Much like the original, blocks fall from the top of the screen, which you must group up into threes and then launch them into the air using the Ds stylus. The object of the game is to get those blocks off the screen, but the trick is to use each level's unique gravity settings to your advantage. This usually means that different types of blocks function differently under the level's gravity, so using a bit of strategy and adapting the way you play is a must to move forward. Another important element of the game are combos, which you create by shaping rectangles on a set of blocks that have already been fired. This is the best -- and only way usually -- to dispose of large numbers of blocks at a time, so mastering this is also a must.

But Disney Magic doesn't just settle on giving players essentially the same game with a Disney veneer; instead of being able to only move blocks vertically, now players can move blocks as well. To say that this mechanic changes the way the gameplay is a major understatement, but fans of the original game might find this a bit blasphemous because that limitation was part of the game's challenge. To keep the challenge level high, Disney Magic throws blocks are you faster, so being able to move them in new directions is met with more to move.

Another important change in Disney Magic is how you use the DS. Instead of holding it in the traditional way, this game has you turn the DS on its side. This has a number of advantages, but the most important is that the playfield is no longer smashed down by the limited height of the DS touch screen. This new found way to play also opens the way to using new power-ups like slow (slows the rate of falling), nitro (ignores a level's gravity and flings blocks rapidly off the screen) and horizontal block movement.. Horizontal mode is only available at the Expert level and lets you move blocks sideways for a limited time.

The Disney theme is interesting and has been blended into the gameplay nicely, but the biggest problem we have is with some of the odd choices for themes like Beauty and the Beast and Winnie The Pooh. A little too kiddie for our taste, but luckily there's plenty of middle-of-the-road themes like Pirates of the Caribbean, Lilo & Stich, Toy Story The Nightmare Before Christmas, Finding Nemo, Aladdin, etc that won't cause you awkward moments. Even Fantasia and the classic Snow White films got some limelight in the game, so all the Disney bases get covered in Disney Magic.

In story mode, familiar Disney character Jiminy Cricket guides you through a tale of stories gone awry. You’ll be lead to different themed areas with themed blocks and a forgettable screen showing some Disney art. The themes themselves really are irrelevant as you enjoy the game, going from one level to another taking on different challenges. There are a number of difficulty levels that you can try your hand at if you are a Meteos expert, along with a frantic unlockable expert mode that will challenge even the greatest of players. The game also offers a nice challenge mode that lets you play for a high score or against the clock; and a pretty sweet multiplayer mode for up to four players complete with nasty power-ups that wreak temporary havoc on your opponents. And for those friends who have a DS but no Disney Magic, there's an option to let them download it and play against you.

In the end Disney Magic takes the popular Q Entertainment puzzler to new heights with some great new gameplay mechanics that most Meteos fans will appreciate. Even if you don't like the Disney themes that are in the game, Disney Magic really is about decent single and multiplayer gameplay, and less about Winnie The Pooh or Beauty & The Best. If you loved the original, you'll love Disney Magic.