Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed was a sufferer of timing when it first launched in Nov 2010. Whereas it had some success on the Wii (and subsequent entries on different methods), it confronted the platforming one-two punch of Donkey Kong Nation Returns and Sonic Colours, each Wii greatest sellers. These video games, which had practically 9 million mixed gross sales, got here out mere days prior whereas already having present collection followers. Hopefully, sufficient time has handed for Epic Mickey to faucet into the nostalgia crowd.
This 3D platformer is extra story-driven than you may anticipate. Whereas the majority of the story (and sport) is dripping with originality, it sadly will get launched on a borrowed word with one other tackle Fantasia‘s “Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” However I can respect this as a method to reacquaint gamers with points of Mickey’s persona underplayed in current instances. The mischievousness and naivety on show match Mickey’s character and result in a thought-provoking story. As a result of it’s his mishaps with paint thinner that in the end lead him to a dimension of Disney characters forgotten over time, Wasteland. And, true to the advertising, it does result in “an unforgettable journey for long-time followers and newcomers alike.”
In truth, Wasteland is simply as a lot the star as Mickey, if no more so. It’s a realm led by Oswald the Fortunate Rabbit, who, regardless of his namesake, proves there’s no such factor as luck. He was primarily Mickey Mouse earlier than Mickey existed however quickly changed. Whereas Mickey went to stardom, Oswald turned forgotten. His haunts have seen destruction (in elements) due to Mickey’s carelessness with the thinner. It’s a Tim Burtonesque world in decay, stuffed with forgotten lore—not simply Disney animation, however toys and even different videogames. Discovering buried carts of Mickey Mousecapade (NES) or one in all The Magical Quest carts (SNES) is sobering on a number of ranges, exhibiting an consideration to element that the majority ought to acknowledge.
What turns into of Wasteland is decided by your play type. With the comb in his hand, Mickey paints and thins because the platforming and puzzles dictate. There are copious quantities of collectibles and sidequests, and the way pushed you’re to seek out these can go a good distance towards the result of Wasteland. For instance, on this playthrough, I wished to go away the world higher than once I arrived, thus going via the time-consuming means of searching for out 100% of the issues I may paint, together with areas I needed to skinny at first for development. This type displays my completionist leanings, and fortunately, I used to be affected person sufficient to get pleasure from taking part in this fashion. However for many who’d desire to get via an already slower sport extra rapidly, fight and quests provide a number of approaches for gamers to select from, and the temptation for much less taxing routes is actual. Character interactions (dialogue and rewards) will change accordingly, strengthening how the gameplay ties into the plot plus offering replay worth.
Wasteland has a central hub from which you’ll entry different areas. These cities, cities, and villages are numerous and (in contrast to many different video games) truly seem like residing worlds. Characters will wander about, and buildings are stuffed ground to ceiling with furnishings and gadgets. Apart from merely being enjoyable to take a look at, these convey much more weight to your journey. To entry these areas, you bounce into projectors, which convey on some welcomed side-scrolling enjoyable. When backtracking turns into needed, these much less all for e-tickets (foreign money) could desire to bypass these sections for a nominal value. I stumbled upon the truth that this can be a new characteristic (not less than for non-Japanese gamers) added for the Change model, highlighting how occasionally I used it within the Wii authentic.
Different new options embody a touch and a dash, although since Mickey may all the time run, I practically forgot about these. One factor I suspected however later confirmed was the rise in collectibles. “3 times as many idea artwork collectibles as the unique sport,” proclaimed the assessment information. I respect the adjustment, although I want the auto-save had likewise seen modification to account for this (plus handheld play). Whereas the quantity to gather may overwhelm some, I really feel nothing however gratitude for the rise. Given the scope of your travels with horizontal and vertical platforming in big areas stuffed with hidden nooks and crannies, it simply is sensible.
Essentially the most sizable adjustments are presentation and management. As for the previous, it advantages by having sturdy materials to work with. Epic Mickey appeared nice on Wii (actually pushing the {hardware} regardless of some muddy textures), with an artwork type that’s proving timeless. Now upgraded to high-definition, the graphics particularly pop, making it price some lengthy load instances and the odd framerate drop. The attention-catching high quality is notable proper from the opening cutscene. Whereas I get pleasure from many Change video games in handheld mode, that is one I’ve performed solely on my largest-screen TV for larger immersion. Visually placing!
Management has seen some welcome tweaks, with a digital camera management the unique sport lacked at launch. Having a left and proper stick makes a world of distinction. But you’ll be able to nonetheless retain the Wii really feel, and I admit smiling as I waved my Pleasure-Con like a Wiimote. It’s the right mix, a win-win state of affairs, and the most effective consequence I may’ve anticipated.
Although I’ve all the time loved Epic Mickey, I’m thrilled to have revisited the sport, because it has held up remarkably properly. This remake makes it higher than ever. Should you’re searching for that “Disney Magic,” so to talk, you’d be hard-pressed to seek out significantly better than this. Stuffed with surprises, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a delight.