Back in early 1990s Disney were still known, primarily, as a purveyor of animated movies but they also released a lot of surprisingly good videogames too. The Mega Drive was graced with solid games based on The Lion King and Aladdin but also had a line-up of games starring Disney's flagship characters: Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. This was great for childhood me because I've always had a soft spot for those classic Mickey and Donald shorts.
Castle of Illusion, Mickey's first Mega Drive adventure, is a quaint, innocuous little platformer. It controls well, has a comfy visual style and a lovely little soundtrack. It's a game that sees Mickey exploring a variety of imaginative realms and dispatching enemies with projectiles or a good ol' fashioned ground pound attack. It's basic but it's a lot of fun and certainly superior to many of early SEGA's own pre-Sonic the Hedgehog Mega Drive titles.
Castle of Illusion is a pleasant reminder of a time when Disney games weren't just good, they were actually among the best games available on a given system. This game is obviously designed for a younger audience because it's not particularly challenging but in Kirby-esque fashion it's such a well designed little game that it's easy to enjoy no matter your skill level because it's so darn charming.
Castle of Illusion, Mickey's first Mega Drive adventure, is a quaint, innocuous little platformer. It controls well, has a comfy visual style and a lovely little soundtrack. It's a game that sees Mickey exploring a variety of imaginative realms and dispatching enemies with projectiles or a good ol' fashioned ground pound attack. It's basic but it's a lot of fun and certainly superior to many of early SEGA's own pre-Sonic the Hedgehog Mega Drive titles.
Castle of Illusion is a pleasant reminder of a time when Disney games weren't just good, they were actually among the best games available on a given system. This game is obviously designed for a younger audience because it's not particularly challenging but in Kirby-esque fashion it's such a well designed little game that it's easy to enjoy no matter your skill level because it's so darn charming.
Genesis Ver Review:
Perhaps the first notable Mickey platformer. I mean back in the day, when you had to make a platformer of any existing IP, Mickey would be a no brainer.
In Castle of Illusion, Sega really uses the concept of Disney magic and applies it very well to the aesthetic of their first Mickey platformer. The game is beautiful on the Genesis and the background and sprite work really feels like something out of a 60s Disney movie. Each level feels like some sort of concept Disney has used in the past, from enchanted forests, to haunted castles, you really do feel the magic and this game is just something great to look at.
Gameplay-wise, It is a very solid platformer that does not do anything outstanding to innovate in the genre, but it works well. It takes aspects from both Ducktales with his butt-stomping cane-like bounce, and Aladdin with the apple projectile throwing. This is something anyone can pick up and play, and it's really fun.
Levels work like most platformers in the day, where you usually get through a series of stages followed by a boss at the end. Each boss feels unique and has their own way of strategy needed to defeat them. Bosses are some of the most amazing sprites in the game feeling like they came straight out of Sleeping Beauty or Snow White.
A very standard, but well done platformer that takes advantage of the IP and uses the Disney aesthetic to bring us a nostalgic setting with great vibes. Really enjoyed this one.
Perhaps the first notable Mickey platformer. I mean back in the day, when you had to make a platformer of any existing IP, Mickey would be a no brainer.
In Castle of Illusion, Sega really uses the concept of Disney magic and applies it very well to the aesthetic of their first Mickey platformer. The game is beautiful on the Genesis and the background and sprite work really feels like something out of a 60s Disney movie. Each level feels like some sort of concept Disney has used in the past, from enchanted forests, to haunted castles, you really do feel the magic and this game is just something great to look at.
Gameplay-wise, It is a very solid platformer that does not do anything outstanding to innovate in the genre, but it works well. It takes aspects from both Ducktales with his butt-stomping cane-like bounce, and Aladdin with the apple projectile throwing. This is something anyone can pick up and play, and it's really fun.
Levels work like most platformers in the day, where you usually get through a series of stages followed by a boss at the end. Each boss feels unique and has their own way of strategy needed to defeat them. Bosses are some of the most amazing sprites in the game feeling like they came straight out of Sleeping Beauty or Snow White.
A very standard, but well done platformer that takes advantage of the IP and uses the Disney aesthetic to bring us a nostalgic setting with great vibes. Really enjoyed this one.
It used to bother me that Mickey didn't look exactly how he did in the cartoons. Weird thing to care about. While it's super short, this game is one of the most creative and memorable of the early 90s and it aged like fine wine.
It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it's a great example of a well done platformer that nails the controls, visuals and sound all in one nice package.