Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX Review
As I started Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX up on my PlayStation 4 the anticipation was overwhelming. Memories of playing Alex Kidd on my SEGA Master System II as a kid came flooding back. What would the title music be like? What will Alex be like? Will it be as good as I remember or will I be disappointed? The excitement to play that first level again….
The title screen music combines Spanish guitar with tropical influence which is perfect Miracle World vibes. To start the Classic Mode and Boss Rush are locked. At this point I thought I was only going to be able to play the new version but I was wrong.
As I dropped down into the very first old school level, I was able to switch seamlessly between the retro mode and the new animated version. There is so much detail in the new graphics, I think old Alex Kidd fans are going to really appreciate the homage but also new spin this brings.
The Dragon Got Me
I was eliminated almost immediately by the same dragon that got me every time as a kid. Flexing my Shellcore skills and my power bracelet, I restarted the level with that same feeling of excitement and frustration and I admit it took me a few tries before I got to the water level and my brain remembered the game.
The new and improved SFX are something else, the punch noises and comic style ‘Kapow’ or ‘Ouch’ bubbles that pop up are a very nice addition.
I loved switching between modes more than I expected to. I found myself playing the new mode more than I thought but switching back to retro mode to defeat my old foes.
Instincts kicked in when buying my first bike at the shop and heading off to dodge flying frogs and scorpions. I had to leave retro mode on for this level to get those old school feels.
Infinite Lives
After a frustrating few goes I went to the main menu and switched on Infinite Lives.
Note: turning on infinite lives affects trophy settings so Trophy Hunters take note of this although I think you may need a few playthroughs to Platinum anyway. My first trophy popped when I met with the town Ox.
Una ración de Tortilla por favor
This is the menu where I also discovered that you could change Alex’s snack and I was so amused to see Fish and Chips and Spanish omelette on the menu. Full language support is also here along with Music and SFX controls.
Jan-Ken-Pon!
The graphics when playing Paper Scissors Stone are delightful along with the cute chant of Jan-ken-pon! I’m pretty sure I had a cheat code on my original Master System II version of Alex Kidd as I vaguely remember thought bubbles above Gooseka’s head.
I fondly remember the grumpy octopus at Lake Fathom. I used a LOT of lives trying to defeat this dude back in the day. I owed it to myself to play this part in retro mode, although the new underwater music and graphics are so just beautiful. Timing those punches used to be such a challenge. I made a video on how to beat Sir Octopus in case you’ve forgotten or this may be your first time playing Alex Kidd.
Turns out I didn’t remember much about our Hamburger loving friend’s backstory so it was nice to have the reminders from characters as the story progressed, learning more about Radaxian and Janken.
As much as I LOVE the original soundtrack and SFX, I want to express my gratitude to the people who worked on the new sounds for the game. They are stunning and compliment the amazing new graphics so well.
The Helicopter Level
I was most impressed with Island of St. Nurari. You may remember this as the ‘helicopter level’ where Alex buys a Peticopter from the village shop before taking to the sky with the cutest music ever. I was very curious to see how this had been updated.
Level Comparisons
The new Scorching Pathway is such a gorgeous looking level with hot pink and purple against lava, I adored how in contrast the retro level is a solid purple background.
Some of the retro mode levels seem so simple and wholesome with their one colour basic background graphics but I’m glad that they haven’t been forgotten and that this game easily switches.
90s Style Tantrums
The forest vibes, bird noises and Spanish guitar music of The Blackwoods is such a vibe as The Grizzly Bear had me throwing just one of many 90s style tantrums as he defeated me again and again until I figured it out haha.
Gooseka Got Me
Sadly my adventure is paused for now as I reached the Radaxian Castle which has the most awesome castle music by the way. The battle with Gooseka is not as I remembered (didn’t his head used to come off and you could beat him with 3 punches?) as much as I tried, (I spent a whole afternoon) I can’t get past Señor Gooseka. It’s very frustrating and I will get back to it (maybe once other people have played and I can get some tips?), this is definitely not the end of my adventure in Miracle World.
The whole team should be so proud of their hard work on bringing an old classic back, taking care to respect the previous story while laying down a beautiful new version for Alex Kidd fans old and new to enjoy.
Title: Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX
Genre: Action, Platformer, Arcade
Publisher: Merge Games
Developer: Jankenteam
Release Date: Out Now
Age Rating: PEGI 7
Platform: PlayStation 4, XBOX One, Nintendo Switch, Windows
There are 3 different editions of this game, you can get digital, Signature Edition and Standard Edition. I think OG Alex Kidd fans will really appreciate the Signature Edition which comes with a whole host of goodies including Master System cartridge style box, Jankenpon card game, enamel pins, companion art book, keyring and more.
*I want to say a huge thank you for to Merge Games, Jankenteam (what a name) and Terminals for the advance keycode so I could provide this review. It was written with my own thoughts, opinions and feels.
Will you be picking up this game? Let me know in the comments!