Play Ariel – The Little Mermaid Online

Ariel: The Little Mermaid came out on the Sega Genesis in 1992, developed by BlueSky Software. It was one of many Disney platformers from that era, and it stood out for its underwater setting and direct adaptation of the film's story. You don't see many games where you play entirely as a mermaid, so it had a unique feel among the platformers of the time.

You control Ariel, swimming through side-scrolling levels to rescue Prince Eric and defeat Ursula. The main goal is to progress through each stage, clearing obstacles and enemies to reach the end. You attack by flicking your tail to create a shockwave or by grabbing and throwing shells and other objects at foes. The game involves a lot of exploration, searching for hidden items and opening clamshells to collect pearls. The pacing is fairly relaxed, and it's not a particularly difficult game, aimed more at a younger audience. It feels light and fluid, like a quick, cheerful swim through a familiar story.