Video games for the most part, speak a universal language. When we play a game in North America, we are playing the same game as a Japanese or Russian player. Games can bridge gaps, as what we see on the screen is the same as hundreds of other players around the world. Could a game be played where there is no language, no explanation and still reach the player? That was the question that Delphine Software asked in 1991, and their answer was Another World (or Out of this World.)
Lester Knight Chaykin was just working in his lab one moment and the next he was starting out at an alien sky. The world he has transported to is dangerous, with both the animals and the humanoid creatures seeking to end his life. Captured in an alien prison, Lester will befriend an alien named Buddy and try to escape from this lethal world.
The first thing anyone who played Another World will tell you that the game is hard. Lester can not take any damage, and their are numerous things that will attack. The beginning of the game has Lester floating down in an pool of water. If you don’t press up quickly, one of the long black tentacles will pull you down. Lester eventually gets a gun, and learning when to shoot and when to defend is critical.
The game was also stunningly beautiful. Cut scenes happen right in the middle of game play and were as smooth as can be. Approaching the end of a screen near the beginning suddenly shows a large black monster with red eyes and teeth jump in front of you. You had to run back the way you came, while something hungry runs after you. The music was simple as haunting as you wandered around the alien world. True to the purpose of having no set language, there is no instruction and the aliens speak a language you will never understand.
If there is one flaw, it is that the game is a little short. This makes playing it again a must as you try and see how many dangers you avoided the last time can be activated. The game has constantly been in uses, re released the last time on mobile phones. If you have not played it, I envy you. Walking up and climbing out of the water for the first time is an experience very hard to duplicate.
