Another World

Common Sense Media says

One of gaming's all-time greats gets a fresh coat of paint.

Age(i)

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Quality(i)

 
(i)
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Another World gallery

What parents need to know

Positive messages

The game demonstrates the power of friendship -- and how having someone you can depend on is invaluable. 

Positive role models

The lead character is a scientist who's resourceful and doesn't panic. He's accompanied by a friendly alien who's incredibly loyal and caring in a very hostile world. 

Ease of play

Despite its age, this isn't an easy game. You'll have to explore and overcome several frustrations to win. And the lack of any sort of tutorial can handicap players early in the game. 

Violence

All sorts of shooting here -- and enemies turn to skeletons and then dust when shot. You'll also likely face impalement on spikes, being eaten by sharp-toothed monsters, long falls to your death, and death by poison. 

Sex

One scene late in the game takes place in a bathing house, where the buttocks of blob-like aliens are shown. 

Language
Not applicable
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Not applicable
Privacy & safety

The game doesn't collect additional data from users beyond what's typical on an Xbox One. 

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know Another World is a downloadable version of the classic action/adventure platform game that's been spruced up graphically for modern game machines. But the core game mechanics of the title, considered by many to be one of the industry's best, remain the same as they were upon its 1990s debut. It's a violent game, with lots of shooting and player deaths -- and one that likely will frustrate today's players (who are used to being guided through how to play), even when they're in its "easy" mode. There's also brief alien "nudity" -- though the old-school look of the graphics (even with the modern update) make it about as eyebrow-raising as seeing a child's doll without pants. 

What's it about?

In ANOTHER WORLD, players step into the shoes of Lester Knight Chaykin, a young scientist hurtled through space and time by a nuclear experiment gone wrong. After avoiding a series of environmental hazards, he's imprisoned by an alien race, breaking free with the help of a kindly fellow prisoner. Players then try to escape the city, facing increasingly difficult challenges, though their friend is there to help along the way.

Is it any good?

QUALITY
 

Whatever your favorite game is, Another World probably influenced it. Cinematic moments? Unique animation styles? A companion you cared about? Storytelling twists? They all tie back to this title. That makes it especially refreshing that this 20th-anniversary version of the classic action/adventure platformer doesn't alter what made it great. The graphics have been tweaked to make them a bit more palatable for modern gamers, but they still basically keep their old-school appearance. And the gameplay has been left alone completely. 

This was one of the first games to elicit an emotional reaction from players -- and the ending still manages to do so today. It's not an easy title, and it will require some dedication, even if you choose to play on the "easy" setting in options. But it's worth it. Although not every title from the early days of gaming is worth a modern version -- and certainly many don't hold up well over time -- Another World has achieved timelessness. And you won't regret spending a few hours with it, even if you've played several times before. 

Families can talk about...

  • Families can talk about when it's best to fight and when it's best to run away, as the characters do in Another World. Are there pros and cons for each situation?

  • Talk about the value of a good friend. Who are your best friends, and why? Does someone need to help you out of a bad situation to be considered a good friend?

Game details

Platforms:Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii U, Xbox One
Price:$7.99
Pricing structure:Paid
Available online?Not available online
Developer:The Digital Lounge
Release date:June 25, 2014
Genre:Action/Adventure
Topics:Space and aliens
ESRB rating:T for Violence, blood (Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii U, Xbox One)

This review of Another World was written by

Chris Morris

About our rating system

  • ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
  • OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids of any age.

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Quality

Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning ratings

  • Best: Really engaging, great learning approach.
  • Very Good: Engaging, good learning approach.
  • Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
  • Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
  • Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
  • Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.

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