The Lion King 1½ (video game)

Did You Know?

• Screenshots released on October 2, 2003 showed gameplay similar to The Lost Vikings.
• The game was released the same day the original film came to DVD for the first time.
• The game is known as Disney's The Lion King outside North America.

Gameplay

Players control Timon and Pumbaa as they search for Hakuna Matata. Three modes are available: Solo, Cooperative, and Team. In Solo mode, the player uses either Timon or Pumbaa alone through platforming levels. Cooperative mode has players alternating between the two characters to solve puzzles and complete tasks. Team mode features Timon riding Pumbaa in chase sequences where obstacles must be avoided. Completing a set of levels unlocks a video clip from the film. Collecting all 40 grubs in a level awards special puzzle pieces; gathering all puzzle pieces for a set unlocks a time-limited bonus level where the character must reach the end for an extra health point, with clocks adding time. Hidden power-ups include a remote that stops enemies, a drink that defeats all enemies on screen, and a beetle granting an extra health point. Two hidden upgrades per character exist: a hat and cane and a hula outfit for Timon that stuns hyenas longer, and stink bugs for Pumbaa that allow more frequent attacks.

Critical reception

The game holds a Metacritic score of 64/100 from four reviews and a GameRankings aggregate of 62.87% from six reviews. GameZone rated it 8.8/10, praising teamwork and well-balanced gameplay as enjoyable for kids. Nintendojo gave it 6.5/10, calling it well-animated and entertaining but unforgivably easy. Nintendo Power scored it 2.7/5, noting intuitive play control and simple level design make it suitable for all skill levels.