Ariel the Little Mermaid

From Sega Retro

n/a

  • Mega Drive
  • Game Gear
  • Master System

Ariel MD title.png

Ariel GG title.png

Ariel SMS title.png

Ariel the Little Mermaid
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System, Sega Game Gear
Publisher: Sega
Sega Master System
Tec Toy
Developer:
Distributor:
Sega Mega Drive
Majesco Sales (US re-release)
Licensor: The Walt Disney Company
Sound driver:
Sega Mega Drive
GEMS
Genre: Action[1]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
US
1041
Sega Mega Drive
EU
1041
Sega Mega Drive
DE
DM 99.9599.95[7] 1041
Sega Mega Drive
UK
£34.9934.99[5][6] 1041
Sega Mega Drive
SE
(Rental)
Sega Mega Drive
AU
Sega Mega Drive
BR
043030
Sega Mega Drive
KR
GM93026JG
Sega Mega Drive
AS
Sega Game Gear
US
2411
Sega Game Gear
EU
2411
Sega Game Gear
PT
GGJ2411
Sega Game Gear
UK
£29.9929.99[10][11] 2411
Sega Game Gear
BR
075260
Sega Master System
BR
R$36.9936.99 026350
Tectoy: Todas as Idades

Ariel the Little Mermaid is an action game for the Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System, and Sega Game Gear based on the movie with the same name. The Master System version was exclusive to Brazil.

Story

The game's story has very little to do with the plot of the film. The evil Sea Witch, Ursula, has attempted to conquer the seven seas, turning legions of merpeople into polyps and bewitching various sea creatures. She also kidnaps an important member of the royal family of Atlantica (King Triton if playing as Ariel, and vice versa). It is up to either Ariel or King Triton (depending on the player's choice) to defeat Ursula and restore order to the seas.

Gameplay

Mega Drive version

Ariel the Little Mermaid, Map.png

Map

Ariel the Little Mermaid, Store.png

Scuttle's Magical Collection

The player controls either Ariel or King Triton, who must locate the polyps in each level. Each character has a normal weapon with unlimited uses and a limited-use super weapon. Polyps are restored them to merpeople by either touching them directly or shooting them with the normal weapon. Every polyp must be found in order to access the level's boss whose entrance is hidden somewhere in the level. Ariel and Triton swim in any direction using the D-Pad. They use their normal weapon (song notes for Ariel or fireballs for Triton) with B. They use a more powerful super weapon (magical stars for Ariel or thunderbolts for Triton) with A.

As the levels are labyrinthe in design, there is a map system that can be accessed by pausing the game with  START . The flashing dots on the map indicate polyps that the player needs to locate, and the red X indicates the boss's location (only marked on the map on Medium difficulty). Also located somewhere in each level is Scuttle's Magical Collection, which is a shop screen where the player can spend collected treasure on various items and on fish friends, characters who can be summoned to help the player.

If the player's health meter is drained completely, one try is used to refill it. If there are no more tries left, the game ends. The player gets four continues in an Easy game, two in a Medium game, and only one in a Difficult game.

The gameplay suffers from frequent slowdown, particularly when there are a lot of sprites on screen at any point.

Fish friends

Ariel the Little Mermaid, Fish Friend Select.png

Fish friend selection

Fish friends are characters who can be summoned to aid the player with specific obstacles. The player must press A, B, or C on the map screen to select a fish friend, then press C during gameplay to summon the selected friend. The player can purchase another use of a fish friend for 150 treasure from Scuttle's shop.

Ariel the Little Mermaid, Fish Friends.png
Flounder
Can be summoned to push rocks out of the way.
Ariel the Little Mermaid, Fish Friends.png
Sebastian
Can be summoned to scare away sea creatures.
Ariel the Little Mermaid, Fish Friends.png
Digger Fish
Can be summoned to dig up items from soft mounds of sand.

Items

Items can either be found in the open, inside treasure chests or clams, or purchased from Scuttle's shop.

Ariel the Little Mermaid, Items.png
Polyp
Ariel or Triton must find all of the polyps and transform them back into merpeople (by touching them or shooting them with the normal weapon) to open the exit that leads to the boss of the level.
Ariel the Little Mermaid, Items.png
Key
Used to open treasure chests. Costs 150 treasure in the shop.
Ariel the Little Mermaid, Items.png
Treasure Chest
Contains items, but requires a key to unlock. Float above a chest to open it. This uses up one key.
Ariel the Little Mermaid, Items.png
Little Heart
Slightly restores the player's health. Costs 300 treasure in the shop.
Ariel the Little Mermaid, Items.png
Big Heart
Completely restores the player's health. Costs 600 treasure in the shop.
Ariel the Little Mermaid, Items.png
Star or Thunderbolt
Gives the player another super weapon shot. Costs 50 treasure in the shop.
Ariel the Little Mermaid, Items.png
Gem
Adds to the player's treasure count.
Ariel the Little Mermaid, Items.png
Coin
Adds to the player's treasure count.
Ariel the Little Mermaid, Items.png
Sparkle
Awards an extra try. Costs 1,500 treasure in the shop.
Ariel the Little Mermaid, Items.png
Scuttle
Enters Scuttle's Magical Collection, where items can be purchased in exchange for treasure.

Levels

Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 1.png

Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 1 Boss.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 1.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 1 Boss.png

The Reef

Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 2.png

Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 2 Boss.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 2.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 2 Boss.png

The Sunken Ship

Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 3.png

Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 3 Boss.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 3.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 3 Boss.png

Atlantis

Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 4.png

Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 4 Boss.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 4.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid, Stage 4 Boss.png

The Cave

Master System and Game Gear versions

Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Pause Menu.png

Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Map.png

Pause menu and map

Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Store.png

Scuttle's Magical Collection

The player controls Ariel or King Triton and must find all the polyps in each level and free them by touching them or shooting them. The character and difficulty level can be chosen by the player on the title screen before starting the game. Ariel and Triton change direction or swim in any direction using the D-Pad. They shoot with 1. They have a normal weapon (musical notes for Ariel and magical bolts for Triton), which can be used an unlimited number of times, and a stronger super weapon (stars for Ariel and fireballs for Triton), which has limited uses. The player can switch between the two weapons with 2+Up being used to switch between weapon types.

Ariel and Triton are also assisted by a trio of fish friends who can perform helpful tasks for them (but can only be summoned a limited number of times). The characters can collect treasure, which can be spent at Scuttle's Magical Collection, a shop found in each level, to buy beneficial items and fish friends. In the shop, the player can select the desired item with Up or Down and purchase it with 1 (or exit the shop with  START  in the Game Gear version or  PAUSE  in the Master System version).

After finding all of the polyps, Ariel or Triton must swim to the level exit, which takes them to a boss encounter. Players can bring up a screen showing their treasure and items with  START  on the Game Gear version or  PAUSE  on the Master System version. Pressing 2 on this screen shows a map of the level, with the position of Ariel or Triton marked by a red dot, the locations of polyps marked by yellow dots, and the level exit marked with a red X.

Characters have a health meter that is reduced when they take damage, and they lose a try (depicted as hearts) when they run out of health. The game ends if the player runs out of tries. The player gets five continues in an Easy game, three in a Medium game, and only one in a Challenging game.

Fish friends

Fish friends are characters who can be summoned to aid the player with specific obstacles. Button combinations need to be pressed to select and summon fish friends. The player can purchase another use of a fish friend for 150 treasure from Scuttle's shop.

Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Fish Friends.png
Flounder
Can be summoned to push rocks out of the way. Press 2+Right to select him, then release 2 while holding Right to summon him.
Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Fish Friends.png
Sebastian
Can be summoned to scare away sea creatures. Press 2+Down to select him, then release 2 while holding Down to summon him.
Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Fish Friends.png
Digger Fish
Can be summoned to dig up items from soft mounds of sand. Press 2+Left to select it, then release 2 while holding Left to summon it.

Items

Items are found inside treasure chests or clams or purchased from Scuttle's Magical Collection.

Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Items.png
Polyp
Ariel or Triton must find all of the polyps and transform them back into merpeople (by touching them or shooting them with the normal weapon) to open the exit that leads to the boss of the level.
Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Items.png
Key
Used to open treasure chests. Costs 150 treasure in the shop.
Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Items.png
Treasure Chest
Contains items, but requires a key to unlock. Float above a chest to open it. This uses up one key.
Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Items.png
Heart
Gives the player another try. Costs 900 treasure in the shop.
Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Items.png
Star or Thunderbolt
Gives the player another super weapon shot. Costs 50 treasure in the shop.
Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Items.png
Gem
Gives the player 50 treasure.
Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Items.png
Coin
Gives the player 100 treasure.
Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Items.png
Pearl
Gives the player 200 treasure.
Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Items.png
Store
Enters Scuttle's Magical Collection, where items can be purchased in exchange for treasure.

Levels

Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 1.png

Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 1 Boss.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 1.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 1 Boss.png

The Reef
Maps: 1️⃣ | 2️⃣ 

Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 2.png

Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 2 Boss.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 2.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 2 Boss.png

The Sunken Ship
Map: 1️⃣ 

Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 3.png

Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 3 Boss.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 3.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 3 Boss.png

Atlantis
Maps: 1️⃣ | 2️⃣ 

Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 4.png

Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 4 Boss.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 4.png

  • Ariel the Little Mermaid GG, Stage 4 Boss.png

The Cave
Maps: 1️⃣ | 2️⃣ 

Production credits

Mega Drive version

  • Game Design: Barbara Michalec
Sega Credits
Disney Credit
  • Producer: Patrick Gilmore
  • Account Executive: Cathy G, Fortier
Source:
US manual
Ariel MD US Manual.pdf
[12]

Magazine articles

Main article: Ariel the Little Mermaid/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Suuri lelukirja FI 1993 Sega.jpg
FI advert (1993)
Suuri lelukirja FI 1993 Sega.jpg
Logo-pdf.svg
Mega Drive print advert in (ES) #8: "Diciembre 1992" (1992-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Mega Drive print advert in (ES) #9: "Enero 1993" (199x-xx-xx)
also published in:
  • (ES) #16: "Enero 1993" (199x-xx-xx)[13]
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Game Gear print advert in (ES) #58: "Marzo 1993" (1993-0x-xx)
also published in:
  • (ES) #1: "Abril 1993" (1993-03-15)[14]
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Game Gear print advert in (ES) #12: "Abril 1993" (1993-xx-xx)
also published in:
  • (ES) #19: "Abril 1993" (1993-xx-xx)[15]
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Mega Drive/Game Gear print advert in (BR) #36: "Junho 1993" (1993-06-01)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in (KR) #1993-09: "xxxx" (199x-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
(RU)
60
[16]
(SA)
85
[17]
(DE)
52
[18]
(FR)
43
[19]
(RU)
60
[20]
(UK)
46
[5]
(IT)
72
[21]
(FR) PAL
69
[22]
(UK) PAL
61
[23]
(UK) NTSC-U
44
[24]
(UK) PAL
57
[25]
(FR)
53
[26]
(DE)
68
[27]
(UK)
72
[28]
(DE)
40
[29]
(CZ)
35
[30]
(UK) NTSC-U
18
[31]
(UK) PAL
72
[32]
(UK) PAL
79
[33]
(SE)
65
[34]
(UK)
80
[35]
(RU)
61
[36]
(DE)
36
[37]
Sega Mega Drive
58
Based on
23 reviews

Ariel the Little Mermaid

Mega Drive, US (Assembled in USA)
AtLM MD US Box.jpg
Cover
AtLM MD US Cart.jpg
Cart
Ariel MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, US (Made in Japan)
AtLM MD US Made in Japan Cover.jpg
Cover
AtLM MD US Cart Alt.jpg
Cart
Ariel MD US Alt Colour Manual.jpg
Manual
Ariel MD US Alt Colour Manual back.jpg
Manual Back
Mega Drive, US (cardboard)(Majesco Sales)
AtLM MD US Box Cardboard Back.jpgNospine.pngAtLM MD US Box Cardboard.jpg
Cover
Ariel MD US Assembled in Mexico Cart.jpg
Cart
Ariel MD US Black&White Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
AtLM MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
AtLM MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Ariel The Little Mermaid MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Ariel MD EU pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, EU (Alt Cover)
AtLM MD EU Alt Box Back.jpgNospine.pngAtLM MD EU Alt Box.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, SE Rental (HENT Black)
Ariel MD SE rental cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, AU
Ariel MD AU back.jpgNospine.pngAriel MD AU cover.jpg
Cover
Ariel little Mermaid MD AU Cart.jpg
Cart
Ariel little Mermaid MD AU Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, BR
AtLM MD BR Box.jpg
Cover
AtLM MD BR Cart.jpg
Cart
Ariel the Little Mermaid MD BR Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, KR
AtLM MD KR Box.jpg
Cover
ArieltheLittleMermaid MD KR cart.jpg
Cart
Mega Drive, Asia
AtLM MD AS Box.jpg
Cover
Ariel The Little Mermaid MD AS Cart.jpg
Cart
Ariel The Little Mermaid MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual

Master System version

Master System, BR
AtLM SMS BR Box.jpg
Cover
AtLM SMS BR Cart.jpg
Cart

Game Gear version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
(FR) PAL
45
[38]
(UK)
24
[39]
(DE)
53
[40]
(FR)
73
[41]
(UK) PAL
61
[42]
(UK)
43
[43]
(FR)
65
[44]
(UK) PAL
23
[45]
(UK) PAL
71
[46]
(UK) PAL
65
[11]
(UK) PAL
65
[10]
(BR)
73
[47]
Sega Game Gear
55
Based on
12 reviews

Ariel the Little Mermaid

Game Gear, US
Ariel GG US back.jpgNospine.pngAtLM GG US Box Front.jpg
Cover
AtLM GG US Cart.jpg
Cart
Ariel gg us manual.pdf
Manual
Game Gear, EU
AtLM GG EU Box Back.jpgAriel Little Mermaid GG EU BoxSpine.jpgAtLM GG EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
AtLM GG US Cart.jpg
Cart
Ariel Little Mermaid GG EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Game Gear, PT

Game Gear, BR
AtLM GG BR Box.jpg
Cover
Arieltlm gg br cart.jpg
Cart

Technical information

Main article: Ariel the Little Mermaid/Technical information.

References

  1. File:AtLM GG EU Box Back.jpg
  2. GamePro, "September 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 30
  3. 3.0 3.1 GamesMaster, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-03), page 14
  4. Sega Pro, "Christmas 1992" (UK; 1992-12-10), page 14
  5. 5.0 5.1 Computer & Video Games, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-15), page 86
  6. MegaTech, "December 1992" (UK; 1992-11-20), page 13
  7. 7.0 7.1 Sega Pro, "April 1993" (DE; 1993-03-26), page 54
  8. Sega Visions, "February/March 1993" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 100
  9. Sega Pro, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-11), page 19
  10. 10.0 10.1 Sega Force, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-04-01), page 34
  11. 11.0 11.1 Sega Zone, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-11), page 59
  12. File:Ariel MD US Manual.pdf, page 12
  13. Hobby Consolas, "Enero 1993" (ES; 199x-xx-xx), page 24
  14. Todo Sega, "Abril 1993" (ES; 1993-03-15), page 3
  15. Hobby Consolas, "Abril 1993" (ES; 1993-xx-xx), page 10
  16. 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 21
  17. Alaab Alcomputtar, "" (SA; 1995-06-xx), page 80
  18. Aktueller Software Markt, "Avril 1993" (DE; 1993-03-08), page 133
  19. Consoles +, "Février 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 98
  20. Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 17
  21. Game Power, "Marzo 1993" (IT; 1993-0x-xx), page 81
  22. Joypad, "Février 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 106
  23. Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 40
  24. Mega, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-18), page 56
  25. MegaTech, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-20), page 38
  26. Player One, "Décembre 1992" (FR; 1992-12-10), page 140
  27. Play Time, "4/93" (DE; 1993-03-10), page 114
  28. Power Up!, "Saturday, January 23, 1993" (UK; 1993-01-23), page 1
  29. Power Play, "3/93" (DE; 1993-02-10), page 104
  30. Score, "Červen 1994" (CZ; 1994-06-01), page 59
  31. Sega Power, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-04), page 31
  32. Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 64
  33. Sega Pro, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-11), page 64
  34. Sega Force, "3/93" (SE; 1993-05-13), page 19
  35. Sega Force, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-10), page 84
  36. Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 15
  37. Video Games, "3/93" (DE; 1993-02-24), page 85
  38. Consoles +, "Avril 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 123
  39. Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 164
  40. Gamers, "März/April 1994" (DE; 1994-03-04), page 78
  41. Joypad, "Février 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 113
  42. Mega Byte, "March 13, 1993" (UK; 1993-03-13), page 1
  43. Mean Machines Sega, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-28), page 68
  44. Player One, "Mai/Juin 1993" (FR; 1993-05-10), page 109
  45. Sega Power, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-06), page 48
  46. Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 44
  47. Supergame, "Maio 1993" (BR; 1993-05-xx), page 36


Ariel the Little Mermaid

Ariel MD title.png

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Games based on Disney animated films for Sega systems
Sega Mega Drive
Fantasia (1991) | Ariel the Little Mermaid (1992) | Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Quest (1993) | Beauty and the Beast: Roar of the Beast (1993) | Disney's Aladdin (1993) | The Jungle Book (1994) | The Lion King (1994) | Pocahontas (1996) | Pinocchio (1996) | Hercules (unreleased)
Sega Game Gear
Ariel the Little Mermaid (1992) | The Jungle Book (1994) | Disney's Aladdin (1994) | The Lion King (1994) | Hercules (unreleased)
Sega Master System
The Jungle Book (1993) | Disney's Aladdin (1994) | The Lion King (1994) | Ariel the Little Mermaid (1996)
Sega Pico
Math Antics with Disney's 101 Dalmatians (1994) | Pocahontas Riverbend Adventures (1995) | The Lion King: Adventures at Pride Rock (1995) | Nurie Daisuki! Dumbo no Waku Waku Circus! (1997) | Peter Pan Neverland e Ikou! (1997) | Shirayukihime (1999) | Disney Princesses: Princess ni Naritai (2003) | Disney Princesses: Ariel (2004) | Disney Princesses: Suteki ni Lesson! Hiragana-Katakana (2004) | Hercules (unreleased) | Pinocchio (unreleased)
Sega Dreamcast
Disney's Dinosaur (2000)
Unlicensed games based on Disney animated films for Sega systems
Sega Mega Drive
The Lion King II (1996?) | The Lion King 3 (1997?) | Hua Mu Lan: Mulan (1998) | Aladdin II (1998?) | Hercules 2 (1999) | Aladdin 2001 (2001)