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‘Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion’ trumps ‘Epic Mickey 2’ in hype, with side-scrolling 16-bit style graphics for Nintendo 3DS

in Entertainment, Merchandise, The Walt Disney Company, Video Games

Posted on by Ricky Brigante 6 Comments
Mickey Mouse and Beast face off in a grand castle hallway lined with knight statues, all rendered in charming 16-bit pixel art reminiscent of the magical adventures found in Disney’s Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion for Nintendo 3DS, evoking the nostalgic feel of classic Disney park attractions.

The recent announcement of “Epic Mickey 2” may have gotten all the buzz, but today’s reveal of “Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion” has retro gamers particularly excited, offering a side-scrolling adventure game with Super Nintendo-era graphics – but in 3D.

“Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion” will be the first Nintendo 3DS title in the “Disney Epic Mickey” franchise and will feature an interactive combination of painting, dual screen integration and 3D transformation capabilities within in the world of Wasteland. A “special drawing and painting function” will allow players to transform what they draw into classic Disney-style 2D illustrations and ultimately full-color, fully-rendered 3D visuals.

Check out the wonderful 16-bit style screenshots from the new game, featuring characters like Beast, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and my personal favorite Scrooge McDuck, looking quite similar to how he appeared in the much-beloved 8-bit “DuckTales” NES games.

3D SCREENSHOTS

If you have a Nintendo 3DS, don’t bother with the 2D versions below. Instead, point your 3DS web browser to InsideTheMagic.net/em3d and see nine 3D screenshots from “Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion,” depicting how these classic sprite-based graphics are mixed with today’s 3D technology.

Mickey Mouse bounds up castle stairs past armored foes in a thrilling, side-scrolling quest; nearby, another familiar character stands on a ledge collecting sparkling gems, evoking the magical adventure and whimsical charm fans love about Epic Mickey Power of Illusion for Nintendo 3DS.

Mickey Mouse, styled like his Epic Mickey Power of Illusion appearance, leaps across a pirate ship high above, while Peter Pan stands below with bold "PERFECT" text over him—all rendered in nostalgic 16-bit graphics reminiscent of classic Disney park attractions and arcade games.

Mickey Mouse leaps into action, engaging two armored foes inside a brilliantly decorated castle setting that captures the excitement of classic Disney attractions. The scene recreates the whimsical spirit of Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion with dazzling 16-bit visuals, transporting fans to a magical Nintendo 3DS adventure reminiscent of Disney World’s most colorful experiences.

Mickey Mouse takes center stage on a pirate ship deck at sunset, bravely squaring off against a sword-wielding pirate as glittering coins hover above—capturing the nostalgic excitement of classic Disney video game adventures in vibrant 16-bit graphics inspired by Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion on Nintendo 3DS.

And if that doesn’t have you geeking out enough, check out the dazzling concept art for a few of the “Power of Illusion” levels, including a few inspired by “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Tangled”:

(Click to enlarge)

Step into a dazzling, immersive environment inspired by Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion, where grand drapes frame winding walkways and multiple doors invite exploration. The space bursts with bold colors and playful, fantasy-themed decor that brings to life the beloved 16-bit graphics style from the Nintendo 3DS game, creating an enchanting experience that captures the whimsy and nostalgia of your favorite themed attractions.

Mickey Mouse floats inside a shimmering bubble beneath the sea beside an impressive Poseidon statue, surrounded by playful fish, colorful coral, and a mysterious sunken tower—all brought to life with delightful 16-bit graphics inspired by the classic Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion adventure found in Disney’s magical realm of Nintendo 3DS games.

A vibrant, cartoon pirate ship awaits at Adventureland’s tropical dock, complete with billowing sails, gleaming cannons, and a classic lifeboat. The playful 16-bit design calls to mind the nostalgic visuals of Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion on Nintendo 3DS, inviting guests to embark on a retro-inspired island adventure.

Mickey Mouse greets guests by the enchanting castle steps, admiring a grand red ship docked along a tropical Disney beach, all captured in playful 16-bit graphics inspired by the charm of Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion.

Step into a vibrant, circular room filled with ornate décor, rich red curtains, a winding spiral staircase, cozy fireplace, and an eye-catching sewing mannequin—a scene straight out of the whimsical worlds you’d explore in Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion for Nintendo 3DS. The space bursts with lively color and retro 16-bit charm that theme park fans will recognize as Disney’s signature blend of magic and nostalgia.

Step into a magical castle hallway inspired by fan-favorite Nintendo 3DS classics, where vibrant red curtains frame arched windows, ornate chairs, glittering chandeliers, and a grand wooden door—all styled in whimsical 16-bit graphics that capture the nostalgic charm of immersive theme park attractions.

The classic Sega Genesis title “Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse” is the basis for the look of “Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion,” which takes place within said Castle of Illusion, now fallen into the same Wasteland that was the setting for the first “Epic Mickey” and will reunite Mickey Mouse with Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in “Epic Mickey 2” for Xbox 360, PS3, and Nintendo Wii.

But in the version of Wasteland seen in “Power of Illusion,” years of forgotten video games take a starring role, with the evil witch Mizrabel, the villainess from the classic “Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse,” once again taking the spotlight.

“The original ‘Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse’ changed the face of video gaming by allowing players to play as Mickey Mouse in a side-scrolling adventure full of dynamic environments,” said Warren Spector, vice president and creative director, Junction Point. “We’re honored to be able to pay tribute to this classic video game by creating a title that truly takes advantage of the unique capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS, putting the magic of Disney and the historic Castle of Illusion in the palm of your hands.”

Epic Mickey 2

Of course, there’s plenty to be excited about with “Epic Mickey 2” as well. Notorious camera issues that plagued the original are reportedly being fixed for the new one, which will also not only feature the addition of voice acting (Frank Welker as the first-ever voice of Oswald!) but original songs presented as a musical too.

Since we don’t have a trailer for “Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion” quite yet, here’s a trailer for “Epic Mickey 2” in the meantime:

And a few screenshots:

“Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion” is scheduled to be released in fall 2012 on the Nintendo 3DS. It’s not available for pre-order yet, but “Epic Mickey 2” is on Amazon, available for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Nintendo Wii, due out on October 1, 2012.

More information about both games can be found at Disney.com/DisneyEpicMickey

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