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The PlayStation's library is a large, crowded one. To stand out from its many competitors, a game needs some sort of special or well-implemented characteristic. Such is not the case for Lion King, a platform game starring the characters from Disney's films. Almost every aspect of Lion King is simply acceptable. As a result, Lion King doesn't suffer from any glaring flaws but it also doesn't give you a terribly compelling reason to buy the game.

Based on the two Lion King movies, the game's nine levels feature both 2D and 3D platform gameplay. Throughout most of the game, you help Simba defeat enemies and avoid standard traps such as deep pits, falling rocks and fire. However, simply reaching the end of a level will not allow you to play the next one. You must also collect a given amount of paw-shaped coins. The number of coins required to complete a level depends on the difficulty you choose. In addition to coins, you can also collect fruit and letters in each level. Finding every letter will allow you to watch a video clip directly from the original movies at any time. Fruit lets you to play various types of mini-games. But for the most part, the gameplay is standard platform action.

The game's simple controls feel somewhat imprecise. Simba can attack his opponents by either jumping on them, roaring, or rolling into them. However, his roar's limited power and range essentially eliminate it as an effective move. Your control over Simba's movement seems slightly loose. He often will not turn around as quickly as you wish, which can make avoiding enemies difficult. Lion King also gives you absolutely no ability to manipulate the camera. Unless the camera always positions itself perfectly, you'll probably miss a few jumps due to inconvenient viewing angles. Also, if Simba runs into an object such as a rock, he often gets stuck against it.

Graphically Lion King looks similar to most recent PlayStation games. Although colorful, the levels don't feature a particularly noteworthy amount of detail. You won't encounter any fog or pop-up, mostly due to the small, restrictive levels. The game slows down occasionally, which can throw your timing if you need to jump across platforms when the speed drops. Also, Simba's body will show through ledges he hangs behind or stands underneath occasionally.

A predominantly percussion soundtrack accompanies most levels. The energetic, African-style music fits the game's atmosphere. You won't pay attention to the sound effects for the most part. However, Simba saying "ouch" each time he walks into an object becomes annoying.

While not bad overall, you can find higher quality platform games on PlayStation. Only the characters differentiate Lion King from the many similar games on the market. Otherwise, the decent graphics, somewhat sluggish control, predictable gameplay and average level design won't do much to excite you.