Overall: After getting burned on the buginess of Pirates of the Caribbean, I was a bit skeptical when I picked up a copy of The Haunted Mansion. However, Mrs. Skoal thought it looked "cute." Thinking that my current Xbox library was lacking in the platformer department, I decided to give it a shot.
One thing to remember is that while there is an upcoming movie of the same name starring Eddy Murphy, the only thing I could tell that the two have in common is that they are both based on the Disney Ride of the same name.
The game is set in post-Civil War Louisiana. Players assume the role of one Zeke Halloway. The gawky looking Zeke answers an ad to become the caretaker of a dilapidated mansion outside of New Orleans. Zeke quickly learns that he has been summoned by the ghosts to free the 999 captured souls within the mansion from the forces of evil.
Those looking for scares and chills may be a bit disappointed as the game is primarily geared for kids. However, anyone that loves a good platformer or is a big Disney freak should give this game a shot. The game is priced at $39.99 and includes a free pass to the movie, making this a great value. Gameplay: While the gameplay includes your typical platformer fare (jumping puzzles and collecting items), there are a multitude of other puzzle varieties to keep it fresh throughout. There are also numerous monsters and haunts to battle with your tricked out lantern. Graphics: While no one will ever claim the graphics push the the Xbox hardware to its limits, the developers did an excellent job of using the graphics to translate the mood of the ride into the game. The dim lit and dull look of a haunted room stands in stark contrast to the same room that has been rid of its netherworld inhabitants. The cutscenes are excellent and not overused. Sound: Just like the graphics, the developers utilized the sound to translate the mood of the ride into the game. Voice acting is very well done and the creaking and moaning to be heard throughtout the mansion adds to the atmosphere. Of course it all sounds great in Dolby Digital. Suggestions: Can anyone say "It's a Small World"??? Just kidding, but I would definitely like to see the developers build upon this excellent title with more quality platformers.