Disney Planes the movie is due for release in summer 2013 and is best described as a safe extension of the Cars formula. Plucky colourful characters work their way through set scenarios and we all learn something along the way - the principles of Cars remain but it’s all in the sky - it really is that simple. The movie, to be released in the UK at the same time as the game (how is that for marketing!) was originally intended to be a straight to DVD/Blu-ray release but it did so well in the early rounds of focus testing that it got bumped up to a full theatrical release. Whether or not a game was in the works before this happened is unclear but Planes the game has the feel of a rushed movie tie-in, serviceable but ultimately will only appeal to the youngest demographic and even then, not for very long.
I find it funny that companies keep feeling the need to milk their franchises or worlds, with Planes this was Disney’s attempt to keep the Cars universe going without Pixar, Mater and Lightning Mcqueen. But still when Disney brought us Planes they actually didn’t do a bad job extending upon Pixar’s already established universe. It wasn’t the best movie I have seen, but still, it has its merits and told a decent story with a good message. By now we also know the story, a big movie gets released in some way a game will also come out, and this is what has happened with Planes, the question stands, is this a game to be feared?...
"We're not going to slate Disney's Planes for what it is, but movie tie-ins always face the risk of becoming a bit of a sore spot. This coupled with the fact that the game is available on a dying console, Planes is far from a necessary purchase." - Nintendo Feed
Nintendo Insider writes:
It's a quieter week on the Nintendo eShop, thought there's still plenty eager to draw your attention.
NES classic The Legend of Zelda makes an arrival on the Wii U's Virtual Console service, whereas Rayman Legends finally hits the console after seeing a delay earlier in the year. Disney Planes soars in, whilst Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos expands the 3DS Virtual Console content.
