Aladdin

Disney's Aladdin has been highly anticipated. Word came from those who saw it at the Summer CES that this cart, even in preliminary form, was everything people expected. Now that Disney's Aladdin is in hand, we can assure you that it's a great-looking game, in the spirit of Virgin's successes with Global Gladiators and Cool Spot. Disney's Aladdin has its roots in those programs.

Aladdin also features a new level of enjoyment under the main game, with satire and much personality not seen in many games.

And they have taken the timer out to give you an opportunity to watch the game as well as battle your way through Agrabah to defeat Jafar and save the Princess Jasmine.

As noted before, Global Gladiators and Cool Spot, two of the most "playable" games from Virgin, were the foundations for this Disney's Aladdin game. For that reason, a high level of game play can be found in Disney's Aladdin. The Graphics are at an incredible level, and it's an easy game to pick up and play.

Not to say that you'll master it easily, because the Difficult level is a real challenge, but you won't find yourself constantly referring to the manual: the three Genesis action buttons allow you to jump, swing your sword and throw an apple. It's also surprising that the game was created in half the time of most other games and still meets the level of quality that it does.

Disney's Aladdin is a side-scroller in design, but the Genesis is exercised to its highest degree, rivaling the Sonic games for speed. When you hop on the rug, for example, the pace gradually picks up to largely incredible proportions.

Graphics

Not only do the characters show a level of animation - thanks to the high frame - rate the game is designed with - but they have incredible personality and lifelike movement.

Sound/Music

Again Tommy Tallarico has nailed down an at-times beautiful, at-times haunting soundtrack, doing justice to the movie themes and scene-setting music for the game's levels.

Playability

There are minor discomforts, such as the jerkiness of the screen when you hold up or down on the control to look in that direction. It was difficult to consistently make jumps off the poles or land on the moving blocks in the Sultan's Dungeon stage.

The Lowdown

While many others are purchasing licenses of movies and TV shows to make into games, this group effort by Virgin, Disney and Sega sets the standard for how a licensed game can turn out.

• Available: October 1993
• Difficulty: Medium
• Company: Sega

Aladdin is a two-dimensional action game about an Arab boy who runs around with a saber through scenic locations and rides on a Persian flying carpet.

Gameplay

Aladdin embarks on a perilous journey. Be warned:

• "The Agora of Agrabah is guarded by dagger-armed wars
• Poisonous snakes want to bite the protagonist on the map "The Wasteland"
• Nimble little thieves on the Roofs of Agrabah
• Rebellious mummies and walking bones inhabit the Dungeons of Palaces
• Large concrete statues attack a character and drop massive boulders on his head in "Miracle Cave"
• Court mages have closed all entrances to the "Jafar's Palace". Opponents wield magic: throwing fireballs and sharp charges

Guy searches for ancient artifacts to save civilians from evil rulers and powerful wizards. Aladdin loves apples - the fruit gives an extra supply of health and acts as a throwing weapon.

Score

The player will run through beautiful places and jump on high platforms. Fight mummies and followers of mysterious cults. This exciting adventure from Sega will please fans of older but quality 2D games like The Jungle Book or The Lion King.