Review of Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed

Disney Epic Mickey has always stood out as an oddball among the usual Disney lineup. Originally launched on the Wii, this game combined adventure platforming with a darker, self-aware story that really caught gamers’ attention, making it a hit that wasn’t exactly expected. I’ll confess, as a huge Disney fanatic, I was captivated by the passion and effort Junction Point Studios poured into Mickey’s character and his ties to Disney’s amusement parks. Though it wasn’t without its flaws, the game had immense heart and offered a compelling experience that sustained its 12-hour playthrough.

Jump to 2024, and Mickey Mouse takes center stage again with a remastered version of the Wii classic, adding more than just visual upgrades.

For those diving into Epic Mickey for the first time, you’re stepping into a 3D platforming journey centered on—yep, you guessed it, Mickey Mouse. The story kicks off with Mickey stumbling into Yen Sid’s workshop, armed with a magical paintbrush. In an effort to fix an evil ink creature, Mickey inadvertently makes a mess, spilling thinner on Yen Sid’s newest creation—a realm for Disney’s forgotten characters. Thinking he got away with his prank scot-free, Mickey goes on with his day. Little does he know, the ink creature reappears, pulling him into the very world he carelessly vandalized.

The adventure that unfolds takes you through a distorted Disneyland, where famous rides and landmarks look eerily neglected. This unusual Disney vibe is one of the game’s standout features. Each area immerses you in an atmosphere thick with style—a murkier Haunted Mansion or a showdown with the clock from It’s a Small World. Fans will love the numerous Easter eggs and subtle nods to the theme parks, which, despite their grim twist, feel both nostalgic and revitalizing.

When it comes to the platforming itself, Epic Mickey exudes a retro vibe reminiscent of sixth-generation consoles, reflected in both its structure and concepts. That’s not a critique, though; the nostalgic feel of venturing through areas, snagging items, and tackling quests offers a refreshing break in today’s gaming landscape. Besides the usual jumping maneuvers, Mickey uses his paintbrush to splash paint or thinner, aiding in battles, solving puzzles, and uncovering hidden spaces by altering the scenery. This mechanic provides an interesting moral angle—paint symbolizes Mickey doing good by turning foes into friends and revitalizing the Wastelands, while thinner represents chaos and destruction.

In addition to exploring the game’s 3D landscapes, Mickey travels between areas using projectors that transform into 2D side-scrolling stages inspired by classic cartoons. These sections—drawing from Fantasia and Steamboat Willie—had me grinning and eagerly awaiting where the next projector would take us.

While Epic Mickey holds together as a solid adventure without significant faults, it lacks the electrifying moments that usually get you on the edge of your seat, much like a Mario or Astro Bot game. I helped Madame Leota organize her library—which involved hunting for some books. Exploring Tomorrowland had me bouncing around and painting, just with a different backdrop. These tasks aren’t bad, but they tend to remain entertaining rather than exceptionally thrilling.

The side-scrolling segments, although charming, tend to play it safe and may come off as simplistic by genre benchmarks. Similarly, the morality system feels a bit lacking, with choices minimally impacting subsequent missions or the final cutscenes. Nevertheless, the game’s creativity ensures a fun experience, especially for Disney fans, with the setting being a highlight. Still, I didn’t find myself utterly absorbed by the gameplay. Entertained for sure, but not completely fascinated.

In terms of remastering, Rebrushed does a commendable job updating the game for a modern audience. It visibly looks better than the original, but the Wii’s constraints are occasionally noticeable upon closer inspection. I was particularly taken aback by the extended load times when accessing Mean Street. Although I expect longer loading on the Switch, for a game nearly 15 years old, I hoped for better performance.

The game also includes improvements like a dash ability and other quality-of-life updates, such as easier level revisits for collecting overlooked items.

Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed delivers a worthy upgrade to one of the Wii’s cherished titles. As a Disney enthusiast, playing through it with my son was sheer joy—recognizing theme park rides and jumping up whenever a familiar character showed up. Yet, as a gamer, the journey was enjoyable but not outstanding, filled with fascinating places to explore but outdated tasks to complete. Ultimately, I had a fantastic time, and Rebrushed is hands down the quintessential way to experience Disney’s curiously delightful escapade.

Version Tested: Nintendo Switch
Review copy provided by THQ Nordic