New Disney Universe video game lets you create characters based on iconic Disney animation and live-action films
By Steven Ford
Orlando Sentinel
9:14 PM EDT, October 25, 2011
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Today marked the North American release of “Disney Universe,” a fast-paced video game that lets users employ a variety of characters and settings inspired from more than 40 different animated and live-action Disney films.
The release from Disney Interactive Studios is available for Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 systems.
In the game, users suit up their heroic characters in whatever Disney-related costume they want to use as they tackle puzzling game environments, battle adversaries and, well, save their universe.
The game allows four-person multiplayer action, and it lets users costume their players in outfits inspired by scores of different Disney worlds, such as those in Disney Pixar flicks Wall-E and Monsters Inc., as well as Disney animated classics such as “The Lion King” and “Aladdin.” Of course, the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise is represented, as well.
According to a press release, character costumes available from newer Disney productions, such as “Tron,” will co-exist alongside costumes from classics such as “The Jungle Book” and “Peter Pan.” Naturally, Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Goofy and Donald are in the house, too.
Also announced today was the news that more downloadable content will be available next month. A “Disney Villains Costume Pack” in November will feature a variety of costumes, including those based on evil characters such as Cruella de Vil, The Evil Queen from “Snow White” and Ursula from “The Little Mermaid,” among others.
Individual costumes can be purchased for the game, as well.
Some initial reviews of the game have been quite positive.
Over at the always entertaining and informative VideoGamer.com, reviewer Lee Bradley says, “Taking hints from the
LEGO series and LittleBigPlanet to create a local-multiplayer puzzle platformer, Disney Universe is a riot of primary colors and positive reinforcement. … There's some neat design in there too. It is, in short, a joy.”
And Central Florida’s Ricky Brigante, writing on his excellent Inside the Magic blog, says, “The newest video game from Disney Interactive Studios is not an easy one to describe, but definitely easy and fun to play.”
Have you had a chance to play “Disney Universe” yet? If so, let us know what you think.
