“Disney Illusion Island,” developed by Dlala Studios, brought me back to my youth in a genre I love to play now as an adult. You will be going on a captivating adventure with the main four beloved Disney characters – Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald Duck. The game begins with a mysterious summons to the island of Monoth, where our crew are tasked with a perilous mission. Unbeknownst to them, they all received invitations separately, leading to the revelation that the island’s three magical Tomes, crucial for its protection, have been stolen. Thus, our heroes set off on a quest to restore balance to Monoth, venturing into the enchanting but treacherous world of Illusion Island.
What immediately threw me over a loop was that the game blends elements of a Metroidvania game, I don’t think I’ve ever seen this genre in what is supposed to be a children’s game, but the focus here lies more on platforming than combat. Interestingly, all the characters share the same gameplay mechanics, providing equal opportunities for players to control their favorite Disney icons. Moreover, the game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, enabling collaborative gameplay as characters can support each other by such acts like dropping ropes in areas to help your teammate climb up. The narrative unfolds through beautifully animated and fully voice-acted cutscenes, I felt as though I was watching modern Disney animated shorts. Although the characters’ redesigned animation style may not have resonated with me personally, it does possess its own unique charm, aiming to appeal to a younger audience while preserving the characters’ timeless essence.
Surprisingly, the game proves to be genuinely funny, for a game that is mostly catered towards children, I was expecting the jokes to be more childish, and even though they are, the comedy is clever enough to get some serious chuckles out of me. Reminiscent of a classic Metroidvania-inspired adventure, the world of Illusion Island presents various areas that become accessible as players acquire new abilities or find essential items such as keys. Exploration is highly encouraged, as hidden areas often yield rewarding collectibles, with photos being a prominent form of collectible in the game. One notable departure from traditional Metroidvania games is the absence of violence. Rather than engaging in combat, you’ll traverse the maps primarily through platforming challenges. While there are still potential hazards, and players have a limited number of hearts representing their health. Running out of hearts will send players back to the closest checkpoint, but getting hurt in the game is usually from failing to platform a dangerous area or by the enemies that are essentially just roadblocks slowing you down.
The boss battles showcase the game’s creativity, as players must devise alternate strategies to defeat the bosses without combat. This unique approach injects quite a unique take on the genre that I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed, it really does offer engaging encounters that test players’ problem-solving skills, and when I say players, I mostly mean adolescent children. One of “Disney Illusion Island’s” greatest strengths is its accessibility. Unlike many challenging and intimidating Metroidvania titles, this game welcomes players of all levels, making it an excellent entry point for younger or novice gamers. Additionally, the option to enjoy the adventure with friends in multiplayer mode further enhances the game’s appeal. It’s really cool to see a game that essentially portrays itself as a Metroidvania starter pack that teaches you the fundamentals. While this accessibility may attract newcomers, dedicated Metroidvania fans might find the game somewhat on the easier side. Players seeking a more significant challenge might breeze through the game’s content relatively quickly.
The game’s standout feature lies in its outstanding soundtrack, demonstrating the developers’ commitment to high-quality audio. The music and sound design elevate the gaming experience to an astounding degree, contributing to the overall immersion in the enchanting world of not only Illusion Island, but the world of Disney. “Disney Illusion Island” weaves a magical tale filled with humor, exploration, and delightful platforming challenges, as Mickey and his friends embark on a heartwarming quest. For players focused on completing the main story without delving into extensive collectible hunts, the game offers around ten hours of a campaign. While I have qualms about the difficulty and the character designs it’s still a really fun game that I’m glad exists. For parents looking to find a game to play with their kids, this enchanting journey will certainly leave you with fond memories of the timeless Disney charm.
8/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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