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[C.A. Silbereisen]

So, Epic Mickey came out here in Europe today. I bought it. Heard a couple early reactions saying it doesn't "live up to the hype". Well, I dunno what the hype was cuz I have better things to do than read IGN preview articles but there's one thing I do know: I'm massively enjoying this game.

Firstly, it's a 3D platformer that's actually good, which is rare enough.

Secondly, the paint & thinner mechanics are satisfying to use and work well.

Thirdly, there seem to be loads of neat unlockables and secrets in general, which is always welcome.

Fourthly, and most importantly, I was surprised how many of Warren Spector's classic design trademarks it contains. It's pretty nonlinear, very few tasks (or "quests" or whatever) are compulsory, there's more than one solution to almost every problem the game throws at you, and I've even come across some Deus Ex-type "action and consequence" stuff. There's also a bit of potential for "emergent" gameplay in the combat.

Sorry for brevity and disjointed writing. Gotta get back to playing now, will probably post more thoughts later. 

[Trevor Dunbar]

I can do an EPIC Mickey impression.   Sound exactly like him! No, really...it's actually kinda concerning.


On the game:
I dunno, they changed how it looked in the concept art -- which is disappointing. It would have been an interesting change from usual Mickey stuff.

I wish it was more like the classic Disney platformers of the past like COI: SMM, Quackshot, Aladdin, Mickey Mania. I guess it is like that in the 2D levels, but I'd like it to be like that all the time.

At least they got a game designer who cares about Disney (Mr. W. Spector), instead of someone like...ummm Bobby Kotick or something (yeah I know he isn't a game designer, bad example...)...I dunno.

I think the paint/thinner is kind-of a cheap shot at adding some gameplay elements, gimmicky even.

Let's hope this sells enough to Warren(t) a Duck Tales game from Warren.   I'll play as Scrooge McDuck anyday of the week!

[C.A. Silbereisen]

On the game:
I dunno, they changed how it looked in the concept art -- which is disappointing. It would have been an interesting change from usual Mickey stuff.

I just saw some of the concept art and it looked dorkily dark. I'm kinda glad the game looks the way it does now cuz I hate the idea of making "dark and edgy" versions of normally cute characters. Mickey the goth? Fuck that shit.

Also the 2D levels are unfortunately nothing like the classic 90s Disney platformers and are the weakest part of the game. At least they're all extremely short.

[Tuba]

As a big old-school animation fan I'm very excited about it.

The reviews are ranging from 6 to a perfect 10, apparently the platforming is nothing special but the story, the choice system and everything that makes it a Warren Spector game are very good.

[C.A. Silbereisen]

Yeah, I think marketing it as a platformer was the wrong choice. It's much more of an action/adventure game, perhaps even verging on RPG, something which becomes especially apparent once you've finished the first couple of levels and reach the towns and stuff.

That said, the platforming isn't bad or anything, just kinda basic.