precise inputs from the player which can be tricky due to the non-precise controls which are touch screens. However for the most part it is fine. This version also features 3 difficulty levels and re-mastered sound. I’m not sure how the difficulty level alters game play but even on normal it is bloody hard! You will die many times playing this game even if you have played through it before. Death is inevitable.
 |
| Stunning cutscenes! |
The game
start with a cut scene featuring the main character who is a human named
Lester. The cut scenes are really pretty and really help paint a story,
something that this game does extremely well. I’m not going to go into much
detail about the story in this review because I hope that I can inspire you to
play it so you can enjoy it for yourself. For a game with no spoken words and
little to no text the game really does really well to paint such a vivid
storyline. This story telling is something that has been lost in recent years
and has become much more dependent on visual and audio as opposed to immersing
the player and letting them use their imagination. Anyway so the first cut
scene starts with Lester in a laboratory of some kind, performing particle
acceleration. At this time lightning strikes and opens a hole in space and time
sending Lester to an alien planet (sci-fi at its best hey?). This is when you
take control of Lester and the first few levels help you get to grip with the
basics of running and jumping, which make up the bulk of the gameplay. You will
die multiple times here trust me! The learning curb is incredibly steep but
stick with it! The majority of the gameplay comes through running and jumping
obstacles, which sounds easy but really is a case of trial and error, lots of
error!
 |
| NEW |
 | |||
| OLD |
Early in the
game you get caught and taken to an alien prison here you meet a friendly alien
who accompanies you through the rest of the game. This character is vital to
the story and you end up forming a strong build with them. This friendship also
helps build gameplay elements and builds suspense because if either of you die
then the game ends and you must restart from the last check point. I think
building bonds and friendships in games is a great way of creating more emotive
gameplay and experiences. There’s nothing quite like knowing you have to look
out for someone else as well as for yourself.
 |
| Trapped with your buddy! |
Later in the game you get access to a pistol which also
brings some new game play elements into the game. The pistol can be used to
shoot and kill, build a barrier to protect from enemy fire and also to destroy
certain areas within the game. The enemy also has the same weapon as you. This
breaks up gameplay nicely but also brings some puzzle/skill elements to the
game. I am a huge fan of the game and I hope everyone reading gives it a play
so they can enjoy it too. It really does hold up well even in this day and age.
I would recommend playing a version with a control pad but you will get the
same enjoyment from a touch device. I only paid 99p for this version and it
easily worth that. PS The ending is brilliant!
Gameplay 8/10 Very good, some awesome level design, amazing story telling and emotion.
Graphics – 9/10 Both the old and new graphics look superb!
Sound – 9/10 Brilliant sound effects and music really add to the experience.
Overall 9/10 An awesome game which has stood the test of time. The combination of graphics, sound and story is close to perfection. Go play it and enjoy the brutally hard gameplay but immersive story.
Sound – 9/10 Brilliant sound effects and music really add to the experience.
Overall 9/10 An awesome game which has stood the test of time. The combination of graphics, sound and story is close to perfection. Go play it and enjoy the brutally hard gameplay but immersive story.
