Difference between revisions of "Aladdin (SIMS video game)"
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[[Image:Aladdin - GG - USA.jpg|thumb|256x256px|North American Game Gear box.]] | [[Image:Aladdin - GG - USA.jpg|thumb|256x256px|North American Game Gear box.]] | ||
− | '''''Aladdin''''' is a multi-genre video game developed by [[SIMS]] and published by [[Sega]] on 1994-03-25 for the [[Game Gear]] and [[Master System]]. Although it has the same title as the Capcom and Virgin games released around the same time, it is a completely different game. This version of ''Aladdin'' has various stages, each switching mechanics between a runner | + | '''''Aladdin''''' is a multi-genre video game developed by [[SIMS]] and published by [[Sega]] on 1994-03-25 for the [[Game Gear]] and [[Master System]]. Although it has the same title as the Capcom and Virgin games released around the same time, it is a completely different game. This version of ''[[Aladdin (universe)|Aladdin]]'' has various stages, each switching mechanics between a runner and a platformer with similarities to ''[[Prince of Persia]]''. |
The Game Gear and Master System ports are practically identical, but the Master System's larger display allows for a better status bar and lets you see obstacles further away, so it's slightly easier. | The Game Gear and Master System ports are practically identical, but the Master System's larger display allows for a better status bar and lets you see obstacles further away, so it's slightly easier. | ||
− | When I was complaining online about poorly-made portable games, a friend of mine mentioned that he beat this game so quickly after buying it he | + | When I was complaining online about poorly-made portable games, a friend of mine mentioned that he beat this game so quickly after buying it he ended up returning it. That piqued my curiosity, so, I played the game and also beat it with little effort. Then, while making this page, I found that the Master System port was nearly the same, so I played through as well just to see what the differences were. |
==Status== | ==Status== | ||
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===Good=== | ===Good=== | ||
* Unlike a lot of tie-in games, this title very closely follows the source material. The graphics, music, scenes, and dialogue are very accurate. | * Unlike a lot of tie-in games, this title very closely follows the source material. The graphics, music, scenes, and dialogue are very accurate. | ||
− | * The game has fantastic pixel art, smooth animation, makes good use of parallax scrolling, and has a wonderful pseudo-3D effect in the chase scenes. | + | * The game has fantastic pixel art, smooth animation, makes good use of parallax scrolling, and has a wonderful pseudo-3D effect in some of the early chase scenes. |
− | * Most of the music is great | + | * Most of the music is directly from the film, which is already great, but it's also well-arranged for the hardware. |
* The game comes with a detailed manual, though the European manuals are bland since they have to cram so much text in them. | * The game comes with a detailed manual, though the European manuals are bland since they have to cram so much text in them. | ||
− | * Aladdin has plenty of actions at his disposal: walk, run, crouch, tiptoe, slide, climb, throw, swing the sword. I just wish the levels were a bit larger and more varied to take advantage of all these actions. | + | * Aladdin has plenty of actions at his disposal: walk, run, jump, crouch, tiptoe, slide, climb, throw, swing the sword. I just wish the levels were a bit larger and more varied to take advantage of all these actions. |
===Bad=== | ===Bad=== |
Revision as of 10:32, 6 September 2019
Aladdin is a multi-genre video game developed by SIMS and published by Sega on 1994-03-25 for the Game Gear and Master System. Although it has the same title as the Capcom and Virgin games released around the same time, it is a completely different game. This version of Aladdin has various stages, each switching mechanics between a runner and a platformer with similarities to Prince of Persia.
The Game Gear and Master System ports are practically identical, but the Master System's larger display allows for a better status bar and lets you see obstacles further away, so it's slightly easier.
When I was complaining online about poorly-made portable games, a friend of mine mentioned that he beat this game so quickly after buying it he ended up returning it. That piqued my curiosity, so, I played the game and also beat it with little effort. Then, while making this page, I found that the Master System port was nearly the same, so I played through as well just to see what the differences were.
Contents
Status
I don't own this game, but I beat the Game Gear and Master System ports on 2019-09-05, each on my first attempt.
Review
4 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 2 |
Best Version: 48%
— This section contains spoilers! —
Good
- Unlike a lot of tie-in games, this title very closely follows the source material. The graphics, music, scenes, and dialogue are very accurate.
- The game has fantastic pixel art, smooth animation, makes good use of parallax scrolling, and has a wonderful pseudo-3D effect in some of the early chase scenes.
- Most of the music is directly from the film, which is already great, but it's also well-arranged for the hardware.
- The game comes with a detailed manual, though the European manuals are bland since they have to cram so much text in them.
- Aladdin has plenty of actions at his disposal: walk, run, jump, crouch, tiptoe, slide, climb, throw, swing the sword. I just wish the levels were a bit larger and more varied to take advantage of all these actions.
Bad
- Although infinite lives is nice for getting you through the game, it pretty much guarantees that you'll beat it with just a smidgen of tenacity. And, since you have so much health, it means you'll beat a lot of the stages on your very first try. Had they decreased the health and gave you three lives per section, the game would be more challenging without being unforgiving.
- The game isn't paced well. The first eight stages of the game account for the first half of the film, leaving only two stages for the second half.
- The controls are mostly responsive, but there are a couple issues. Going up and down stairs and jumping up to ledges require you to be in just the right spot to use them and ducking is a little slower than I would like. However, nothing ever became too frustrating.
Ugly
- The game is far too easy and too short. A beginner can finish it in about an hour or two on their first attempt. Something else should have been added to the game like more levels or a hard mode to keep the challenge going.
Media
Box Art
Documentation
Videos
- youtube.com/watch?v=xH1gHd_Nniw - Longplay, Game Gear.
- youtube.com/watch?v=XWwgY2CVKTE - Longplay, Master System.