Virgin's Aladdin remains a visual peak on the Mega Drive, with animation worthy of a Disney cartoon. Short, but its smoothness and charm hold up perfectly.
Your verdict
Category
Platformer1 player3+
Description
Aladdin battles Jafar and his henchmen in Disney film-inspired levels in this Sega and Virgin Mega Drive platformer. Published by Sega/Virgin, released in the United States in November 1993. Platformer with Aladdin using his sword and apples, colourful Disney film levels, exceptional visuals.
Aladdin review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
Animation drawn by Disney studios: sprites of prodigious fluidity, shimmering colours and teeming Oriental settings compose a playable animated film of rare beauty. The suppleness of the line and the richness of the hues overflow with charm. This art direction, polished and sumptuous, remains a peak of the 16-bit platformer.
The NTSC release of Aladdin is the US version of Virgin's game in a large Genesis print. Collector value comes from the recognised port quality and from the Genesis version preceding all 16-bit Disney ports.
Is Aladdin still worth playing in 2026?
A Mega Drive adaptation of the Disney film by Virgin Games with animation supervised by Disney studios, Aladdin offers a 2D platformer of absolutely exceptional animation quality for the era. The sword system differentiates the title from the Super Nintendo version and offers more dynamic handling. The levels faithful to the film, the orchestral soundtrack and the well dosed pacing remain absolutely irresistible. For anyone fond of Disney or polished 16 bit platformers, an absolutely essential recommendation today still here truly indeed.
