In addition to the platform levels, Treasure Planet gives you the chance to
ride Jim's solar surfer. Controlling the surfer is easy enough using accelerate, brake, and steering buttons. You also have a jump button to
provide an extra boost when crossing gaps and another which lowers the sail so
that you can make it under low-hanging obstructions. The game is very
forgiving with regards to crashing, and the only real danger to losing a life or
falling off the surfer is neglecting to lower the sail when passing under
obstructions.
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Solar surfing. |
Like the platform levels, the goal in the surfer levels is to complete a
series of challenges to gain beacons that will unlock the next level. The
ubiquitous coin and energy orb challenges are present in the surfer levels, as
well as repeating speed and stunt challenges. Neither of these are very
difficult, especially the stunt challenge. Since it is impossible to
wipe-out on the surfer, stunts are very easy to pull off and randomly pressing
the stunt buttons will invariably award you with enough points to complete the
challenge before time expires.
The surfer levels are more enjoyable than the platform levels, and give you
more of a feeling of freedom. The level designs don't come close to
matching the levels found in today's typical extreme sports games, so once
you've raced through a level a few times you'll be more than ready to move on.
Perhaps if the game allowed more freedom to explore larger areas filled with
potential stunt points, then these levels might have provided more enjoyment and
staying power.
The surfer levels also suffer the same feeling of disconnect with the
storyline suffered by the platform levels. For example, Dr. Doppler might
tell you that it is very important that you complete the course within the
allotted time, but no attempt is made to explain why this is the case and what
exactly it has to do with reaching Treasure Planet. The movie didn't
feature Jim traveling to different planets and space stations to complete time
trials because it wouldn't have made much sense, and wouldn't have been an
enjoyable movie to watch.
In The End, This Game Hath Been Rated:
67%. The game is a thoroughly average platformer/boarding game, and
will disappoint players trying to relive the adventure of the Treasure Planet
movie.
« Plain ol' platforming