Alex Kidd in Miracle World (Sega Master System) review "So what's Janken? Well, young Alex defeats his tougher foes (Janken the Great's henchmen with names like Scissorhead, whose head actually looks like a hand in the shape of scissors) by nonviolent means; bringing his great 'skill' at paper, rock, scissors to bear. Odd that a game of chance should decide so much of your progress, but there's hope. A crystal ball is available, often hidden and often stocked in shops strewn throughout what is certainly an impressive collection of locales. The ball is vital, as it allows you to see your adversary's thoughts so that you can plan your Janken 'strategy' accordingly. "

Listen to that music! The opening/theme tune represents Sega's answer to the original Super Mario Brothers' memorable gaming anthem. Catchy and upbeat, they both take on the task of conjuring up images of fun times to be had playing their respective consoles, in inimitably effective fashion. For fun and adventure with your Master System, prepare yourself for a showdown with Janken the Great to save your city Radactian, because it doesn't get much better than this.

The Janken Master

If you own Sega's ill-fated 8-bit foray and have not heard of the big-eared Janken master, (not Drunken Master, by the way) shame on you! So what's Janken? Well, young Alex defeats his tougher foes (Janken the Great's henchmen with names like Scissorhead, whose head actually looks like a hand in the shape of scissors) by nonviolent means; bringing his great 'skill' at paper, rock, scissors to bear. Odd that a game of chance should decide so much of your progress, but there's hope. A crystal ball is available, often hidden and often stocked in shops strewn throughout what is certainly an impressive collection of locales. The ball is vital, as it allows you to see your adversary's thoughts so that you can plan your Janken 'strategy' accordingly.

Breaking rocks with your rather large bare fist

Alex isn't limited to playing mind games with his foes. He can punch through them as well as inanimate objects. All manner of pterosaurs, bears with swords, giant frogs, charging bulls and annoying bats can be dispatched by Alex's hand. The technique he uses is known throughout his world as Shellcore. It is taught to big-eared kids only in clandestine circles, through the use of hushed whispers and shadow play on cave walls. Alright, I made that part up, but Alex's Shellcore technique really is ground (and block!)breaking.

Some of his favorite things...

As Alex runs, punches, jumps and Jankens his way through the colourful world of danger in which he lives, he comes across various shops. He can purchase power Rings that are extremely effective, taking out enemies that would require a dozen punches in a single shot. A cloak allows Alex temporary invincibility, while a cane item grants him the power to fly for a short time (well, he doesn't really fly, but can be stiffly dragged airborne across the screen under your control). These items are all very innovative--as is the ability to peruse them, and a nicely laid out map from the pause screen--especially considering the time of this game's release, and they help the game's charm endure even now.

If you've played Miracle World though, you know that I've saved the last few items for last, as they are sure to be the main crowd pleasers. Alex, a boy of no more than fourteen, is able to outwit grown thugs at Janken and punch the hell out of stone architecture, but wait! There's more. He can fly a Pedicopter, (while firing projectiles, no less) commandeer a speedboat and aim a motorcycle. Amazing. Being adept with the former and lattermost vehicles are essential to Alex's success in his Miracle World exploits, so practice up!

The Alex adventure

You will expertly guide Alex through the city of Radactian, dark caves littered with bats and fires, and through forests and plains on his motorcycle. You will have him flying above the sea in his Pedicopter, on the sea in his speedboat, and under the sea with only a good pair of lungs and a huge fist to see him through. The theme music is incessant, so it's a good thing that it's irresistible. The unforgettable tune--and a few others--will accompany you as you traverse the adverse conditions of the land, which seem so contradictory to its simple beauty. Charm, and fun will accompany you too, through this most difficult, but never frustrating, journey. Alex Kidd in Miracle World transcends and weaves its magic through the years, like a storybook legend.

Staff review by Marc Golding (January 12, 2004) There was a bio here once. It's gone now.