Disney Epic Mickey stands out as one of those peculiar gaming adventures that took us far beyond the usual cheerful and sunny Disney realm. It first made its mark on the Wii, blending dark themes with adventure platforming, an unexpected twist that resonated with gamers, turning it into a surprise hit. As a Disney enthusiast myself, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the passion Junction Point Studios poured into highlighting Mickey Mouse and the beloved theme parks. While it wasn’t without its flaws, the game was heartfelt and managed to maintain excitement throughout its twelve-hour journey.
Jumping ahead to 2024, Mickey makes a comeback in a remastered version that offers more than just a visual upgrade.
For those who never entered Mickey’s adventurous world, Epic Mickey is a 3D platformer where our favorite mouse becomes entangled in a magical mishap. Stepping into the workshop of the wise sorcerer Yen Sid, Mickey’s curiosity with a mystical paintbrush accidentally unleashes a sinister ink monster. In a frenzy to contain the chaos, he spills paint thinner onto Yen Sid’s latest creation—a refuge for Disney’s forgotten characters. Swiftly escaping to avoid discovery, Mickey goes on with his life, unaware of the trouble he’s stirred. Yet, that ink monster makes a return, dragging Mickey into the very world he marred.
The journey takes players through a distorted and eerie Disneyland, where familiar rides and landmarks are transformed into decrepit versions of themselves. This eerie twist on the Disney theme is one of the game’s strongest aspects. Every location visited brims with atmosphere, from an even gloomier version of The Haunted Mansion to clashes with the clock from It’s a Small World. For Disney lovers, the game is brimming with nods to the parks, presenting them in a uniquely dark yet intriguingly fresh way.
The platforming itself evokes memories of sixth-generation consoles with its structure and concepts—a refreshing throwback as platformers of this nature are rare these days. Mickey isn’t just hopping around; he wields a paintbrush to alter the world—using paint to turn foes into allies or give life back to the Wasteland, while the thinner option lets him erase both obstacles and enemies. This mechanic cleverly plays with the idea of good versus evil through Mickey’s choices.
In addition to 3D exploration, Mickey navigates between areas using projectors, entering side-scrolling segments inspired by classic cartoons. Levels reminiscent of Fantasia or Steamboat Willie bring out nostalgia, leaving fans curious about the next projector’s destination.
While Epic Mickey delivers an enjoyable experience, it doesn’t quite match the buzz of titles like Mario or Astro Bot. Tasks like aiding Madame Leota or exploring Tomorrowland, although fun, don’t offer moments that truly dazzle. Even the side-scrolling bits, while charming, tend to be straightforward and a bit too easy. The moral choices in the game lack impactful consequences, making only slight differences in later parts or the story’s ending. Despite these criticisms, the game’s creative execution, especially for Disney enthusiasts, provides fun settings to explore, though it may not be riveting throughout.
The Rebrushed remaster successfully updates the game to modern standards, showcasing enhanced visuals, though some of the original’s age still shows. Surprisingly, loading times, particularly when entering the main hub Mean Street, are lengthy—a bit unexpected for a game this old running on newer hardware.
Additional enhancements include a dash ability and improvements that simplify returning to previous levels for missed collectibles.
Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed revives one of the Wii’s cherished games. Playing it with my son, we enjoyed identifying theme park attractions and encountering familiar characters. However, from a gamer’s standpoint, the journey felt solid but not spectacular, filled with fascinating worlds to wander yet saddled with aged tasks. All in all, though, it was a joyous experience and Rebrushed stands as the definitive way to immerse yourself in Disney’s unusually intriguing escapade.
Version Tested: Nintendo Switch. Review copy provided by THQ Nordic.
