The film is based on the animated movie of the same name. Carl Fredericksen had always aspired to be an explorer but never took the plunge. After his wife dies, he becomes melancholy but eventually chooses to go on adventures, and Russel, a scout, accompanies him.
Most levels feature two protagonists with distinct abilities: Carl, who can use his walking assistance as a jumping aid and crowbar, and Russell, who balances on small ledges, captures insects, and blinds adversaries with his magnifying glass. Dug, the dog who can swim and pass through narrow openings, occasionally joins them. The levels are simple platforming stages with numerous riddles that require all these problem-solving abilities. Of course, this can also be played in co-op. A few flying levels with a biplane provide entertainment.
The Xbox 360/Playstation 3/Wii version differs significantly. There are more levels and additional mini-games, such as a raft journey where the player must avoid crocodiles; the plot is delivered with actual movie cutscenes and more unlockable extras such as cheats. Throughout the game, the two player characters acquire new gadgets that can be utilized to access recent locations in previously completed levels. The multiplayer options are also different: instead of four simultaneous flying duels, this version has two variants for two players and six more mini-games that can be played as a tournament for four players.
