Whenever a new Disney movie comes out, it's a sure bet that a game adaptation of the movie is sure to follow. With some exceptions (such as Tarzan on the PSX), these titles usually feature watered down graphics, repetitive gameplay, or any number of problems usually reserved for 'bottom shelf' games. Before I began the Treasure Planet game, I decided to see the movie in order to reduce the 'spoiler factor' of the game (a mistake I made with this summer's Lilo and Stitch game). After seeing the film, and having the 'typical Disney movie game' in my mind, I was a little worried it would tarnish the positive view I left the theater with.

I really have to stop having preconceived notions about things. The game is actually pretty good, so good in fact that it tops my all-time favorite 'Disney movie-based game', Aladdin (on the Genesis). While not as good looking as recent platform games such as Ratchet and Clank or Sly Cooper, Treasure Planet still manages to deliver a very appealing graphical package. These are some of the prettiest and most impressive levels I've seen in a game due to the inclusion of details - something Disney games aren't usually known for. One lap through the Ore Factory or romp though the jungles should be enough to convince players that everything you thought you knew about Disney games is about to change. The stages are actually laid out very similar to those found in Ratchet and Clank. Each level follows a smartly designed path that branch off into hidden areas that will eventually fold in on itself creating a circuit. This eliminates the frustration of having to backtrack and gives the game a real flow.

Character animations and designs are extremely fluid and would make Walt proud. One of the things that really impressed me was how accurate each of the character's movements and mannerisms matched the movie. As a comparison, watch the solar surfer movie clip at the beginning of the second level and compare it to Jim's in-game moves and tricks.

The game's music is very enjoyable and doesn't pull the typical trick of either trying to mimic the movie's score or outright using it. Each of the game's levels feature background music that have a fun sound that really capture the futuristic-pirate motif of the movie by combining a old-time pirate/seafarer -style with a few licks of the electric guitar. I'll admit, the music can and will get repetitive, but the beat is catchy enough that you're likely to stick it out. The voice work is excellent and features the voices from the film including: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, David Hyde Pierce, Martin Short, and Emma Thompson.

As an added bonus, the game also features the music video for the movie's theme song, 'I'm still here' by Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls.

Treasure Planet only loosely follows the plot of the movie; in fact, I think it's safe to say that most of the game's scenarios have almost nothing to do with the film. This is something to be expected in order to help make the game more interesting (unless you want to sit through long movie clips with short gameplay segments thrown in). Although this may be distressing to purists, I should note that the plot isn't completely butchered and follows the same general outline of the movie.

Treasure Planet begins much like the film with Jim Hawkins finding a map to the legendary Treasure Planet. This discovery sets Jim and his mentor, Dr. Doppler, on a search for the planet to recover the huge fortune which was hidden on the planet by Captain Flint. This is where the game steers away from the movie's plot. Instead of just going to the planet (as in the movie), Jim has to travel from area to area locating the map beacons that will lead them to the planet's location. Opening the beacons allows Jim to open portals to different worlds, although it is not required for him to open every beacon in order to progress. Instead, each level is unlocked by discovering a certain number of beacons. This makes the game a little more flexible, but it hurts the overall story since it is possible to skip entire levels and still beat the game.

Treasure Planet isn't the most original of games and borrows heavily from both Ratchet and Clank and Jakk and Daxter with just a pinch of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Each level contains beacons that must be unlocked by completing various tasks in the level such as clearing a certain puzzle, collecting all the energy orbs in the level, or obtaining a certain trick score in the solar surfer levels. Joining Jim on his adventure is his side-kick Morph, a little pink blob with the ability to turn into tools. The catch is that Morph is rather unstable and can only hold the form for a certain length of time, requiring Jim to be fleet of foot when trying to solve puzzles.

Aside from the platform levels, another major element of the game is the solar surfer levels. For those who haven't seen the film, think of a solar surfer as a hovering, jet-powered snowboard with a sail on it. These levels are easily some of the most exciting and addicting levels in the game. During these missions, Jim not only has to collect drubloons and energy, but also must complete lap times and perform tricks in order to unlock beacons.

As much as Treasure Planet tries to distance itself from the Disney template, it's not as successful when it comes to the game's difficulty level. This game is a tad too easy at times and only becomes difficult during spots where you have to make a 'leap of faith' or during the solar surfer missions. Treasure Planet does have a few tricky moments though, especially when you try to go for 100 percent of the beacons.

One of the make or break components of any platform game are the control system. Although the controls are just a tad too loose, it's apparent that Bizarre Creations spent some time in working out the game scheme. One of the things I really liked about that game was that even though it would give you a message window explaining how a feature works, the system felt also instinctive. Controlling Morph is very simple, just step on a 'Morph Pad' an press X. Morph can even grab hard to reach drubloons and turn himself into a hammer.

One of the game's main weaknesses is its length, which is due to the limitations of staying with the film's general plot. Treasure Planet only features twenty levels, and while that may seem like a lot at first, many are very short boss-battles. This will make the game a breeze for advanced players, but makes it ideal as both a rental and kids game.

In the end, Treasure Planet is one of those games many people say they want, but are unlikely to try because of the stigma of it being a 'Disney game' or 'kiddy'. The fact of the matter is, Treasure Planet is an enjoyable platform game and well worth trying out - even if you hate Disney. Those who are willing to approach the game with an open mind will find that it's an extremely fun experience and captures what games are supposed to be about - having fun!

By all means - give this game a chance, you'll be surprised.