Developer Disney Interactive Studios recently released the follow up sequel to their hit series Epic Mickey, but lost during the excitement for the release of Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is a companion piece title that takes place between the storylines of the first and second game called Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion. This hidden gem is only available for Nintendo 3DS, and the game features the return of Mickey Mouse to his 2D platforming roots like older gamers will remember from the 16-bit era. The game's storyline will traverse several worlds inspired by Disney films where Mickey will meet up with characters such as Aladdin and Peter Pan, not completely unlike the Kingdom Hearts series. The entertaining trip is one that gamers of all ages can enjoy and should be checked out by 3DS owners this holiday season.
In Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion, Wasteland is invaded by the evil witch Mizrabel and her Castle of Illusion after the wizard Yen Sid accidentally transports the witch from her home world to the toon's world. Oswald the Magic Rabbit then contacts Mickey Mouse to ask for help with stopping the diabolical plans of Mizrabel and save Minnie, who is trapped inside the castle walls. Unlike Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, you'll play Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion only as Mickey as he navigates the Castle of Illusion that takes on the form of various classic Disney films all while rescuing characters from these worlds. The game's storyline is simple and fun, and it serves as a nice companion game between the original Epic Mickey and Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two.
Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion is a 2D platformer at its core, but it features many game mechanics that make the game a unique title that stands out above others in the genre. The game utilizes the touch screen of the 3DS to allow players to play various mini-games, use the stylus to create objects with Mickey's paint brush that come alive inside the game or entirely erase objects to remove them from the game. You'll also be able to play a great mini-game called Fortress that allows you to upgrade special character rooms inside of the castle by completing quests to unlock special abilities and other upgrades for Mickey to use in-game. Each of the game's eleven stages will take some time to complete and feature plenty of hidden areas that need to be discovered, so Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion is a fairly long title that you'll want to play through more than once to see the different ways the game can progress.
Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion features some great art design that Disney fans will enjoy, and the game's sprites provide a thrill to see the many characters in a single game. Sound design is just as you'd expect in a Disney title for the Nintendo 3DS--nothing special but not bad either. Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion is a fun game that platforming fans will become quickly addicted to, and it shouldn't be overlooked this holiday season, even if Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is slightly more fun than the portable title. Epic Mickey is a great series that all gamers should experience for themselves, and we can't wait to see where the series goes in the future!
Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion is now available from all major retailers for the MSRP of $39.99 and can be purchased exclusively for Nintendo 3DS. Epic Mickey: Power of Illusions is rated E by the ESRB for Mild Cartoon Violence. For more information on the game, check out the official Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two webpage.
Game Features:
Game Information:
Developer: DreamRift
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
Available exclusively for Nintendo 3DS (reviewed)
Release Date: November 18, 2012
