Another licensed title for the PS1 console has arrived. This time, it's based on the Dinsey animated feature Lilo & Stitch. While the PS1 is aging, the game still sports colorful graphics and environments that capture the feel of the movie, as does the Elvis tinged soundtrack. The gameplay takes a page from Crash Bandicoot, though it's a tad easier. While it's not going to win any awards for originality or innovation, this is still a decent title that younger gamers should appreciate the crazy antics and jokes. We take a quick look at this title and find out if it's got that Disney magic.

Disney's Lilo & Stich arrive on the PS1 in an entertaining and surprisingly enjoyable platforming game, though it probably won't do much for older players. This title follows the plot of the film closely and takes you on some pretty wild adventures through Hawaiian volcanoes and other exotic locales. While the space sequences from the movie aren't present, there's still loads of adventure to be had on the island. The game's attempt to expand the movie's storyline is decent and L&S does a good job of scaling down the movies' major plot points into a console action game. This is an action/adventure title and allows you traverse more than 30 levels as either of the title characters. The gameplay is similar to other recent platform titles, and takes a large page from Crash Bandicoot. There are even several sequences involving crates which can either contain power-ups or explosions. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but not really the most original approach that could have been implemented. On the bright side, the controls and general interface are straightforward and the game is easy to play with a miniscule learning curve.

Each of the main characters in the game has a unique play style, but L&S remains fairly consistent throughout the game, as far as controls and general interface goes. Playing as the Hawaiian girl Lilo, players can utilize her voodoo powers and other devices to keep the enemy mosquitoes and other baddies at bay. She's also fairly dexterous and can kick and jump the enemies she faces through her quest. During each game, players can check the voodoo meter which shows haw much power she has to perform her special moves. Playing as the little experimental alien character is more fun. Stitch is the more rambunctious character and his. Each of the levels is a bit linear, but the lack of branching isn't really an issue, since switching the characters throughout keeps things interesting. After each couple of levels, the game throws a boss character at you, usually taking on a demonic rock sculpture in the form Hawaiian god. This helps to break up the action. The game isn't complex and most tasks aren't too terribly difficult to beat. Older players will probably blow through the game in no time but Lilo & Stitch should pose a challenge for the younger players. L&S unfolds at a good pace, though the gameplay doesn't really change in its overall level of difficulty as you progress to the later stages. This makes the game become monotonous after awhile, but nothing that anyone couldn't have expected.

Even though the original PlayStation is aging and is now well past its prime, L&S still does a good job of recreating the visual look and feel of the movie. The game's environments are bright and colorful, with some really clever enemy designs. The main characters look nice enough, though the blocky polygonal appearance can get a bit ugly after awhile. The game's soundtrack is decent as well, with a nice dose of Elvis and other rockabilly music. There are some good voiceovers from the actual actors in the film, making this crossover product have a nice appeal. This is especially true for fans of the movie, who should appreciate the authenticity. As an added bonus, players can also unlock some hidden movies and clips from the film, including some hilarious trailers that show Stitch wreaking havoc in other Disney movies. Lilo and Stitch has decent production values and graphics for the PS1, but it's probably not going to blow anyone away.

Lilo & Stitch has some clever features, but the gameplay is a bit derivative of other platformers. The gameplay is simplistic and has been dumbed-down making this easy to blow right trough. While the switching of characters is a nice change and there are some nice level designs, the overall effect of the game isn't that impressive. Structurally, it's too predictable, though it's fun for awhile before the novelty wears off. Visually, L&S looks blocky and primitive by today's standards. There are some cool extra features included in the game and fans of platformers might find something to like in this title. Older players are likely to be underwhelmed, but kids and kids at heart should definitely get the most out of this movie-to-game translation, and it succeeds on that level. Lilo & Stitch is thus mildly recommended for the younger gamers.





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