We played the Mega Drive classic to exhaustion. This was due not only to its impressive visuals (in 1990, it represented a console gaming experience as close to a playable cartoon as possible) but also to its significant challenge.
Approximately a generation later, it’s time for a new audience, who may not have been familiar with the original, to experience the Castle Of Illusion in a revamped HD remake.
The narrative in Castle of Illusion centers on Mickey and Minnie, whose idyllic existence is disrupted when Minnie is kidnapped by Mizrabel, a character evocative of the Queen/Witch from Snow White, seeking to steal Minnie’s youth and beauty. Mickey must utilize his skill and ingenuity to navigate the Castle of Illusion constructed by Mizrabel, defeat its seven guardians, and retrieve the rainbow-colored crystals.
While the narrative serves as a backdrop, the appeal of Castle of Illusion lies in its status as a classic 2D platformer (or 2.5D) featuring side-scrolling gameplay with distinct levels and a continue system. Disney Interactive released a spiritual successor, Power of Illusion, for the 3DS. However, this remake offers a more faithful reimagining of the original. SEGA has successfully retained the most iconic and recognizable stages, enhancing them with updated HD graphics. Some of the less successful levels from the original have been modified and modernized for a contemporary audience.
If you previously considered graphics to be cartoon-like, this remake delivers a truly authentic cartoon experience in high resolution. The visual enhancements are significant. Furthermore, the game is available at a lower relative price point than its original release (Mega Drive games cost SEK 500-600 in 1990, compared to SEK 150 for this remake, without adjusting for inflation). The game boasts impressive visuals and authentic Disney audio, complete with Mickey’s signature sounds.
However, the controls lack precision, and the repetition of death sequences can become tedious. The game presents a moderate level of difficulty, but with the inclusion of a save function and unlimited continues, players should be able to complete the game within approximately 3-4 hours, depending on skill level.
Those who pre-ordered the game on PSN received the original Mega Drive version of Castle of Illusion, along with a theme and avatars.
In the current climate of Disney remakes (including DuckTales Remastered), Castle of Illusion – Starring Mickey Mouse represents a worthwhile addition to any collection, particularly for those who enjoyed the original or are fans of the platforming genre.
