For any Disney fan, the more Disney-content they can get, the better. For those fans who also happen to love video games, Fall 2019 is definitely an exciting time as two Disney video games are making their way into players’ hands. Disney Tsum Tsum Festival will be released next week for the Nintendo Switch. First up though, is the much-anticipated launch of two beloved and iconically difficult Disney games from the early days of gaming combined into a neat single package. Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and the Lion King is available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, but is a perfect addition to the Switch library, bringing its music, challenging-yet-fun gameplay, and behind-the-scenes content for both new and longtime fans to enjoy either at home or on-the-go.
Cave Of Wonders
The amount of content contained in Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and the Lion King is its most impressive feature. Not only can the original console versions of the games be played, other versions are available as well, allowing older players to experience the versions of the games that they weren’t able to play while growing up.
For Aladdin, this includes the Sega Genesis version (Console S); the Demo, which was originally showcased at the 1993 Chicago CES show; a Final Cut version that was created as an improved experience for this release specifically; the Japanese version (Mega Drive); and two “Bonus Games” which are the Game Boy and Game Boy Color versions of the game.
The Lion King receives a similar treatment, coming with the Super Nintendo version (Console N), Sega Genesis version, Japanese version, and the same Game Boy versions as Aladdin.
Both games feature the ability to play in different screen sizes. Sharp Screen significantly reduces the size of the gameplay screen, but improves upon the graphics (as much as 16-bit can be improved upon). Full Screen takes up the height of the screen, while Stretch Screen fills the entire screen.
In handheld mode, Sharp Screen was just too small for me. Stretch Screen suited my needs just fine. However, during my playthrough of The Lion King (Console S), I became a bit motion sick. I thought it might have been a one-time thing, as it didn’t happen during my Console S playthrough of Aladdin, but it happened again during my Console N playthrough. You just might want to consider which screen format you're using, should you have issues with motion sickness (my issue isn’t even that severe).
A Whole New World
Beyond the actual games, Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and the Lion King also comes with an impressive amount of fun extra features that Disney fans especially will enjoy.
The Museum menu for each game contains behind-the-scenes content, including storyboard slides that show how the games were made, what things didn’t make the final cut, character art, as well as how Disney animators themselves contributed to the video games.
The soundtracks for both games are also available in playlist form for those interested in singing along with the 16-bit tunes. You’ll probably be doing that as you play through each game anyways, though, which is probably the only thing that kept me sane while making my way through the incredibly challenging levels.
Be Prepared
Everything from the classic games is here, which includes the frustratingly difficult levels that the games originally put its players through. Traditionalists have the option of playing without assistance exactly as they did on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive or the Super NES, but a few additional features were added to help make the game more accessible for anyone to pick up and play (and actually beat).
The “rewind” function allows for any mistakes to be negated, even if it resulted in a death. Holding the rewind button takes players as far back into their playthrough as they want, which essentially negates the need to snag any 1UP items along the way.
Both games also feature an Interactive Game Viewer, which are entire watchable playthroughs of the game with the ability to jump in and immediately start playing at any point. I was admittedly skeptical of how this mechanic would work, but taking over control from the video is flawless. What’s better is that this can be used as a guide for when you get stuck at any point in the game (I’m looking at you, “Simba’s Return” level).
Hakuna Matata
Some of my earliest memories of experiencing “gamer rage” were because of the games included in the Disney Classic Games package. It’s a wonder that I was ever able to beat them at all, especially considering you couldn’t save your progress on the Sega Genesis (which you can do now). Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and the Lion King prevents that frustration thanks to its multiple ways of allowing players to play the way they want to play. It can be easy for players who need a little help, or difficult for the traditionalists who refuse to push the rewind button.
The amount of content and versions to play are a huge plus, especially for Disney fans. It will be interesting to see what other titles might be added to future Disney Classic Games releases. I’m going to continue to hold out hope that Mickey Mania makes its way to the Switch, but until then, Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and the Lion King will be just fine when I’m in the mood for some nostalgic Disney gameplay.
A Switch review copy of Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and the Lion King was provided to TheGamer for this review. Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and the Lion King is now available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King