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 programs), it confronted the platforming one-two punch of Donkey Kong Nation Returns and Sonic Colours, each Wii greatest sellers. These video games, which had almost 9 million mixed gross sales, got here out mere days prior whereas already having present sequence followers. Hopefully, sufficient time has handed for Epic Mickey to faucet into the nostalgia crowd.
This 3D platformer is extra story-driven than you would possibly count on. Whereas the majority of the story (and sport) is dripping with originality, it sadly will get launched on a borrowed be aware with one other tackle Fantasia‘s “Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” However I can respect this as a way to reacquaint gamers with elements 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 and marketing, it does result in “an unforgettable journey for long-time followers and newcomers alike.”
The truth is, 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 basically Mickey Mouse earlier than Mickey existed however quickly changed. Whereas Mickey went to stardom, Oswald turned forgotten. His haunts have seen destruction (in elements) because of 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 considered one of The Magical Quest carts (SNES) is sobering on a couple of ranges, exhibiting an consideration to element that the majority ought to acknowledge.
What turns into of Wasteland is decided by your play model. 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 end result of Wasteland. As an instance, on this playthrough, I needed to go away the world higher than once I arrived, thus going by means of the time-consuming means of in search of out 100% of the issues I may paint, together with areas I needed to skinny at first for development. This model displays my completionist leanings, and fortunately, I used to be affected person sufficient to take pleasure in enjoying this fashion. However for individuals who’d choose to get by means of an already slower sport extra shortly, fight and quests supply 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 be able to entry different areas. These cities, cities, and villages are numerous and (not like many different video games) really appear as if dwelling worlds. Characters will wander about, and buildings are stuffed ground to ceiling with furnishings and gadgets. In addition to merely being enjoyable to have a look at, these carry much more weight to your journey. To entry these areas, you soar into projectors, which carry on some welcomed side-scrolling enjoyable. When backtracking turns into obligatory, these much less excited about e-tickets (forex) might choose to bypass these sections for a nominal value. I stumbled upon the truth that it is a new function (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 embrace a splash and a dash, although since Mickey may at all times run, I almost 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 overview 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 modifications are presentation and management. As for the previous, it advantages by having robust materials to work with. Epic Mickey regarded nice on Wii (actually pushing the {hardware} regardless of some muddy textures), with an artwork model 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 take pleasure in many Change video games in handheld mode, that is one I’ve performed completely on my largest-screen TV for higher immersion. Visually putting!
Management has seen some welcome tweaks, with a digicam management the unique sport lacked at launch. Having a left and proper stick makes a world of distinction. But you possibly can nonetheless retain the Wii really feel, and I admit smiling as I waved my Pleasure-Con like a Wiimote. It’s the proper mix, a win-win state of affairs, and one of the best end result I may’ve anticipated.
Although I’ve at all times loved Epic Mickey, I’m thrilled to have revisited the sport, because it has held up remarkably effectively. 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 a lot better than this. Stuffed with surprises, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a delight.