Ranking Every Disney Illusion Game
Ranking Every Disney Illusion Game
Disney Illusion Island: A Nostalgic Adventure
Welcome, fellow gamers and Disney enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of the beloved Illusion franchise. Now, we all know that the franchise has been dormant for over a decade, but every now and then, nostalgia pokes its head out, attempting to revive the Mickey Mouse gaming magic. And this time, we have Disney Illusion Island, the latest addition to the series, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goody on a captivating adventure in a mysterious land. Will it rekindle the franchise’s glory? And how does it compare to its predecessors? Well, get ready, because we’re about to delve into the six titles in this series for some nostalgic gaming fun!
6. Castle Of Illusion
Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? Castle of Illusion, released in 1990 for the Sega Genesis, was the game that kicked off the Illusion journey. In this solo adventure, Mickey embarks on a mission to rescue Minnie from a cursed castle. Armed with his butt stomping skills and the remarkable ability to chuck apples at enemies, Mickey battles his way through magical obstacles. This gem of a game eventually made its way to other consoles, like the Game Gear in 1991.
You might be surprised to learn that Castle of Illusion received a remake in 2013 for systems like the PS3 and Xbox 360. It’s wild to think that this happened just a few months before the launch of the PS4 and Xbox One. Sadly, the game was never officially ported to the newer systems, but fear not! You can still experience this faithful remake via backward compatibility on Xbox consoles. Trust us when we say that the Sega Genesis version is where the true magic lies.
5. Legend Of Illusion
Next up, we have Legend of Illusion, the fourth installment in the series that originally graced the Game Gear in 1995. But hold your game controllers, because this game held a surprise for our friends in Brazil. Not only did they get a Master System port of this title, but they’re still manufacturing Master Systems to this day! Talk about dedication to retro gaming. Emulation junkies, take note!
In Legend of Illusion, Mickey dons his Jack and the Beanstalk attire from the cartoon shorts as he embarks on an adventure filled with puzzle-solving goodness. He can even pick up heavy objects like stones and use them to overcome obstacles. Plus, he carries an infinite supply of small throwable objects that suspiciously look like green tennis balls. As you explore the world, you’ll notice a slight change in the game’s mechanics—unlike Super Mario World, you can’t backtrack and replay stages. But hey, we can’t have everything!
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4. Land Of Illusion
Welcome to the third game in the series, Land of Illusion. Making its debut on the Game Gear, this portable gem got a Master System port too. This time, Europe also got in on the action. No more waiting around, right? The best part about this game is the introduction of Mickey’s ability to pick up objects. And guess what? This feature was carried over to the aforementioned Legend of Illusion, creating a fantastic sense of continuity.
Sadly, Mickey no longer possesses an infinite number of throwable objects in Land of Illusion. Nevertheless, the game compensates with a world map that you can explore to your heart’s content. It’s interesting how Legend of Illusion scrapped this idea, but Land of Illusion showcases a diverse range of environments. From lush forests to treacherous water levels (remember the torturous water level in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the NES?), this game handles it all with finesse.
3. World Of Illusion
Hold on to your hats, gamers, because we’re diving into the second game in the series—World of Illusion! Released in 1993 for the Sega Genesis, this game takes the concept of the original and cranks it up a notch. For the first time in the series (excluding Disney Illusion Island), Mickey isn’t alone in his adventure. He’s joined by none other than Donald Duck himself! This game allows for cooperative gameplay between the two iconic characters, providing a unique twist.
Prepare yourself for some magical madness because the mechanics in World of Illusion are quite different from the other retro games in the series. Mickey and Donald wield magic through a magical cape, which allows them to transform enemies into something entirely unexpected. Picture this: soldiers in the first level morphing into beautiful flowers. And that’s not all! The level design in World of Illusion is brimming with surprises, especially in the second stage featuring a magical carpet ride.
2. Disney Illusion Island
Brace yourselves, folks, because we’re now entering the world of Disney Illusion Island—a game that promises to enchant fans of the series, Mickey enthusiasts, and lovers of co-op adventures. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a 2D platformer built with multiplayer in mind. The resurgence of this genre is a breath of fresh air, and this Switch exclusive is poised to be the perfect companion to the upcoming release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder later this year.
But hold on, there’s more to this game than meets the eye! Did you know that Disney Illusion Island is also a Metroidvania game? That’s right! As you progress, your character’s abilities will receive permanent upgrades. Mickey, for example, obtains a pencil that allows him to stick to walls and bounce off them, while Donald receives a plunging tool. Plus, combat is solely reserved for boss encounters, making this a game accessible to all ages, thanks to its assist features. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure!
1. Epic Mickey: Power Of Illusion
Are you ready for an epic finale? Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion takes the crown as the top game in the Illusion franchise. This gem from 2012, developed for the 3DS, holds a unique place in both the Epic Mickey and Illusion franchises. If you’re seeking the ultimate Mickey Mouse experience, this is the game for you. The graphics will blow you away with some of the best sprite work ever seen on a handheld console.
Although not a full-fledged Metroidvania, Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion offers an interconnected world map that takes you on a thrilling journey. As you progress, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade your character’s stats, including attack power and damage. And let’s not forget the star-studded cast of Disney characters gracing this game. From Scrooge McDuck to Wendy from Peter Pan and The Beast from Beauty and the Beast, this game serves as a heartfelt love letter to Mickey and the entire Disney universe. It’s a shame this gem is locked away on the 3DS, but fear not, intrepid gamers, because Disney Illusion Island is here to provide a fresh dose of enchantment!
So there you have it, fellow gamers—our ranking of the Illusion franchise’s magical adventures. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a nostalgic gamer, or simply seeking a delightful cooperative experience, there’s something for everyone in the Illusion universe. And don’t forget to check out Disney Illusion Island, the latest addition to the series! It was released on July 28, 2023, and is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.
May your gaming adventures be filled with joy, humor, and a touch of Mickey Mouse magic!
More Gaming Fun: – Best Games That Let You Play As Mickey Mouse – Best Games Based On Disney Movies, According To Metacritic – Best ’90s Disney Games – Best Pixar Games, According to Metacritic
