In the game, players assume the role of Spryte and visit the worlds of four different princesses, including Snow White, Belle, Cinderella and Aurora. Each world consists of 5 different areas, and there are around 20 levels that have to be explored. Spryte is able to fly around in these areas, with the freedom to go anywhere she pleases. As you explore, you need to collect yellow gem shards, which are used to open up a magical door at the end of each level. However, Spryte is unable to collect the shards by herself, and needs the princesses to carry them.
This is where the game’s main challenge lies; you have to guide the princesses through each level. At times, you’ll need to find new pathways and solve minor puzzles, such as using Spryte’s magical abilities to create a bridge. This is achieved by simply connecting two heart symbols, or occasionally, activating platforms to change their position. Unfortunately, the difficulty level never goes beyond this, and because the gameplay mechanics are recycled continuously throughout the game, it starts feeling repetitive when you move on to different worlds. That said however, given the game is aimed towards the young female audience, this may be appropriate.
Hi ho. Hi ho. It's off to work we go!
Aside from opening up doorways, the gems also unlock new backgrounds for the top screen, as well as an alternate costume for each princess. Additionally, there are 3 secret items hidden in each level, which reflect back on the princess’ stories. For example, Cinderella’s secret items are her glass slippers, while Belle’s items are roses. If you successfully find all the princess’ items, you’ll be rewarded with a Magical Jewel.
After obtaining a Magical Jewel, the Evil Queen will appear for a showdown. During these moments, the gameplay changes to a race mini-game. Essentially, Spryte will chase after the Evil Queen in a vertical plane. Your task is to collect gems that fill a power bar at the bottom of the touch screen. Once completely full, the Evil Queen is banished, until your next encounter. Although the encounters change the pace of the game, fundamentally, they also suffer from repetitiveness and get boring quite quickly due to their limited gameplay.
Disney Princess: Magical Jewels also offers two other mini-games, which can either be played alone or with a friend via multi-card play. The first mini-game takes place in Ariel’s world, and sees you trying to form a bridge of bubbles before your opponent. The second mini-game lets players take control of Jasmine, and ride a magic carpet through a cave to collect lamps. Once again, these mini-games are limited and don’t really bring a lot to the package.
... Knock one down, pass it around, 9 gem shards left on the wall.
Despite the different styles of animation between the Disney franchises, the game adapts a more youthful and modern visualisation of the princesses and their worlds. This is mainly to keep the graphical style consistent throughout the game, but it also brings some new appeal to the characters, particularly for those who haven’t watched the older Disney films such as Snow White. Likewise, you won’t be hearing the classic Disney themes, but the developers have created a reasonable soundtrack which captures the cute and colourful worlds of each princess.
If you have a young girl at home, who’s interested in magical fairy tales, they’ll enjoy Disney Princess: Magical Jewels. Despite its limited gameplay, they’ll enjoy the vibrant worlds of each princess and the game’s low difficulty level. If you’re in your mid-teens or older however, then there isn’t too much on offer here.
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