Dreamcast

Disney's 102 Dalmatians: Puppies to the Rescue

I think this is a great game that is fun for the entire family. I wish all of Disney's game efforts were this good. I give it 5 GiN gems for being right on target.

102 Dalmatians is fluff, and perhaps one of its greatest qualities is that it's not a necessary play -- no Sega fan can get away with skipping Sonic Shuffle even though it's a clunker, but nobody will ever ask on a message board if you've conquered 102 yet. It's for your brother, your sister, your mom, your girlfriend... It's a game that strives not for a great experience or incredible emotions or revolutionary control -- all this pup wants to do is make somebody smile. Maybe even giggle.

Younger children will be delighted to be at the controls, but seasoned gamers will want to look elsewhere for a more polished and challenging experience.

102 Dalmatians is mildly amusing, but the whimsical musical score and childish dialogue did start to wear thin on me after a while. Plus, the dog lip-syncing was way off (don't you hate that?). 102 Dalmatians is very easy and a little slow, but it's thoughtfully constructed and looks great. Bump up the grade by one letter if you're under 10.

This is what makes reviewing this game difficult. It isn't going to set the pants alight of most modern gamers - it's just too simple. However, it's a great game for a five-year-old who worships Disney. It's a nice little yarn with cute but simple-looking levels and characters, plus some great little extras to keep you entertained. It has loads of hidden games in the levels to mix up the fun too - like flying a Pterodactyl or riding fairground rides - and, as mentioned before, there are some quality separate mini-games to collect as well. This is an accomplished package to give to a Disney kid but, even though it's cheerful enough to make your stupid grinning mouth fall off, there's not enough of a game here to make it worthwhile for grown-up kids. Fun for the nippers, then!

The game gets the C rating due to its overwhelming childish style, yet the game is more enjoyable than you would think. Take it for a spin and see if you still have a little of that Disney magic left in you. I guess I'm still just a kid at heart.

The difficulty level is aimed at young children; adults will find it far too easy for enjoyment. Most enemies are more comical than dangerous, and the game is readily forgiving of mistakes; don't expect to find bottomless pits or hidden traps. Graphically, the game does not push the Dreamcast; the textures are blocky and seem better suited on the Playstation. Aurally, the game shows promise, especially in voice-over sequences that constantly interrupt gameplay. Not recommended for anyone who has undergone puberty.