Disney's Tarzan Untamed

"Suprisingly Fun"

I picked this title up as a rental along with a few other launch titles, assuming I wouldn't like it. Now I'm actually glad I gave it a chance. I'll never understand why they would go for an older movie of theirs like Tarzan, when they could have released a more recent movie to game title, like Atlantis, or maybe an upcoming feature. But for whatever reason they put out this game, whether it was a new or old, or non-existent movie, the game, all by itself, is fun. The best part about the game is that the style of play changes so much it's almost hard to get bored with it. Now, getting frustrated with it is a whole different story, but games that aren't so easy usually are more enjoyable. I'd rather have to start over 20 times than breeze through a game.

The graphics for this game are pretty nice. I haven't had a chance to compare them to the Playstation 2 version of this game, but I'm sure they are equal, and probably better. Nicely rendered backgrounds serve a great setting. The more fast-paced areas of the game show no slow-down what-so-ever, and the load times are just enough for you to stretch your fingers. There is a pre-set path that you must follow, usually with a couple of forks in the road so that replaying a level isn't always the same, however you feel that you are playing in a 3D environment with all the twists, turns, and camera angels, it's quite nice. The images resemble those of the action sequences in the film, and the movies played to move the story along look great.

The sounds of the game are very fitting, submerging you into a jungle environment. Animal calls, the sounds of stepping on leaves, cracking wood, and in some cases character voices all sound great and realistic. Along with the cartoonish sound effects one would expect in a title based on an animated film, both player and spectator will feel like their watching a movie.

The controls are pretty nice. Nothing complicated, and always comfortable. If you're swinging from vines, or if you're surfing down a river, you'll always feel in control.

That's not to say that you won't feel challenged. Expecting childish challenges from a childish film, I was pleasantly suprised. There are many tasks for you to complete. Climbing trees, swinging from vines, saving encaged gorillas; all this you'd expect, but how about some bungie jumping, surfing, or water skiing? You'll find 'em all, nicely woven together.

And with a second mode this game serves as a nice way to compete with friends for high scores or best times. You can perform stunts while sliding down a tree, or swinging off of a vine to gain points. This is possible in the story mode too, but more rewarding in the challenge mode. Replay value for this is pretty nice with this mode, and also trying to find all of the hidden film canisters may take a few replays of a level.

This is an overall pretty nice title, since it ranges in market for the younger crowd who enjoyed the movie, to older gamers who enjoy a good action/sports game. Even if you may not like the characters, I suggest giving this game a shot anyway. It seems most people are turning away from it, since it looks like a child's game, when in fact, it's far more.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/26/01, Updated 11/26/01