A subjective look

We need to start using the term "Underrated gem" ironically, if at all. If I hear one more video-game reviewer use that term I might snap. It's just one of those terms like "black-sheep of the franchise" that really bugs me. Mostly because it's used so much in this line of work.

Regardless, I would like to talk about a game that was developed by a huge developer, released on a huge system, but seems to be shafted in favor of another game similar in tone and world... and that's mostly because they're both Disney products.

So, The Little Mermaid was released a year and a bit after DuckTales, one of Capcom's most profitable games for the original Nintendo. DuckTales was certainly a bigger event than The Little Mermaid, with the capital to prove it. There are plenty of reasons this is the case, The Little Mermaid can be completed within twenty minutes and whilst DuckTales is similarly short, it will take you a while to figure your way to the end. The Little Mermaid is also much easier than DuckTales and in all honesty, DuckTales was huge at the time of release and was released years earlier than The Little Mermaid, which first got to consumers when Nintendo was advertising and preparing to release the Super Nintendo in the states, leaving The Little Mermaid to become a sleeper for the old, groggy Nintendo system.

I'm not going to argue that The Little Mermaid is better than DuckTales... objectively, anyway...

I am however going to explain why I personally enjoy this short romp of a game more, however. I should also point out that I am one of the few men who thinks Mega Man 2 is less than an 8/10, so keep that in mind... and also, you know, the obvious: This is my opinion. I'm not purposefully trying to piss you off, although if an opinion contrary to yours pisses you off that much, maybe I am. In all honesty, reviewing objectively used to be the way I wanted to get my information, but with game-websites changing, being less about the actual reviews and information but much more about the personalities behind the websites (ala Giantbomb.com, Gametrailers.com), objectivity seems to be a thing of the past and good riddance, says I. It's enjoyable to be able to get your quirks out there and not be blam'd for it instantly. So let's have at it, why do I enjoy The Little Mermaid more than DuckTales?

1: The Little Mermaid is relaxing





I look for this more and more as an adult: Games that make me relax. Stress is everywhere in the adult world. Say what you will about what time of your life was the best (adulthood is pretty great, in defense) but the stress of work, student life and... well, unemployment is a great downer. The Little Mermaid makes me relax. Sitting through this twenty minute game and knowing exactly what I have to do, with no real surprises (Am I selling it?... no?) is a great pleasure to me. The Little Mermaid is a game that somehow stays particularly monotone environmentally and mechanically, without making me feel it. It's reliable, it's what I want when I'm 80. The Little Mermaid is perfect for coming home and kicking back to.

2: The Little Mermaid sounds better than DuckTales





The Moon Stage is better than anything in The Little Mermaid. I agree with this subjectively also. But, The Little Mermaid has something that DuckTales doesn't have: Continuity. Whilst DuckTales inherently has to sound different with every stage, considering the stages (much akin to the Mega Man series) are different environments every time, The Little Mermaid has the advantage (advantage I guess?) of taking place in similar environments every time, allowing the music to build for every stage. Whilst they're not all the same, they thematically sound similar and I enjoy this world far more than any world in DuckTales. Speaking of...

3: The world is better

The Little Mermaid has this weird, purple darkness about it. It is eerily similar to Little Nemo: The Dream Master, one of my top five original Nintendo games. I guess that just appeals to me, I really like the artistic quality of darkness. My second favorite movie of all time is Fantasia and I really, really love those Sorcerer's Apprentice moments with the stars and Mickey just surrounded by darkness... I don't know, it's just one of my idiosyncrasies. I am also obsessed with Winter, the cold and love ice and water levels in games... so I guess this one is really just down to me. There's a peace about this game environmentally that I just do not get with DuckTales. Also not saying that DuckTales isn't, but graphically this game looks real nice.

4: It's more fluid

DuckTales felt a bit spastic. It quickly moves from one frame to the next and sometimes requires very quick reflexes to see you through, The Little Mermaid has a flow about it. It may just be the ease of difficulty but this game seemed timed to perfection. I never felt rushed or pressed to figure out what I had to do and because of it, I found out much quicker than I would have in DuckTales.

5: Deep down I'm a filthy casual

I like short games. I like moderately easy games. I like really pretty games. I have the tastes of an eight year old girl... but that's OK. I play a lot of games, varied in nature. I play Super Mario, I play Metroid, I play Zelda, I play Final Fantasy... and I enjoy them all, but there's nothing better than a game that appeals to my graphical tastes, whilst letting me enjoy it in short bursts and not being so frustrating that it takes me forever to get the levels down. The Little Mermaid, to cut to the chase, just appeals to my personal preference in video games. It basically gets it down so naturally that if I was hard-pressed to give my top ten original Nintendo games, it may be in there.

Speaking of top ten NES games, I will probably list mine on the site at the end of the year, when my 8-bit life comes to a close, along with the best Sega Master System games. To close, I just wanted to have an article be viewed in a specific way, far away from the objective articles we see on a daily basis. Also, I would love to hear your unpopular opinions! List yours off in the comment section if you dare. Until next time, Nintendo fans.