Another World 3DS Review
Introduction
Another World was an out of this world classic at the time of release. This 20th Anniversary edition released for the 3DS does serve its purpose of trying to stay true to its original Amiga 500 release whilst introducing this classic puzzle action platformer to new audiences. For those who grew up playing the Console versions may find this to be a slightly disappointing release. Since I grew up playing the Megadrive release this review will be looking more at how this Anniversary Edition stacks up compared with that release.
Gameplay
Not much has changed gameplay wise with this Anniversary release. There are a few subtle differences that I did notice such as the gun not being able to run out of ammo as easily (which I do prefer) and one of the steam patterns in the duct crawling/rolling section being different. For those new to this game you'll undoubtedly pull your hair out at some of the sections in this game as the solutions to cracking the levels are not so easily done.
Those who played this in the past can revel in the fact that it is largely unchanged. The short length of this game means it is great for quick runs as an experienced player (in this game) can knock this off in less than 30 minutes.
Graphics
The lack of having a 3D option is disappointing but not the end of the world. The updated graphics for 99% of the game are a great improvement and being able to select at the push of a button to switch between the orginal graphics and the HD quality graphics is seemless and fantastic. The only section I was disappointed with was the wall behind the waterfall lacking the dirty dark green moss. The moss in HD is too pale and gives little impact.
Sound
The biggest letdown is the sound. Whilst it does sound great and is true to the original Amiga 500 game. I find the options to be almost impossible to tell the difference between. You are given the choice from the option menu only between original, remastered and original + CD Console Music (which is from MegaCD release I believe, though not sure).
The lack of 16bit console music is what really drags down this release for me. The original only had music for the intro and outro scenes. The Megadrive version had music pretty much throughout the game and usually that was during intense clutch moments or in the heat of a gunfight. It was such a fantastic futuristic sounding soundtrack that really added to some mood and atmosphere to the game. Its omission doesn't fit the idea of a release for a 20th Anniversary in my view.
Conclusion
Its decent enough for those who've already experienced this title and wish to again. I would recommend it but it would be more dependent on your expectations from which version you grew up playing. For new players this is a must have digital title for the 3DS.
I gave it four stars but its more a 3 1/2 star game and that's not because of the quality of the game itself. Its still a great classic game. The graphic improvements overall are well done, the gameplay as good as its always been but it really loses marks for the lack of console music and utilizing the stereoscopic 3D.