Arthur and the Invisibles - Large adventures in a small environment

Mike Bantick
Tuesday, 09 January 2007 08:46

Opinion and Analysis

Arthur and the Invisibles
	Developer:	Various
	Publisher:	Atari
	Rating:	G
PS2, PC, PSP,Nintendo DS, GBA - Reviewed on PS2

Luc Besson has given film goers some of the most visually unique experiences over recent years, now comes a video game adaptation that truly tries to match the cinematic optics, and delivers satisfying game play to boot.

'Arthur and the Invisibles' take the player, as Arthur, into world of the Minimoys, a miniature fantasy environment found in Grand Father's own back yard.

As a trio, min-Arthur and his cohorts, Bétamèche and the sassy Selenia must save the  Minimoys from the oppression of the mosquito riding enemy.

Focus of game play is very much on using the trio's individual skills, or more simply placing each character in a certain point in order to trigger hidden doors into the next environment.  There is equal balance on puzzle solving and combat, with neither being over taxing.

Controls are slick, responsive and forgiving enough for even young players to find their way into the Minimoys plight.  The youngest players however will require an older guiding hand in order to progress.

Similar games such as Lemony Snickets series of unfortunate events and Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe used similar game play approaches whilst wielding a major film license.  But none of these approached the visual appeal of this title.

Luc Besson has brought the world such optic stunning movie going experiences The Fith Element, Kiss of the dragon, Nikita and The Transporter.  This movie is no different, albeit mostly animation.  The integrated scenes from the movie work well with the graphics of the game, and overall convey a lush environment that gives this title the nod over previous movie tie ins of similar ilk.