Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a faithful remake of the original 2010 Nintendo Wii title. As anyone who played it the first time will remember, it was a fun yet flawed family game. Would the modern makeover of this game fix its original issues, or will it just be the same game in a shinier package?
The game’s premise is to explore a magical kingdom called the Wasteland and help restore it to its former glory. Playing as the classic Disney icon, Mickey, there are various quests to complete as you fix what you helped destroy. With your magical paintbrush, you use paint and thinner on objects around the Wasteland, finding collectables, defeating enemies, and completing tasks. Occasionally we are treated to a cutscene which is given its own unique art style, keeping it fresh and interesting.
The game is faithful to the original, with only a few extra quests dotted throughout. This is not a huge issue, however, as the plot and the gameplay are as engaging as ever. As I played, my first thought was that Disney Epic Mickey doesn’t seem like a 14 year old game. The graphics are high quality, making each explorable area an absolute joy to roam. The gameplay didn’t feel like I was playing an old Nintendo Wii game, which can only be a good thing.
I quickly noticed that the issues I had with the original had been reworked entirely. The controls and gameplay mechanics are now smooth and responsive, and Mickey has some extra moves. Mickey has received a lot of love and attention, and quite rightly, too. He can now sprint and dash, giving his movement an exciting upgrade. His jumps look graceful and he is so much easier to control as you lead him through each puzzle.
There were times when I was a little irritated by the hand-holding through some early levels and had to remind myself that this is a family game. Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is the sort of game parents and kids can play together. Since they polished up the controls, it is easier than ever to recommend this to parents or older siblings who want to introduce a younger child to the wonderful world of platformer gaming.
The 3D platform levels are brilliantly done and full of dark and twisted versions of classic Disneyland rides. It is a testament to the talents of the team of developers to see a haunted fairground style look so vibrant. It could easily look dank and dreary, but instead it’s spooky and captivating. The background music can get a little repetitive, and often I find myself absentmindedly humming it to myself hours after I have finished playing. It could be worse, of course. There are more annoying songs to have stuck in your head than ‘Once Upon A Dream’.
One feature of Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed I love is the jump into 2D platform gaming. After completing a main quest in the 3D world, Mickey then hops through a projector screen. In this new world he revisits a classic ‘toon from Disney history. Each 2D platform world has a unique design inspired by the original Mickey cartoons such as Steamboat Willie. They are a cute nostalgic extra for Disney fans, however, they exist only as another opportunity to gather tickets and collectables. It is so refreshing to enter a new world with a completely different aesthetic. The only downside is that you complete each 2D level far too quickly. There is an option to revisit these another time, however, so that’s a nice bonus.
Speaking of these fun little extras, another addition to this revamp of Disney Epic Mickey is the introduction of more collectables. Players can uncover movie reels and golden pins around each of the creepy Magical Kingdom areas, often having to use the thinner to find hidden spaces or get to chests. Players who particularly enjoy that aspect of gaming are in for a treat with Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed.
Despite the fact I am not the world’s biggest Disney fan, this game is highly enjoyable. The story’s premise is great, the characters are cute, and the gameplay is fun and engaging. Different things may drive different players, but I personally look forward to seeing what other 2D platformer levels we get to unlock. Usually, a revamp of an old game can feel like a bit of a cash grab, but with Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, it is different. The team who crafted the remake did so intending to make it how it was always meant to be. The controls are better, the graphics are fantastic, and none of the little extras detract from the original concept.
Overall, I would recommend Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed to Disney fans most of all, but also to 3D platformer fans. It is worth delving into if you have played the original 2010 title or if this is all new. It’s fantastic fun for the whole family.
- Excellent graphics
- Engaging story
- Great game for the family
- Smooth and responsive controls
- 2D platform levels could be longer
- Background music becomes repetitive
Published: Sep 23, 2024 09:00 am