Disney’s Aladdin in Nasira's Revenge

FACTFILE

Publisher: SCEE

Developer: Argonaut Software

Release Date: November, 2000

Age Restriction: None

No of Players: One

MAGIC-CARPET CAPERS AND, MERCIFULLY, NO ROBIN WILLIAMS

The Disney Corporations attempt to saturate kiddie consumer culture continues with a follow-up to passable slider-swinger Tarzan ( OPMS1 7/10). Disney’s Aladdin sees you take charge of the baggy-trousered one for 28 levels of Arabian antics. Armed only with a scimitar, ballet skills and some useful friends, you must save the sultan, princess and kingdom from the netherwordly sorceress Nasira — and collect a fortune in gold, of course.

A 3D adventure/platformer, the game of the film involves prancing, sliding and charging around well-constructed, visually pleasing locations, collecting coins and gems, and bashing baddies. Its marginally challenging and scores no marks for originality, but fulfil your coin quota and the end-of-tevel bonus games sometimes provide a swift burst of amusement.

What saves Aladdin from drowning in its own Disney drivel is the way the game constantly switches modes. One minute you’re stealing apples from a narcoleptic street vendor, the next you’re dodging collapsing pillars while riding a 240bhp Persian rug. Wholesome fun and good basic training for young cadet gamers: just too dull for hardened veterans.