At Gamescom 2024, THQ Nordic invited me for an exclusive sneak peek into Epic Mickey Rebrushed, a highly anticipated remake of the beloved Epic Mickey. This isn’t just a simple remaster; it’s a full-fledged remake that breathes new life into the original game, combining nostalgic elements with contemporary upgrades.
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A True Remake with 4K Visuals and Quality-of-Life Improvements
While Epic Mickey Rebrushed retains the charm of the original, it boasts significant visual and performance enhancements. The game has been completely rebuilt using Unreal Engine 4, enabling upscaled 4K resolution for cutscenes and gameplay on all platforms except the Nintendo Switch, which runs at a smooth 30fps. The other platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, enjoy the game at 4K60fps, ensuring a fluid and visually striking experience.
The developers have introduced several quality-of-life improvements to enhance gameplay. The camera system has been reworked for better control, cutscenes are now skippable, and the menus have been refined for a more intuitive navigation experience. These changes reflect a concerted effort to make the game more accessible and enjoyable for both returning fans and newcomers.
Enhanced Gameplay with New Abilities and Mechanics
Epic Mickey Rebrushed introduces a suite of new abilities for Mickey, making him more responsive and versatile. Players can now sprint, dash, and perform ground pounds, adding layers of strategy and excitement to the platforming elements. Additionally, Mickey is more reactive and snappy in his movements, making for a more dynamic gameplay experience.
The game also features new background environment elements that enrich the immersive world of Wasteland. These additions, combined with a newly implemented auto-aim feature for lock-on targets, enhance the combat mechanics. The run-and-gun gameplay feels smoother, and the reticle system, inspired by Splatoon, adds a modern touch to aiming mechanics.
Expanded Content and Replayability
THQ Nordic has packed Epic Mickey Rebrushed with three times the amount of bonus content compared to the original. Collectibles and extras are abundant, giving players plenty of reasons to explore every nook and cranny of the game. The addition of a hand-drawn mini-map further aids exploration, adding a personal, artistic touch to navigation.
The 2D side-scrolling levels, inspired by classic Disney cartoons like Steamboat Willie, now serve as transition stages between main levels. These levels have been revamped with 2-3x the content and length of the originals. Changing from a level transition to a full on mini level with platforming and other activities. Missable collectibles in levels can now be reacquired via a main menu option, allowing players to revisit and complete the 2D levels without missing out on any rewards.
Faithful Boss Fights and Community Collaboration
Boss encounters in Epic Mickey Rebrushed have been meticulously improved while staying true to the original design. The aiming mode for bosses remains faithful, utilizing stick aiming with a locked camera, but now includes improved tracking mechanics. This enhancement ensures that the boss battles are both challenging and fair. In an exciting development, the team has worked closely with speedrunners and streamers to tweak game mechanics. This collaboration aims to fine-tune the gameplay for optimal performance, making Epic Mickey Rebrushed not just a nostalgic journey, but also a title that caters to a modern gaming audience.
Special Editions, Pre-Order Bonuses, and Availability
For fans eager to get their hands on Epic Mickey Rebrushed, a demo is already available. Pre-ordering the game on consoles grants 24-hour early access, though this perk does not extend to PC players. The game will be available on a cartridge for the Nintendo Switch, with collector’s editions also on offer for those looking to commemorate their journey back to Wasteland.
Pre-order bonuses vary, with digital bonuses available universally, while physical bonuses depend on the retailer. Additionally, costumes for Mickey are both pre-order bonuses and unlockables within the game, allowing players to customize their character in new and exciting ways.
A Nostalgic Soundtrack with Modern Fidelity
The original sound files from Epic Mickey have been preserved, but they’ve undergone enhancements to match the upgraded visuals. Although the team didn’t have access to the original source code, they’ve meticulously rebuilt the game’s audio and visual elements to capture the essence of the original while leveraging modern technology.
Gyro Aiming and Other Platform-Specific Features
On the Switch and PS5, and potentially the Steam Deck, Epic Mickey Rebrushed supports gyro aiming, giving players a more immersive and precise control option. This feature, along with a guide assistance system reminiscent of Super Mario Odyssey, ensures that the game feels fresh and responsive on modern hardware.
Epic Mickey Rebrushed promises to be more than just a trip down memory lane; it’s a thoughtfully crafted remake that honors its legacy while embracing modern advancements. With the original game’s producer acting as an adviser, fans can rest assured that this remake remains true to the spirit of Epic Mickey while offering plenty of new experiences to discover.
This article was written by Eden Nir