As a lifelong Disney enthusiast who has fond memories of the original Epic Mickey on the Nintendo Wii, I must say that Epic Mickey: Rebrushed has truly brought a smile to my face and a spring to my step. It’s like revisiting an old friend who’s grown up and become even more charming than before.
14 years post the initial Nintendo Wii launch, the iconic 3D platformer Epic Mickey is poised for a resurgence of popularity. Developed by Purple Lamp, the refreshed version titled Epic Mickey: Rebrushed delivers a sleek update to its appearance while enhancing gameplay mechanics as well. As a dedicated fan of this Mickey Mouse platformer, I’ve always admired its unique narrative structure and artistic flair. But with this new iteration, it’s truly realizing the potential I knew it had back then.
If you’re new to Epic Mickey, it centers around the unique feature of using paint and thinner on various items. Mickey Mouse navigates the world, whether by helping bring objects to life or dismantling them to advance through levels. The combat system follows a similar pattern, allowing you to either use thinner to eliminate enemies or paint to convert them into allies. Your decisions throughout the game, including how you approach boss battles (which are enjoyable puzzles), influence both the narrative and gameplay mechanics by affecting your paint and thinner supplies. This means there’s an engaging aspect of player choices shaping not only the story but also the gameplay itself.
As a fan, I can’t help but marvel at the captivating blend of gameplay in this title. A large portion of my time is spent traipsing through immersive 3D landscapes, where the ability to use paint and thinner truly comes alive. Yet, it’s the traditional 2D stages inspired by timeless cartoons like Steamboat Willie and Oh What a Knight featuring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit that steal my heart. It’s fascinating how Walt Disney’s very first creation not only graces the plot but also adds an intriguing layer of meta storytelling, making it a delight to witness unfold. The 2D animated cutscenes have been beautifully re-mastered in 4K, and they look nothing short of stunning!
In the revamped version of Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, numerous gameplay adjustments have been incorporated, significantly enhancing the overall gaming experience compared to its enchanting yet somewhat clunky predecessor. Key improvements include Mickey gaining new abilities such as dashing, executing a ground-pound attack, and sprinting. These enhancements give the game a more polished feel of a true 3D platformer, complemented by alterations in level design that introduce new zones and puzzles. Additionally, the visuals have been completely revamped, making it aesthetically pleasing to play in 4K resolution at a smooth 60 frames per second.
The Epic Mickey remake includes some delightful extras, boasting three times the number of concept art collectibles compared to the original version. These are visually appealing and offer a glimpse into the extensive work and creativity that went into the game’s development. It’s rare to see individual artists credited in special features, but this is one of those instances. Additionally, you can revisit the 2D levels from Mean Street’s new cinema section for added fun. It’s not common for a game to be given such a thoughtful second chance at greatness, and it’s heartening to see this Disney title finally realizing its full potential after 14 years.
Epic Mickey: Rebrushed Review: Final Verdict
Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a flawless remake, offering an enhanced visual and gameplay experience compared to the original. What sets it apart is that the original creators were consulted during its development, ensuring that this edition aligns more closely with their vision for the game in 2010, free from any technical or time limitations. This is the definitive way to experience Epic Mickey moving forward.
SCORE: 8.5/10
According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 8.5 is considered “Excellent.” Although there are a handful of small flaws, this grade indicates that the artwork achieves its purpose effectively and makes a lasting impression.
Note: We received a digital PlayStation 5 version of Epic Mickey: Rebrushed for the purpose of this review, which was conducted on version 1.000.001.
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2024-09-23 16:10