Disney's Aladdin is a platform, action-adventure game based on the 1992 Disney animated film of the same name developed by Virgin Games USA. The game was released by Sega for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive in late 1993.
I played this one because I was a big fan of the animated film. And I have also play-tested the version ported for the Super Nintendo (SNES). I say this version is superior in colors, animation, and stages. The SNES version only had a superior last boss battle setting.
The Story
Hang on to your carpet for fun and adventure! Aladdin brandishes his curved desert sword to fight through Agrabah, get out of the Sultan's palace dungeon, survive the mysterious Cave of Wonders, grab the Genie's Lamp and save the Princess from the evil minister adviser Jafar! Aladdin battles thugs, and barely escapes danger on his flying carpet. Aladdin also bounces like a pinball when in the Genie's Lamp!
The Graphics and Sound
This has to be one of the best-looking games on the Genesis/Mega Drive, as it almost gets the quality of the movie! The animations are so smooth, and the characters and objects are detailed. Everything is colorful and clear. My complaint is that some levels can use a bit more color variety.
The music is somewhat limited. Some songs from the movie are here with a few new ones. However, the music seems to lack being catchy, but it doesn't sound bad. The sound effects and voices are clear most of the time.
The Gameplay
The controls are good. Aladdin moves well at a fair pace and can jump and reach higher areas. Your speed can get you off trouble.
Aladdin has a sword for melee combat and apples for throwing as projectiles. Pressing any direction while attacking can do a few different moves. Throwing apples while jumping can increase the range of throw distance.
Aladdin can absorb some damage but can be defeated if you are not quick. Extra lives and continues can be bought from a merchant. The game has plenty of checkpoints and healing items, as well as other bonuses. There are no passwords to save your progress, so you gotta be careful. There are two bonus games like a slot machine and an endurance round where you play as Abu, Aladdin's pet monkey.
The replay value is good. The game has a good amount of levels, and some of them are pretty challenging. There are many secret pick-ups that are in strange places. And it could take a while to reach them if you do not master the controls.
My Verdict
Aladdin is one of the better Sega Genesis/Mega Drive titles. It has some flaws, but nothing that can wreck the game. It is a pretty fun game that is a welcome addition to any retro gaming collection.
Play it on the strangely enigmatic Sega Genesis/Mega Drive console or play it on your favorite emulator.
Let's keep on gaming in the free world!
