I grew up with the original trilogy of Star Wars films, toys, cartoons, and made for TV movies. Anyone remember The Ewok Adventure? By the time The Phantom Menace came out, I was sharing Star Wars with my kids. And now they’re as excited for Episode VII in 2015 as I was for Return of the Jedi in 1983. But it’s not the older fans that Disney has to worry about. As far as they’re concerned, getting our business is a sure thing. New Star Wars films you say? Here is a blank check, write any amount on it that you like…I’ll pay it! As far as Episode VII goes, if you’re already a fan of Star Wars, you’re going to go see the film when it releases. Let’s face it, you’re probably going to buy a toy or two for yourself as well. Heck, Darth Vader never looks bad on a shelf, or sitting next to your computer…right? If you were a teenager when The Phantom Menace came out, you probably have kids of your own by now. If you like Star Wars, you share it with your kids. But are they hooked yet? Will they ask to watch Star Wars Rebels when it airs next fall? Will they beg for that action figure at the Disney Store? Will they wear Star Wars t-shirts? Play the video games? With Star Wars – Episode VII on the horizon, Disney needs to lock in this new generation of Star Wars fans…and fast.Commercials are airing already for Rebels, but that won’t hit the airwaves for another 5 or 6 months. And as you know the Disney Store is now carrying a nice selection of Star Wars items that will no doubt continue to grow. With the success of it’s interactive storytelling products it’s only natural that Disney Publishing Worldwide would jump on the Star Wars bandwagon with Star Wars Journeys – The Phantom Menace.
This app can most easily be described as the next generation of interactive storybooks. If you’re my age, you no doubt remember those little Disney records that came with a story book. A narrator, music, and sound effects brought the story to life, and “Don’t forget to turn the page when you hear Tinkerbell’s chimes ring, like this…” Imagine that…on steroids!
Let’s start with the actual story of the Phantom Menace. Like those old Disney records, the narrator is joined by both music and sound effects. The music is pulled right from the Episode I soundtrack, and the sound effects are all right out of the film, adding a nice level of authenticity to the story.
The artwork is beautiful, and is enhanced with animated steam, sparks, or blowing dust.
As the narrator describes the scene, you can tap on various areas or characters to trigger reactions. A Lightsaber ignites, or a blaster fires. Even better, these animations are accompanied by dialogue from the movie, delivered by the films actors.
All of that alone would have made this animated storybook perfect, but they didn’t stop there! This thing includes a 180-degree parallax viewing experience. Basically, if you tilt the screen left or right even more of the scene is revealed. This in turn triggers additional on screen action.
The suggested age for this app is 6 to 8, but my sons aged 9 and 11 were thoroughly entertained, and I had a good time trying to find all the little bits of hidden animation.
One additional element to the story was the ability to open character profiles. By tapping on a character you unlock their profile. Character information can then be viewed by opening the profiles section on the main menu.
And then there are the Podraces, which may be the best part of this entire app. There are different Podracers for you to choose from, and each can be customized with different colors and designs. There are also a ton of different tracks ranging from easy to HOLY COW! You steer the Podracer either by touching the screen or tilting your device left or right. And as you win races, you’ll unlock additional content making for an even deeper story experience.
In the coming months Disney will be releasing more chapters in the Star Wars Journeys series covering all six films. This is a great way to get kids up to speed on the Star Wars story before Episode VII hits theaters next year. Star Wars Journeys: The Phantom Menace can be found on the iTunes App Store in the Kids and Entertainment categories. For what you get here, I’d say that the $6.99 price tag is right on point. I enjoyed it, and more importantly my kids enjoyed it, and are still playing with it.
I’m really looking forward to future releases in the Star Wars Journeys app series, especially since each one will include different mini games and features!
And before I tell my son that it’s my turn to play that Podracer mini game again, I wanted to remind you to get over to the Disney Store. They just released the large scale Han Solo talking action figure, and I hear that Luke is next! And while you’re there, make sure that you grab the second set of those Star Wars collectors cards while they last.
Until next time…may the Force be with you!