Being a fan of the movie released the same year, I expected this to be a lackluster play-though of the film. I was pleasantly surprised to find this unique set of sequences that runs parallel to the story. In other words, the overall story arc and cut-scenes are taken from the movie, but the playable chapters are different challenges entirely. Plenty of creative elements have the player guessing on how to complete the tasks, involving one or a combination of all three of the children. As a puzzler and adventurer, the game excels. As a Platformer, a different kind of genre, but similar controls to other games. The Shooter scenes are my least favourite, as the Playstation 2 controller isn't exactly a model fit for this game type.
Two improvements would've made the game ideal: 1.) Better controls, as many jumps/shots, and other actions seem not to respond as well as they could and 2.) Saves within the chapter. Very frustrating to be almost done, then getting a cheap-shot that sends you back to the beginning. Despite the stress, goals are achievable and found the game rewarding. The kind of gothic steampunk aura with a few lessons about humanity are well worthwhile.
