Disney Epic Mickey broke the mold when it first launched, veering away from Disney’s typical sunshine and smiles. Originally a Wii release, this adventure-platformer charmed its way into the hearts of gamers despite its uniquely eerie narrative. As a Disney aficionado myself, I appreciated Junction Point Studios’ evident passion for Mickey Mouse and their deep dive into the darker corners of Disney lore, especially the theme parks. While not flawless, its charm carried the twelve-hour journey compellingly.
Jump to 2024, and Mickey makes his comeback with a remastered version that does more than just polish the visuals.
For those who missed it the first time around, Epic Mickey is a 3D adventure starring—you guessed it—Mickey Mouse. Things kick off with a stunning CGI cutscene where Mickey sneaks into the workshop of the legendary sorcerer Yen Sid and mistakenly brings to life a nightmarish ink monster with his magic paintbrush. In his panic to erase it, Mickey accidentally splatters thinner over Yen Sid’s latest creation—a world meant for Disney’s forgotten characters. Mickey, thinking he got away with his mischief, continues his life unbothered until the ink monster drags him into the very mess he created.
What follows is a journey through a twisted version of Disneyland, where iconic attractions stand eerily transformed. Gone is the vibrant joy; in its place is a somber, decaying rendition of the parks. This shadowy twist provides much of the game’s allure. Exploring these transformed landmarks—battling an ominous clock from It’s a Small World and navigating a more chilling Haunted Mansion—offers fans countless nods to Disney’s storied past, lending a thrill to the familiar yet altered scenery.
Epic Mickey’s gameplay channels the spirit of older sixth-generation consoles, focusing on exploration and item collection across open stages. This isn’t a drawback; its nostalgic vibe is refreshing, reminding us of the infrequent genre these days. Mickey’s abilities include more than just jumping—his paintbrush lets him wield paint and thinner to engage foes or uncover secrets by altering the environment. This mechanic emphasizes choices: painting often redeems enemies or revives the game world, while thinner can create havoc or erase them permanently.
Alongside the 3D landscapes, Mickey uses projectors to shift from one area to another in side-scrolling levels inspired by classic cartoons. Revamping scenes from classics like Fantasia or Steamboat Willie was a delightful touch that left me eagerly anticipating the next nostalgic vignette.
Despite its strengths, the game doesn’t quite reach the exhilarating highs of titles like Mario or Astro Bot. Quest tasks, like helping Madame Leota or exploring Tomorrowland, provide amusement but don’t venture much beyond simple exploration and environment manipulation. The side-scrolling segments, though enjoyable, feel straightforward by genre standards, lacking in challenge. The game’s morality system also falls a bit flat, with player choices only slightly shifting future missions and endings. While the game is certainly entertaining, especially for Disney enthusiasts, it sometimes lacks the gripping engagement that defines top-tier platformers. It’s a consistently fun experience in a captivating setting but won’t often leave you breathless.
In terms of remastering, Rebrushed impressively elevates the game’s look but fails to fully shake off its Wii origins upon closer inspection. Surprisingly lengthy load times, especially when returning to Mean Street, were a bit of a letdown given the game’s age and the platform’s capabilities.
The remaster does introduce enhancements like a new dash move and other quality improvements, making it easier to revisit and complete missed challenges.
Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed offers a respectful update to a cherished Wii classic. As someone who relished playing with my son, the thrill of encountering beloved Disney attractions and characters was undeniable. However, purely as a gaming experience, it’s solid but not stellar, exciting to explore yet anchored by somewhat dated gameplay mechanics. Regardless, the overall joy it brings, especially for Disney aficionados, makes Rebrushed the prime way to delve into Mickey’s quirky, enchanting adventure.
Version tested: Nintendo Switch
Review copy provided by THQ Nordic
