Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX. A remake of a classic game that made you question why you ever thought jumping on strange creatures while throwing punches was an acceptable way to spend a Saturday. It's like the developers reached into the nostalgia bag, pulled out this game, and said, 'Hey kids, remember how frustrating this was in the 80s?'. It's back, now with 100% more pixels and, dare I say, classier graphics than my last Tinder date.
Now, let's get real here. The gameplay is what you'd expect from a platformer that was first released when people were still figuring out that laundry day is a thing. You guide Alex as he punches rocks (not generally encouraged in real life), collects money (again, not how that works in society), and occasionally masters the art of rock-paper-scissors. Yes, it turns out that an ancient evil can be defeated by playing a game usually reserved for indecisive friends on pizza night. You'll play through 17 stages filled with a variety of monsters and—hold your applause—boss fights that can only be won through the complex logic of choosing 'rock' over 'scissors'. Where's the education system when you need it, right? But beware; one hit and you're down like your favorite server on a Monday morning. No saves? Who needs those? Just keep spamming that directional pad to respawn and think about your life choices, my friend.
Oh, the graphics. They’ve been upgraded from 'What is that, a frog with issues?' to a more modern version of 'Okay, I’ll allow it, I guess'. Visually, it’s charming, kind of like staring at a cute dog rather than an angry raccoon. The colors pop like a new pair of sneakers, and the environments are filled with a variety of themes that scream 'look at me, I'm slightly different yet oddly the same'. However, it’s still 2D, so don’t expect the luscious landscapes of modern games. Remember, it is a remake, not a miracle!
In summary, Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX does a decent job of dusting off an old gem and giving it a fresh coat of paint while reminding us how much we used to rage at our TVs. It's got nostalgia wrapped in a new bow, a bittersweet cherry on top, and just enough fun to keep you entertained. If you're a fan of platformers and want to dabble in some retro vibes while shaking your head at ridiculous game mechanics and bouncy rocks, then hey, give it a whirl. But remember, in the world of gaming, nothing is as easy as rock-paper-scissors—unless you play it against me, in which case, I'm going to win like I always do.