Alex Kidd in Shinobi World

[anagrama]

We're getting towards the end of this cycle again now, but there's still a couple more choices to be made yet - this week it's the turn of tmc - what's it to be?

[dezanuebe]

humm, what will be next?

[tmc]

To enjoy my game of choice this week I ask you not to play it.

A strange opening line you consider?

Let me rephrase – I ask you not to play it just yet.

Why? Well this game is a tribute to another, a game that tips its hat as a mark of respect to another pillar of the master system community. To call it a remake would be missing the point, it’s more subtle then that, for it builds on it’s own brand and mixes that of another, like a carefully mixed videogame cocktail that leaves a familiar, pleasant aftertaste.

And so I ask you first to revisit the influence of this title, take sometime to absorb the sights and the sounds and then position yourself for the game of the week…







Alex Kidd in Shinobi Land!

This game for me shows a development team at their most confident, taking one of the most heavyweight brands of the time and ‘remixing’ it while all the time retaining the Alex Kidd ethos, and above all, it works.

Even taken in its own right the game succeeds in level design. From the detailed and clean graphics through the haunting soundtrack of level two, and on to the accomplished end of level baddies, this is classic interpretation.

The last heroic stand of our cultural icon?

My friends – enjoy.

[tmc]

"like a carefully mixed thingytail" !!?? that should have been C*cktail by the way!

[Tonto]

Good choice. It was a toss up between this game and Shooting Gallery for my choice last week. Plenty of good touches in the gameplay too, not just jump and run.

[dezanuebe]

Amazing Choice, here´s an excellent game where everything comes together: graphics, sound, playability... all superbly makes a mix between two of the most beloved SMS franchises: Shinobi and Alex Kidd!!

[tmc]

I think my choice has recieved the most lukewarm response ever!

come on - even if you don't like the choice then tell me why - let's open up the debate a bit!

[anagrama]

I wouldn;t take it personally - seems pretty quiet round here in general at the mo.
'fraid I've not had a chance to have a good look at it yet - spent Monday re-visiting Shinobi, as instructed , and I was out yesterday. I'll try to find some time for it tonight...

[Jo Musashi]

I traded 10 games to get it in '99 and it didn't feel like a waste - although I initially made the trade to get a "rare game". Thankfully the game itself is amazing - great platforming and lots of AK & Shinobi goodies. Seems to take a little bit from SMB3 too, which was a good enemy title (yes, my good-natured ribbing of the nes will never die ;D). I still remember Kabuto being named Mari-Oh in an old EGM screenshot, which makes the fact he shrinks when hit all the more hilarious. Not to mention - 1st level AKISW boss = Mari-Oh; 1st level Shinobi boss = Ken-Oh. Ah, I love stuff like that! Check out my opinion:

www.geocities.com/sabulente/aksw.html

[dezanuebe]

tmc said:

I think my choice has recieved the most lukewarm response ever!

come on - even if you don't like the choice then tell me why - let's open up the debate a bit!

... it isn´t your fault, the game is really cool!!!

[JellyCrystals]

Yeah... I don't really like this game.. It's pretty, and cool music... But it just doesnt do anything for me... Maybe I am just a traditionalist....

Sorry!!

[ShadowAngel]

Alex Kidd in Shinobi Land is a nice game and the second-best Alex Kidd game. It just has some minor flaws: its way to easy und to short. But still is it a good game

[Tonto]

The music on Hanzo's level is awesome. Some of the best for the system. Also, does anyone else get choked up in the opening sequence when the bad ninja spins in and takes off with Alex's girl? The way he's just left there sobbing, man it's so moving.

A wonderful game in every way.

[Tonto]

Ok I perhaps it's not wonderful in EVERY way. The Last two bosses before Hanzo (Kabuto and Robster) are piss easy and then Hanzo takes a fair bit of beating. The difficulty curve could have been a little smoother. And it could use three or four more levels. Lovely little game nonetheless.

[Stan]

This game is easily the second best of the series, and is actually a close running for first in my opinion if it weren't for generally easy bosses and too few levels. The graphics are splendid and I really enjoyed the sound. The melding of Shinobi with Alex Kidd is interesting, though at first glance a bit cheap. Simply taking a good portion of the game and using it to make another is a little disappointing, but the result is still very good. The only real problem with it is a lack of originality, because they've simply hacked the Shinobi songs and characters to fit them into the world of Alex Kidd. The first three bosses and levels are in fact basically the same as Shinobi minus kiddies from Moonwalker to rescue. Now, when I say the same I essentially mean the same in design and concept, they aren't exactly THE same, though there are plenty of similarities that make you feel as though you're just playing Shinobi. However, this makes it sound as though I don't like this game. Honestly, I think it's great. I'm not sure if this is because the second and third Alex games were god awful or not, but regardless it is a good game, with lots of neat secrets to find. I only wish really that there were more levels and more skills for Alex to use/learn. At least more weapons, all he really has is his sword (which can be made more powerful) and those spear thingies. I will definitely play it again, so thus the length does have its benefits. I believe I completed this in about 30 minutes or so, so it's not THAT short, but it could have been longer. Definitely picked the series up out of the mire, regardless of faults.