Disney's Aladdin (video game)

Disney's Aladdin was a video game based on the 1992 motion picture of the same name, released in the 16-bit era. Curiously, unlike most multiplatform games of both then and now, the two versions (Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System) are in fact two completely different games.

Mega Drive/Genesis version

The Mega Drive/Genesis version was released in 1994 by The Walt Disney Company, and had incredibly fluid graphics through the use of cel animation; it was produced by Virgin Interactive, by many members who would later form Shiny Entertainment and work on Earthworm Jim, including David Perry himself (who supposedly coded the game in 3 months). Any original music in the title was composed by Tommy Tallarico.

Game Design

The game is a side-scrolling platformer, mostly involving killing enemies with basic swordplay and jumping across ledges. Several levels were very different, including one level where Aladdin must escape from the Cave of Wonders on Carpet and another where he must jump across the Agrabah's rooftops.

Control

The three fire buttons were assigned to three actions for Aladdin: throwing an apple, jumping, and swinging his scimitar. The apples used up a limited supply of ammunition, and were useful for distractions and for stunning enemies, but did not do much damage.

Game Boy

A Game Boy version, which was compatible with the Super Game Boy and later ported to Game Boy Color, was released, based on this version. Also, the PC game was based on the Mega Drive/Genesis version, and not the SNES one.

SNES version

The SNES version was created by Capcom. Shinji Mikami worked in the game as a planner. It was subsequently ported to the Game Boy Advance. Unlike the other versions, Aladdin didn't have the scimitar, so in order to defeat enemies he must jump on them. Like the other versions, there are apples.

An extra challenge involved finding 50 red diamonds throughout the game. While they weren't necessary for ending the game, the credits screen changes slightly according to how many diamonds were collected.

Master System/Game Gear Version

This version was developed by SIMS and released in 1994. The game is basically the same on both systems, except for the screen size. Gameplay in much of the game resembles The Quest for Identity or Prince of Persia.

External links

Aladdin (Virgin)