Disney's Dinosaur Action Game

Disney's Dinosaur Action Game is an arcade and problem-solving game for children 8 years and older, which casts players in the roles of characters from its feature film. Aladar and his friends scamper through an inimical environment: fighting off hostile dinosaurs, helping forest animals find their way to food and shelter, and trying to survive the many hazards thrown their way en route. Player control alternates between the three characters depending on the task at hand. As a pteranodon, naturally, Flia takes all the flying tasks, fetching tiny but essential items from crags and treetops. Zini the lemur is especially useful when climbing is required, and he can also throw stones in the path of enemies and obstacles. Of the three, Aladar is the big hitter, using his iguanodon might to head-butt enemies or smash at them with his muscular tail.

The most pleasing aspect of this game is its emphasis on teamwork. Players switch from character to character as the needs of their situation change. They also move collectively to deal with some threats. Though play is mission based--meaning that you must solve a preset task before advancing to the next level of play--the action is presented at arcade speed. Therefore, Aladar must dodge explosions of lava, jump over massive earth fissures, and face predators head-on--all while trying to rescue a trapped Flia. As you move into higher levels of play, the characters' unique abilities increase, making them an ever-more efficient but still interdependent unit. Ironically--in this context, anyway--the game is a single-player interface, with no multi-user or Internet options.

Dinosaur Action Game offers high-quality graphics, appealing characters, a cohesive storyline, and danger aplenty. It is a combination that will keep young gamers on the edge of their seats, guaranteeing many hours of fun. (Ages 8 to adult) --Alyx Dellamonica

Amazon.com Product Description
Danger lurks in every corner as you try to survive in a prehistoric world based on the Disney Dinosaur movie. Lead the dinosaur through scorching lava flows, toxic smoke, and scalding geysers. Fight velociraptors, albertosaurs, oviraptors, and carnotaurs in 14 monster missions. All the action is rendered with richly textured 3-D graphics. You can play alone or with others, and on a variety skill levels. The game features scenes and voice actors from the Disney movie and an interactive encyclopedia.

Another thing was the violence. Not much gore, but you did hack up those enemies until they are dead and sometimes all bloody. The dying was pretty realistic( the Champsosaurus suffocates when he dies), and that`s not a compliment. Next, it is not based on the movie much. There is no Bruton in it, and most of the missions were not in the movie, either. And the enemies (Champsosaurus? Dryptosaurus? Quetzocoatlus?) were DEFINITLY not in the movie. I`ve seen the movie, believe me. Oh, and it`s a big space hog. I mean, almost 150 MB hard disk space for the space saver???!!! And you need a 3-D accelerated video card, unless you want bad graphics! I play it on my dad`s power machine (it`s an ME) instead of my own computer!

One of the good missions were 4&5. You had to play either the next mission or the one you just completed, so I had to start a new game usually, and play 1,2 & 3 to get to 4&5. Sometimes, the enviroments and music is a bit unfriendly. Unless your very experienced with action games, I wouldn`t reccomend it to you.


Embark on a Prehistoric Adventure!   March 21, 2001
Harvester (Toms River, NJ USA)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful

Another wonderful title from the folks at Disney Interactive. The Dinosaur Action Game combines outstanding graphics with voice talent from the film to provide a solid game experience. The ability to choose different protagonists greatly enhances the gameplay. I must admit that some of the game environments are a little dark (Toy Story 2 Action Game is more visually appealing), but if you're a fan of the film or of Disney Interactive games, this will be an excellent addition.