While theoretically based on Disney's animated sequel to the classic Peter Pan, this game's premise has little to do with the movie Return to Never Land. Gameplay consists of players assisting Peter Pan and Tinkerbell with finding hidden treasure. Captain Hook and his pirates have a presence in the game, yet none too strong, and the resemblance to the Return to Never Land story is feeble. Regardless, for young gamers, Disney's Peter Pan in Return to Never Land brings some positive elements to the table.

Controlling both Peter Pan and Tinkerbell is a slightly modified action from the usual running and jumping, as they are flown, with little effort, through the levels. Levels with Peter Pan as the controlled character are more challenging than those with Tinkerbell, and a great deal of the action requires skill in timing rather than precision. Timing is essential to avoiding the whirling blades of the sword stars and opening locked gates, not to mention a few included levels that are timed by a clock.

Hazards present themselves in typical fashion, except that Peter Pan is required to avoid or slay seemingly harmless birds along with piranha type fish. Yet, should the game have presented more threatening enemies, play would be frustrating, as Peter defends himself with only his butter knife of a sword. He eventually gains the ability to throw it like a boomerang and this definitely improves his approach in boss levels.

A good blend of sound effects and background music, composed of some classic Peter Pan tunes, combine with a decent display of colorful graphics, making the game pleasing to youngsters. While progress isn't just handed over, and must be worked at, the game presents little frustration overall. One drawback does exist with the slow level loading. Young (and old) players could grow very impatient while waiting for levels to load up. Especially when it's a level that's just been played.

Even though the game mostly displays Peter Pan floating around collecting feathers, as a beginner adventure game it features some basic, though pleasing fundamentals. Timing Peter's ascension over high rocks through the spinning of the sword stars, or toggling a switch and making it back in time to the open gates provides fun challenges that evoke little frustration. Children who have enjoyed Peter Pan will likely be hooked by this title -- at least for a brief period of time. ~ Jennifer Beam, All Game Guide

A very decent interpretation of the classic characters, with colorful backgrounds. ~ Jennifer Beam, All Game Guide

Very nice background music and sound effects -- though the voice acting of Peter Pan during cut scenes seems wrong. ~ Jennifer Beam, All Game Guide

For younger players, this game should provide a good bit of fun. ~ Jennifer Beam, All Game Guide

Only fun while it lasts the first time through. ~ Jennifer Beam, All Game Guide