October 11, 2011

Pap the Disney Gamer's Highlights: Disney DVD Game World

With the advent of DVD technology (and now its successor the Blu-Ray disc), it allowed for a far deeper level of interactivity beyond just watching a movie in its clearest video and sound presentation. The DVD technology was strong enough that movie fans could watch a lengthy documentary while the film was playing and even listen to multiple audio tracks. Disney pushed this to the next level with their various DVD releases, including everything from in-depth documentaries to fun video games. In 2006, they took the idea of DVD gaming even further and released two games under the name of Disney DVD Game World.

The idea behind Disney DVD Game World is to expand upon the concept of DVD set top games and allow stronger focus on this being its own unique game rather than a bonus feature on a DVD. This meant that they weren't limited to just the feature film and further experiment with their own franchises and characters. Disney had already experimented with this concept with 2003's Lilo and Stitch's Island of Adventures, but that is a whole different game altogether (stay tuned for that game here on Gamer Tuesday!).

The first Disney DVD Game World release was Disney Dogs: Blue Ribbon Challenge featuring famous Disney dogs such as Pluto, Tramp, and a Dalmatian. They are all competing for the important Puppy Cup prize. Later, Disney released a Disney Princess edition featuring the famous and world renowned Disney Princesses.

Both games feature the same basic gameplay structure. Played like a classic board game, players choose their character and compete with each other by answering trivia questions as well as partake in other challenges in order to reach the finish line and be crowned the winner. Up to four players could participate in each game. On Disney Dogs, each board featured segments from famous Disney films such as 101 Dalmatians and Fox and the Hound, while the Disney Princess version featured a virtual castle, each room themed after the various Disney Princesses.

If you played some of the games featured in other Disney DVD releases, then you will understand how the Disney DVD Game World controls and works. All it takes is the DVD remote control to mark your selections. Both versions of the game feature hundreds of challenges as well as trivia questions based on Disney films and other pieces of Disney trivia. The 2006 release of the Fox and the Hound 2 DVD features a demo of the Disney Dogs edition, so if you are curious, you can check it out and see what you think before you buy.

The creation of the Disney DVD Game World titles proved that Disney gaming didn't have to limit itself to consoles, handhelds, and computers. Like I mentioned at the beginning of this article, the DVD revolution already allowed for this kind of experience to exist, but Disney went above and beyond and gave us some really unique releases. It shattered the limitations of presenting both the game and the film and instead focusing on delivering a gameplay experience anyone could really enjoy without even needing prior gameplay knowledge.