Atlantis: The Lost Empire is a 3D action game originally released for the PlayStation in 2001 and now available on PS5 through emulation. The title adapts the Disney animated film into a platforming experience where players control members of an expedition team exploring underwater ruins and ancient structures.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on navigating linear stages filled with platforming challenges, environmental puzzles, and light combat encounters. Players switch between up to six characters, each equipped with distinct abilities that open new paths or solve specific obstacles. Milo Thatch handles basic movement and translation tasks, while others like Vinny provide explosives for clearing blockages, Audrey manages mechanical repairs and lighting dark areas, Mole digs through soft terrain, and Kida offers superior jumping and combat options in later sections. Vehicle segments appear in select stages, requiring control of a minisub or truck to progress through hazards.
Stages emphasize exploration within confined spaces, requiring precise jumps, timing-based actions, and character swaps to advance. Health management and item collection add tension during longer sequences, with progression gated behind ability usage rather than open-world freedom. The PS5 version includes up-rendering for sharper visuals, rewind functionality for retrying sections, quick save options, and adjustable video filters to customize the presentation.
Game Modes
The experience consists entirely of a single-player campaign divided across twelve distinct worlds. Each world presents a self-contained stage or series of connected areas drawn from the film's narrative, such as surface facilities, underwater vessels, and the depths of Atlantis itself. There are no separate multiplayer options or alternate modes; progress follows the main story sequence from start to finish, with character selection available within levels to match the required skills.
Completion involves locating collectibles like letters and crystals in many stages, though these remain optional for basic advancement. The structure stays linear, guiding players through set challenges without branching paths or side objectives beyond the primary goals.
Story and Characters
Players follow linguist Milo Thatch as he joins a crew led by Preston Whitmore to locate the legendary city. The team includes demolition expert Vinny Santorini, mechanic Audrey Ramirez, geologist Gaetan Moli猫re, and warrior princess Kida. Their journey encounters hostile creatures, collapsing environments, and internal conflicts that force reliance on each member's specialized tools and talents. The narrative unfolds through stage transitions and brief interactions rather than extensive cutscenes.
Is It Worth Playing?
This PS5 release suits players interested in classic 3D platformers with puzzle elements and movie tie-ins. The emulation enhancements improve accessibility compared to the original hardware, allowing modern controls and quality-of-life features during play. Reception for the 2001 version was mixed, with praise for its varied character abilities and stage design alongside criticism of occasional camera issues and repetition in later levels.
Fans of the Atlantis film will recognize familiar locations and personalities, while those seeking straightforward action-platforming may appreciate the focused campaign length. The absence of additional modes or ongoing content means the value lies in completing the core adventure once or twice for collectibles. Availability on PS5 makes it a convenient option for revisiting or discovering the title without original console requirements.