Another World 20th Anniversary Edition
Overview -
1991 was an excellent year for popular culture. Disney's masterpiece 'Beauty and the Beast', Nirvana's breakthrough album 'Nevermind', Michael Jackson's best in 'Dangerous', Steven Spielberg's amazing 'Hook' and many many more titles that left more than their mark on many a generation. On the gaming front, few games made as big an impact as Éric Chahi's 'Another World', which was originally known as 'Out of This World' in North America. Remakes and re-releases have popped up on different platform over the years, and now, just in time for its, eh, 23rd anniversary, The Digital Lounge (in collaboration with the original creators) has prepped 'Another World' in full high definition for the current generation of consoles. Is this a cause for celebration, or a new bane of a reviewer's existence?
Video Review
The new graphics are exquisite with a healthy hint of Saul Bass influences. Characters are composed of large mattes that become especially apparent in close-up. A palette of just a few basic colours (a stylistic choice not unlike that of Warren Beatty's 'Dick Tracy') pays off with well-defined and pleasing results. Even better, a genuinely impressive feature allows the gamer to alternate between the old and the new graphics with just one flick of the switch or one press of the button. I did hope for one or two hidden features through switching (say: showing a hint by going back to the 1991 style), by that sadly wasn't in the cards.
Audio Review
J.F. Freitas composed ethereal Vangles-esque, 'Blade Runner'-inspired music, which is quite fitting and beautiful. The soundtrack can be adjusted according to the player's own wishes: the original edit (with sparse sound effects), the remastered version or a combination of both. I opted for the latter. There is no dialogue in the game, and only a handful of written lines in the prologue. The whole opening scene oozes cool and street credibility, and has undoubtedly influenced French electronic artist Kavinsky. The car, the sounds, the attitude, it's all there. Very atmospheric, and very well done.
Final Thoughts
Make no mistake, 'Another World' is the same game from 1991 in a flashy high definition disguise. But a classic is a classic no matter what, which is why 'Another World' comes recommended. Pesky, difficult and challenging, but never impossible, this 23rd Anniversay Edition impresses with a no frills attitude and tons of respectable fun. New gamers may be put off by the simple graphics or the gameplay of yore (the fiancée of one of my best friends is a 'Mario Kart 8' and 'Luigi's Mansion' fan and couldn't believe how old fashioned 'Another World' looked and played), but serious gamers can safely download this festive edit without expecting too many changes. This is still a short game, but it's challenging until the literal end. Enjoy it with some French Belgian fries and a chilled glass of Chardonnay.
