Alex Kidd: High-Tech World

Alex Kidd: High-Tech World is a side-scrolling action-adventure game released by Sega for the Master System in 1989, part of the Alex Kidd series. It is an adapted version of the 1987 Japanese Master System title *Anmitsu Hime*, itself based on a manga of the same name. The gameplay blends adventure, platforming, and puzzle-solving.

The English version was not originally designed as an Alex Kidd game in Japan, leading to inconsistencies in the Western series storyline. Aside from Alex himself, no other familiar characters from the Alex Kidd universe appear. The game introduces a brother named James, who is never mentioned in any other entry.

**Story** Alex is contacted by a friend who tells him about a new arcade called High-Tech World. He possesses a map to its location, but it has been torn into eight pieces, and he must find them before the arcade closes at 5:00 sharp. To retrieve the pieces, Alex solves puzzles, answers questions, runs errands, and does housework. After collecting all map fragments, he discovers the front gates are locked, trapping him inside. He escapes the house using a hang-glider and lands in a forest. On his way to the arcade, a clan of ninjas attacks him. After fighting through the forest, Alex finally reaches the arcade.

**Gameplay** The goal is to complete four stages. Half of these stages involve puzzles and conversations with characters to progress, while the other two are linear levels filled with enemies. In the puzzle stages, there are multiple ways to fail, such as when Alex has an accident or performs an action he shouldn’t.

**Reception** The game received mixed reviews. *Computer and Video Games* found the graphics, sound, and gameplay made for an addictive experience, though not as good as *Miracle World*. Four reviewers from *Electronic Gaming Monthly* gave it a combined score of 26 out of 40. *Mean Machines Sega* rated it 76%, praising the graphics and sound but noting it offered nothing better than the original.