The Little Mermaid

"Aaaaw but I like my Ariels with legs!!! Why can't she just get some scuba gear?"

This game is a pretty good adventure game that is easy to learn and has a fair amount of challenge. The down side is that it's very short and only has 5 levels. Each level may take a few tries but you'll still beat it in a day.

Game Play 6
You play as the Little Mermaid and it's your job to save the ocean from Ursula. You can shoot bubbles with you tail and trap enemies in them and then throw the enemies at each other. You also can use shells to kill enemies by throwing them and use shells to open boxes. By opening boxes you can get power ups that increase the strength or range of you bubbles. With more powerfull bubbles you can trap bigger enemies and also move obsticals like rocks and barrels to get 1ups.

The levels are side scrolling but also have parts that go up and down. They are filled with enemies and obsticals and it can be fairly challenging.
Each level also has a boss that you'll have to figure out how to beat. Some bosses are harder then others but they're all fairly well balanced.

It kinda reminded me of Super Mario Brothers because it was easier if I started from the beginning and got all the power ups and keep'd them for the boss fights, just like the fire flower in Mario.

Graphics 8
The graphics are pretty good for a game boy game. Aerial looks good and all the enemies and levels have a good amount of detail.

Sound 5
The effects and music are good but there's nothing exciting or above average about them.

Controls 5
The controls are pretty easy to learn and pick up and allow for a fairly smooth game. The one gripe I have is that I can't shoot bubbles up or down. Only left and right.

Story 4
The story is basic but it makes sence and is fitting for such a short game.

Re-Play Value 4
You may want to play through this one a few times, like 3 or 4. But because it is only 5 levels long you could play through it that many times in a day.

Final Recommendation
Out of domesticaly released (NA) games targeted at young girls this one is very good. But compared to all adventure games it average and way too short.
Still, if you find a used copy of this game for under 10$ and are interested it is worth playing through and would be fun for anyone who likes the Little Mermaid.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 08/12/03