Alex Kidd
Encyclopedia
is a video game character
whose popularity peaked during the late 1980s and who was the protagonist
of both a series of video games released by Sega
and their fictional universe
, as well as in numerous spin-off merchandise such as novelization
s and comics
. For a time he was an unofficial mascot
of the Sega Corporation.
Alex Kidd was the protagonist of several video games over the years, spanning various platforms, and appeared in the arcade
and on the Sega Master System
and the Mega Drive/Genesis home consoles. Alex Kidd's popularity was at a peak with the release of the first game in the series, Alex Kidd in Miracle World
, in 1986
, which was later built into the Master System console without need of a cartridge and was playable from purchase of the console.
In the mid-to-late 1980s, Alex Kidd overtook the character of "Opa-Opa" from the game Fantasy Zone
as the official mascot for the Sega Corporation. However, in order to provide Sega with a mascot to rival Nintendo
's flagship character Mario
(a task which Alex Kidd was not considered up to), in 1991 Sega introduced Sonic The Hedgehog
, who did indeed become more popular and recognizable than Alex Kidd and Sonic subsequently replaced Alex Kidd as Sega's mascot. After this, the popularity of the character waned somewhat, although the character has made numerous cameo appearances in later video games.
Disregarding the various costumes he would adorn in the later Alex Kidd titles, the initial appearance of the character would swing between garb loosely resembling a traditional Mandarin tunic, or red striped jumpsuit (Sometimes overalls closer to the appearance of Mario depending on the localisation). At a glance its easy to see that the character of Alex Kidd was inspired chiefly by Bruce Lee (evident in the jump suit) and Sun Wukong
the Monkey King.
Initially, in the original game, he is an orphan
who lives alone on Mt. Eternal, on the planet Aries (also known as "Miracle World"), where he has trained in the Shellcore technique. This technique enables an Arian to alter the size and toughness of their fists through sheer willpower, and enables one to shatter rocks with one's bare fists.
After the disappearance of King Sander Thunder Radaxian, the planet Aries is thrown into disarray. A usurper, Janken the Great, kidnaps the next in line to the throne, Prince Egle (sometimes referred to as "Igul"), and his fiancée Princess Lora. Many of the citizens are turned to stone through Janken's magic. Alex Kidd learns from a dying man that he is in fact a lost member of the Radaxian Royal Family, son of King Thunder and brother of Prince Egle. Alex Kidd sets out to discover the whereabouts of his father, rescue his brother, restore the kingdom, and destroy the monstrous minions of Janken. Numerous magical artifacts and medallions are needed to be discovered to progress in the story.
During the game, Alex can collect "Baums" (the currency of Miracle World) which can then be used to purchase extra lives, items, power-ups
and vehicles for Alex Kidd from shops at the start of several stages, such as the Sukopako Motorcycle and "peticopter" (a small pedal-powered helicopter
).
, was released in 1986. It was rereleased in 1990 and was built into later versions of the Master System and the Master System II model, replacing the Snail Maze
/Safari Hunt
/Hang-On
games of the first model. This integrated SMSII version reversed the attack and jump buttons from the earlier cartridge version to conform to that of other popular action games of the day.
Most games in the Alex Kidd series differ dramatically from one another, the sole exception being Miracle World and its direct sequel, Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
. While most games in the series were still platform-based, the only elements that tied the series together was the name and the title character. One game in the series, Alex Kidd: High-Tech World, was not an Alex Kidd game in Japan and was based instead on a 1980s Japanese animated series airing at the time.
After the release of Alex Kidd in Shinobi World
in 1990, Sega decided to remove the Alex Kidd series in favor of Sonic the Hedgehog
as their new mascot. Alex Kidd has made some minor cameos since then.
era, Alex Kidd was regarded by fans as the de facto mascot of Sega
. IGN
editor Lucas M. Thomas called Alex Kidd likable, though saying that his voice when injured in Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars
made him sound like a "scared little girl." IGN editor Travis Fahs stated that while Alex Kidd was popular for a few years, the character Wonder Boy had a strong cult following for many years following the release of Wonder Boy
.
Player character
A player character or playable character is a character in a video game or role playing game who is controlled or controllable by a player, and is typically a protagonist of the story told in the course of the game. A player character is a persona of the player who controls it. Player characters...
whose popularity peaked during the late 1980s and who was the protagonist
Protagonist
A protagonist is the main character of a literary, theatrical, cinematic, or musical narrative, around whom the events of the narrative's plot revolve and with whom the audience is intended to most identify...
of both a series of video games released by Sega
Sega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
and their fictional universe
Fictional universe
A fictional universe is a self-consistent fictional setting with elements that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed or fictional realm ....
, as well as in numerous spin-off merchandise such as novelization
Novelization
A novelization is a novel that is written based on some other media story form rather than as an original work.Novelizations of films usually add background material not found in the original work to flesh out the story, because novels are generally longer than screenplays...
s and comics
Comics
Comics denotes a hybrid medium having verbal side of its vocabulary tightly tied to its visual side in order to convey narrative or information only, the latter in case of non-fiction comics, seeking synergy by using both visual and verbal side in...
. For a time he was an unofficial mascot
Mascot
The term mascot – defined as a term for any person, animal, or object thought to bring luck – colloquially includes anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, professional sports team, society, military unit, or brand name...
of the Sega Corporation.
Alex Kidd was the protagonist of several video games over the years, spanning various platforms, and appeared in the arcade
Arcade game
An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
and on the Sega Master System
Sega Master System
The is a third-generation video game console that was manufactured and released by Sega in 1985 in Japan , 1986 in North America and 1987 in Europe....
and the Mega Drive/Genesis home consoles. Alex Kidd's popularity was at a peak with the release of the first game in the series, Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Alex Kidd in Miracle World
is a platform game for the 8-bit Sega Master System video game console. It was first released in Japan on Saturday, November 1, 1986, and then was distributed to Europe, Australia and the United States in 1987...
, in 1986
1986 in video gaming
-Events:-Notable releases:*Namco releases Sky Kid Deluxe, Hopping Mappy, Toy Pop, The Return of Ishtar, which is the sequel to Tower of Druaga, Genpei Tōma Den, and Rolling Thunder....
, which was later built into the Master System console without need of a cartridge and was playable from purchase of the console.
In the mid-to-late 1980s, Alex Kidd overtook the character of "Opa-Opa" from the game Fantasy Zone
Fantasy Zone
thumb|Fantasy Zone arcade PCB is a surreal arcade game released by Sega in 1986. It was later ported to a wide variety of consoles, including the Sega Master System. The player controls a sentient spaceship named Opa-Opa who fights nonsensical invader enemies in the titular group of planets, full...
as the official mascot for the Sega Corporation. However, in order to provide Sega with a mascot to rival Nintendo
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
's flagship character Mario
Mario
is a fictional character in his video game series, created by Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Serving as Nintendo's mascot and the main protagonist of the series, Mario has appeared in over 200 video games since his creation...
(a task which Alex Kidd was not considered up to), in 1991 Sega introduced Sonic The Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog (character)
, trademarked Sonic The Hedgehog, is a video game character and the main protagonist of the Sonic video game series released by Sega, as well as in numerous spin-off comics, cartoons, and a feature film. The first game was released on June 23, 1991, to provide Sega with a mascot to rival Nintendo's...
, who did indeed become more popular and recognizable than Alex Kidd and Sonic subsequently replaced Alex Kidd as Sega's mascot. After this, the popularity of the character waned somewhat, although the character has made numerous cameo appearances in later video games.
Character description
Alex Kidd appears as a short boy with large ears and slightly monkey-like features, a red and yellow jumpsuit, and oversized hands. Sometimes he appeared as a teenager, although the only time his exact age has been stated, he was stated to be 14 years old. However, being a 14-year-old Arian was somewhat different to being a 14-year-old human. The games state that he lived many hundreds of years previously.Disregarding the various costumes he would adorn in the later Alex Kidd titles, the initial appearance of the character would swing between garb loosely resembling a traditional Mandarin tunic, or red striped jumpsuit (Sometimes overalls closer to the appearance of Mario depending on the localisation). At a glance its easy to see that the character of Alex Kidd was inspired chiefly by Bruce Lee (evident in the jump suit) and Sun Wukong
Sun Wukong
Sun Wukong , also known as the Monkey King is a main character in the classical Chinese epic novel Journey to the West . In the novel, he is a monkey born from a stone who acquires supernatural powers through Taoist practices...
the Monkey King.
Initially, in the original game, he is an orphan
Orphan
An orphan is a child permanently bereaved of or abandoned by his or her parents. In common usage, only a child who has lost both parents is called an orphan...
who lives alone on Mt. Eternal, on the planet Aries (also known as "Miracle World"), where he has trained in the Shellcore technique. This technique enables an Arian to alter the size and toughness of their fists through sheer willpower, and enables one to shatter rocks with one's bare fists.
After the disappearance of King Sander Thunder Radaxian, the planet Aries is thrown into disarray. A usurper, Janken the Great, kidnaps the next in line to the throne, Prince Egle (sometimes referred to as "Igul"), and his fiancée Princess Lora. Many of the citizens are turned to stone through Janken's magic. Alex Kidd learns from a dying man that he is in fact a lost member of the Radaxian Royal Family, son of King Thunder and brother of Prince Egle. Alex Kidd sets out to discover the whereabouts of his father, rescue his brother, restore the kingdom, and destroy the monstrous minions of Janken. Numerous magical artifacts and medallions are needed to be discovered to progress in the story.
During the game, Alex can collect "Baums" (the currency of Miracle World) which can then be used to purchase extra lives, items, power-ups
Power-up
In computer and video games, power-ups are objects that instantly benefit or add extra abilities to the game character as a game mechanic. This is in contrast to an item, which may or may not have a benefit and can be used at a time chosen by the player...
and vehicles for Alex Kidd from shops at the start of several stages, such as the Sukopako Motorcycle and "peticopter" (a small pedal-powered helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
).
History
The game for which he is best known, Alex Kidd in Miracle WorldAlex Kidd in Miracle World
is a platform game for the 8-bit Sega Master System video game console. It was first released in Japan on Saturday, November 1, 1986, and then was distributed to Europe, Australia and the United States in 1987...
, was released in 1986. It was rereleased in 1990 and was built into later versions of the Master System and the Master System II model, replacing the Snail Maze
Snail Maze
Snail Maze is a 1986 video game by Sega, part of the Sega Master System. Instead of being released on a cartridge, it was built into the system's BIOS and could be played by starting the system without a game cartridge inserted and holding Up and buttons 1 and 2 simultaneously. The later "Master...
/Safari Hunt
Safari Hunt
Safari Hunt is a video game developed and manufactured by Sega for the Master System in 1986. It is a Light-gun game and requires the Sega Light Phaser to play. It was released as a built in game in Version 2.4 of the Master System BIOS.-Gameplay:...
/Hang-On
Hang-On
Hang-On is an arcade game released by Sega in 1985. It is the world's first full-body-experience video game. In the game, the player controls a motorcycle against time and other computer-controlled bikes. It was one of the first arcade games to use 16-bit graphics and Sega's "Super Scaler"...
games of the first model. This integrated SMSII version reversed the attack and jump buttons from the earlier cartridge version to conform to that of other popular action games of the day.
Most games in the Alex Kidd series differ dramatically from one another, the sole exception being Miracle World and its direct sequel, Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
is a side-scrolling platform game developed and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis video game console. The game was released in Japan in February 1989, North and South America in August 1989 and in Europe on November 1990...
. While most games in the series were still platform-based, the only elements that tied the series together was the name and the title character. One game in the series, Alex Kidd: High-Tech World, was not an Alex Kidd game in Japan and was based instead on a 1980s Japanese animated series airing at the time.
After the release of Alex Kidd in Shinobi World
Alex Kidd in Shinobi World
Alex Kidd in Shinobi World is a side-scrolling action game produced by Sega that was originally released for the Master System in and later re-released for the Wii Virtual Console in . Although developed in Japan, it was released exclusively for the overseas market , with the American version...
in 1990, Sega decided to remove the Alex Kidd series in favor of Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog (character)
, trademarked Sonic The Hedgehog, is a video game character and the main protagonist of the Sonic video game series released by Sega, as well as in numerous spin-off comics, cartoons, and a feature film. The first game was released on June 23, 1991, to provide Sega with a mascot to rival Nintendo's...
as their new mascot. Alex Kidd has made some minor cameos since then.
Games
The Alex Kidd franchise included:- Alex Kidd in Miracle WorldAlex Kidd in Miracle Worldis a platform game for the 8-bit Sega Master System video game console. It was first released in Japan on Saturday, November 1, 1986, and then was distributed to Europe, Australia and the United States in 1987...
- 1986, Master System and 2008, Wii Virtual Console - Alex Kidd: The Lost StarsAlex Kidd: The Lost Starsis a platform arcade game released by Sega in 1986. It was ported to the Sega Master System in 1988. It is also released on the Wii Virtual Console in North America on March 9, 2009 and in the PAL regions on April 17, 2009.-Plot:...
- 1986 Arcade Version, 1988, Master System and 2009, Wii Virtual Console - Alex Kidd BMX TrialAlex Kidd BMX Trialwas released only in Japan for the Sega Master System in 1987.-Summary:This video game uses a special paddle controller. As young Alex, his job is to go through an obstacle course and get to the main exit without other competitors trying to push him off his bike...
- 1987, Master System (Only released in Japan) - Alex Kidd: High-Tech World - 1987, Master System
- Alex Kidd in the Enchanted CastleAlex Kidd in the Enchanted Castleis a side-scrolling platform game developed and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis video game console. The game was released in Japan in February 1989, North and South America in August 1989 and in Europe on November 1990...
- 1989, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and 2007, Wii Virtual Console - Alex Kidd in Shinobi WorldAlex Kidd in Shinobi WorldAlex Kidd in Shinobi World is a side-scrolling action game produced by Sega that was originally released for the Master System in and later re-released for the Wii Virtual Console in . Although developed in Japan, it was released exclusively for the overseas market , with the American version...
1990, Master System, Wii Virtual Console - Alex Kidd appears as a playable character in Sega Superstars TennisSega Superstars TennisSega Superstars Tennis is a tennis video game developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sega. The game was released on March 17, 2008 in Europe, on March 18, 2008 in North America, and on March 27, 2008 in Australia. The game includes 16 playable characters and 10 courts from Sega franchises...
and Sonic & Sega All-Stars RacingSonic & Sega All-Stars RacingSonic & Sega All-Stars Racing is a racing game in the Sega Superstars series produced for Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS and Microsoft Windows, featuring characters from many Sega franchises. It is being published by Sega and developed by Sumo Digital...
. His appearance in the game is based on his appearance in the Enchanted Castle.
Cameos
- There is a homage to Alex Kidd in Altered BeastAltered BeastAltered Beast is a 1988 beat 'em up arcade game developed and manufactured by Sega. The game is set in Ancient Greece, and follows a centurion who is resurrected by Zeus to rescue his daughter Athena, and to do so become able to turn into beasts such as the werewolf with usage of power-ups...
, where the names of Alex and Stella (Alex's girlfriend from the arcade version of Alex Kidd: The Lost StarsAlex Kidd: The Lost Starsis a platform arcade game released by Sega in 1986. It was ported to the Sega Master System in 1988. It is also released on the Wii Virtual Console in North America on March 9, 2009 and in the PAL regions on April 17, 2009.-Plot:...
) appear on gravestones in the first round. - Alex's face can be seen hidden in the screen in the third round of KenseidenKenseidenis a video game for the Sega Master System created by SEGA. Kenseiden was released in 1988.-Summary:Kenseiden stars Hayato, a samurai that has to fight against warlocks and evil spirits that plague 16th century Japan. The warlocks stole the five secret scrolls and the sword of the Dragon Lord...
for the Master System. It is mold in the scenario, on the ground, near a dead end, next to a lava pit. - Alex appears several times as collectable toys in the Dreamcast game ShenmueShenmueis a 1999 open-world adventure video game developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega for the Dreamcast, produced and directed by Yu Suzuki. Suzuki coined a genre title, "FREE" , for the game, based on the interactivity and freedom he wanted to give to the player...
, and the Dreamcast/XboxXboxThe Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
sequel Shenmue IIShenmue IIis a adventure game for the Dreamcast and Xbox. It is the sequel to Shenmue, and was produced and directed by Yu Suzuki of Sega AM2.Due to exclusivity rights obtained by Microsoft, the North American Dreamcast version was cancelled. Because of this, no English dub was recorded for the Dreamcast...
, marking the first time he ever appeared in a game for a non-Sega console. - In the Dreamcast game SegagagaSegagagais a console role-playing game developed by Tez Okano of Sega and released solely in Japan for the Sega Dreamcast on March 29, 2001, towards the end of the console lifespan....
, Alex works in a video game store. He also narrates about his competition against a certain rival company'sNintendois a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
mascotMariois a fictional character in his video game series, created by Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Serving as Nintendo's mascot and the main protagonist of the series, Mario has appeared in over 200 video games since his creation...
and his fall from grace due to Sonic the Hedgehog's popularity, before finally being forgotten. - Alex Kidd is an unlockable character in Sega Superstars TennisSega Superstars TennisSega Superstars Tennis is a tennis video game developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sega. The game was released on March 17, 2008 in Europe, on March 18, 2008 in North America, and on March 27, 2008 in Australia. The game includes 16 playable characters and 10 courts from Sega franchises...
and Sonic & Sega All-Stars RacingSonic & Sega All-Stars RacingSonic & Sega All-Stars Racing is a racing game in the Sega Superstars series produced for Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS and Microsoft Windows, featuring characters from many Sega franchises. It is being published by Sega and developed by Sumo Digital...
. In the racing game, he rides the "Sukopako" motorbike from the series, and his special move involves riding the Peticopter.
Reception
During the Sega Master SystemSega Master System
The is a third-generation video game console that was manufactured and released by Sega in 1985 in Japan , 1986 in North America and 1987 in Europe....
era, Alex Kidd was regarded by fans as the de facto mascot of Sega
Sega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
. IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
editor Lucas M. Thomas called Alex Kidd likable, though saying that his voice when injured in Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars
Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars
is a platform arcade game released by Sega in 1986. It was ported to the Sega Master System in 1988. It is also released on the Wii Virtual Console in North America on March 9, 2009 and in the PAL regions on April 17, 2009.-Plot:...
made him sound like a "scared little girl." IGN editor Travis Fahs stated that while Alex Kidd was popular for a few years, the character Wonder Boy had a strong cult following for many years following the release of Wonder Boy
Wonder Boy
is a series of video games published by SEGA and developed by Westone Bit Entertainment .The series itself consists of the main Wonder Boy series, and the Monster World sub-series. Games may be part of one, the other, or both. This has resulted in a sometimes confusing naming structure resulting in...
.