Disney’s Illusion Island Has One-of-a-Kind Charm and Family-Friendly Fun
Ever since we caught wind of Disney's newest game, Illusion Island, it's been one of our most anticipated games of 2023. After nearly six months of waiting, the game has finally arrived, and we could not have been more excited to play.
The new game features a retro, hand-drawn design and local co-op for up to four people, with Disney's Fab Four (Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy) as the playable characters.
We had the pleasure of testing out the game ourselves. Keep reading to see our complete thoughts on Illusion Island.
A Expanded Disney Universe
While Illusion Island marks the return of fan-favorite characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy, there's a new universe of characters called the Hokuns, led by the "respected and beloved leader," Toko.
There are three more new NPCs: Uncle Steve, who works in the Monoth Official Postal System; Mazzy, a scientist and magician who brings you new "tools" and Jido, a computer who helps you unlock new parts of the map.
I loved the aspect of the new characters! And for anyone who isn't a big fan of classic Disney, the original storyline brings you out of the stereotypes of the franchise.
(Disney Illusion Island via Disney Electronic Content)
A Metroidvania Map
The map for Illusion Island is long and continuous, almost identical to the ones you see in Metroid. When we say long, that's an understatement, because it encompasses the Monoth island and the three different biomes you must visit to retrieve the Tomes and protect Monoth.
You begin in Monoth's library, which introduces you to many of the NPCs who teach you how to play the game and unlock different moves. With every new feature, you get a silly cutscene with Donald receiving the short end of the stick with "bad" power-ups. For example, when you learn the boost jump action, the NPC will give Mickey a state-of-the-art jetpack, but Donald receives a rickety rocket.
As you make your way through Illusion Island, you'll discover Paviona, the biome of Botany; Gizmopolis, the biome of Engineering and Astrono, the biome of Astronomy. Each one introduces new challenges, villains and powers.
Throughout the game, you collect Glimts, the glowing blue orbs that help you win rewards until you receive an extra heart. You also search for Tokuns—which tell you information about the characters—and Mickey Memorabilia—the collectibles. And you can even find Hidden Mickeys for an extra Easter egg!
(Disney Illusion Island via Disney Electronic Content)
The Whole Gang
I played this game with the maximum four players. Because of the incentives to play multiplayer, I can't imagine going through this game alone.
In multiplayer mode, you have the option to hug other players. This heartfelt animation between the characters is one of my favorite aspects of the game, but it's more than a simple interaction: it also gives you an extra life. From what I understand, you can only do this when you play with others.
(Disney Illusion Island via Disney Electronic Content)
Along with the hugs, you can lend a rope to a friend who can't master the jumps and climbs or be a springboard for another player to get extra distance while jumping. My assumption is that these tiny benefits will not make or break the game.
I also appreciate the camera follows the first player, which allows the other players to enter an envelope and transport themselves to you. You do not want to be slowed down by someone who doesn't play the game as well, so pick your player one wisely!
Bottom Line
Disney's Illusion Island might not be action-packed enough for more serious, competitive players, but for a casual, cozy gamer like myself, this game was everything I needed and wanted.
Yes, I very much appreciate the intense chaos of games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Metroid, but it is nearly impossible to have relaxing multiplayer gameplay, thanks to the numerous screaming matches from someone dying or lagging behind.
A portion of this game exists like a mini television series (the cutscenes are very long). However, I appreciated it because they immerse you back into the storyline after doing many mindless, rote tasks.
(Disney Illusion Island via Disney Electronic Content)
With that said, those rote tasks are great for beginner gamers, and Illusion Island could be an effective device to build those necessary skills, like precise hand-eye coordination, before graduating to something more challenging, such as Super Mario, that will introduce combat and power-ups. More advanced players can make the game more difficult with lowered starting health and no movement assists.
What Illusion Island has done best is provide a one-of-a-kind cute, wholesome, family-friendly experience for players of all ages and levels. This game did appeal to me as an unapologetic Disney Adult, but I definitely would've found joy in the lighthearted bonding experience of its multiplayer mode, even if I wasn't. The graphics are beautiful, there is virtually zero learning curve and it had some of the smoothing gameplay I've ever experienced.
Looking for more gaming reviews? Read HERE to discover our thoughts about the new narrative game, Venba.