Another World

From Sega Retro

For the Sega Dreamcast game, see Another World HD.

n/a

  • PAL
  • NTSC

AnotherWorld Title.png

OutofThisWorld MD TitlesScreen.png

Another World
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Virgin Games
Developer:
Distributor: Ecofilmes (PT), Hent Gruppen (SE rental)
Licensor: Delphine Software International
Sound driver: GEMS
Genre: Action

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
US 		T-70106
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		T-70106-50
Sega Mega Drive
PT 		MDJ70106
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£39.9939.99[4][2] T-70106-50
Sega Mega Drive
SE
(Rental)
Sega Mega Drive
AU
Non-Sega versions

Another World, known as Out of this World in North America, is a platforming game developed by Eric Chahi for Delphine Software International, originally released for the Amiga and Atari ST home computers in 1991. It was subsequently ported to various platforms, with the Sega Mega Drive version being developed by Interplay and published by Virgin Games in 1993.

A Sega Mega-CD version was also announced for a May 1993 release in the US[5] (later January 1994[6][7], and then April 1994[8] for Europe), which was delayed after Interplay decided to include it alongside a newly-produced sequel, titled Heart of the Alien, in order to take advantage of the extra space of the CD-ROM media.

The game was innovative in its use of cinematic effects in both real-time and cutscenes, which earned the game praise among critics and commercial success.

Story

In the opening cinematic, the young physicist Lester Knight Chaykin arrives at his high-tech underground laboratory during a thunderstorm and goes to work on his experiment using a particle accelerator, attempting to reconstruct what happened when the universe was born. Immediately before the particles reach their intended destination, a lightning bolt strikes the laboratory and interferes with the accelerator, causing an unforeseen particle fusion and an explosion, opening a hole in time and space and teleporting Lester to a barren, alien planet.

Gameplay

Another World is a cinematic platforming game. Players control the protagonist Lester, a young scientist who, as a result of an experiment gone wrong, finds himself on a dangerous alien world where he is forced to fight for his survival. After evading a number of dangerous indigenous animals, Lester is captured by a race of humanoid aliens and taken to a subterranean prison camp. Lester escapes along with an alien captive, and the two must evade capture while traveling through a series of dangerous environments, battling alien soldiers and wild creatures while solving numerous puzzles in order to survive. The duo traverse the prison complex, a cave system, and a tower structure. The game is composed of numerous non-scrolling scenes. In any given scene, the game provides no clues as to what the player should do next, and gameplay involves trial and error. There is no on-screen text, and the characters that Lester meets speak in an unintelligible alien language.

Lester walks or turns around with Left and Right or runs with HOLD ALeft or Right or HOLD BLeft or Right. He crouches with Down. He hops forward with C or leaps a longer distance with C while running.

In the initial part of the game, Lester is unarmed. He is able to kick at small creatures with A or B, but he is otherwise defenseless. In the second level, he acquires a laser pistol from an alien. The pistol can be fired from a crouching stance. It has three stages: a standard shot fired by pressing A or B, the ability to create force fields to block enemy fire by holding A or B until a small energy ball appears, and a powerful charged shot that can break through force fields and some walls by holding A or B until a large energy ball appears. The gun has finite energy and must occasionally be recharged. Enemies also have the same capabilities, requiring the player to take advantage of the three gun modes and the environment to overcome them.

Lester and his alien ally cannot sustain any damage; the game ends immediately if either of them is struck by a projectile or comes in contact with an animal or an environmental hazard. However, the game can be continued indefinitely from the last checkpoint. The game uses a password system for continuing from each checkpoint at a later time; the current password is shown at the continue screen after dying.

Levels

The game is played as one long, uninterrupted level, with checkpoints at certain points.

Out of This World, Stage 1.png

Level 1
Password: LDKD 

Out of This World, Stage 2.png

Level 2
Password: HTDC 

Out of This World, Stage 3.png

Level 3
Password: CLLD 

Out of This World, Stage 4.png

Level 4
Password: LBKG 

Out of This World, Stage 5.png

Level 5
Password: XDDJ 

Out of This World, Stage 6.png

Level 6
Password: FXLC 

Out of This World, Stage 7.png

Level 7
Password: KRFK 

Out of This World, Stage 8.png

Level 8
Password: KLFB 

Out of This World, Stage 9.png

Level 9
Password: TTCT 

Out of This World, Stage 10.png

Level 10
Password: BRTD 

Out of This World, Stage 11.png

Level 11
Password: TFBB 

Out of This World, Stage 12.png

Level 12
Password: TXHF 

Out of This World, Stage 13.png

Level 13
Password: CKJL 

Out of This World, Stage 14.png

Out of This World, Stage 14 Ending.png

  • Out of This World, Stage 14.png

  • Out of This World, Stage 14 Ending.png

Level 14
Password: LFCK 

History

Development

“ Going through submissions to Nintendo and Sega wasn't an easy task...without speaking about the pressure with Interplay, who was responsible for porting the game engines on those platforms...

The game was more difficult on consoles than on microcomputer because Interplay really wanted the players to have value for money (a console game is expensive), which implied that the game must have a long lifespan as well. That's why a guard has been added in the prison at the bottom of the lift, and lethal steam jets appeared in the maze-like ventilation system, all of this with a very limited time.

„

— Eric Chahi[9]


Legacy

The game influenced many other action-adventure games, including Delphine's own Flashback.

Heart of the Alien was released for the Sega Mega-CD in 1994, which contains the original game with a new sequel played from the perspective of Lester's alien companion. Its events are not considered canon by creator Eric Chahi, who prefers to keep the fate of the characters after Another World ambiguous.

In 2006, a 15th anniversary version of the game with higher-resolution graphics was created for Windows PCs. This version also has more checkpoints than the original game.

In 2011, a 20th anniversary version of the game with new high-definition graphics was created by Dotemu and released for iOS. This version is the basis for subsequent ports of the game. It was released Android in 2012 and for Steam and GOG in 2013. In 2014, it was ported to the Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS by Digital Lounge. Digital Lounge and Dotemu ported the game to the Nintendo Switch in 2018. JoshProd released it for the Sega Dreamcast in 2018 as Another World HD.

In 2020, the game was released in a package with Flashback by Microids for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in Europe.[10]

Versions

The game was originally released for the Amiga and Atari ST home computers. In addition to the Mega Drive and Mega-CD versions, the original game was ported to the Apple IIGS, IBM PC, Mac OS, Super NES, and Game Boy Advance. The Mega Drive and Super NES ports have less detailed backgrounds compared to the original computer games. The 3DO port has new, more detailed backgrounds. An Atari Jaguar port was in development but never released.

Production credits

  • Design: Eric Chahi
  • Original Programmer: Eric Chahi
  • Genesis Programmer: Michael Burton
  • Exec. Producer: Stephen Clarke Willson
  • U.K. Producer: Matthew Spall
  • Virgin Games, Inc. Producer: Erik Yeo
  • Interplay Producer: Alan Pavlish
  • Music: Tommy Tallarico, Jean Francois Freitas
  • Sound: Tommy Tallarico, Jean Francois Freitas, Eric Chahi
  • Title Animation: Jason Magness
  • Q.A. Manager: Michael Gater
  • Quality Assurance Team: Noah Tool, Justin Norr, Danny Lewis, Mike Glosecki, Eugene Martin, Tommy Hulett, Joey Kuras, Tim Williams
  • Manual: Robin Kausch
  • Thanks to: Jesus Martinez, Daniel Morais, Frederic Savoir, Cecile Chahi, Philippe Delamarre, Philippe Ulrich, Sebastien Berthet, Pierre Gousseau, Bill Heineman, Jason Ferris
Source:
In-game credits
Another World MD credits.pdf
[11]

Magazine articles

Main article: Another World/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in (US) #43: "February 1993" (199x-xx-xx)
also published in:
  • (US) #50: "March 1993" (1993-0x-xx)[12]
  • (US) #44: "March 1993" (1993-xx-xx)[13]
  • (US) #45: "April 1993" (1993-xx-xx)[14]
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in (UK) #136: "March 1993" (1993-02-15)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in (UK) #11: "September 1993" (1993-07-30)
also published in:
  • (UK) #142: "September 1993" (1993-08-15)[15]
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in (FR) #18: "Juin 1993" (1993-0x-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg
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Print advert in (ES) #5: "Agosto 1993" (1993-0x-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in (RU) #33: "xxxx xxxx" (1997-08-07)
Logo-pdf.svg

Artwork

  • AnotherWorld Art Cover.jpg

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
(RU)
60
[16]
(SA)
90
[17]
(DE)
78
[18]
(UK) PAL
75
[19]
(FR)
85
[20]
(RU)
50
[21]
(UK)
95
[4]
(IT)
95
[22]
(UK) NTSC
80
[23]
(US) NTSC-U
88
[24]
(RU)
80
[25]
(RU)
80
[26]
(UK)
87
[27]
(US) NTSC-U
82
[28]
(IT)
90
[29]
(US) NTSC-U
95
[1]
(UK) PAL
63
[30]
(UK) PAL
89
[31]
(UK) PAL
73
[32]
(UK)
90
[33]
(FR)
87
[34]
(DE) NTSC-U
83
[35]
(UK) PAL
86
[36]
(ES)
90
[37]
(UK) NTSC-U
87
[38]
(FR)
90
[39]
(DE)
71
[40]
(UK)
88
[41]
(NL) NTSC
76
[42]
(DE)
58
[43]
(UK) PAL
83
[44]
(UK) PAL
92
[45]
(UK) PAL
94
[46]
(UK) PAL
91
[47]
(ES)
83
[48]
(RU)
81
[49]
Sega Mega Drive
 82
Based on
36 reviews

Another World

Mega Drive, US
AnotherWorld MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Anotherworld md us cart.jpg
Cart
Out Of This World MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
AnotherWorld MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
AnotherWorld MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Another World MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
AnotherWorld MD EU pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, FR

Another World MD FR Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, PT
AnotherWorld MD PT Box Back.jpgNospine.pngAnotherWorld MD PT cover.jpg
Cover
AnotherWorld MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Another World MD PT Manual.jpg
Manual
Another World MD EU Manual.jpg
EU Manual
Mega Drive, SE (rental; Hent; orange)
AnotherWorld MD SE Rental Box Back.jpgAnotherWorld MD SE Rental Box Spine.jpgAnotherWorld MD SE Box Rental.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, AU
AnotherWorld MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
Another World MD AU Cart.jpg
Cart
Another World MD AU Manual.jpg
Manual

Technical information

Main article: Another World/Technical information.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 GamePro, "February 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 54
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 GamesMaster, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-18), page 81
  3. ↑ Sega Pro, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-13), page 20
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Computer & Video Games, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-15), page 30
  5. ↑ Sega Visions, "April/May 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 109
  6. ↑ Sega Force Mega, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-16), page 8
  7. ↑ Sega Pro, "February 1994" (UK; 1993-12-30), page 14
  8. ↑ Sega Pro, "Easter 1994" (UK; 1994-03-24), page 10
  9. ↑ http://www.anotherworld.fr/anotherworld_uk/page_versions.htm
  10. ↑ https://www.destructoid.com/another-world-and-flashback-double-pack-announced-for-ps4-xbox-one-and-nintendo-switch/
  11. ↑ File:Another World MD credits.pdf
  12. ↑ VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "March 1993" (US; 1993-0x-xx), page 90
  13. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "March 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 7
  14. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "April 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 9
  15. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-15), page 2
  16. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 19
  17. ↑ Alaab Alcomputtar, "" (SA; 1995-08-xx), page 72
  18. ↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "Avril 1993" (DE; 1993-03-08), page 137
  19. ↑ Bad Influence!, "xxxx 1993" (UK; 1993-0x-xx), page 50
  20. ↑ Consoles +, "Mai 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 98
  21. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 15
  22. ↑ Computer + Video Giochi, "Gennaio 1993" (IT; 199x-xx-xx), page 94
  23. ↑ Digitiser (UK) (1993-01-09)
  24. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "February 1993" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 20
  25. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 289
  26. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 2, "" (RU; 2000-xx-xx), page 28
  27. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 21
  28. ↑ GameFan, "Volume 1, Issue 7: June 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 16
  29. ↑ Game Power, "Marzo 1993" (IT; 1993-0x-xx), page 68
  30. ↑ GamesMaster, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-18), page 80
  31. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 28
  32. ↑ Mega, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-18), page 40
  33. ↑ Mega Action, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 65
  34. ↑ Mega Force, "Mai 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 80
  35. ↑ Mega Fun, "07/93" (DE; 1993-06-23), page 78
  36. ↑ MegaTech, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-20), page 30
  37. ↑ Micromanía (segunda época), "Abril 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 40
  38. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-28), page 92
  39. ↑ Player One, "Mars/Avril 1993" (FR; 1993-03-10), page 90
  40. ↑ Play Time, "4/93" (DE; 1993-03-10), page 111
  41. ↑ Power Up!, "Saturday, May 15, 1993" (UK; 1993-05-15), page 1
  42. ↑ Power Unlimited, "Nummer 2, September 1993" (NL; 1993-08-19), page 32
  43. ↑ Sega Magazin, "November/Dezember 1993" (DE; 1993-11-03), page 38
  44. ↑ Sega Power, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-04-01), page 52
  45. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 46
  46. ↑ Sega Zone, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 58
  47. ↑ Sega Force, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-04), page 34
  48. ↑ Todo Sega, "Abril 1993" (ES; 1993-03-15), page 44
  49. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 7


Another World

AnotherWorld Title.png

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Sega Mega Drive
Prototypes: 1993-01
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