Several weeks ago, I was invited by the good folks at Disney Interactive to a special event at the Disneyland Resort to learn about the highly anticipated video game, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two.
When the first Epic Mickey came out, Disney fans scrambled to get their hands on the game to experience the Wasteland and find all of the Disneyland references. I was among those fans hoping to find lots of fun nuggets of hidden Disney history. The first version of the game looked cool, but sadly, my gaming skills, which peaked with my ColecoVision‘s Donkey Kong Jr., were no match for the first Epic Mickey.
When I arrived at the Grand Californian to learn about Epic Mickey 2, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Would I be learning about a game I could even play? I had high hopes for the second version of Epic Mickey and I’m happy to say that I was not disappointed.
I’m happy to report that the makers of Epic Mickey Two heard fans and have made a lot of improvements to the game; improvements that Disney fand (and game novices) will appreciate.
- Game training: Much like many of the other Disney video games (like Cars 2, for example), Epic Mickey 2 takes players through an elaborate introduction that not only provides a back story and set up game play, but teaches players how to play the game. As the game progresses, players are introduced to each new element and how to use it. For unseasoned gamers, this is a huge benefit and while game play may not come “naturally” players can learn how to play–something that was really tough in the first Epic Mickey given the lack of instruction.
- Two-player mode: Epic Mickey 2 allows for two-player mode with Mickey and Oswald playing together to accomplish tasks and conquer the game together. (Oswald can drop in and out of the game with the click of a button.) This is great for not-so-experienced game players to partner together or play along with a more experienced gamer. When only one player is playing, Oswald is still by Mickey’s side but he is more along for the ride and not helping.
- More characters and color: Fans said they wanted more characters and character interaction and Warren Spector and Disney Interactive’sJunction Point game development studio do not disappoint this time around with more characters and a lot more bright, vibrant color.
- More music: Featuring the music of Emmy Award winning composer, Jim Dooley, the Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Twodigital score soundtrack includes 23 tracks crafted to evoke memories of Disney films and park attractions without mimicking them.
Two of the most notable additions to Epic Mickey 2 are two new “levels” themed after Disney attractions from the past: Rainbow Falls and Rainbow Caverns. These areas of the game are visually stunning and definitely provide players the opportunity to experience a bit of Disney yesteryear.
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| Love the photo location sign in this frame of the game! |
This game will not disappoint Disney fans or hard-core gamers. In speaking with the designers and developers at the event, I was struck by the level of detail and complexity that goes into a video game. Being married to a television producer, I’ve seen first hand what goes into creating a season of television, but have to admit that I was absolute awe when I spoke to them about their jobs and what they go through with their extraordinary colleagues to bring a game like Epic Mickey 2 to life. I know you will be amazed by it too.
Epic Mickey 2 will be released on November 18, and we will feature a full game review later that week. The game will be for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, Wii U and PC/MAC. We will have more for you when the game is released!
Right now, a demo Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is available for download on the PlayStation®Network and Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in North America.
For more information, go to www.facebook.com/DisneyEpicMickey or follow the game on Twitter at #savewasteland.
