Disney Universe invites you to explore virtual versions of your favorite Disney adventures — a great concept that could’ve easily fizzled in practice. Fortunately, thanks to some smart conceptual adaptations and a dose of Disney magic, this game comes vibrantly to life.

The fun starts the minute you suit up. After choosing from costumed characters like Mickey or Donald (others unlock later), you’ll set out to save the Disney universe from a nasty computer virus, fighting evil bots, gathering gold, and enjoying gorgeous graphics along the way.

Though the game’s simple puzzles, timed challenges, and straightforward combat could easily have made it a throwaway experience, they draw cleverly upon Little Big Planet’s quirkiness and the LEGO series’ solid platforming to create a unique brand of Disney-fied fun. The main downside? After a while, the formula of puzzle/challenge/combat becomes somewhat repetitive. Nevertheless, the game is solidly entertaining, especially when four competitive players get to whacking each other, racing for powerups, and tossing each other off ledges.

PUBLISHER: Disney Interactive Studios  •  DEVELOPER: Eurocom  •  ESRB: Everyone 10+  •  MULTIPLAYER: 4 in local co-op  •  ACHIEVEMENTS: Predictably Disney-ish  •  COST: $50

On Xbox 360

+ Wacky action-puzzling equals fun for gamers of all ages.

+ Cartoon co-op was never this competitive.

– Similar gameplay throughout means diminishing entertainment the longer you play.

? Who hasn’t always wanted to try on Mickey’s pants?

7.5