Gaming Target - PlayStation 2: Stitch: Experiment 626

Written by Matt Swider on July 10, 2002

Full Review: Sony pitching a game to the kiddies? Finally, Nintendo fans that happen to be PlayStation 2 owners can rejoice.

You know it's summer when Disney premiers their latest animated flick. This year, the movie stars the mismatched pair of a Hawaiian girl named Lilo, and an energetic alien known as Stitch. Since Stitch boasts tons of life, is full of personality, and adorable in the eye of the public, he remains the number one draw of the movie. Because of this, Stitch can be found just about anywhere you turn. In being lucky enough to visit Disney World down in Florida last month, I found Stitch surrounded with immense popularity. A large statue was present outside of MGM Studios. Artists took time to draw only him in front of crowds, and loads of collectable toys and other merchandise were present as well. Like any big animated icon, Stitch takes claim of a set of McDonald's toys and even stars in his own handful of videogames.

Both Lilo & Stitch may share the spotlight in the latest title for PlayStation, however only Stitch was able to surf his way onto PlayStation 2. The PSOne game follows along with the plot of the animated movie, where Stitch: Experiment 626 takes a different route. Its developer, High Voltage Software, along with publishers SCEA and Disney Interactive provide players with a simple prequel prior to Stitch's crashing down on Earth. Jumba, who is the creator and master of Stitch, appears to be a bit crazy and peculiar judging from the cut scenes in which he appears. Trying to surpass the competition of other scientists, he attempts to create a genetic life form that is nothing more than an indestructible master of mayhem. After producing a series of mutants, Jumba succeeds with experiment number 626 -- also know as Stitch. In the same way he starts out in the movie, 626 not only resembles the loveable character, but also retains the same power and taste for destruction. To collect DNA for more experiments and whip out the competition, Jumba greedily sends 626 out unto the many worlds since he is almost impervious to any harm and is extremely fond of destruction.

Thankfully so, the game provides its players with tons of objects to blow up. Among the breakable structures are crystals, crates, and boxes, which all randomly contain items like DNA, health, and energy pickups. Reeking havoc within the game's many worlds is quite a thrill and with enough items to blow up, it seemingly never ends. However the downside comes when you realize that there is little to do in this game besides blow things up. Most of the time, the level design is very basic, and at points extremely bare. Although, there are certain levels that topple others with superior design, especially those requiring Stitch to use one of his many gadgets or special weapons.

The first gadget 626 will encounter is a grapple gun, and like in Bionic Commando, players can swing back and forth from beams sprawling throughout select levels. To increase the swing, players can press up and down on the analog stick and intensify their release. Other levels will require Stitch to strap on a jet pack and soar through the air. To keep him afloat, players must guide Stitch into the rings so that the pack can replenish its fuel. While both gadgets show some minor misgivings within their mechanics (mostly due to the camera's tendency to become glitchy in corner spots), each is quite entertaining and diverts from the repetitive nature of just making areas go boom.

Stitch can use three different types of weapons. One that is available from the start, and the remaining two later in the game. Beginning the game in the first level, players will be able to fire away with Stitch's traditional ray gun. As he travels along, the intensity of the gun's power can be increased in picking up additional ray guns for a total of four; one for every limb Stitch has. With rapid fire and the capability to strife, Stitch can take out enemies with a quick and easy blast. While you will be using this weapon most of the game, other artillery is also available. The freeze ray will encase your enemies in ice until they shatter. The big gun is simply a superior version of the ray gun, only this time it shoots guided rockets at locked on targets. While the blasting of objects gets stale rather quickly, players will no doubt have fun shooting their way through the first world with the ray gun, and feel faint interest again once they are able to test out the two special weapons.

Guns and gadgets may be a big part of the shooting aspect of 626, but he can't go anywhere without his many moves. Similar to the movie, Stitch is capable of a lot of several abilities that are translated to the game. Players can jump from platform to platform to reach their goal and simply tap X twice for a double jump to go a little bit farther or a little bit higher. Several times, Stitch is also required to climb or clink to specific areas. With this, he can scale certain walls and clink hanging upside down. Additionally, the usual lift and throw ability is in place where Stitch can pick up, carry, and the hurl certain items and even enemies. The only unique one I could find was a slow motion move that bears a resemblance to the Matrix. With it, 626 moves with super-speed and while everything else in the vicinity are slowed down. While in this slow motion scene, players are able to spin Stitch in order to target enemies and release with a ball slam. This is used in cases where the gun is useless and only reflects the blasts when fired upon. Unfortunately, except for the slow motion aspect we have seen all of these moves before in previous 3D platform games, inspiring little interest follow the game after an hour of play.

Gathering DNA for Jumba is a pretty easy task from level to level. It can be found throughout a number of places including easy to spot open areas, within crates or crystals, hanging above pits of death, or hidden above and beyond Stitch's normal view. Other than DNA, 626 will be able to collect a handful of movie reels in each area. These will unlock secret clips and trailers from Lilo & Stitch, giving gamers both an insider look to the film and a hilarious laugh at Stitch's on screen antics. Although they can be picked up throughout the level, the easiest ways to find them is by following a Squid-bot and seek its treasure. Alas, this wouldn't have been as easy to complete if it weren't for the occasional unresponsive camera system hindering what should be a trouble free task.

The voice of Jumba does a nice job handing out directions while on route to beating the level. Just like the secret clips you see, some amusing behavior has been injected into the Stitch character here. He fools around when idle and makes sounds of gibberish along the way. In viewing the credits, you'll notice that the bottom of the reel delivers a special thanks to dozens of people from moms, dads, family, friends, Tycho & Gabriel of Penny Arcade, the 0's and 1's, and Hi Dad!? Whatever the case may be, from this you now know that the game's creators of Stitch (and we don't mean Jumba) had a lot of spirit and humor within, in addition to their character.

Graphically speaking, everything within Stitch 626 remains on par with say Jak & Daxter. But, the level design doesn't even come close. Still, everything else appears rounded and true to the movie. Enemies range from a score of mutants to pathetic machine and solider bots. Some appear with adequate detail, while others just don't seem up to par with the rest of the pack in terms of quality. A notable facet within the game is the sound that they emit from calls of alarm to cries of defeat. Nevertheless, no matter how cool they sound or cruel they look, the AI doesn't live up to...well, living. With easy to pinpoint auto targeting and little threat to killing Stitch, enemies can be terminated with ease. Although easy at first and a moderately challenging later on, Stitch's health meter always seems bursting with life, making dying a rarity. When Stitch does die off, he can start from one of the many checkpoints and isn't limited to any life count.