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It wasn't until Toontown arrived on my doorstep that I actually recalled accepting the assignment to begin with. Having a four year old and a few siblings running around, I figured that, if anything, I could watch them play the game and get a feel for it through them. Of course, it wasn't enough to just watch them play the game so that soon enough, when I felt the lights go dim and I felt everyone was safely in bed that I'd actually give it a try.
You'll start off simplistically enough by designing your own unique, "non-distinguishable" Disney Toon. Storywise, your character is being trained to help take out the influx of businessmen that's gradually dominating the sweet streets of Toontown. Problems arise, as you discover that the Cogs – the business types who've seek to replace every locale with skyscraps and high-rises – lack a sense of humor. Armed to the teeth with pies, squirting flowers and a multitude of other useful gags – only you have the power to blast the serious-minded drones into oblivion with giggle-inducing jokes.
As a kid-oriented game, Toontown offers a solid mix of fun and enjoyment that's easy to get into. Unlike most online games, it doesn't suffer from the usual coding goofs and shortcomings. One major complaint I had is the fact the selection doesn't offer any particular fan favorites. And while you can make such characters as a mouse or duck, they look nothing like Donald or Mickey. Where's there fun in running around if you can't even feel you're apart of something you grew up with?
Quibbles notwitstanding, I've been an avid fan of the older Disney cartoons and modern-day flicks ever since I was a child. When wandering through the streets within Toontown, you'll come upon buildings graced with cutesy, whimsical names – some of which are even named after actual cartoon titles from the 30's and 40's respectively. It's a nice tribute for those of who didn't grow up thinking that shows like Ed, Edd and Eddy pioneered cartoon history.
There are a few parental safeguards in place that may seem odd at first (at least to older players), but let's keep in mind the game's target audience. For instance, a chat session requires entering a complete mailing address along with a valid credit card number. The reasoning behind this is to report any online players who conduct themselves inappropriately, followed by an immediate account suspension. While the game does provide phrases encoded in such a way for players to get across the same meaning – it's lacks the profane connotation.
Throughout the game, you run into familiar faces like Mickey, Minnie and Donald who will offer helpful advice ias pointing out locations of mysterious healing ice cream cones (for when Cogs get the best of your toon), and lend a guiding hand towards your next task.
Playing games on the Trolley will help you earn points and jelly beans, which acts as a form of currency in Toontown. With jellybeans, for example, you can buy more gags to take down the Cogs; or you can even drop by your house to purchase furniture, clothes as well as new phrases and movements for your Toon to utilize when conversing with your newly discovered friends. Don't let the cute image fool you – Toontown is a challenging game for both younger and older player alike.
Due to its kid-oriented design, it's obvious most adults wouldn't generally consider such a product for themselves. Those willing to give it a shot will find the multitude of fun-filled activities and puzzles are more than adequate to keep you satisfied throughout the experience. I sincerely hope folks can at least analyze the game without a cynical point of view since it's the furthest thing from a Crash Bandicoot or Sesame Street knockoff. Overall, Disney did a remarkable job crafting a beautifully, virtual cartoon world that older fans could appreciate, while roping in newer generation of fans with its charming designs and hilarious emotes.
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