Review of Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed

Disney Epic Mickey has always stood out as an intriguing game, diverging from Disney’s typically sunny and cheerful vibe. Released first on the Wii, the game blended adventurous platforming with dark, self-aware themes, unexpectedly resonating with gamers and becoming a surprise hit. As a Disney enthusiast myself, I was captivated by Junction Point Studios’ love and dedication for Mickey Mouse, especially in how it translated into the game’s depiction of Disney’s iconic theme parks. Though the game wasn’t impeccable, its charm made the 12-hour journey more than enjoyable.

Fast forward to 2024, and Mickey Mouse makes a grand return in a remastered version of this Wii classic, offering more than just shiny visuals.

For those unfamiliar with Epic Mickey, the game is a 3D platformer adventure starring, unsurprisingly, Mickey Mouse. It kicks off with a stunning CG cutscene, as Mickey sneaks into the workshop of the legendary sorcerer Yen Sid. Here, he tinkers with a magical paintbrush, inadvertently unleashing a sinister ink creature. In a frantic attempt to clean up, Mickey spills thinner over Yen Sid’s latest creation— a place meant for forgotten Disney characters. He flees, thinking his actions went unnoticed, only to face the ink monster again, who drags him into the very world Mickey marred with thinner.

What unfolds is a journey through a distorted version of Disneyland, where once-vibrant rides and landmarks take on an eerie, dilapidated look. This departure from Disney’s norm is one of the game’s compelling aspects. Each area is dripping with a unique atmosphere—from The Haunted Mansion’s even spookier take to battles with It’s a Small World’s iconic clock. For fans, there are countless nods to the theme parks, now shrouded in a refreshingly new, grimy guise.

The platforming in Epic Mickey harks back to the era of sixth-generation consoles, both in structure and concept. And that’s not a bad thing! In fact, it feels nostalgic to navigate open areas, gather items, and undertake quests, especially when such games are a rarity now. Aside from the usual platforming maneuvers, Mickey can wield his paintbrush to spray paint or thinner, confronting enemies or solving puzzles by altering or removing parts of the scenery. This mechanic cleverly plays on the theme of choice—painting is associated with positive actions, transforming foes into allies and revitalizing the Wastelands, while using thinner is seen as the opposite, often creating more havoc.

Another engaging element is traveling between the game’s zones via projectors, which turn into side-scrolling segments inspired by classic Mickey cartoons. As a fan, revisiting moments from Fantasia or Steamboat Willie was a joy, and I loved anticipating the next cartoon homage.

Even though Epic Mickey’s gameplay is solid, it doesn’t deliver those “wow” moments found in adventures like Mario or Astro Bot. Sure, I helped Madame Leota with her library or roamed Tomorrowland, but these tasks didn’t demand more than simple exploration or some paint-splashing. They were amusing but didn’t stretch beyond that.

The side-scrolling sections, while charming, stick closely to genre conventions and might feel too simple at times. The morality component also feels a bit underdeveloped; choices made during the game lead to only slight differences in future missions and endings. Despite this, the game offers a fun experience, particularly for Disney fans, given the creative setting and theme park references. It’s captivating, yet not overly thrilling.

In the remaster, Rebrushed brings the game closer to today’s standards. The visuals are notably enhanced, although the Wii’s constraints are occasionally noticeable. Surprisingly, I encountered long load times, especially when moving around the central hub, Mean Street. While I’m used to the Switch’s occasional loading delays, I expected smoother performance from a game that’s almost fifteen years old.

The remaster does offer improvements like a dash ability and easier level revisits for those hunting missed collectibles.

Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed rejuvenates a cherished Wii adventure. As a Disney devotee sharing this journey with my son, the experience was pure joy, spotting theme park rides and recognizable faces. However, from a gamer’s viewpoint, the experience was merely good. Still, I had fun overall, and Rebrushed remains the best way to dive into Disney’s quirky, fantastical world.

Version Tested: Nintendo Switch. Review copy courtesy of THQ Nordic.