Alex Kidd in Miracle World debuted on the Sega Master System on November 1, 1986. Merge Games revived Sega’s classic franchise earlier this year, which has sold nearly 200,000 units since June.
Merge Games and Jankenteam are celebrating today as the series, which they brought to current console generations with a remake, celebrates its anniversary. Due to Merge Games and Jankenteam, the game has been resurrected three decades later with Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX.
Being in the right place at the right time
Merge Games piqued Sega’s interest after successfully releasing the retail version of the mega-hit Streets of Rage 4. The Japanese publisher entrusted them with one of the long-time fans’ most adored titles. Merge Games collaborated with Jankenteam, a group of Spanish developers that are fans of Alex Kidd in Miracle World, to create an excellent remastering of this classic title named Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX.
An adaptation for current times while retaining its essence
The plan was to restore, rebuild, and modernize a premium edition of the game while staying true to what fans had loved about Alex Kidd for 30 years. And on June 24th of this year, the final version of Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX launched after nearly two years of development.
Both teams were focused on including all the original material and stages, as well as stunning new art, enhanced boss battle systems, and multiple modes. Extra levels were produced to enrich the narrative of the original title and give Alex Kidd in Miracle World a new perspective.
The game included a Retro Mode specifically designed to bring back the nostalgia from the Master System classic, allowing players to switch back to a recreated version of the original graphics, as well as a new Boss Rush Mode that provides nonstop rock-paper-scissors action. The DX version of Alex Kidd in Miracle World includes a wealth of extra content to expand on the original Master System version.
Merge Games has sold over 200,000 units since the game’s debut on June 24th, and it continues to tap into a niche market of dedicated vintage fans.
“It was a pleasure to work with Sega and Jankenteam reviving this retro classic” said Luke Keighran, Managing Director, Merge Games.
“The success of Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX has given Merge a blueprint in this niche, and we intend to continue to drive that objective and look at other potential franchises we can resurrect.” He added.
Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
