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 techniques), 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 current 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 may anticipate. Whereas the majority of the story (and recreation) is dripping with originality, it sadly will get launched on a borrowed notice with one other tackle Fantasia‘s “Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” However I can respect this as a way to reacquaint gamers with facets of Mickey’s persona underplayed in current occasions. 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 finally 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.”
In reality, 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 components) due to Mickey’s carelessness with the thinner. It’s a Tim Burtonesque world in decay, crammed 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 couple of ranges, displaying an consideration to element that almost all ought to acknowledge.
What turns into of Wasteland is set by your play fashion. 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 might be to seek out these can go a good distance towards the result of Wasteland. For example, on this playthrough, I needed to go away the world higher than after 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 fashion displays my completionist leanings, and fortunately, I used to be affected person sufficient to get pleasure from enjoying this manner. However for many who’d want to get via an already slower recreation extra shortly, 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 be able to entry different areas. These cities, cities, and villages are various and (in contrast to many different video games) really appear as if residing worlds. Characters will wander about, and buildings are stuffed flooring to ceiling with furnishings and gadgets. In addition to merely being enjoyable to take 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 needed, these much less all in favour of e-tickets (forex) could want to bypass these sections for a nominal price. I stumbled upon the truth that it is a new function (not less than for non-Japanese gamers) added for the Swap model, highlighting how sometimes I used it within the Wii authentic.
Different new options embrace a splash 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. “Thrice as many idea artwork collectibles as the unique recreation,” 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 enormous areas crammed with hidden nooks and crannies, it simply is smart.
Essentially the most sizable modifications are presentation and management. As for the previous, it advantages by having robust materials to work with. Epic Mickey appeared nice on Wii (actually pushing the {hardware} regardless of some muddy textures), with an artwork fashion that’s proving timeless. Now upgraded to high-definition, the graphics particularly pop, making it price some lengthy load occasions and the odd framerate drop. The attention-catching high quality is notable proper from the opening cutscene. Whereas I get pleasure from many Swap video games in handheld mode, that is one I’ve performed completely on my largest-screen TV for higher immersion. Visually placing!
Management has seen some welcome tweaks, with a digicam management the unique recreation 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 right mix, a win-win state of affairs, and the most effective final result 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 effectively. This remake makes it higher than ever. When you’re in search of that “Disney Magic,” so to talk, you’d be hard-pressed to seek out a lot better than this. Filled with surprises, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a delight.
