I wanted to also call attention to the wonderful soundtrack from Grant Kirkhope (of Banjo-Kazooie fame) which elevates the original Genesis music to an orchestral level that is both magical and cartoonish. Inventive set pieces, both gameplay oriented and simply there to enrich the visual experience, make each stage fun and unique. Players are constantly moving deeper into the Castle of Illusion, rarely ever stopping for cutscenes, and the story moves along thanks to narration from Richard McGonagle (Sully from the Uncharted series). In fact, if I would compare the game’s overall presentation to anything, it would be the Disneyland ride The Haunted Mansion. While all of these tricks are nothing new to platforming games, they are very well executed in Castle of Illusion. Some stages have Mickey zigzagging through a three dimensional environment on a 2D path, with later portions of the act appearing as background elements early on. In the Enchanted Forest stage, for example, the first act features a background appearance by the stage’s boss who doesn’t make his real debut until act three. Stages are packed with details that either act as Disney easter eggs, such as the milk bottle cap that was actually a real 1930s pin, or give hints at what obstacles are to come. The style of Mickey in particular reminded me of the fantastic theatrical short Runaway Brain. Everything we remember from the original game is there on screen, but re-imagined in its own unique art style that both recalls the original and pays tribute to other eras of Mickey Mouse and Disney animation. Rather than taking the assets of the original 2D game and cleaning them up for a 3D title, SEGA Studios Australia has used the original game as a rough sketch for the finished product. Thankfully, while Castle of Illusion does not push the envelope when it comes to technology, it still looks very good for a fully 3D digital title and more than makes up for any shortcomings with a beautiful art direction. With the Playstation 4 and Xbox One wowing gamers right now, it’s difficult to look at current gen games and be as impressed as we used to be. Given the amount of attention given to the original’s graphics in 1990, I thought it was only fitting to begin the review by focusing on this category. Was a remake really necessary, and does it maintain the magic that made the original so great?Įverything we remember from the original game is there on screen, but re-imagined in its own unique art style But here we are, the summer is coming to an end, and we have a re-imagining of the SEGA classic. Sure the original is fantastic, but few fans were demanding a remake and even fewer fans ever expected SEGA to team with Disney to make it happen. The idea of a Castle of Illusion remake really was an unexpected surprise. The game was great at the time, and replaying it in 2013 it is easy to see why it is deemed a platforming classic.Īs far back as April of this year there were rumors that a remake was on the way, thanks to digital box art that had leaked. On top of that, the platforming was brimming with inventive platforming elements accompanied by catchy, whimsical music. At the time, the game was visually stunning, described in one video preview as “beautiful”, “brilliant” and continuing the tradition of Disney animation. In November 1990, Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse released almost simultaneously in America, Europe, and Japan to the SEGA Genesis and Mega Drive consoles. Last modified January 3rd, 2024.Before Sonic the Hedgehog, there was Mickey Mouse. Macintosh, iPad, Windows Phone, iPhone added by Kabushi. If your contribution is approved, you will earn points and be credited as a contributor.
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