The first fully fledged Disney mascot adventure for Nintendo Switch has arrived, bringing Mickey Mouse back to a modern platforming stage.
During the era of the Genesis/Mega Drive, Disney-based games consistently impressed with striking art and addictive gameplay. Classics like Castle of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse and World of Illusion are still remembered for their charm. The team behind Disney Illusion Island explains that the word Illusion in their title isn’t accidental. Players should expect a fresh take on the beloved Disney legacy, released as a bright, modern cartoon platformer. We checked out the newest cartoon adventure from today’s Disney and found a lot of nostalgia with a contemporary twist.
You can watch a brief trailer here, though the main experience is best judged by playing the game itself.
The game is supplied for review with no regional restrictions within the Russian Federation, and Disney Illusion Island is accessible to Nintendo Switch players through major retailers such as M.Video and Eldorado.
Animation of modern Disney
Disney Illusion Island stands out as one of the most approachable metroidvanias seen in recent years. While many indie efforts push to reinvent the Metroid formula, the creators steer toward straightforward platforming, prioritizing clarity and accessibility. Simplicity is the hallmark of this title, permeating every facet.
At the story’s core are classic characters Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy. They receive an invitation to a summer picnic on Monot Island, where they encounter peculiar rabbit-like beings. The quest to recover magical books stolen from a library sets the stage for three connected biomes to be explored in search of the missing volumes.
You can complete the adventure with any chosen character.
In short, the intro sequence is longer than needed, but the essence is clear. The plot of Illusion Island mirrors contemporary Disney animation: simple, at times a touch clumsy, and featuring familiar characters reimagined for newer audiences. Yet there remains a sense of warmth and kindness reminiscent of childhood screen memories.
The visual style presents a hand-drawn look with relatively simple environments that still feel bright and vibrant. This aesthetic mirrors late Disney shows and fits a game designed around active play rather than environmental detail. The backgrounds lean toward a stylized, flat appearance, sometimes resembling drawing styles of recent animated series where lines flow in a single, cohesive motion.
Notable is the musical score, which carries orchestral melodies and familiar motifs from Mickey Mouse cartoons, giving the adventure a nostalgic cadence that complements the lighthearted tone.
The simplified artistic direction can be a point of contention for some players who crave more detailed visuals. Yet it pairs well with the game’s pace, where the focus remains on platforming and timed challenges rather than visual spectacle.
The adventure emphasizes classic, hand-drawn artistry. While locations aren’t filled with minute details, they stay bright and colorful. This approach echoes the look of some late- era Disney cartoons and animated series, where function often trumped ornate environments. For players who relish the action, the style serves the gameplay rather than overshadowing it.
Illusion Island’s soundtrack stands out as a highlight, weaving in orchestral themes and recognizable cues tied to Mickey Mouse’s animated legacy.
Which Metroidvania games have you played?
(multiple answers are correct)
Simplified Mausmania
The world of Disney Illusion Island unfolds as two-dimensional tunnels connected into one seamless map. The exploration follows a metroidvania logic: some areas are gated by obstacles, requiring new abilities earned in other sections of the world to progress.
The design stays true to metroidvania principles, yet keeps things straightforward rather than overwhelming. It isn’t like Hollow Knight or Ori and the Blind Forest. Illusion Island guides the player with in-game hints pointing to where powers are needed next, ensuring that backtracking remains purposeful while routes stay logically organized.
For newcomers to the genre, Illusion Island offers an ideal entry point. Its clear progression, with a steady unlock of abilities and marked locations, helps players keep moving forward rather than getting stuck.
All locations are connected to form one continuous world. Combat is minimal and the game emphasizes traversal and puzzle solving over traditional brawling. Controls are responsive, and the platforming feels satisfying. The character can perform basic jumps at first, then gain new tricks that expand exploration and puzzle-solving options, such as wall jumps, double jumps, ground slams, hooks, and dives. The roster of skills is sufficient for solving a variety of spatial puzzles without exceeding a simple, family-friendly scope.
Most objectives focus on collecting three keys to unlock the next stage. Players begin by choosing one of four characters, each with unique cosmetic flair: Mickey with a rocket pack for a double jump, Minnie with a paper airplane, Donald with fireworks, and Goofy with peppers that aid movement and speed.
Environments are intentionally modest in detail, but the adventure remains engaging. Even without direct combat, danger can arise from missteps on spikes or environmental hazards. Boss encounters exist, focusing on platforming challenges rather than raw force. In one trial, players must ride a sequence of buttons while dodging hazards and falling objects.
As the world unfolds, players gather Glimt, a currency similar to coins or rings found in other series. Spent Glimt unlocks puzzle pieces and, upon completion of a painting, awards an extra heart to the health bar.
Co-op play is easier and more approachable for younger players, featuring a partner-presence mechanic that can revive allies, drop ropes to reach higher areas, and even teleport teammates by placing markers when one player is blocked by enemies. While great for family play, Illusion Island also remains a solid solo experience. The game supports thoughtful exploration but grows more challenging toward the end, with complex geometry, thorny surfaces, and stronger foes demanding precise timing. Fortunately, generous checkpoints ease the difficulty curve.
Despite some design simplifications, the exploration remains rewarding. Secrets and caches invite experimentation, with hidden walls beckoning curious players to discover hidden rewards such as collectible cards, keepsakes, and puzzles. All of these can be viewed and rotated within a dedicated menu, offering a satisfying sense of discovery for Disney fans.
Disney Illusion Island was released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch and holds up well on both portable and larger screens. The Joy-Con controls feel precise and comfortable, with stable performance and minimal visual hiccups.
Do you like modern Disney cartoons?
In sum, the title delivers a solid platforming experience with metroidvania touches that appeal to both kids and adults. The core platforming shines, providing a bright, polished adventure that captures a playful, contemporary Disney vibe.
Source: VG Times