Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Heart of the Alien picks up the core platforming and puzzle-solving mechanics that made Out of this World a cult classic, but shifts control to Buddy and his energizing whip. Buddy moves fluidly through environments, using his whip not only as a weapon but also as a grappling tool to swing across ceilings and clear obstacles. The addition of whip maneuvers adds a fresh layer of strategy, encouraging players to experiment with movement and timing rather than simply reacting to enemy patterns.

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Despite the new mechanics, the game retains the trial-and-error spirit of its predecessor. Certain setpieces demand pixel-perfect timing and memorization, which can feel punishing on first runs. However, mastering the whip’s reach and precision unlocks a real sense of empowerment, as Buddy becomes a versatile force against the enslaved guards who roam the ruins. Checkpoint placement is generous but not excessive, striking a balance between frustration and satisfaction when overcoming tricky sections.

One of the standout features of this Sega CD release is the seamless integration of both parts of the Out of this World saga. You can jump straight from rescuing Buddy’s people to revisiting Lester’s original journey without loading new discs. This unbroken flow reinforces the epic scope of the story and lets you appreciate how Buddy’s arc dovetails with the events that first introduced you to Another World.

That said, some players may notice occasional input lag or imprecise hit detection, especially during frantic whip-swinging sequences. While these moments are few and far between, they can interrupt the otherwise cinematic feel. Overall, though, Heart of the Alien offers a gameplay experience that is faithful to the series’ ethos of fluid animation, environmental puzzles, and evocative setpieces.

Graphics

Visually, Heart of the Alien remains one of the most stylish titles on Sega CD. The game’s art direction employs vector-style backgrounds and character silhouettes that emphasize atmosphere over detailed sprites. Every scene feels like a living illustration, from the crumbling ruins of Buddy’s village to the shadowy caverns where freed villagers hide. The minimalistic palette gives the world a dreamlike quality, reinforcing the alienness of this strange realm.

The transition to Sega CD brought subtle enhancements, such as more vibrant colors and smoother parallax scrolling. Full-screen cutscenes unfold in widescreen letterbox format, heightening the cinematic presentation. Animations are as fluid as in the original, with Buddy’s whip cracking through the air and alien creatures reacting with lifelike squirming motions. Fans of the series will appreciate the lovingly preserved frame-by-frame artistry.

However, the limited color depth of the Sega CD hardware does show in certain areas. You may notice occasional dithering and muddy hues in darker corridors, which can obscure hazards until you’re right on top of them. Some backdrops feel a bit static compared to the richly detailed foreground action. Still, these technical quirks do little to dampen the game’s strong visual identity, which remains as bold and memorable today as it was at launch.

Story

Heart of the Alien opens immediately after the cliffhanger that ended Out of this World. Lester lies unconscious as Buddy’s pterodactyl touches down in the ruins of the warrior’s former home. Upon awakening, Buddy learns that his people remain enslaved by the same alien overlords that once hunted him. The narrative unfolds through wordless cutscenes and environmental storytelling, trusting players to piece together motives and stakes without heavy exposition.

Shifting the player’s perspective from Lester to Buddy brings a fresh emotional resonance. You’re no longer the lost scientist struggling to survive; you’re a native son fighting to liberate your kin. The story explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the costs of rebellion. Scenes of freed villagers cheering or falling in battle pack a visceral punch precisely because the game never spoon-feeds its drama—every moment feels earned.

That said, the sequel’s brevity means some narrative threads go underdeveloped. Key characters among Buddy’s people appear only briefly before vanishing, and the final confrontation arrives sooner than expected. While the game’s lean storytelling keeps the pace brisk, those hoping for a sprawling narrative on par with modern epics may find it over too quickly. Fortunately, the inclusion of the first game helps mitigate this by offering a more complete saga in one package.

Overall Experience

Heart of the Alien: Out of this World Parts I and II is a testament to cinematic platforming at its most artful. Playing both installments back-to-back showcases the series’ signature blend of striking visuals, innovative gameplay, and wordless storytelling. For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic trip that expands on Buddy’s character while honoring Lester’s original plight. For newcomers, it serves as a compact introduction to a franchise built on atmosphere and creativity rather than rote action.

The Sega CD’s enhanced audio adds another layer of immersion. The soundtrack overlays haunting synthesizer melodies with tribal percussion, punctuating tense moments and quieter interludes alike. Voice-over snippets—though brief—lend weight to pivotal cutscenes, and ambient sound effects heighten the sense of place, from squealing alien beasts to the distant echoes of crumbling stone.

While certain design elements feel dated—most notably the trial-and-error difficulty spikes and occasional graphical flicker—the game’s strengths far outweigh its flaws. At its core, Heart of the Alien remains a masterclass in using minimalism to evoke wonder, fear, and triumph. If you value atmospheric world-building, challenging yet fair platforming, and a story told through action rather than words, this is a package you won’t want to miss.

Coupling the sequel with the original Out of this World on a single disc makes this Sega CD release a compelling buy, offering hours of interplanetary adventure in one seamless experience. Whether you’re seeking nostalgia or a fresh challenge, Buddy and Lester’s intertwined journeys deliver a uniquely otherworldly thrill.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10