Genesis / Pocahontas

[Radical Lanzar]

Synopsis / Overview
Pocahontas is a character of actual history. Disney made a movie around her and her cohort John Smith. Like many of the popular animated movies that Disney created, Pocohontas earned itself a game. However, unlike normal games, this one is a bit different. It is a platformer, but the character (Pocahontas) is teamed up with a buddy (Meeko, a Raccoon) as a swappable tag team. Each character is capable of different feats and often times they must help each other out. Pocohontas can also gain different abilities as she helps out various animals that are in peril, trouble or just need assistance. These abilities act like a level up system of sorts. As Pocohontas 'levels up' she gains more abilities and can accomplish more in game.

Gameplay
Pocohontas and Meeko 'team up'. They can help each other, or go off on their own until they run into an obstacle. Often times one character must move an object or gain an ability to help his/her teammate. Some areas just cannot be traversed until an ability is acquired. These abilities often come in the form of an animal that is in need of assistance. These events take the form of a puzzle that requires puzzle solving skills. A bit of guess work, thinking and work is required to get through this game. Don't be afraid to try, because despite being a difficult game, it is also very forgiving in what the player can do wrong.

Sound
Each level plays its own music, which sounds like a variant of music from the actual movie. I can't say I particularily enjoyed the drums and other percussion instruments; this is a Sega Genesis game and music synthesis is usually a hit or a miss. Sound effects on the other hand, are quite unique and blend in quite well with the Genesis's sound synthesizer. Meeko's cries for help are particularily memoreable - his gasping for air stands out as the poor racoon flails his way in the water in an attempt to get to shore.

Graphics
Graphics are a combination of hand drawn, cell shaded and anti-aliased. This game hardly looks real, but it does look like something out of the movie. The art style of the characters is kept throughout. Landscape and scenery also match.

StorylineRumors are circulating about strange travellers just outside of the area. Pocohontas is sent to investigate. What happens is anybody's guess. She'll be armed with the knowledge of her people, the abilities of animals, and a goofy sidekick will also be around to help her.

Lanzar's Thoughts
Among all of the platformer games I've ever played, this is one of those that stands out in my mind. Not only does it follow a unique style of gameplay (akin to Lester the Unlikely), but it uses a level up system via abilities and a partner tag team with an animal mascot. I don't ever recall running into a game quite like this. If I was looking for different, this is the kind of game I'd want to play to keep me occupied - especially if I was looking for something constructive to do.

[Editor's Note] Disney made quite a few games for the early platformers. This is probably one of the most difficult, but intuitive at the same time. The only game that comes remotely close as far as gameplay goes, is Lester the Unlikely.

[retrosportsgamer]

I don't recall this Disney platformer - thanks for sharing. Do you have a blog or twitter account that you post through?

[Radical Lanzar]

I don't recall this Disney platformer - thanks for sharing. Do you have a blog or twitter account that you post through?

https://twitter.com/blazingpocket
http://www.youtube.com/user/BlazingPocket
http://blazingpocket.com/