Disney's Mulan

"In the tradition of THQ Disney games for Gameboy, this one stinks."

Since I'm a huge Mulan fan, I was severely disappointed by this game. It suffers from the same problems as other THQ Disney games, and is for Mulan collectors only.

Story 7/10

Since the story is loosely based on the blockbuster Disney movie, I can't take too many points off. Mulan is the story of a young woman who dons her ailing father's armor and taked his place in the Chinese Imperial Army. She must prove herself to Captain Shang, avoid being discovered as a woman, and finally defeat the leader of the Huns himself- Shan-Yu. The plot progresses nicely during the game, but 1/3 of the movie plot was cut and many characters are missing, resulting in less development. Also, many stages aren't based on what happened in the movie.

Gameplay 5/10

As in most THQ Disney games for Gameboy, Mulan has horrible play control. The time between a button press and the action actually happening is just too long, and will frustrate many a gamer. The basic controls in most stages, B for jump and A for throw (rocks) and run, is very awkward. The idea of having to press a button and immediately press a direction on the control pad just isn't right, and makes some stages a hassle (especially when you must throw a rock and immediately start running). Actual gameplay is kind of fun. However, 6 levels just isn't enough. Stages are quite varied, with a "shieldboarding" stage and a skinnydipping stage (don't get any naughty ideas). All stages are pretty frustrating the first time through, but after you get used to them they get pretty boring. There's also a choice of difficulty: Easy or Hard. Naturally, Hard is harder, but not too much so. The password system is very much needed, especially the first time through the game.

Graphics 6/10

The graphics are satisfactory. The backgrounds are hardly detailed, but character animation is good. However, none of the character sprites look anything like the characters from the movie. In between stages there are nice-looking still cut-scenes, and the characters portrayed look somewhat like the ones from the movie, albeit a bit distorted. If you have a Gameboy, Super Gameboy, and Gameboy Color, play this game on Super Gameboy or Gameboy Color. As in other Gameboy action games, it's far too blurry to play on a regular Gameboy, and often adds to frustration. Also, the Super Gameboy colors and border are nice.

Sound FX/Music 5/10

Sound effects are almost non-existent. The music is alright, but sounds nothing like the music from the movie. Only the ending music sounds like something from the movie. There's an option to turn the music and sound effects off, and it might be wise to do so, since sometimes the music is annoying.

Replay Value 3/10

With only 3 stages, there isn't much to replay, and I'm sure most people wouldn't bother. There are no secrets, no multiple paths, no alternate endings (other than dying), so the game is very straightforward. Some of the stages are "slightly" fun, but some are just too aggravating to go through again.

Buy/Rent?

At best this is a "decent" rental. After all, a rental should be enough time to beat the game. The MSRP of $29.99 just isn't worth it. Buy it only if you must have anything and everything with the Mulan name on it.

Overall 4/10

If you want a great Disney game for Gameboy, go with Tarzan. At best this game is mediocre, and really isn't worth the cartridge it's on. I'd only advise collectors of Mulan merchandise to get it, and even then only if they MUST have all Mulan merchandise. Careful, parents, if you're kid asks for it, because I'm pretty sure they'll need your help to get past some of the stages.

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 08/05/01