Stitch: Experiment 626

By all accounts Disney’s Lilo & Stitch is one of the better films to come from the Mouse House in recent years. But no matter the quality of the accompanying films, Disney’s games have been of a predictable standard: they’re always bland and inoffensive. Experiment 626, though, is completely different in that... no, it’s no good. Unfortunately Experiment 626 and the phrase "bland and inoffensive" are a match made in heaven. This is an extremely linear, needlessly easy platform game with basic graphics and not a single original idea to call its own. No doubt Disney will claim it’s aimed at kids and therefore has to be this way, but the whole concept of "kids' games" seems a very odd one: if there’s a child alive that isn’t at least twenty times better than their parents at any game that’s put in front of them they really are in the minority. Experiment 626 is not a very good video game; it is, however, based on a Disney film, so children who liked the film will no doubt enjoy it. However, we can’t help but think they’re almost certain to enjoy the vastly superior Jak & Daxter and a ticket to see the movie again even more. --David Jenkins

Stitch: Experiment 626 takes place before the Lilo & Stitch film begins, showing the massive space universe only hinted at in the movie. The player controls Stitch, using his powers to the fullest: climbing walls and ceilings, dashing with amazing speed, shooting up to four weapons at once (one in each hand), flying with the jetpack, and swinging using the grapple gun. The game features several of the film's memorable characters, including Jumba, Gantu, and Grand Councilwoman. Also, new characters have been created just for the game, including heavy soldiers, flying robots, rival mutants, and more. You will explore vast, colourful alien environments in 18 enormous levels, including Gas Giant, Alien Jungle, Jumba's Lab, and the Military Complex. The game invites you to partake in creative destruction on a grand scale. Almost everything in the world can be blown up or destroyed.

Disney's Stitch: Experiment 626 is a prequel to the movie which places the gamer in the character of Stitch and focuses on Stitch's relations with his creator. Stitch is a mischievous six-limbed alien genetic experiment with no sense of morality--he isn't evil, just mischievous, playful and destructive. Jumba, his creator, is a cruel man who treats Stitch as a servant. Through their interactions with the military units trying to capture them (led by Gantu) and Stitch's rival, Experiment 621, Stitch becomes more independent of Jumba, eventually leaving him. This angers Jumba, and leads to their final confrontation. The end of the game sets up for the movie, with Jumba captured by Gantu and Gantu trying to capture Stitch. Set in outer space and areas not seen in the movie, Stitch: Experiment 626 is an exciting title which combines puzzles, combat, destruction, exploration andcollection.