Disney's Aladdin

"A Real Diamond in the Rough"

As we all probably know, Disney is known for its movies, not its games. While the movies become instant classics, the video game adaptations generally fade into obscurity. However, some of these obscure games don't deserve to be forgotten. One example is Aladdin for the Sega Genesis. Like Aladdin in the movie, it's a diamond in the rough in midst of its Disney companions.

Story: 7/10

It's the same as the movie, with a few variations to make the game playable. Some variations include the search for the Scarab pieces, Aladdin having to escape from prison by himself, and he ends up destroying Jafar with...apples. (More on this in Gameplay.)

Graphics: 10/10

What's really amazing about Aladdin is the graphics. Everything looks so bright and lively, and the animation is fluid. Explosions look like explosions, and everyone looks like their movie counterpart. There are even some visual gags, like a Goofy pillar and Mickey Mouse ears.

All in all, Aladdin is very pleasing to look at. (No pun intended.)

Gameplay: 9/10

The Gameplay is simple, to say the least. You have to go from the start to the finish in each level, destroying all of your enemies in your path. You have two basic weapons; your sword, and a supply of apples. Exploding apples. You also collect more apples and Gems, which buy you lives and wishes. (aka continues)

As with any sidescroller, you have to hop on platforms to get to where you want to be. In the first few levels, the platform hopping isn't too complicated, until you get to the Dungeon level. By that time, you have to look before you leap, so to speak. :)

There are also Genie and Abu tokens to collect. Genie tokens provide points and a opportunity to take part in the slot machine mini-game. There are only three Abu tokens in the entire game (Believe me, I've checked.) Grabbing an exclusive Abu token will let you be able to play the Abu mini-game, where you dodge jars and barrels while you collect lives and gems.

Sound: 7/10

Some of the music is adaptations of songs from the movie soundtrack, while others are original tones. For some odd reasons, the original songs aren't as well-made as the adaptations. In fact, some songs, like the boss music, can wear on your nerves after a while.

As for the sound effects, they are forgettable. Aladdin's ''ah!'' sound is very annoying after a while.

Replayability: 8/10

There are more then one difficulty setting, so some might want to play the sidescroller again. Others, like me, would want to play the game again just to experience the fun one more time.

Buy or Rent?

By all means, spend your money to purchase this game. It's a Genesis classic that belongs in everybody's library. Of course, if you're one of the selected few who completely despised the Aladdin movie, then rent first before buying.

What makes Aladdin so great is that it's a blast to play, and won't bore you at all. It belongs in anybody's collection of Genesis games.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/08/03, Updated 07/08/03