Until now, Disney?s Haunted Mansion has been an ageless attraction found in all of Disney?s flagship theme parks. The attraction has been enjoyed by countless park goers, and over the years has developed a fan base, along with a number of intriguing storylines surrounding the mansion. After over 30 years, Disney, along with publisher TDK Mediactive are giving the attraction a face lift, with a film starring Eddie Murphy, based on the ride and a new video game to go along with it.
TDK is working on a console and a Game Boy Advance version of the game. The GBA version of the game focuses on the misadventures of a cell phone honing girl who has been separated from her friends while exploring a neighborhood haunted house. This title is still in very early stages of development, though it does look like it might appeal to a younger audience interested in puzzles and exploration.
The consoles version of Haunted Mansion, however, will be a different experience altogether. As a frequent visitor to the actual Haunted Mansion in Walt Disney World, I was very impressed to see 30 rooms bearing a striking resemblance to the attraction's locale. All are infested with ghosts and puzzles and provide a great setting for the game's content.
In a Disneyesque fashion, Haunted Mansion has a setting that isn?t altogether comical, but seems to steer in the cartoon direction and atmosphere. The elements in the game are meant to incorporate concepts introduced in the attraction and the film; however the story is not a direct recreation of the film.
There are 999 souls trapped inside the Haunted Mansion, and it is up to you, a tall, clanky character introduced to me as the ?caretaker of the Haunted Mansion,? to free every one. With an appearance that is similar to Ichabod Crane, I was impressed by the fluid cartoon nature of his actions and reactions to the environment. Armed with only a lone lantern, your responsibilities include illuminating the dark rooms of the mansion, freeing the lost souls from their trappings, and capturing them by shooting a stream of light from your lantern.
The rooms all incorporate interesting puzzles. I was demonstrated a technique that required me to jump into a crooked painting. Walking through the painting leads to another painting in the upstairs portion of the room. Other puzzles range in their nature and difficulty.
Although there is nothing revolutionary about Haunted Mansion, I can?t help but feel a sense of satisfaction seeing a favorite childhood attraction make its way into a well designed, and graphically appealing game. The appeal of Haunted Mansion should be felt by young players, and fans of the ride. The movie probably won?t hurt either.
