The golden age of Disney games in the ’80s and ’90s presented a formidable challenge, often leaving younger players frustrated. Dlala Studios’ Disney Illusion Island for Nintendo Switch recaptures that classic magic while offering a more accessible experience for players of all skill levels. This Metroidvania platformer retains a satisfying level of challenge without sacrificing enjoyment, making it a must-play for Disney and platforming enthusiasts.
Disney Illusion Island sees Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy embark on an unexpected adventure in the whimsical land of Monoth. Lured under the guise of a picnic, they’re tasked by the Hokuns and their leader, Toku, to retrieve three stolen Tomes of Knowledge. The fate of Monoth hangs in the balance, and players can choose to control any of the four iconic characters throughout their quest.
A key innovation in Disney Illusion Island lies in its approach to difficulty. Instead of traditional settings, players choose their starting heart count (one to three, plus an optional invincibility-granting metal heart). This customizable system allows players to fine-tune the challenge to their liking, even adjusting it mid-game. This thoughtful design makes Disney Illusion Island accessible to a wider audience, even accommodating varying skill levels in multiplayer.
Despite its flexible difficulty, Disney Illusion Island doesn’t shy away from providing a genuine platforming challenge. Even seasoned gamers will find themselves needing to master precise jumps and enemy avoidance. Interestingly, the game eschews combat entirely. Instead, the Fab Four must rely solely on their platforming skills to outmaneuver a diverse cast of enemies, each with unique attack patterns. Frequent save points and quick respawns, however, ensure that even frequent failures don’t become frustrating. The proximity-based save system is particularly well-implemented, streamlining the gameplay experience.
Beyond its core platforming mechanics, Disney Illusion Island embraces the Metroidvania genre. Monoth’s three interconnected biomes gradually open up as players acquire new abilities like Wall Jumps and Ground Pounds, taught by the enigmatic Mazzy. Boss battles cleverly integrate these abilities, requiring strategic execution to overcome obstacles and defeat opponents. While some backtracking is inherent to the genre, the game effectively guides players, minimizing any sense of being lost.
Visually, Disney Illusion Island draws inspiration from Paul Rudish’s contemporary Mickey Mouse shorts, evident in the familiar character designs. The game flawlessly translates this style into a vibrant and engaging new world, populated by unique characters that seamlessly integrate into the aesthetic. The animation is particularly impressive, capturing the distinct movements and personalities of each member of the Fab Four.
This attention to detail extends to the audio design. Featuring the official voice cast, the witty banter and humorous exchanges between the characters elevate the overall experience. The game also boasts a brand-new, fully orchestrated soundtrack that perfectly complements the on-screen action.
The biggest drawback to Disney Illusion Island is its relatively short playtime. The main story can be completed in under seven hours. While the game offers numerous collectibles like Hidden Mickeys, Mickey Memorabilia, Tokuns (character biographies), and Glimts (unlockable concept art and lore), these additions don’t significantly extend the gameplay.
A few minor issues also arise. While generally well-implemented, the camera occasionally zooms out too far, making it difficult to distinguish background elements from interactive objects. The heart system can also become slightly confusing when extra hearts are awarded during gameplay, potentially disrupting the intended difficulty setting.
Despite these minor flaws, Disney Illusion Island strikes a remarkable balance between challenge and fairness, a feat often elusive in the platforming genre. The game empowers players with the tools to tailor their experience, avoiding frustrating design choices like overly punishing save points. With its charming animation, engaging humor, and accessible gameplay, Disney Illusion Island is a delightful tribute to Mickey Mouse and a must-play for platforming fans of all skill levels. While its brevity is a disappointment, the experience is undeniably enjoyable.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Disney Illusion Island releases July 28th exclusively on Nintendo Switch. This review was conducted using a code provided by the publisher on a Nintendo Switch OLED.
