Posted by Super Turrican on Jul 3, 2010 22:20 (Jul 3, 2010 22:20)
A classic is what would be best to describe Eric Chahi’s epic adventure game as. The story of the red haired scientist, Lester Knight Chaykin is what really got Delphine noticed and also what probably gave them the financial clout to get Flashback done.
What really set it ahead of it’s time was the artistic way it weaved everything together, with no words or subtitles used or indeed required. Everything was noticeable through hand gesticulation and the occasional grunt, but there was always a feeling of connection with what was on screen. The visuals were vibrant and refreshing compared to the usual pixelated stuff we would normally see on a regular basis. It was all those little intricate cut scenes and beautifully animated movements, deaths and more or less everything else that was so captivating.
The story involved a bolt of lightning hitting our hero’s particle accelerator and teleporting him to another world where we see him get shot, become friends with a humanoid alien, escape a prison with said alien and battling his way to an almighty climax. Sure, there is a slight hint of Hollywood in the mix, but at that time it didn’t matter.
Looking at it today, it’s still clear to see why it is as loved as it is. Hideo Kojima, of Metal Gear fame, includes this in his top 5 games of all time and it is clear to see why. To see an Amiga game stand the test of time is a fair treat indeed, as there aren’t too many of them, but Another World still feels as fresh as the day it came out of the box (oh, and those leeches with the pointy tooth are STILL just as frustrating at the start).
Good to see this one reviewed as well. Great memories of this game and its atmospheric and superior looking intro sequence. The game never really slows down from the start and is difficult to get right the first time. Once you have completed it though it does feel awfully short and its playability takes a knock because of this. Still an awesome game and visually appealing I would be tempted to play it again, but not until I've forgotten how to complete it. Looking forward to a Flashback review next, a worthy successor to Another World.
This was the first game that truly gave me the feeling of true cinematic atmosphere. I remember sitting there after firing up the Amiga and seeing that stunning intro sequence, then the game suddenly handing over to the player! I remember I had recently watched the rarely seen New Zealand sci-fi movie 'The Quiet Earth' just before playing this and there were some similarities with the experiments being carried out. By the way if you haven't seen 'The Quiet Earth' and you like sci-fi then I highly recommend it, but DO NOT I repeat DO NOT let anyone tell you about the end of the film before you've seen it as it will ruin the movie!
I thought Another World was amazing when it came out, hadn't seen anything like it before. I liked the way you were just thrown in the world and didn't know what was going to happen. Didn't enjoy Flashback quite as much as this.
Aug 11, 2010 16:47:55 (
Aug 11, 2010 16:47
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