Another World: 20th Anniversary Edition
- April 4, 2013
- The Digital Lounge
A classic game revisited time and time again, yet still adored by many.
Also known as Out Of This World™, Another World is a pioneer action/platformer that released across more than a dozen platforms since its debut in 1991. Along the years, Another World™ has attained cult status among critics and sophisticated gamers alike. Another World™ chronicles the story of Lester Knight Chaykin a young scientist hurtled through space and time by a nuclear experiment that goe…
PC
Playstation 4
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Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Wii
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Reviews
- Another World is a pioneering title that has influenced many modern indie games with its minimalist approach and artistic style.
- The remastered version enhances the visual presentation while maintaining the charm of the original, making it an engaging experience for players.
- The game features a compelling story and well-crafted adventure elements that keep players invested despite its short length.
- The trial-and-error nature of the puzzles can be frustrating, and the controls may feel stiff and unresponsive at times.
- Another World is quite short, which may leave players wanting more after completing it.
- The game's unforgiving mechanics, including one-hit kills and numerous 'gotcha moments', may deter less patient gamers.
- story3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its nostalgic elements and engaging cinematics, complemented by strong environmental storytelling. Reviewers highlight the top-notch writing and creative gameplay mechanics that encourage problem-solving, while also noting the influence of renowned creators in shaping its narrative style.
“The story features top-notch writing with a perfect setup, driving players to troubleshoot and find solutions, enhanced by creative use of angles and zooming to show detail.”
“Figures like Hideo Kojima, Suda Goichi, and Fumito Ueda have always been vocal about how another world inspired them in their own storytelling techniques; it is apparent when playing this game.”
“The game offers an incredible sense of nostalgia, with fun (if ancient!) cinematics and pretty decent environmental storytelling.”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks a coherent narrative arc, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“Character development is shallow, leaving players with little emotional investment in their journeys.”
“The plot twists are predictable and fail to deliver the impact that was promised.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The graphics feature a minimalist aesthetic that complements the modern gaming landscape, with a captivating blend of classic and enhanced visuals. The seamless transition between these styles, paired with an immersive soundtrack, enhances the overall experience, making it particularly engaging for players.
“Its minimalist approach and aesthetic style fit the modern download scene well, and Éric Chahi's creation is as engrossing and irresistible as ever in the hands of a motivated, engaged player.”
“The otherworldly soundtrack, and the ability to seamlessly swap between classic and crisp overhauled visuals, are both highlights in this re-mastered presentation.”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack the detail expected from modern games.”
“Character models are poorly designed and look flat, making it hard to connect with the game.”
“The environments are bland and repetitive, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its engaging storytelling and creative mechanics that encourage problem-solving and exploration through unique camera angles. While it offers a smooth experience for those willing to learn, the trial-and-error nature and frequent one-hit kills may deter less patient players.
“The story is top-notch, with perfect writing and setup. The game drives you to troubleshoot and find solutions, featuring a creative use of angles and zooming to show detail. The gameplay requires learning but plays smoother than most.”
“Moreover, trial-and-error gameplay and perpetual one-hit kills may alienate less patient gamers.”
“The controls feel unresponsive at times, making it frustrating to execute basic actions.”
“The pacing of the gameplay is inconsistent, leading to moments of boredom followed by overwhelming difficulty.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its unique and immersive qualities, enhancing the essential elements of adventure gaming while providing a significant challenge.
“This is adventure gaming distilled down to its most essential elements, compounded with a healthy challenge and atmosphere like no other.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the remastered presentation is praised for its otherworldly quality, enhancing the overall experience, while the option to switch between classic and updated visuals adds to the appeal.
“The otherworldly soundtrack, and the ability to seamlessly swap between classic and crisp overhauled visuals, are both highlights in this re-mastered presentation.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 200 % positive mentions
- -400 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
"Another World" offers notable replayability despite its short length, as players can return to the game to utilize their newfound knowledge for speed runs and to explore its unique retro environment more effectively.
“The game's multiple endings and branching paths encourage players to explore different choices, making each playthrough feel unique.”
“With various difficulty levels and hidden secrets, this game invites players to return and discover new experiences every time.”
“Another World is a short game, but it has replay value after you survive its strange retro world and earn the perk of hindsight for a speed run.”
“Once you complete the game, there's little incentive to go back; the story doesn't change and the gameplay remains the same.”
“While the initial experience is enjoyable, the lack of varied paths or outcomes makes replaying feel more like a chore than a choice.”
Critic Reviews
Another World (Nintendo Switch)
Another World was a great game to play when it was released. I know, because I was there with my Macintosh LC II. But what made it stand out then actually gets in the way now. It has some fun puzzle events and interesting twists and turns along the way, but is better played for historical and nostalgic purposes than for pure entertainment. Of course, history may be enough for some gamers; you can find a decidedly different point-of-view in Trevor Gould’s review of Another World for Wii U and 3DS. I suggest you wait for Flashback—a similar game from Delphine Software that is getting a physical release for Nintendo Switch at the end of the month.
60%Another World - 20th Anniversary Edition Review
Another World: 20th Anniversary Edition brings us a definitive version of a '90s classic, and a 2D adventure that can be argued to be one of the forebears of the modern 'artistic indie' trend. Its minimalist approach and aesthetic style fit the modern download scene well, and Éric Chahi's creation is as engrossing and irresistible as ever in the hands of a motivated, engaged player. That said, innovation in the '90s is par for the course now, and some will find the trial and error nature of the puzzles and challenges frustrating, along with some fairly stiff controls. This is not an experience for everyone, though we'd suggest that those with a love of adventure games and the download scene should take this one on; it's an important part of gaming history and an education for serious gamers.
70%Returning To A Strange And Memorable Place
80%
