Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Disney’s The Haunted Mansion delivers a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and light combat that keeps players invested throughout Zeke Holloway’s spooky adventure. From the moment you step into the foyer, the game encourages full free-roam of the mansion’s many wings, each brimming with hidden passages, secret rooms, and spectral surprises. Navigation feels intuitive, whether you’re gliding across creaky floorboards or peering through dusty keyholes to uncover the next clue.

The core mechanic revolves around the Beacon of Souls, a lantern-like device that collects Shriveled Souls scattered through the mansion. Gathering these lesser ghosts is both rewarding and strategic: certain puzzles unlock only once you’ve powered the Beacon sufficiently, while others require Soul Gems granted by your ghostly allies. This interplay of exploration and resource management adds depth, as you decide whether to delve deeper into dark hallways or backtrack to previously locked zones.

Combat in The Haunted Mansion is straightforward but satisfying. Zeke wields his trusty lantern to stun poltergeists, then traps them in spectral canisters. As you assist friendly spirits like Madame Leota and her six companions, they provide upgrades—boosted lantern range, faster soul-siphoning, and even temporary shields against more aggressive phantoms. Boss encounters, especially the climactic showdown with Atticus Thorn, test your mastery of these abilities without ever feeling unfair.

Graphics

The game’s visual design evokes a perfect blend of classic Disney charm and eerie gothic atmosphere. Textured walls peel and crack under flickering candlelight, while the stained-glass windows cast rainbow patterns across dusty furniture. Character models strike a fine balance between cartoonish expressiveness—particularly Zeke’s wide-eyed reactions—and the more menacing quirks of the mansion’s darker denizens.

Lighting and particle effects are standout features. As you wander deeper into the mansion’s shadowy corridors, your Beacon of Souls cuts through the gloom with a soft, pulsing glow, illuminating cobwebs and drifting dust motes. When capturing ghosts, bursts of ethereal color animate each spirit’s release, offering gratifying feedback to every successful trap. Even the mansion’s grand ballroom and wraparound veranda feel alive, with subtle environmental animations—fluttering curtains, swinging chandeliers—adding to the immersive experience.

Performance remains stable across supported platforms, with only occasional frame dips when large groups of ghosts swarm the screen. Load times are kept minimal, ensuring you spend more time exploring and less time staring at progress bars. Menus are adorned with ornate borders and haunted-house motifs, reinforcing the game’s theme from the very first boot-up.

Story

Building on both Disneyland’s iconic ride and the 2003 film adaptation, Disney’s The Haunted Mansion weaves a lighthearted yet compelling narrative. You play as Zeke Holloway, an everyman thrust into a world of spectral intrigue when he volunteers to help Madame Leota reunite a house of 999 happy haunts. What begins as a seemingly straightforward rescue mission quickly unravels into a mystery about the mansion’s true master: the vengeful Atticus Thorn.

Dialogue is peppered with humor and occasional genuine chills. Madame Leota’s ghostly projections guide Zeke with witty admonitions, while her six phantom sidekicks—each with distinct personalities—offer banter and backstory that deepen the overall lore. Cutscenes strike a fine balance between cinematic flair and in-engine storytelling, keeping the pacing brisk without sacrificing character moments.

The narrative structure encourages exploration by rewarding curiosity. Finding hidden journals or eavesdropping on spectral conversations not only provides context for Thorn’s tragic past, but also reveals new clues for puzzle sequences. By the time you face off against the main spirit, you’ve pieced together enough backstory to feel truly invested in the showdown’s outcome.

Overall Experience

Disney’s The Haunted Mansion stands out as an enjoyable action-adventure that appeals to fans of Disney lore and newcomers alike. Its blend of exploration, puzzle mechanics, and light combat ensures a varied pace that rarely feels repetitive. At roughly eight to ten hours for a full playthrough, it strikes a comfortable length for a family-friendly title without overstaying its welcome.

The game’s strongest asset is its atmosphere. Every corridor hums with supernatural potential, while humor and heart keep the tone balanced. Whether you’re luring shy spirits out of hidden alcoves or piecing together Thorn’s grim history, each moment feels thoughtfully designed. Even after the credits roll, optional challenges and search-for collectibles provide reasons to revisit the mansion.

While hardcore action-game veterans may find the difficulty modest, the experience shines as a captivating, story-driven romp through one of Disney’s most beloved spooky settings. With its polished presentation, engaging mechanics, and memorable cast of characters, Disney’s The Haunted Mansion is a must-explore for anyone looking to combine light scares with family-friendly fun.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10