Game Reviews

Another World - 20th Anniversary

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Another World - 20th Anniversary

Nostalgia can be dangerous. The more fondly you remember an experience, the more disappointing it's likely to be if you ever revisit it.

That's very much the conclusion we came to when we reviewed the iPhone version of Another World - 20th Anniversary a while back.

While Eric Chahi's seminal action-adventure epic has lost none of its atmosphere and tension, 20 years is a lifetime in video game terms. Despite the wailing and gnashing of teeth that followed our original verdict, even the most dedicated fan will admit that Another World commits some truly heinous crimes against both the player and modern game design.

Out of this world

This Xperia Play edition is the same game as the iPhone version, complete with HD visuals (you can switch to the original 16-bit graphics by swiping two fingers down the screen at any time), enhanced sound, and chapter-like checkpoints that allow you to jump to your favourite part of the game - providing you've already completed that section beforehand, of course.

While the HUD-free iPhone controls were intelligently implemented, they pale in comparison to the Xperia Play's lush physical interface. This is Another World as it was meant to be played, offering precise, responsive control - something that becomes crucial in later sections of the game, where swift changes of direction and rapid reflexes are required.

In control

However, improved controls can't save Another World from the problems that we highlighted in our original review: there's too much trial-and-error involved, and if you're approaching the game with fresh eyes it's likely to seem a little too punishing to be legitimately entertaining.

While the game is rightly regarded as a classic by those who were there to experience it first time around, younger gamers are likely to struggle with its cruel design.

If you're already a fan, then your rose-tinted memories will be sufficient to paper over the cracks, but newcomers will be genuinely perplexed as to why such a short and often unfair piece of software is held in such high esteem.

Another World - 20th Anniversary

Xperia Play controls make this action-adventure easier to play, but the same issues which impacted the iOS version remain. Another World was groundbreaking twenty years ago, but time hasn't been kind to it
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Damien  McFerran
Damien McFerran
Damien's mum hoped he would grow out of playing silly video games and gain respectable employment. Perhaps become a teacher or a scientist, that kind of thing. Needless to say she now weeps openly whenever anyone asks how her son's getting on these days.