The Haunted Mansion

"Under-estimated but an enjoyable game over-all"

Hello to you reader! welcome to the Haunted Mansion. ahem, first of all, i never did like a movie turned into a game that much. I can name good movies and some lame movies that's been converted to even more LAME games. but i won't or they won't post my review here. but i was wrong, this game is not based on the movie, it was only based on the Disney Theme Park of the same name, The Haunted Mansion. My review will tell you much more, so check it out.

Graphics 8/10

The game's graphics is great, at some point it's fun to look at with the free look button(triangle button)--the spectacular foyer, the musical organ room, etc.-- at another, the twitching part of the wall you come across with will catch your attention only to find that it's only one of the game's minor flaws rather than trapped souls trying to get out of the wall. But hey, when you see one or maybe two it's forgivable.

Sound 7/10

A haunted mansion must cradle ghosts and other eerie beings inside it, and you'll know that you're in one when you hear the game's sound. The voices of the ghosts you'd probably talk to will tell so much about the sound performance of this game. when you talk to them, the voice actors deliver their lines in a very believable-cartoon way(sometimes really life-like) that you don't have to turn the volume up just to understand clearly what they're saying. and when you try to leave while they are talking to you, a noticeable effect comes into play, you'll actually hear their voice coming from the back of your ear. another nice thing about the sound is the musical score. the music testifies that it's a Disney game and they set-up a fair amount of these scattered across the Mansion.

Gameplay 9/10

This is where the game truly stands out. If you're trying to find a game with enjoyable, and ever changing puzzles, this will be the greatest trick-or-treat of your life. you'll be guaranteed one puzzle in every room each having their own flavor of mind-twisting way to solve, their own sets of difficulty, and nicely balanced enjoyment. The only thing that makes this game a little less enjoyable is the targeting system. whenever an enemy shows up, you'll be able to fight it off, but the problem is that when groups of them swarms around to get you, the targeting system is not much of a help, and the speed the ghosts have are irritating, you'll be wanting for a crucifix to keep them at bay. though weaker enemies are easy to beat and some larger normal foes are slower but tougher they all share one thing in common, they pack a punch, and the diminished life bar while the lights are out can be a let down. But it's good to know that those enemies show up with sound effects to warn you, so you'll know if something for a threat is in the same area as you. All in all the puzzles and the sheer enjoyment and fulfillment of solving them saves this game BIG TIME, you'll worry less of what i've said, believe me.

Summing it up, The Haunted Mansion is a great treat, a very decent experience for an underestimated game. Your satisfaction will be guaranteed, it won't matter whether you rented or purchased it. but i prefer you buy it. :)

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/22/03