As you jump and run through the stages there are cut-scenes in real Disney spirit.
Graphics:
Aladdin features really nice animation and backdrops. This 2d side-scroller also features many cool moves that animates perfectly. In some levels, you also climb stairs. Here the scrolling gets a bit jerky. As you jump and run through the stages there are cut-scenes in real Disney spirit. I have to admit that I haven't seen the movie, but still found the story well presented in the intermissions through the still-pictures and text. The sprites are of considerable size and especially the snake-form of the evil Jaffar is a HUGE sprite. The level design is good but a little too linear. The startup screen that also features an intro is also cool. All in all, an awesomely looking game.
95%
Sound:
There are quite a few little middle-eastern sounding tunes and some cool sound effects featured in this game. At the time of play, the music is functional but right after you turn off the game, you have forgotten all about them except that they sound Persian and are well made. The sound effects are crisp and clear and very good in general. A sound I could never figure out was the water fountain sound. It sounds more like just static, but overall very good sound-effects and decent music.
76%
Gameplay:
It's actually quite varied although (Yes I know the game's meant for kids…) I would have preferred some more combat. You only get to use a sword in one scene and other than that it's throwing rocks that makes up the fights. The precision in the jumping is second to none and I wish that Games developers would've learnt this earlier on (Indiana Jones and the last crusade comes to mind) as you can adjust length and power of the jump. Aladdin can also grab onto and heave himself onto ledges, run and make a leaping jump, slide on the floor, throw rocks, duck and sneak. There are many awesome neat, little touches in this game that is encouraging. If Aladdin stands too close to an edge he will balance in a comic fashion. The same goes for not touching the controller, in which case he will tap his feet etc. You also discover many characters throughout the game; the Genie, the flying carpet and Abu the monkey for example. There are a few scenes where you get to fly the carpet in an R-type style side-scroller, without the shooting and terrible monsters of the Bydo empire. These things might not sound like much, but in my opinion, together with the cut scenes and the storytelling they all add up to an enjoyable game experience that you'll cherish for as long as it lasts, which unfortunately isn't long at all.
75%
Lastability:
It's an easy game to start with, and with the addition of unlimited continues (which we could've needed in Platoon for the NES instead) you'll probably finish this at your first sitting, which in my book is terrible. The story gets you hooked and you WILL play until you finish the game. Then one more time maybe, but that's it. Almost no replay value and an almost non-existent challenge make this game one you won't play often or for long. Good level for children though.
18%
Overall:
If you really want to play this game, and I sincerely think you should, borrow it from a friend instead of buying it. If you have young children I can recommend it, but other than that... there are better and more challenging games, more worthy of your time.
55%