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Exploring Platformers with Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Ah, the nostalgia of the 8-bit era! The legendary Alex Kidd, with his iconic red jumpsuit and powerful punches, captured the hearts of gamers everywhere in the late 1980s. As one of the pioneers of the platformer genre, Alex Kidd paved the way for many of our favourite platformers today. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Alex Kidd in Miracle World and its impact on the platformers genre, from its creation and inspiration to the modern remake and beyond.
Short Summary
- Explore the classic platformer game Alex Kidd in Miracle World and its modern remake, DX!
- Experience intense rock-paper-scissors battles & 22 challenging levels with puzzles to conquer!
- Be amazed by the stunning graphics and innovative gameplay mechanics that revolutionise this iconic genre!
- What console was Alex Kidd in Miracle World released on? SEGA Master System and before it, the SEGA Mark III on 1st November, 1986.
The Iconic Alex Kidd: A Brief History
The legendary Alex Kidd: Story
- Was first introduced in 1986 as an orphan living on Mt. Eternal
- Spent seven years of his life on planet Aries
- Used those 7 years to train himself in the ancient Shellcore technique
- Before the era of Sonic the Hedgehog, Alex Kidd served as an unofficial mascot of Sega, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of platformer games. It was later that Sega decided to use Sonic as the mascot and banish poor Alex to the history books
- After mastering the ancient Shellcore technique, he found a dying man who told him that his original home town of Radaxian was in great danger. Before the man died, he gave Alex a piece of map and a sunstone medallion as a guide.
- Alex learns that Janken the Great, ruler of the planet Janbarik, wants to conquer his hometown Radaxian together with his minions and rule there forever. Alex travels to Miracle World to defeat Janken and his evil servants.
Creation and Inspiration
Created by Kotaro Hayashida, Alex Kidd’s character design may have been inspired by Bruce Lee, evident in the jumpsuit, and the character Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, as Alex was originally planned to use the Ruyi Jingu Bang instead of punches.
This combination of influences brought a unique charm to Alex Kidd that still captivates fans today.
Alex the Kidd naming confusion and debate
In short the official name for this game is "Alex Kidd in Miracle World" yet many people to this day swear it's "Alex the Kidd in Miracle World". Alex was his first name, and Kidd was his surname. The surname of Kidd is still quite common in the world, so this boy was simply Mr Alex Kidd. I don't know where the confusion started or came from, but I hear it everywhere and I have been on a personal mission to correct everyone who adds "the" to the name and set the record straight. Perhaps this is why I don't get invited back to dinner parties? Perhaps this is a perfect example of the Mandela effect, a specific false memory that can sometimes be shared by a large group of people. Oh well, the truth is more important and to uphold the sacred world of Radaxian.
The Miracle World Series
The Alex Kidd series is a thrilling collection of platformer games developed by Sega in the 1980s. The first game in the series is Alex Kidd in Miracle World with many more to follow. The modern remake, dx Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX, developed by Merge Games, brings the classic platformer back with improved graphics and new content for a whole new generation of gamers to enjoy. Fans of the series are also excited about the upcoming Alex Kidd BMX Trial event, which promises to be a thrilling experience. Alex Kidd was also a playable character Sega Superstars Tennis. With the resurgence of interest in Alex Kidd games and the legendary Alex Kidd returning, this is an exciting time for us true Alex Kidd fans.
The Alex Kidd franchise includes seven titles.
- Alex Kidd in Miracle World - 1986, Master System
- Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars - 1986, Arcade, 1988, Master System
- Alex Kidd: High-Tech World - 1987, Master System
- Alex Kidd BMX Trial - 1987, Master System
- Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle - 1989, Sega Mega Drive (Genesis)
- Alex Kidd in Shinobi World - 1990, Master System
- Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX- 2021, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
SEGA Master System Console Built In Game
There are two major models of SEGA Master System, with a few other variants in existence.
- SEGA Master System 1
- Built in games - Snail Maze, Hang-On, Alex Kidd in Miracle World.
- SEGA Master System 2 (II)
- Built in games - All Master System IIs include Alex Kidd in Miracle World, or Sonic the Hedgehog master system version from 1991 onwards.
Classic Platformer Gameplay: Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Alex Kidd in Miracle World is a testament to the classic platformer gameplay that defined the genre. With its challenging levels, puzzles, and the introduction of rock-paper-scissors battles, the game captivated players and laid the foundation for future platformer titles.
The game’s simple yet engaging mechanics, combined with its vibrant visuals and catchy soundtrack, made it a success.
Challenging Levels and Puzzles
From navigating through mazes to avoiding enemies and solving puzzles, Alex Kidd in Miracle World offered players a thrilling array of challenges. The game featured a variety of levels, such as:
- Radaxian City
- Kingdom of Nibana
- Mt. Eternal
- Marble Plains
- Lake Fathom
- The Island of St. Nurari
- Namui Lake
- The Village
With a total of 22 levels to conquer in the original classic game.
Upon defeating Janken, Janken defeated Janken. The Great and restoring peace to Radaxian, Alex Kidd becomes the Defender of the City, marking an amazing conclusion to this classic platformer adventure.
Pickups and Purchases
- Small Money Bag: Contains 10 baums.
- Big Money Bag: Contains 20 baums.
- Telepathy Ball: Allows to read a opponent's mind during a Janken match.
- Teleport Powder: Grants temporary invincibility.
- Power Bracelet: Allows the player to shoot energy waves.
- 1UP: Gives an extra life.
- Psychic Wand: Allows the player to float for a short time.
- Magic Capsule A: Summons tiny familiars to attack enemies.
- Magic Capsule B: Creates a protective barrier.
Vehicles in Alex Kidd
- Sukopako Motorcycle
Rock, Paper, Scissors Battles
One of the most unique aspects of Alex Kidd in Miracle World was its incorporation of Jankenpon, or rock-paper-scissors, into boss battles, showcasing improved boss fight mechanics. Players faced off against various opponents in a series of predetermined matches, requiring trial and error to win.
These innovative rock-paper-scissors battles added an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game, leaving a lasting impression on players and setting a new standard for the platformer genre.
Regional Differences
In the SEGA Mark III Japanese release, Alex must eat a Rice Ball to finish a stage and progress to the next one. In the Western release on Master System of Alex Kidd in Miracle World, the Rice Ball is replaced by a Hamburger. FYI The artwork on SEGA Mark III games are incredible, check them out.
Alex Kidd Tips & Tricks - Spoiler Alert
Continue Cheat
Hold [Up] direction and press button 2, 8 times at the Game Over screen. Note: This code may only be enabled if you have $400 or more when game play ends.
Bonus Round
In Lake Fathom, when you come to the first octopus, kill him by punching out the tentacle segments, or you can use the Teleport powder and punch him in the face twice. After you kill him, centre Alex over the grey pot and press [Down][Down]. This will bring you to an underground lake and the southernmost island in the lake.
How to beat the Janken bosses in Alex Kidd - Paper Scissors Rock
1st: Choose Rock in the first game, then Scissors in the second
2nd: Scissors, then Paper
3rd: Rock, Scissors
4th: Paper, Paper
5th: Rock, Rock
6th: Rock, Scissors
7th: Paper, Paper
(Must be done in that order from the start of the game, if you choose one different along the way all the rest will be different)
Modern Remake: Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX
Thanks to the success of the original Alex Kidd in Miracle World, a modern remake, Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX, was developed to bring the beloved game to a new generation of players. The legendary Alex Kidd returns in this this updated version features stunning new HD graphics, gameplay improvements, expanded levels, remastered music, and new game modes for an even more immersive experience.
Players can explore the world of Miracle World with updated visuals, new levels, and a variety of new levels.
HD Graphics and Expanded Levels
The stunning HD graphics in Alex Kidd’s Miracle World DX bring the classic game to life with a modern touch. In addition to the visual enhancements, the game also features:
- Expanded levels
- New areas
- Secret paths
- Hidden items for players to discover and enjoy.
- Alex Kidd Legend reborn
Players can explore these new areas and uncover the secrets of Miracle World, while enjoying classic gameplay.
Boss Rush Mode and Retro Mode
Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX introduces exciting new game modes, such as ‘Classic Mode,’ which allows players to experience the original game with all its boss fights, including the new and improved boss, dialogue, levels, and functions, exactly the same as on the Master System and Master System II consoles.
Another thrilling addition is ‘Retro Mode,’ which enables players to experience a game play switch between enhanced graphics and a recreation of the original art style, offering a nostalgic experience for fans of the original game.
Alex Kidd's Legacy in Platformers
Before being overshadowed by Sonic the Hedgehog, Alex Kidd was Sega’s de facto mascot and one of the most influential figures in the platformer genre. His unique character design and gameplay mechanics left a lasting impact on the gaming industry, inspiring iconic characters like Sonic and shaping the platformer genre into what it is today.
Alex Kidd’s legacy is still felt today, with many modern platformers taking inspiration from his classics.
Iconic Characters and Mascots
In addition to inspiring Sonic the Hedgehog, Alex Kidd’s design and gameplay also influenced other iconic characters such as Mario and Mega Man. By paving the way for these memorable mascots, Alex Kidd contributed to the evolution of the platformer genre, setting a new standard for character-driven games and creating a legacy that still resonates today.
Evolution of Platformer Gameplay
From its introduction of rock-paper-scissors battles to its challenging levels and puzzles, Alex Kidd in Miracle World set a new standard for platformer gameplay. As the 16-bit era of platforming developed, all kinds of new innovations were introduced like parallax scrolling, larger spanning levels and far more detailed sprites. It's interesting to think about the fact that Nintendo was developing Super Mario Bros at the same time, with a release on the NES on 13th September, 1985. It's possible that SEGA took inspiration from Super Mario Bros to make Alex Kidd, but who knows.
Top Platformers Inspired by Alex Kidd
The success of Alex Kidd in Miracle World inspired a variety of popular platformer games, including: (in no particular order)
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Super Mario Bros 3 on onwards in the series
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Donkey Kong Country
- Celeste
- Super Mario Galaxy series
- Super Mario Odyssey
It's possible that these games built upon the foundation laid by Alex Kidd, creating new and exciting experiences for gamers to enjoy.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega’s most recognizable mascot, owes much of its inspiration to Alex Kidd. Both characters share similarities in their platforming gameplay and signature moves, such as Alex Kidd’s “Kidd Thunder” and Sonic’s “Spin Dash”.
However, there are also some key differences between the two characters, such as the 8-bit and 16-bit versions of Sonic the Hedgehog having different mechanics and level designs. Nevertheless, it’s clear that Alex Kidd’s influence played a significant role in shaping Sonic and the future of the platformer genre.
Master System and Beyond: The Evolution of Platformers
From its 8-bit beginnings on the Sega Master System to the visually stunning modern graphics and innovative gameplay mechanics of today, the platformer genre has come a long way since the days of Alex Kidd. Let’s take a closer look at how platformer games have evolved over time.
Platformers have seen a huge increase in graphical fidelity over the years. Early games like Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros.
From 8-bit to Modern Graphics
The main difference between 8-bit and modern graphics lies in the number of colours that can be displayed. While 8-bit graphics could display a maximum of 256 colours, modern graphics can display millions of colours, offering a more detailed and immersive gaming experience.
The future of platformer graphics is likely to be even more impressive, with increasingly detailed and realistic graphics, as well as more complex gameplay mechanics.
New Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Modern platformers have introduced an array of new gameplay mechanics and features, such as:
- Incorporating puzzle elements into the gameplay
- Introducing unique fighting moves for characters
- Including collectible items that enhance the gameplay experience
- Adding new level designs and obstacles to challenge players
These innovative gameplay elements have helped shape the platformer genre, building upon the foundations laid by Alex Kidd and driving the evolution of platformer games into new and exciting territories.
Summary
From its humble beginnings as an 8-bit platformer on the Sega Master System to its modern remastered incarnation, Alex Kidd in Miracle World has left an indelible mark on the platformer genre. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, memorable characters, and captivating level design have inspired countless platformer games, shaping the genre into what it is today. As we continue to explore the ever-evolving world of platformers, the legacy of Alex Kidd will always remain a testament to the creative and pioneering spirit of the genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of platformers?
Platformers are exciting video games where you manoeuvre an avatar through a series of obstacles and use special abilities to defeat enemies. With plenty of action and strategy, platformers are a thrilling gaming experience!
Platformers offer a unique challenge that requires quick reflexes and problem-solving skills. Players must navigate through levels, avoiding enemies and obstacles while collecting power-ups and special items. The goal is to achieve this.
Why are platformer games popular?
Platformer games offer a true sense of discovery, laid back action-packed gameplay, child-friendly approach, easy-to-understand controls, and the ability to get progressively more challenging, making them popular among both children and adults.
Platformers have become iconic over time and are a favourite of many players.
Who created Alex Kidd?
Kotaro Hayashida created Alex Kidd, the iconic video game character from the late 1980s, bringing his world to life and thrilling players everywhere. Read the 2002 interview transcript
Do you sell Master System Games and Consoles?
Yes, we stock a range of games and consoles here
