Review | Disney Universe

In Disney Universe you will be able to explore six different worlds inspired by Disney and Disney Pixar movies such as Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Carribean and Lion King. You will be able to play characters stylised from more than 40 different characters including Alice, Captain Jack Sparrow, Mike (Monsters Inc.), and Lilo & Stitch.

I must admit that when this game landed on my lap I was a little worried. It’s not that I don’t appreciate a good kids game, but so often these days they seem to churn them out with little thought or effort other than a quick buck, especially if timed with a movie release. The fact that there Disney Universe: The Movie wasn’t being played at the local cinema (or on the planet) did give me some confidence that it may not be all bad.

The story starts out with where computerised versions of some of Disneys favourite worlds have been corrupted by a virus. You are tasked to play through these worlds clearing out the nasties and restoring order. There are 18 levels to play through and they are each split into 3 parts, meaning the 54 stages in all will keep you going for a wee while.  You can start at any of the worlds you choose simply by unlocking them once you have earned enough points to do so. The ‘Mickey’ currency you collect can also be used to purchase costumes which can also be levelled up in-game allowing for more powerful weapons

The gameplay although a simplistic button mashing affair is enjoyable, you will be required to do no more than jump and clobber (with various weapons dependant on your chosen character) your foes, there is some variety with weapons that can be mounted such as Cannons and also animals that you can ride. When your character ‘dies’ it re-spawns (infinitely) in the same area where dying will only affect your final grade at the end of the level. The Universe worlds and characters are well presented and are sure to delight fans of the many movies. There are some simple puzzles that won’t be too hard for any but the youngest of players (and even then that would be a stretch).

Disney Universe offers the young and young at heart frenetic gameplay for up to four players. The game isn’t going to blow you away with the graphics or animation but as a package it offers the target audience a game that you can’t really go wrong with, any young Disney fan will be happy and parents can feel safe that this one won’t corrupt little minds like all those other nasty violent games. It’s a simple one to play with plenty of game-time that will enchant many fans of the movies.   [7.5]