Lilo and Stitch: Trouble in Paradise (Disney PC, G)

By PETER ELEY

(Herald rating: * * * * )

At first glance, the animated film and computer Lilo and Stitch seem straight out of the Disney stable, but its storyline is more socially aware than usual, dealing with non-traditional families and welfarism.

Lilo is a Hawaiian girl who lives with her older sister after their parents die. They both have to dodge a social welfare heavy called Copra Bubbles. Stitch is an alien monster who escapes from intergalactic prison and crash-lands on Earth.

You may have spotted the classic Disney orphan/outcast storyline from Bambi, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty etc. Lilo has to rehabilitate Stitch, and they learn the true meaning of family. The game picks up on that theme without getting too heavy. It's a couple of notches down from the film in realism, but is good, colourful fun with logic exercises and puzzles.

* peter_eley@nzherald.co.nz