The classic Amiga adventure returns.
Another World was originally designed and developed by young Frenchman Eric Chachi in 1991 in his parent’s home. Chachi, an autodidact, took his influences from various science fiction movies and books of the day such as 'Dune'. He aimed to create a game where getting a high score wasn't the driving force for the player, instead he focused on what the player would feel as they played. By keeping the creatures and landscapes rather ambiguous, Chachi wanted the player to project their own interpretations into the graphics. The black panther hybrid creature near the beginning for instance can become whatever disturbs you most.
Starting life as a Commodore Amiga game with the quirk of a 'nobody hero' in a hostile environment, players for the first time were sucked in to a bleak, eerie world where you had to think fast to survive. Every step taken was filled with darkness, trepidation and uncertainty – a far cry from the game of the moment, Mario- the Italian plumber who lived in cutesy Mushroom Kingdom and spent his days throwing flower fireballs. Although not a roaring commercial success, Another World was greeted with much delight by its fans and has achieved cult status amongst them.
Click for larger imageIn 2006, Chachi released an expanded version of the game for the PC. He added an extra level which he felt reinforced the partnership between hero Lester Knight Chaykin, a ginger haired physicist and the 'friend', a muscle bound alien imprisoned for some untold misdemeanor. There were more checkpoints to save the game making it very slightly easier overall
Now we have the 15th Anniversary Edition. The two disk package contains an audio CD featuring the soundtrack composed by Jean-Francois Freitas, a former school friend of Chachi. The game disc includes a 'making of Another World' section with interviews, original design notes and annotated drawings which should satisfy the most ardent of fans. The graphics are improved and whilst retaining the feel of a very early video game they are still atmospheric enough to be immersive, especially if you fondly remember the original.