Review of Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed

Disney Epic Mickey stands out as a unique experience, diverging far from the sparkling, upbeat vibe typically linked with Disney creations. First launched on the Wii, its adventure platform dynamics and self-aware, dark storyline captured the interest of players, making it an unexpected success. Personally, as a Disney enthusiast, I admired Junction Point Studios’ evident passion for Mickey Mouse and the iconic Disney theme parks. While it wasn’t flawless, the game had an undeniable charm that made its twelve-hour journey quite enjoyable.

Jump to 2024, and we find Mickey Mouse stepping back into the spotlight with a remastered edition of this Wii classic, offering more than just enhanced visuals.

If Epic Mickey is new to you, here’s a quick intro: it’s a 3D platforming adventure, quite fittingly starring Mickey Mouse. It kicks off with an impressive opening scene where Mickey stumbles into Yen Sid’s workshop, tinkering with a magical paintbrush. Inadvertently, he conjures a malevolent ink creature. In the chaos to fix things, he spills a solvent all over Yen Sid’s fresh masterpiece—a refuge for forgotten Disney characters. Thinking he’s escaped unnoticed, Mickey resumes life as usual, only to later get pulled into the very world he marred.

What ensues is a journey through a warped Disneyland, where well-loved rides and sites turn eerie and run-down. This departure from Disney’s usual tone is among the game’s standout features. Each destination immerses you in its unique atmosphere, with places like The Haunted Mansion and the foreboding clock from It’s a Small World, reimagined in bleak and intriguing styles. Fans will find endless nods to the theme parks, re-envisioned in a gritty, atmospheric style that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

The platforming gameplay channels a certain nostalgia reminiscent of the sixth-generation consoles. The appeal lies in exploring open areas, collecting items, and completing quests—a style of gaming not too common nowadays. Mickey can execute standard platforming moves, but his special paintbrush, used to spray paint or thinner, adds unique strategic layers. This mechanic introduces a moral dimension: using paint can convert foes to allies or revitalize the Wasteland, whereas thinner erases enemies or sows more disorder.

Mickey isn’t just confined to 3D spaces; using classic projectors, he ventures through side-scrolling levels inspired by his timeless cartoons. As someone who loves these classics, traversing levels themed on Fantasia or Steamboat Willie was a joyous nostalgia trip, leaving me eager for the next projector’s destination.

While Epic Mickey doesn’t fall short in gameplay or narrative depth, it lacks the spectacular moments that get your heart racing like a Mario or Astro Bot adventure might. Sure, tasks like assisting Madame Leota or exploring Tomorrowland are fun, but they mainly involve fetching items or splashing some paint around, albeit in different settings. These tasks are entertaining but rarely push the envelope.

The side-scrolling segments, although charming, tend to be predictable by genre standards and might even feel too simple. The game’s morality mechanics don’t really lead to meaningful outcomes, with choices altering little beyond a few narrative tweaks and cutscenes. The game promises a delightful experience, particularly for Disney fans, with its imaginative setting being among the best in platformers. Yet, it might not offer moments that are particularly breathtaking. It’s captivating, sure, but not extraordinary.

Rebrushed, as a remaster, does a fair job of updating the game to fit modern expectations. While visuals are notably improved, the Wii’s old limitations occasionally peek through, especially when examining environments closely. Unexpectedly, longer load times crop up, notably in areas like the Mean Street hub, which is surprising for a game barking up fifteen years of age.

On the other hand, the game now includes a dash ability and several user-friendly tweaks, such as revisiting areas more easily—a boon for perfectionists seeking missed items.

Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed offers a solid update to one of the Wii’s cherished titles. As a Disney fan, sharing this journey with my child was heartwarming, spotting familiar attractions and characters from the parks, and having those “aha!” moments. As a gamer, though, it’s a bittersweet affair—filled with intriguing places but nostalgic gameplay. Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed myself, with Rebrushed shining as the optimal way to dive into Disney’s curiously enchanting world.

Switch Version Reviewed. Review copy courtesy of THQ Nordic.