After a bit of hands on with Disney's new ambitious title, Epic Mickey, I came away impressed with what was done with the limitations of the hardware it was running on. Its no secret that the Wii is lacking in the high definition visuals department. In a more optimistic light, you could say it makes it's more serious developers strive for different ways to impress gamers. For example, those in Epic Mickey, being gameplay and narrative.
Epic Mickey is due out this holiday season. At it's core, it is a platformer, with a little bit of morality mixed in for good measure. You can choose to walk the good path and be deemed hero of the land, or be a little naughty and become know as the scrapper. Striking fear in those who oppose you. Each decision having its own unique opportunities and branching paths that reflect changes in the world around you.
The most captivating aspect of Epic Mickey's gameplay, is the ability to create paths with your paint brush or paint thinner. The game sticks to a simple theme of animation. It allows the player the ability to paint a bridge or path that was not previously there. Or conversely, use paint thinner to destroy enemies, as well as obstacles preventing the progression of the character. There are limits to how much of each ability can be used. Both are regulated by your standard hud meters.
Epic Mickey looks to change the way Mickey Mouse is viewed in the videogames. From what was shown at this years E3, I'd say they're on the right path, and heading towards what I expect many will a classic. What else does an historic icon as well embedded in our culture as Mickey deserve? Nothing less in my opinion.
For some gameplay footage, follow this
link, you won't regret it.
