Out Of This World

Think you’re a hardcore gamer? If so, Out Of This World is for you! The classic side-scrolling genre has seen many difficult games in the past, but Heart Of The Alien is in a league of its own.

The story is initially set in somewhat modern times with Lester, a young physicist, testing a particle accelerator. Lightning strikes, something goes wrong and all of the sudden you find yourself in another dimension! This new world is one of prehistoric surroundings inhabited by very dangerous creatures and caveman-like humanoids armed with deadly laser guns and other advanced technologies. After almost being killed by a giant anemone, extremely deadly falling leeches and a saber-toothed tiger, you are captured by one of the humanoids. Finding yourself in a swinging cage with one of the cavemen, a quick alliance is formed and you can then plan your escape with him.

Difficult doesn’t even begin to describe this game. It’s a constant puzzle, with no life bar or power gauge of any kind. Only one weapon, a laser gun, is available to you, and ammo is not infinite. If you run out of ammo, you’re out of luck, because the recharge chambers are few and far between. If you are shot once, you’re blasted away to a frail skeleton.

As you make your way through the prison maze, you’ll come across many obstacles, most of which will cause sudden death at least 5 times before you figure out what you’re supposed to do. If you can think of a way to die, it’s probably in this game. There is nothing in this game that can’t or won’t kill you. It’s safe to say, “Death is lurking around every corner” and there is nothing in the game giving you any clues to get around it. To make things worse, when you die, you have to start over again from the last password given.

I love everything about this game. From the difficulty, to the intense music, the cinematic scenes, and even the controls. It is the ultimate side-scrolling puzzle action adventure! The graphics, for the time, are top-notch, very visually pleasing. Ambient music is played through some parts, but the soundtrack becomes very intense and suspenseful at just the right times to add to the feeling of terror you will have when death is one step behind you. Well directed cinematic sequences give you an indescribable feeling, though no words are ever spoken.

The ending is open for its sequel, which can only be found on the Heart Of The Alien version on the Sega CD.

I won’t spoil the game for you, even though I doubt you’ll make it to the end. If you do, kudos! This game is a feat to complete and any gamer would be proud to say they’ve beaten it. I only recommend it to hardcore gamers, because you need patience to commit to this one!

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