Giraffes and elephant graveyards are the two images that spring to mind whenever someone mentions “The Lion King,” on the Sega Genesis.

“The Lion King” is a game which is held near and dear to many gamer’s hearts. “The Lion King” helped to develop not only myself as an avid gamer, but also lent development to entire generations of gamers.

“The Lion King” may not stand up to the challenge put forth by other games that many consider the benchmark for the famous phrase “Nintendo hard,” but as a child playing this game for the first time on his parent’s Sega Genesis, the game was certainly up there with the likes of “Ghosts and Goblins” and “Battletoads.”

In fact, since the last issue, I returned to the pride lands and tried to beat “The Lion King” in the weeks before the next issue, and column, would be coming out.

I failed.

“The Lion King” is not a game which holds its greatness in the nostalgia that kids from the era hold. The game is genuinely difficult, and sometimes gimmicky. However, this does not make the game any less fun to play.

Although I didn’t actually finish the game in my many trials, I can’t say I didn’t have a blast. The infamous giraffes from the second level, whose platforms seem to be just so off; the elephant graveyard bones which Simba swings on never seem quite consistent at first. These are all things which, while supremely frustrating, are also benchmarks in a game which many love.

I have come a long way since my first days struggling to guide Simba through the Pride lands. I have experienced games which hold supreme levels of polish comparatively. All the game experience in the world can not prepare you for a game that holds its age and rough level of polish nearing twenty years.

The level which gave me the most trouble was without a doubt, level three. The “Elephant Graveyard.” The platforming was among the easiest components of the level.The truly difficult part came when enemies spawned.

Enemies of Simba in the graveyard include vultures and hyenas. The vultures present a mild nuisance, while the hyenas provide the true muscle of the level.

Other memorable levels include the second level “Just Can’t Wait to be King,” and “Hakuna Matata.” Both levels include memorable music from the movie, as well as unique platforming and combat elements.

Although I failed in my quest to defeat “The Lion King,” I will continue playing until I eventually do win. The next game I have in my sights is another game from my childhood, also on the Sega Genesis; “Aladdin.”

Aladdin is another game that I never finished, however, hopefully with a new outlook, the game won’t seem quite as tough as it once did.