Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX
Remake of the 1986 Sega Master System platformer.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX is a platform game released in 2021. It was developed by the Spanish studio Jankenteam and published by Merge Games. The title is a remake of the 1986 game Alex Kidd in Miracle World, and it launched on platforms including the Nintendo Switch and Steam.
In the game, players control Alex Kidd through levels filled with obstacles and boss fights. The remake features updated graphics, but players can switch to the original 1986 visuals through the settings. New elements, such as non-player characters, were also added.
The game was first announced on June 10, 2020, during an IGN Expo, following a trailer. In April 2021, a June 24 release date was announced, along with a list of compatible consoles. A trailer on June 8 updated the release date. The game ultimately launched on June 22, 2021, on Steam, with console versions following later.
According to Metacritic, the game received mixed or average reviews based on 31 critic scores. OpenCritic reported that 29% of critics recommended it. Some reviewers praised the visual and audio upgrades. Chris Moyse of Destructoid called it a visually gorgeous upgrade with stunning artwork and a sophisticated score. Nicholas Mercurio of Eurogamer Italy said it offers a chance to discover a gem from the Master System era. Alex Kidman of Digitally Downloaded noted that with infinite lives or patience, players can finish the game in a few hours.
Other critics pointed out issues. Brett Posner-Ferdman of Push Square gave the game a four out of ten, citing dated level design, poor enemy placement, and bad hit-detection. A.J. Maciejewski of videochums.com described the controls as much stiffer and the hitbox as incredibly unforgiving.
- developer
- Jankenteam
- publisher
- Merge Games
- release_date
- June 22, 2021 (Steam); later consoles
- platforms
- Nintendo Switch, Steam, various consoles
- genre
- Platform game
- based_on
- Alex Kidd in Miracle World (1986)
Lore & Background
Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX was first revealed in June 2020 at an IGN Expo following a trailer. The developer, Jankenteam, was based in Spain. In April 2021, a release date was set for June 24 alongside a trailer and a list of compatible consoles. On June 8, a trailer was released and an updated release date came along. The game ultimately released on June 22, 2021 on Steam and then later on consoles.
Reader's Guide
The game features modern graphics with an option to switch to the original 1986 graphics within the settings. It introduces new mechanics and features such as NPCs. According to review aggregator Metacritic, Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX received 'mixed or average' reviews based on 31 reviews. OpenCritic determined that 29% of critics recommend the game. Positive reviews praised the visual upgrade and reimagined artwork, while negative reviews cited buggy controls, annoying levels, dated level design, terrible enemy placement, and poor hit-detection. The game is noted for its short playtime, with one reviewer stating it can be completed in a few hours using infinite lives or continues.
Did You Know?
- The game was first revealed in June 2020 at an IGN Expo.
- Developer Jankenteam was based in Spain.
- The game includes an option to switch to the original 1986 graphics.
- OpenCritic determined that 29% of critics recommend the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX?
It is a 2021 remake of the 1986 Sega Master System platformer, built by the Spanish studio Jankenteam and released by Merge Games. Players guide Alex through side-scrolling levels packed with obstacles and boss encounters.
What's new in Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX compared to the 1986 original?
The remake adds refreshed visuals and introduces non-player characters that simply didn't exist in the 1986 version. You can also flip back to the original pixel-art look at any time through the settings menu.
Who developed and published Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX?
Jankenteam, a Spanish game studio, handled development, while Merge Games served as the publisher. The project was first unveiled to the public on June 10, 2020.
What platforms is Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX available on?
The title launched on Steam and Nintendo Switch, with additional console versions rolling out afterward. At its initial release window in June 2021, PC and Switch were the primary targets.
When was Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX released?
It went live on Steam on June 22, 2021, with console editions following shortly after. The game had been announced roughly a year prior, on June 10, 2020.
More in Video game remakes 1-24
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