The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - (Multiformat)
Developer: Traveller's Tales
Format: Multiformat
Genre: Arcade

All the creatures but no comfort

With the likes of Lego Star Wars and Indiana Jones behind them, you'd think that Traveller's Tales could do no wrong with such strong source material as the Narnia franchise

However, unless you know the story or have seen the film, you'll find a dizzying blend of cut scenes and plot details confusing the story of the children's return to the fabled land and their attempt to help the Prince overcome his nemesis, King Miraz.

To help with the transition there is plenty of button mashing and leaver pulling - a simplistic but fairly effective style of action here. Mass appeal it is, Metal Gear Solid stealth it isn't.

You'll also get the chance to flick through different characters with different abilities - and a chum can jump into the fray along the way as well, nothing if just a token nod to a multiplayer experience.

There is plenty of variety in the foes from Minotaurs and Centaurs to giants and bats and a rich selection of dungeon creeping and expansive open battle levels to hook the curious. What you'd expect though (on the next gen versions at least) is some amazing graphics and effects, detailed and immersive gameplay and an adherence to the plot that makes the journey enjoyable.

Rushed out in time to coincide with the movie? It seems that this might be the case. It's the only explanation for the developer's stumble with catching this gem. Perhaps if they'd have focused on a Lego version there would be a better end-product.

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