This is Review Crew, the MetaCritic for classic game magazines. In each episode we'll get to the bottom of what critics thought of classic games at the time. Did they pan your favorite game? Did they love something terrible? Find out every
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Some feuds will never die. Just look at Pepsi vs. Coke; Mac vs. PC; and everybody that has ever been on the Jerry Springer Show. But of all the contentious feuds just itching to turn violent, you might be surprised to find that Disney's Aladdin is the one closest to boiling over. In this episode of Review Crew, we look back at what the critics said at the time. What is better? Let's see what EGM, Game Informer, Game Players and more thought of Disney's Aladdin!
WHAT DID THE CRITICS SAY?
(NOTE: Each game featured in Review Crew must have at least seven unique reviews, including a score. Not every review is listed below, as we've selected only a handful to represent the consensus. Still confused? Check out
the Review Crew introduction video.)
ALADDIN (GENESIS)
ELECTRONIC GAMING MONTHLY (Issue #52)
"What happened to the Genesis?!? Suddenly, all the latest titles are some of the best ever seen! This cart has got to be seen to be believed! The animation is absolutely flawless, making it look just like the animated movie -- literally! The slapstick humor of the movie is also retained. For example, when the guards run across hot coals, he jumps from toe-to-toe! Keep this up and who knows what will come next!" -Ed
(9 out of 10)
ELECTRONIC GAMING MONTHLY (Issue #52)
"It looks like it's going to be a good year for the Genesis. Aladdin takes many ideas from side-scrollers and turns it into a slapstick game everyone can enjoy! The sound effects are right on the money and the animation has yet to be rivaled. No other game comes close when comparing animation! The only problem with the game is the jerky scrolling that can be annoying for a while, but soon you'll forget it's there." -Danyon
(8 out of 10)
ELECTRONIC GAMING MONTHLY (Issue #52)
"Let's hear it for Virgin! This game is a masterpiece! The animation is second to none plus the little Disney touches to the backgrounds and characters make this cart a visual extravaganza. The sounds and music are also top-notch, with lots of emphasis on them and atmosphere. This cart also plays as good as a Mario or Sonic. Incredible controls and a variety of techniques make this cart one of the hottest." -Martin
(9 out of 10)
GAME PLAYERS (November 1993)
"Hold on to your magic carpet, gang -- you're in for one wild ride! Sure there was a lot of hype at CES, sure three of the top names in the entertainment biz are involved, but we still had to see for ourselves if Aladdin was all it's cracked up to be. Is it ever! Without a doubt, Aladdin will go down as one of the best action games of all time. We're talking history, folks!" -Editor
(90 out of 100%)
DIE HARD GAME FAN (November 1993)
"The development team at Virgin does in 3 months what most companies couldn't achieve in a year. Aladdin is, without a doubt, the most visually impressive cartridge based game that I have ever seen. It is also a well thought out, long and excellent controlling action platform, making this the one action title of '93, on the same level as Gunstar Heroes. Awards will be tough this year." -Skid
(99% out of 100%)
DIE HARD GAME FAN (November 1993)
"Aladdin offers animation and gameplay that is truly light years beyond anything I have ever played. While the music isn't the greatest, the game is put together perfectly. Disney, Virgin and Sega deserve an award for redefining gameplay and taking 16-bit cartridge games to a new level." -The Enquirer
(95% out of 100%)
DIE HARD GAME FAN (November 1993)
"Absolutely beautiful! Aladdin, in addition to being one of the best looking games ever made, is an addictive, challenging action/platform cartoon that is to video games what the movie was to animated features ... brilliant! This game is for all gamers and is not to be missed. Aladdin is sure to be around when it gets close to award time." -Sgt. Gamer
(97% out of 100%)
ALADDIN (SUPER NES)
ELECTRONIC GAMING MONTHLY (Issue 54)
"While the animation may pale in comparison to the Genesis version, this cart shouldn't be overlooked. Its graphics and music are top-notch, and the control is pretty good (except when you jump on an enemy). This game will keep most players working at it, as it's tough, but not impossible. Aladdin suits the movie just fine. The later levels are really neat. This is a good action game for Super NES owners." -Ed
(8 out of 10)
ELECTRONIC GAMING MONTHLY (Issue 54)
"Nice game! Superb controls. It's a little hard to get the hang of it at first, but once you do, you will be all set! The graphics and sounds are really fantastic, and the animations are very exceptional. My only gripe about this one is that it's a tad on the easy side (a little too easy!). Other than that, this version of Aladdin is great! This would be a great game for the younger gamers. Good job, Capcom!" -Sushi X
(8 out of 10)
GAME PLAYERS (May 1994)
"This is the one without Digicel animation, but who cares? It's got smooth moves, tons of personality, and a final boss that's BETTER than the Genesis version. Its only is that it's too short and easy." -Editor
(85% out of 100%)
SUPER PLAY (Issue #10)
"Disney's Aladdin can safely take its place with the other Disney games (like Magical Quest starring Mickey Mouse)! This is a different game from the Genesis version in that it moves a little slower, but there is a lot of technique and strategy involved! The graphics are very detailed, but the control is a little stiff." -Guy
(85% out of 100%)
GAME INFORMER (Jan/Feb 1994)
"Scheherazade's Arabian Nights story translates well into video game format. Capcom's SNES version is good but, after playing the Genesis game, this one doesn't have the same magic. Aladdin plays like a tougher version of Mickey's Magical Quest, but the graphics aren't as clean or impressive. I like the way the game closely follows the movie's plot. Overall it's a good license, but it failed to produce anything innovative in gameplay." -Rick, The Video Ranger
(7 out of 10)
NINTENDO POWER (Issue 55)
"Unusually smooth, detailed animation brings Aladdin to life, and he has a variety of great moves that are fun to use. The play control is excellent. He can jump and make fingertip grabs to land on distance ledges. He also runs at different speeds and stops on a dime. Not as challenging as you would expect from Capcom." -Editor
(3.8 out of 5)
DIE HARD GAME FAN (October, 1993)
"After playing Aladdin for the Genesis, I wasn't very interested in playing the SNES version. I should have known better. The first thing that hit me was the music ... incredible! I got a quick uppercut from the beautiful high rez graphics and even the animation holds its own against the Sega version. The final body blow however, is that the whole thing is over too quick. Great game but too short. Give me more!" -K. Lee
(87% out of 100%)
DIE HARD GAME FAN (October, 1993)
"Capcom has given 16-bit players another reason to own both the Genesis and SNES with its release of Aladdin. Although much shorter than Aladdin on the Genesis, Capcom's Aladdin makes up for it by giving the player a variety of play mechanics that takes Prince of Persia style animation and combines it with intense action to produce one of the best SNES titles of the year." -Sgt. Gamer
(89% out of 100%)
