Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed Review (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC)

When Epic Mickey first launched in 2010 on the Nintendo Wii, it quickly became a fan-favorite. The game offered a unique concept and nostalgic appeal to Disney lovers. Fast forward to 2024, and the game is making a comeback with a revamped series, Disney’s Epic Mickey: Rebrushed.  

The new version brings a nostalgic reminiscence of Mickey making a return to Wasteland. Ultimately, it is a charming trip down memory lane. However, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed isn’t just a visual upgrade. It comes with improved graphics, modern gameplay tactics, and new abilities. But does this remake offer enough to justify its $60 price tag? In this review, we’ll take a closer look at what Epic Mickey: Rebrushed brings to the table and see if it lives up to its classic roots. Let’s dive in!

A Nostalgic Return

The original Epic Mickey has been a standout title in the action-adventure platforming genre since its exclusive release on the Nintendo Wii in 2010. At the time, its defining feature was its innovative paint-and-thinner mechanic. It allowed players to either restore parts of the game world using paint or erase them with thinner.

The game allowed players to influence the story and characters. Consequently, players could create multiple pathways and outcomes based on their choices. The game also extensively used the Wii remote’s motion controls. This allowed for a more interactive experience, which was cutting-edge at the time.

While Epic Mickey garnered solid reviews on Metacritic, it wasn’t without its drawbacks. One of the most common complaints centred around the game’s camera system. It often struggled to keep up with Mickey’s movements, especially during more hectic platforming sequences. 

Additionally, the motion controls, while innovative, could feel a bit unresponsive at times, making certain actions feel clunky. Although notable, these issues didn’t overshadow the game’s charm and creativity. Over the years, it gained a loyal fan base that truly loved and appreciated the Platformer game.

With the release of Disney’s Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, the developers have addressed many of these long-standing issues. Of course, they wouldn’t forget to stay true to the heart of what made the original game special. Built using Unreal Engine 4, not only enhances the visual experience but also refines the gameplay mechanics. Most notably, they fixed the camera system and introduced new abilities like dash, ground pound, and sprint. These changes breathe new life into the beloved classic adventure game. 

The Rebrush

The first thing you’ll notice about Disney’s Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is its stunning visual overhaul. With Unreal Engine 4, it’s obvious to expect a treat for the eyes thanks to the top-notch visual enhancements.  In the game, the environments are far more detailed, and Mickey himself looks smoother and more vibrant. The use of modern hardware allows the game to fully embrace a bright, colorful, and animated aesthetic. But while the graphics are certainly a big selling point, there are plenty of gameplay improvements as well.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of new abilities. Mickey now has access to a dash, ground pound, and sprint. Notably, there are three mechanics that seem small but fundamentally alter how you explore the world. In the original game, movement could feel a bit sluggish, especially during platforming segments. The addition of these abilities makes traversal much smoother. Similarly, it makes combat and puzzle-solving more immersive.

The camera system, which was a major pain point in the original, has also been significantly improved. It now features a centered view. The centre view helps reduce the frustration that often come with controlling the camera during intense action. For players on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC, you have something to celebrate. Gyro aiming has also been introduced, bringing a modern touch to aiming mechanics in this classic adventure game.

Get your Paint and Thinner

One of the most defining and unique aspects of Epic Mickey was its paint-and-thinner mechanic. It’s a feature that sets it apart from other platformers of its time. In Disney’s Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, this mechanic makes a welcome return, allowing players to once again shape their journey through Wasteland. 

Armed with a magical paintbrush, Mickey can use paint to restore parts of the environment, fix broken objects, and bring forgotten characters back to life. Conversely, thinner gives players the power to erase obstacles, remove enemies, or even alter the landscape. It creates a dynamic world where every choice has consequences. 

Now, the paint-and-thinner system not only affects the physical world but also impacts the narrative. Decisions made throughout the game, whether to restore or erase, shape the story. Similarly, they lead to different outcomes and character reactions. Therefore, you must think strategically about how you want to interact with the game world. Do you use paint to restore beauty and harmony, or do you rely on thinner to take shortcuts and discover hidden secrets? These choices influence Mickey’s journey, giving the game significant replay value.

In Rebrush, the paint and thinner mechanic have been refined to offer even smoother gameplay, thanks to improvements in controls and precision. While the original game sometimes struggled with responsiveness, the remake ensures that every brushstroke feels deliberate and impactful. 

A Journey Through Wasteland

In Disney’s Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, players return to Wasteland, a world full of forgotten Disney characters and abandoned attractions. This twisted version of Disneyland sets the stage for Mickey’s adventure. Armed with a magical paintbrush, you decide whether to restore the world or tear it apart with thinner. It’s a fun mix of nostalgia and creativity. 

One of the standout parts of the game is Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s original character. Oswald’s been pushed aside by Mickey’s fame, and there’s tension between them. Throughout the game, your choices impact how their relationship develops. Whether you restore Wasteland or let it fall apart, Oswald reacts, bringing emotional depth to the story. It’s more than just a platformer.

Furthermore, exploring Wasteland is all about solving puzzles and finding hidden secrets. The paint-and-thinner mechanic lets you approach challenges in different ways. You can rebuild areas or erase obstacles to unlock new paths. Every decision shapes how the world unfolds, giving the game serious replay value. Notably, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed keeps things fresh and exciting, making it a blast to play. It’s got that special Disney magic, with just the right touch of tension to keep you hooked.

A Sneak Peek

Let’s be honest. Who doesn’t like free things? Epic Mickey: Rebrushed offers a free demo. The demo allows players to try the game before committing to a purchase. The demo offers about 30 minutes of gameplay. With that, you get a solid preview of the new features and mechanics. It’s a perfect starting point, especially for those hesitant about spending $60 without testing it first.

In the demo, you get to explore the opening section of the game. That includes the updated abilities and improved camera system. If you’re familiar with the original, you’ll notice right away how much smoother the movement and controls feel. For new players, it provides a great introduction to the world of Wasteland, giving a taste of what’s to come in the full game. 

Billion Dollar Question

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. Epic Mickey: Rebrushed comes with a $60 price tag, which might seem steep for a remake of a 2010 game. Many remakes and remasters are often priced lower, raising questions about the value of this one. While Rebrush introduces new abilities, improved controls, and enhanced visuals, it’s still fundamentally the same game. This price might feel a bit high for casual players or newcomers, especially for a game that’s essentially a remake.

However, for die-hard fans of the original, this may be an easy buy. The improvements give the game a modern feel, and the nostalgia factor alone will likely draw in longtime fans. The addition of new mechanics, like dashing and smoother camera controls, might make the price feel justified. Thankfully, the free demo offers a solid preview of the game, allowing players to test the waters before fully committing.

Verdict

Epic Mickey: Rebrushed brings the charm of the original back with a fresh coat of paint, literally and figuratively. The updated visuals, smoother controls, and new gameplay abilities make the Disney game feel modern without losing the heart of the 2010 classic.

Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is more than just a remake. It’s a vibrant reimagining of a beloved classic that brilliantly blends creativity, nostalgia, and innovation. The unique paint-and-thinner mechanic offers the same vibe as the original, allowing players to shape Wasteland in ways that feel fresh and rewarding. Ultimately, the game offers a magical journey that both old fans and newcomers can enjoy.

With every brushstroke, Rebrush invites players to explore, create, and connect with a world full of amazing imagination. Mickey’s adventure through Wasteland is not only a trip through Disney’s forgotten past but a celebration of platforming at its finest. Overall, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed proves to be a timeless and captivating experience that leaves a lasting impression.