"Don't be fooled...this is worth playing."

You might ask yourself ''Who the HELL in their right mind would be playing Pocahontas, of all the games in the world?'' And, if I hadn't played through this game, I would agree completely with this viewpoint -- but WAIT -- there's a lot more to this game than you may have guessed.

I won't pretend that I'm an expert when it comes to Disney's adaptation of Pocahontas -- I've never seen the movie, but I have read some of John Smith's colonial works (thank you, American Lit. I). I CAN say that this game manages to make the simple love story between Native American and English settler gel quite well, regardless of the creative license that Disney employed, while creating a truly awe-inspiring Genesis title,that ranks among the best on the system. I guess what I'm really trying to say is that this game works so well because it keeps the cheesy story to a low, and hypes the gameplay to the max. This is the point that really matters here, my friends.

In case you couldn't have figured, you play as Pocahontas (with the help of Meeko the racoon) in this game, in a series of stages that have different objectives -- what starts out as a simple ''get across the forest to your father'', quickly turns into ''use stealth to sabotage the English settlement''. If the idea of causing mayhem in a English settlement appeals to you, then this game just might be for you.

However, the fun is short lived, and after a measly four stages the game is over. Trust me when I say that you'll wish there was more -- some bonus stages, a time-attack mode, SOMETHING. But no. This is the game's biggest flaw.

However, there are too many great things about Pocahontasto ignore. For one,the graphics are beautiful and detailed for the Genesis -- colors are rich and varied, the characters and animals are well drawn and animated, and little things, like a duck bathing himself in some water, are just some of the small visual treats on the side. By far, some of the best graphics on a 16-bit system.

The music also aims to please, with some instrumental versions of the songs from the movie. The music creates great atmosphere, and is never annoying or repetitive in the least. You might actually find yourself shamefully humming ''Colors of the Wind'' without even realizing it. However, once you catch yourself doing it, you'll make sure to never make the same mistake again...at least not in front of your friends.

What's important to mention, especially for the kiddies out there, is the fact that Disney games in the past have always had the reputation of being extremely hard -- for kids and some hardcore gamers alike -- and Pocahontas manages to be one of the few exceptions to the rule. This game is a relaxing romp that, once the controls have been mastered, will offer the occasional challenge while not bogging down the player with needless difficulty. You collect the abilities, in this game known as ''spirits'', from different animals. For example, by getting the squirrel's spirit, you can climb trees and jump nimbly from branch to branch. If you gather the spirit of the deer, you can run swiftly through the woods. It works well, and it gives a sense of progression that many Disney title's (well, a lot of action titles) seem to lack. By the end of the game, you'll be using your full arsenal of abilities to rescue your love interest, John Smith, before the rising of the sun.

If you can get past the lame plot, the short length, and the forgiving difficulty, then this game is certainly worth a run-through. The atmosphere of Pocahontas will leave you aching for the wholesome things in life...at least, for a little while. If nothing else, then the gameplay will give you some kicks. This game is the Ico for the Genesis.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/22/03