When Robert Louis Stevenson penned “Treasure
Island,” perhaps the furthest thing from his mind was that this classic
adventure would one day be the playground of Muppets. But that seems rather
tame compared to the transition the story has made to the realm of outer
space.
Treasure Planet, a Walt Disney film, is
slated for release on November 27. But if anyone wishes to get an advance
look at the movie, all they need to do is launch Disney’s Treasure Planet,
a Disney and Bizarre Creatures release for the PlayStation2.
This is an arcade-adventure that looks
terrific, challenges and plays well.
It is the tale of Jim Hawkins searching
the galaxy for the lost treasure of Captain Flint reputed to hold
“the loot of a thousand worlds.” It all begins when Jim finds a sphere
that he triggers into opening. When it does, it reveals a map, which will
lead Jim to the lost world.
That is all the basic story (a few characters
aside) and almost all the game has in common with Stevenson’s story. Jim
is added by his mentor Dr. Doppler (voiced by Frazier’s David Hyde Pierce
if you listen closely, you’ll also hear Martin Short and Emma Thompson,
among others), and a shape-shifting alien name Morph. Morph is particularly
important because the creature can take on shapes of different objects
to aid Jim in his quest.
The first part of the game begins with
five small quests that must be met in order to unlock five beacons, which
will guide Jim along his path. These quests are all arcade-like, such as
collecting all 100 gold drubloons, which are scattered throughout the map
board. Jim will need to battle a variety of creatures, both organic and
robotic, jump, explore and use his little buddy to accomplish all the tasks.
Opening the beacons allows Jim to travel through a portal to the next game
level.
Jim won’t only travel by foot, but will
also fly using a jetpack, glider, speedy boots (which as well as
solar surf.
The controls of this game have been kept
quite simple, though they do varying depending on whether Jim is solar
surfing or in normal mode.
The game’s sound is very good, not just
in the vocal characterizations, but in regards to effects as well. Graphically
the game is wonderful and joyful. The movements are terrific, the three-dimensional
environments are lushly colored and intriguing, and the array of effects
is well done.
This is the type of program that fluidly
employs the arcade style of gaming with an adventure game to create a fun
gaming experience. While the game is oriented more toward the reflexive
style, there are certain tasks, which require players to use their wits
to figure out. Take catching the grazing beast in the first level for example.
You can chase, and chase, and chase, or you can try to outwit the creature.
Treasure Planet may be a loose adaptation
of the tremendous Stevenson story, but that doesn’t mean the game lacks
in terms of fun. This game is the first to play off the movie, and while
it captures that essence well, it could have been so much more than an
arcade-adventure.
This game is rated for Everyone.
Gameplay: 8.2
The game is quite linear in nature with
set tasks that must be accomplished to advance. The individual level mapboards
may be vertical as well as horizontal, but really are not that big and
have predefined paths through them.
Graphics: 8.8
This game is lush and bright, and the
animation is, for the most part, very good. Morph is a bit overdone, but
the shape-shifting ability is nicely done.
Sound: 8.7
There are some repetitive sounds that
can get tiresome, but the vocal characterizations are well done, and the
overall audio is excellent.
Difficulty: Easy
The control elements are not overly complex,
and the game does have some challenge. However veteran arcade adventure
gamers may find it a little too simplistic.
Concept: 7.5
While well done, considering the plot
and setting, the game could have been much more than a simple linear arcade
romp.
Overall: 8.0
The game looks very good, and plays quite
well, but it could have been a much better game. Linear gameplay and regeneration
features (which preserve some things, such as drubloons found, but not
other elements like green energy) do take away from the overall game.
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