Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two Review

Game Reviewed: Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two

Release Date: November 20th, 2012

Developer: Junction Point Studios

Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios

Platform: [Reviewed: Xbox 360], PlayStation 3, Wii, Wii U, PC

Genre: Action

Rated: E for Everyone

Whoever said that it’s a wonderful world when Mickey’s on the scene obviously over looked his battles with Mad Doctor! Junction Point Studios has returned again, bringing us another Epic adventure. With the great success of the original Epic Mickey, this installment was definitely prominent.

If you played the first Epic Mickey, you can recall the triumphant victory against the Mad Doctor as Mickey Mouse caused him to go down in a huge explosion. However it wasn’t the last of the Doc as he’s back once again in Wasteland.

Mad Doctor is apologetic in regards to his old ways and wishes to make amends with the people of Wasteland. Oswald, kind hearted as he is, decides to give the Mad Doctor a second chance to help make their home a better place. But good friend Gus and girlfriend Ortensia aren’t  falling for it one bit and summons for the one heroic mouse that can be of great service in their time of need.

While determining if the Mad Doctor is certainly there to help or hurt you, Mickey and Oswald adventure will begin in Mean Street Station. Not only can you progress the story, Other citizens are in need of your help and would love for the two most famous creatures to be that very source.

There’s plenty to do in Epic Mickey 2, so much that I lost track of the story a few times. This isn’t a good thing. You know, based on cutscenes, when you’re heading in the right direction. Unfortunately, almost every character in the city has an objective for you. That’s not a “bad” thing, but it easily side tracks you from the main story.

Mickey’s attack is the same, he uses  his paint brush and thinner. The concept is the brush brings Wasteland to life and make all things good while thinner does just the opposite and destroys evil that lurks.

I found it to be a bit ridiculous when attacking enemies you have to use the brush or thinner so many times. It only stuns characters, not defeat them. Five stuns later, you have them. But there are times where more than one enemy is after you and the simple fighting technique becomes quite tedious.

Mickey and Oswald will collect tickets throughout the game allowing you to purchase help and items to help you progress faster. They’re easy to find by simply destroying glowing objects, whether it’s road signs, statues and such. You’ll also find paint, health and more.

One surprising factor is that everyone is quite the conversationalist, big improvement from the original Epic Mickey. After a while though you may lose interest in conversing. The A.I. however can become very annoying with their voiceovers. Oswald excessively said “this is mine” and more repeated phrases to the point where I was ready to attempt using paint thinner on him. The musical soundtrack however was quite enjoyable when the story was properly followed.

Graphics are quite interesting in Epic Mickey 2. At times the Epic Mickey 2 has a very high quality to the game, especially through gameplay. Mickey’s paintbrush is only a portion of the games vibrant colors

Controls are easy to grasp as they’re similar to the original Epic Mickey. For Mickey left trigger controls the paint thinner and the right one controls the paint brush.

Epic Mickey 2 is an ok game. The distractions that pulls you away from the main storyline slows down the experience and makes it less satisfying. Camera issues were fixed in comparison to the original as some angles wouldn’t even show what Mickey was doing, but nothing else stands out.

The Scores

Gameplay: 3/5

Visuals: 4/5

Audio: 4.25/5

Controls: 3.5/5

Replay Value: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3/5