Disney's Aladdin

"A must have platformer"

This GBA release adds to the list of GBA ports from the SNES, but this was possibly an overlooked classic.
In this new port there are additional levels such as extra acts on each stage and a new bonus level and the soundtrack's been given a rejig here and there, with completely new tracks for the genie and bonus levels.
This version includes a setting for light and dark, it looks like the original have been preserved for the Game Boy Player.
You also have the option to save so it doesn't have to be a one playthrough game. Games like Super Mario Bros 3 which force you to labour through for hours with the constant threat of a "Game Over" are becoming more and more of an old fashioned relic.
This isn't like most movie platform tie-ins, this plays really well and feels like a game based on a Disney movie should do. The Lion King had a similar approach But this platformer although fairly short if up against something like Super Mario World or Sonic as it was at the time of it's original release isn't a walkover, the sometimes quite tricky levels mean you need quite a lot of skill to succeed, as just like in a Mario game it's the sort of game where one missed jump means you're one life down. Even the friendly genie levels don't give you a break especially as they're set at cloud level. The levels are every bit as imaginative as the average Mario game, and you'll be thanking yourself for the unlimited continues on some of the more frantic levels.
The game has just the right degree of difficulty, not so easy that you'll fly to the end, but just enough challenge to keep it interesting but it doesn't frustrate you so much that you don't want to keep trying.
The game follows the Aladdin story from the movie as well and each completed level gives you cutscenes that follow the plot of the story.
Above all if you were a fan of Disney's Aladdin in any way, you won't be disappointed get this game as it's a tricky but fun platformer that captures the atmosphere of the movie and remains faithful throughout. This one's not just for kids!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/05/04