In a new technical showcase, YouTuber cosmicrdt offers a first look at Another World Commander X16—a faithful, low-level port of the 1991 cinematic platformer Another World (also known as Out of This World) for the Commander X16, a modern 8-bit computer designed by The 8-Bit Guy. This 10-minute demo doesn’t just show a work-in-progress—it highlights what’s possible when deep technical knowledge meets sheer retro passion.
Running at a crisp 256×192 resolution, the game delivers stunning visual fidelity for an 8-bit system. Even more impressive, the port includes 1-channel PCM audio playback on the 65c02 CPU, all without sacrificing gameplay performance. Fans of the original will recognize the smooth vector-style animation and rotoscoped movement that made Another World a classic—now brought to life on a system with vastly different architecture than its original Amiga and Atari ST roots.
Faithful Port, Fresh Hardware
Another World Commander X16 captures the hauntingly atmospheric intro sequence, complete with the lab experiment, lightning storm, and teleportation mishap. And yes—Lester’s underwater escape and first run-in with alien wildlife are fully intact. The game not only plays well, it feels like Another World, thanks to the accuracy of timing, animation, and sound design.
What makes this achievement stand out even more is that it’s done without any hardware trickery or co-processors. The demo runs directly on the X16 using native 8-bit code, showcasing the power of software ingenuity. It’s not just impressive—it’s a love letter to classic game development.
Why This Matters to Retro Fans
This isn’t a fan remake—it’s a painstakingly accurate translation of a landmark title. By porting Another World to the Commander X16, cosmicrdt has created more than just a demo; he’s proven that ambitious storytelling and cinematic experiences aren’t exclusive to 16-bit or 32-bit platforms.
Whether you’re a developer, a retro game enthusiast, or someone who grew up navigating Lester’s perilous alien world, this video is a must-watch. It’s one of the finest demonstrations yet of what the Commander X16 is capable of.
