Introduction

Back in 2011, when the world was still coining the phrase 'planking' and Justin Bieber was just a lad with a mop for hair, Disney dropped a little gem known as Disney Universe on unsuspecting PS3 owners. If you've ever dreamed of donning a costume that resembles a character from your favorite Disney film, and then going to battle against surprisingly aggressive foes, this might be the game for you, assuming you have friends who are equally as willing to embarrass themselves in public as you are.

Gameplay

Disney Universe is a cooperative action-adventure romp that lets up to four players jump into a variety of Disney-themed worlds. Picture this: you, your friends, and a charming character from 'The Lion King' are tasked with navigating through a world where enemies throw tantrums and set booby traps. As you explore, you'll gather power-ups and coins like a bunch of raccoons in a dumpster. The levels are a delightful mashup of the classic and modern Disney universe, including favorites like 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Monsters, Inc.' which does make one wonder how the Mad Hatter would feel about monsters invading his tea party. In true 'Disney magic' fashion, players earn costumes and can acquire no fewer than 45 of them that represent various beloved Disney franchises. Just imagine the possibilities! You could be a pirate swinging a sword in one moment and a charming prince in another, all the while wondering why you didn't become a doctor instead. To keep things interesting, the game boasts a character mode where your costumes can be upgraded by hunting down elusive stars scattered throughout the levels. Each costume might look different but feel the same when it comes to skills, which is a good reminder that when you boil it down, it's not what's on the outside that counts. If you find yourself playing without friends, fear not! Single-player mode hears your desperate pleas and offers a buddy in the form of AI-because if you can't have friends, why not have a robot buddy to share in your descent into Disney madness?

Graphics

Graphics in Disney Universe strive for a colorful, cartoonish aesthetic that mostly works, in that it looks like a vibrant fever dream. The combination of characters, worlds, and overall ambiance makes it feel like an animated postcard. One can tell the developers aimed to make the game pop with colors that would make even the most mundane of objects seem whimsical, especially when your character is dressed as a pineapple (don't ask how I got there). Seeing Simba battle through the depths of the Alaskan tundra one moment and then sailing through a sunlit Caribbean scene the next might leave you scratching your head, but that's the charm of a Disney universe, right? Not all the character models were designed with the same care, leading to some looking stunning, while others seem ripped straight out of a '90s cartoon show. In short: it's a mixed bag-if the bag contained lollipops and old socks.

Conclusion

In the end, Disney Universe offers a decent amount of fun, especially for those who enjoy multiplayer antics that resemble the chaotic nature of a Disney party gone wrong. It's a game that's ideal for casual gaming sessions aimed at eliciting laughter and trading banter, although it lacks depth for those seeking something more substantial than a few costumes and themed worlds. So if you're looking to indulge in a delightful mix of nostalgia and chaotic adventure, gather your pals, grab some snacks, and dive headfirst into Disney Universe. Just don't expect to come out a changed person-you'll still be you, just wearing a goofy hat.

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