Name: Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Platform: Sega Master System, Nintendo Wii (Virtual Console)

Many of you may be surprised to learn that Sega's original rival to Mario wasn't their current mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog. Before the speedy blue mammal burst into the world of gaming, Sega had a young boy with a heart of gold and a fist of steel. His name? Alex Kidd, and now hes out to re-live his crab punching days on the Wii's Virtual Console.

If you are a child of the 1990's, then there is absolutely no excuse for you to not have atleast heard of this game.... unless of course if you never owned a Sega. The game follows the adventure of the young and big eared Alex Kidd, who must go on a quest to save someone. Who you ask? You'll have to play the game to find out ;o.

At first glance, this game seems dangerously similar to Super Mario Bros, but let me assure you that the gameplay makes it unique. For starters, as mentioned above, Alex Kidd doesn't have the power to grow big or shoot fireballs at enemies, all he has is his fist. Alex Kidd is all about punching, it's all he does and all he knows. You can walk up to whatever you want and punch the hell out of it, enemies, rocks, whatever you want. As you play throughout the game, you will be required to grab bags of money you find lying around the stages, which you will need in order to buy Alex Kidd some toys to play with.

Well, when I say "toys", I really mean "vehicles", and when I say "play with", I really mean "drive illegally". He's a young boy driving bikes and boats without the need to show proof of age. How many games back in the day allow you to do that? Regardless, it plays very well. Using the vehicles in game is very easy and essential for clearing most areas. In some areas however, they can be used as a more quicker and easier alternative to walking the whole way. In addition, they are also fun to use and adds a new play style to the game.

Content wise, it really is everything a child of the 8-bit era wanted in a game, bright happy colours. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the game and it's visuals, even after all these years it's nothing anyone would turn their nose up at. Sound is a similar story. The games music will change depending on whether you are in a platform level, a vehicle level or if you're under water. It won't take you long to get these songs stuck in your head. You will be humming them to yourself for weeks.

In conclusion, Alex Kidd in Miracle World is a historic game, not only for Sega but also for those who played it all those years ago. If you never played this game, it's worth a buy. If you owned the original and you want a trip down memory lane, for the love of science download it. It offered a style of play that not even a well crafted Mario game could offer, and thats why this game should be apart of your Virtual Console library.

Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 9/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Longetivity: 9/10

Overall: 35/40 - A