Disney offers a 'Magical World'

In "Disney Magical World" ($30 for Nintendo 3DS; rated Everyone), you get to travel to various Disney movie lands, dress up in Disney costumes and cook Disney-themed meals in hopes of attracting a Disney celebrity to your cafe. It's a second life for any Disney fan, and the simple, kid-friendly package hides a surprising amount of gameplay. Like the similar "Animal Crossing," the game runs on a real world clock — fireworks at night! — and offers specialized events based on whatever holiday is coming up. Unlike "Animal Crossing," however, "World" gives you a directed path toward what fun thing you could do next. As you achieve certain milestones, you unlock more things to do. Despite a need for smarter dialogue, "Disney Magical World" turns a Disney character mash-up into an unexpectedly deep exploration game.

Chicago Tribune