A half-baked experience that does what it does right, but doesn't do very much to mention. I only recommend the film.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe started as a series of novels written by male author C.S. Lewis. Adopted as a film first, and then a video game shortly following that, it was safe to analyze that both the children of the book produced heating embers. For one, the film was definitely around "accomplished" on the entertainment factor, but the game, for short, barely scratches that mark.
Starting as all four of the children in the flaming ruins of their house in the middle of World War 2, you are given a rundown - most commonly a "tutorial" - and are basically introduced to the controls and various character options of the game. Starting with runny tasks such as finding family members and jumping over falling floorboards follow, ending with your introduction to the later parts of the game. Is it not long until the latter of the two - the proceeding levels - indulges you, in both good and bad ways.
To compare, each level of the game is a "piece" of the wardrobe. That said, there are *roughly* about ten or eleven levels in the game, from your beginning adventures, to your final encounter with the White Witch and her intimidating hordes. Levels consist of many things, like hiding from monsters in a certain time limit, fighting, solving "physical puzzles" and - well - that's about it. Besides some minor "boss battles" like the ogre at the lakeside, there isn't much else to do besides gawking as Susan shoots from her bow to impale enemies from afar, and thanking the gaming gods as you have Lucy heal the other party members in time with the cordial, given to her by Father Christmas. There are also scattered symbols among levels that shows a circle portrait of a certain character's face, symbolizing an obstacle that they can only get past. Usually, it's using terrain to your advantage.
On the combat side, this is where the game is most amusing. By combining the strengths of two characters, you can have them "meld" together and increase their damage - (Susan and Peter and Lucy and Edmund). In addition to having advantages in combat, this also is useful for breaking down wooded objects in your way. Erasing that, there isn't much else to the combat besides swinging your sword and looking like a knight from fairy tales. New moves become available by coins you encounter throughout levels, however. These can include Lion's Paw, and more.
As for the graphics and sound, they are more decent than they are failures. The sound was just OK in my book. Nothing too special, nothing too great. The graphics, however, were lenient on detail and allowed much variety and color in. It is rare when you see a level that is alike, spare the frost and snow that does not cease until later parts of the game. Character models did their best by matching the real actors of the film, which is always something to like, but in a way they felt...lacking. Except for the cutscenes (Most of which are from the actual cinema version), there were little, if any, facial expressions. It is seldom seen when you can judge whether a party member is happy, sad angry, or in pain from combat injuries.
So, in my final verdict, I'd have to admit that this game is pretty decent. It does what it was set out to do, but does fairly little that will catch the attention of many. C.S. Lewis fans will love to merge themselves with the experience, while newcomers looking for a good PS2 title are advised to rent the game first. In the end, it all depends on your taste of style. Whether you frown in disappointment or smile with pleasure is totally with you. Just don't go in looking for something over-the-top, because then, you will be unsatisfied.