Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Disney’s That’s So Raven adapts the hit TV show into a straightforward side-scrolling adventure where you control Raven Baxter through school hallways, the local mall and other familiar sets. The core loop revolves around moving left or right, jumping over obstacles and managing Raven’s health bar, which depletes whenever she bumps into trash cans, encounters overzealous classmates or falls from awkward heights.

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What sets the game apart is Raven’s signature psychic premonitions. At certain points, you’ll trigger a vision of impending chaos—typically a friend in danger or a scene turned on its head. These visions initiate short mini-challenges in which you must collect specific items (like hamburgers or CDs) or use Raven’s perfume spritz and bottled spring water to trip up enemies. Success means the present-day scenario unfolds successfully; failure often leads to comical mishaps that nod to the unpredictability of Raven’s powers.

Puzzle elements are woven into nearly every level. Beyond platforming, you’ll wake sleeping classmates in class, locate hidden collectibles to appease friends and solve light environmental puzzles. The difficulty is gentle, making it suitable for younger fans, though completionists will appreciate the handful of secret areas and timed challenges that extend playtime and encourage replay.

Graphics

The visual presentation faithfully channels the vibrant, cartoonish art style of the TV series. Character sprites are colorful and expressive, with Raven’s signature wide-eyed poses and dynamic handbag twirls faithfully rendered in pixel form. Backgrounds — from the bustling Bayside Mall to Raven’s bedroom — are detailed and instantly recognizable to fans.

Animation is solid for a licensed Disney title. Raven’s run cycle feels snappy, and her psychic vision transitions are accompanied by playful distortion effects that add a layer of polish. Enemy characters, like snooty geeks and mischievous bullies, sport exaggerated features that make them instantly readable and fun to dispatch with a well-placed perfume spritz.

While the graphics won’t compete with the latest 3D platformers, the game runs smoothly on its intended hardware, with no noticeable slowdown even when multiple items (like bottles of water, perfume and falling props) fill the screen. The charming palette and clean UI ensure younger players won’t feel overwhelmed by on-screen clutter.

Story

That’s So Raven doesn’t follow a deep, overarching narrative but rather strings together bite-sized episodes that mirror the sitcom’s day-in-the-life format. Each level represents a “typical” Raven adventure: navigating a hectic school morning, thwarting mall mischief, or dodging family drama at home. The loose episodic structure means you can jump in at any point without feeling adrift.

Psychic premonitions serve as both gameplay triggers and light narrative beats. Every time Raven catches a glimpse of the future, the game pauses to deliver a short, humorous cutscene that plays like a mini-gag from the show—complete with Raven’s trademark head gestures and hand-on-hips sass. These moments are delightful fan service, even if they don’t add much depth to the overall plot.

Supporting characters like Chelsea, Eddie and Raven’s parents make cameo appearances, helping to recreate the familiar sitcom ambiance. Dialogue is sparse and delivered through text bubbles rather than voice acting, but the writing captures the show’s playful tone. Fans will appreciate the inside jokes, while newcomers can still follow along with minimal context.

Overall Experience

That’s So Raven is a charming licensed title that excels at capturing the spirit of the Disney Channel series. It offers a light, accessible platforming adventure with enough puzzle variety to keep younger players engaged. The intuitive controls and gradual difficulty curve make it an ideal pick for fans of the show and families seeking a kid-friendly game.

Although its episodic structure and relatively short playtime may leave seasoned gamers craving more depth, completionists will find plenty of hidden items and mini-challenges to unlock. The faithful graphics and whimsical premonition mechanics deliver a nostalgic trip for longtime viewers, while the simplicity ensures newcomers aren’t left behind.

Overall, That’s So Raven provides a fun, uncomplicated experience that leans heavily on its TV roots. If you’re looking for a lighthearted platformer with a healthy dose of psychic hijinks and Disney charm, this game will fit the bill—even if it won’t revolutionize the genre.

Retro Replay Score

5.6/10