Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure presents a straightforward yet charming 3D platforming experience. You control Patch, one of the titular dalmatians, as he navigates 29 distinct levels across London rooftops, city streets, and the idyllic countryside. Each level tasks you with collecting a specific number of items—bones, snacks, apples—and rescuing your kidnapped siblings, all while avoiding a variety of hazards, from curious cats and cheeky squirrels to the nefarious Cruella De Vil and her bumbling henchmen, Horace and Jasper.

Patch’s move set includes digging, rolling, barking, and jumping, which combine to create a decent range of traversal options. Digging spots often hide shortcuts or collectible caches, while rolling grants extra speed for timed sections and can briefly stun minor enemies. The barking mechanic serves both as an attack and a means to interact with certain objects, adding a light puzzle element. Though simple, these abilities are solidly implemented and give the game a playful feel reminiscent of its animated roots.

Every four or five levels, the game introduces timed bonus rounds where you must gather a set number of bones against the clock. These bite-sized challenges break up the main progression and test your mastery of the core mechanics. While they provide welcome variety, the strict time limits can occasionally feel unforgiving, especially for younger players. Nonetheless, successfully conquering a bonus round yields a satisfying sense of accomplishment and encourages replay if you fall short on your first attempt.

Graphics

Given the era and target audience, the graphics of Patch’s London Adventure are colorful and faithful to the movie’s art style. Character models for Patch, Thunderbolt, and Cruella are instantly recognizable, capturing Disney’s signature expressions and mannerisms. Environments range from detailed brickwork on Victorian rooftops to lush greenery in the countryside, offering a delightful visual contrast throughout the adventure.

Texture quality is modest by modern standards but holds up well on consoles of its time. Surfaces are smooth and bright, though occasionally flat under certain lighting conditions. Animations are playful and fluid: Patch’s roll and bark moves feel snappy, and the background NPCs—bobbies, cats, and squirrels—add life to each zone with their idle antics. The limited polygon count doesn’t detract from the game’s charm, as the designers cleverly use color and scale to create a believable miniature world for Patch to explore.

Cut-scene segments are presented through a series of still frames taken from the movie, accompanied by simple text narration. While these static sequences lack the polish of full-motion cut scenes, they effectively bridge gameplay segments and keep the story moving. However, the infrequency of these story interludes means players unfamiliar with the film might find themselves craving more dynamic storytelling between levels.

Story

The narrative premise places you in Patch’s paws shortly after the events of the first movie. Your family’s move to the countryside inadvertently leaves you behind in bustling London. As you search for your lost siblings, Cruella De Vil springs back into villainy, orchestrating another round of dognappings. It’s here that you meet Thunderbolt, your favorite TV canine hero, and team up to outwit Cruella and her goons.

While the plot closely mirrors the animated sequel, the in-game storytelling is minimalist. Most of the narrative unfolds through brief text-based cut scenes, which slide in between gameplay without voice acting. This approach allows younger players to follow the storyline easily, but it can feel sparse for those expecting more cinematic depth. Fans of the film will appreciate the nods to familiar scenes, yet newcomers may need to watch the movie to fully grasp the motivations and relationships at play.

Despite its simplicity, the story provides adequate motivation for progressing through the levels. Each rescue mission heightens the stakes, and the camaraderie between Patch and Thunderbolt injects warmth and humor. Though the narrative doesn’t break new ground, it stays true to the spirit of Disney’s heartwarming adventures, offering enough context to keep you invested until the final confrontation with Cruella.

Overall Experience

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure shines as a family-friendly platformer that balances accessibility with light challenge. Its level design is varied, combining urban exploration with pastoral escapades, and the collectible-driven objectives ensure players remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed. The addition of timed bonus rounds adds replay value, encouraging completionists to refine their skills and achieve perfect runs.

Audio design complements the visuals well, featuring upbeat musical themes that evoke classic Disney tunes. Sound effects—from Patch’s enthusiastic bark to the clatter of rolling barrels—are crisp and satisfying. Load times between levels are generally brief, maintaining the game’s brisk pacing and preventing frustration during repeated retries of challenging segments.

Ultimately, Patch’s London Adventure delivers a pleasant and non-intimidating platforming journey suitable for younger gamers and nostalgic Disney fans alike. While it may not offer the depth or technical prowess of more ambitious 3D platformers, its charming presentation, straightforward mechanics, and faithful adaptation of beloved characters make it a worthwhile addition to any family’s gaming library. Whether you’re guiding Patch to reunite with his siblings or simply reveling in a slice of Disney magic, this game provides an engaging experience from start to finish.

Retro Replay Score

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