Disney's Treasure Planet (GBA) (Disney's Treasure Planet (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Disney's Treasure Planet (GBA)
Date:	05/05/09 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Environmental graphics

Disadvantages: Simple gameplay

"Disney's Treasure Planet" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2003 by Ubisoft. It is based on the Disney animated film of the same name. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

In this title, players control the "Solar Surfer" Jim Hawkins who is accompanied by his mentor Dr. Poppler. They are on a voyage to collect separated pieces of the propeller which powers his boat. These items are hidden within the stages of play and are recovered by completing simple platform puzzles. These puzzles including throwing switches, collecting keys and deactivating forcefields. There are few battle sequences in which the player is required to play out. Instead, the player must jump over simple hazards including spikes and bottomless pits. The game comes across as being a generic platform game which does not provide extended appeal. In being a movie spinoff it is likely that the developers of the game wanted to cash in on an immediate box office hit. The game is very easy in terms of difficulty and did not provide me with any sort of lasting challenge.

The graphics are acceptable and feature very simple detailing for the characters. It almost seems as if the beings were ported from an earlier 8-bit gaming cartridge and placed within well drawn stages. The environmental detailing is fantastic but is offset immediately by the characters in which the player will interact with .The game also features full motion video cut scenes which are taken from the film and placed into the game. In some periods of more action heavy movement, these clips slow down slightly but are an otherwise enjoyable watch. The soundtrack is very generic in delivery. Quieter musical scores compliment the puzzle atmosphere well but are quick to finish and replay.

Overall, Treasure Planet would likely see success with fans of the film but it is not the sort of game which I would recommend to a wider marketplace. There is little difficulty in completing the game which could perhaps appeal to a younger audience.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle