Overview
Before the blue hedgehog, there was a boy with big ears and a powerful punch. Alex Kidd became Sega’s answer to Mario, built into the Master System’s ROM in some regions. His adventures featured tight platforming, motorcycle and boat sequences, and the memorable Janken (rock-paper-scissors) boss battles that could end a run on bad luck.
Fast facts
- Developer: Sega.
- First appearance: Alex Kidd in Miracle World (1986).
- Platform focus: Master System.
- Fate: Replaced by Sonic (1991).
Main entries
| Title | Year | Platform |
|---|
| Alex Kidd in Miracle World | 1986 | Master System |
| Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars | 1986 | Arcade/SMS |
| Alex Kidd: High-Tech World | 1987 | Master System |
| Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle | 1989 | Mega Drive |
| Alex Kidd in Shinobi World | 1990 | Master System |
Miracle World mechanics
| Element | Function |
|---|
| Punch | Primary attack |
| Blocks | Breakable obstacles |
| Shops | Buy items with money |
| Vehicles | Motorcycle, boat, helicopter |
Janken battles
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|
| System | Rock-paper-scissors |
| Stakes | Lose = death |
| Fairness | Random outcome |
| Strategy | Read opponent tells |
Items and power-ups
| Item | Effect |
|---|
| Bracelet | Ranged attack |
| Motorcycle | Vehicle section |
| Helicopter | Flying section |
| Ring | Extra life |
Built-in game
| Region | Status |
|---|
| Europe | Built into Master System II |
| Brazil | Built into some models |
| USA | Cartridge only |
Legacy
| Aspect | Outcome |
|---|
| Mascot role | Replaced by Sonic |
| Nostalgia | Cult following |
| Revival | 2021 remake |
See also