A look at Mickey Mouse in video games
Epic Mickey 2 is going to drop in the coming months and while reaction to the first game in the series was mixed. I feel that the sequel looks like it is fixing some of the problems with the first game. To be honest my only real issue was the horrendous camera. The idea and art of the game was great, but that camera really became a huge issue in the game. As well as Epic Mickey 2 on the consoles. There is also Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion for the 3DS that looks like it is going to be a ton of fun. It is a throw back to the games of the 16-bit era. That got me to thinking that Mickey Mouse must be one of the best uses of a licensed character in video games. I wanted to take a look at some of my favorite games to feature Mickey Mouse in anticipation for Epic Mickey 2.
Castle Of Illusion-Sega Mega Drive
1990
Before Sonic became the platform star on the Sega Mega Drive it was this game that showed you just how powerful Sega’s 16-bit console was. This game was and still is amazing. There is a Sega Master System port that is a good game in its own right, but this Mega Drive version is something special. You play through various levels in a castle. The woods, a toy level for example. This game has the perfect blend of looking great, but also being a joy to play.
World of Illusion-Sega Mega Drive
1992
The sequel does not get the same love that Castle of Illusion does, but it is still a great game. The graphics have been given a huge kick in the pants. In addition to that this game included Donald Duck as a playable character which would open up a two player co op mode. What is really cool is there are certain sections of the game that only Donald and Mickey can do.
Magical Quest-Super Nintendo
1992
Back in the 90’s Capcom just produced pure gold on the Super Nintendo and this is one of them. This is a great action platform game that in addition to being fun to play looks gorgeous. What I love about it is that Mickey can get different outfits that give him different powers. The game was re-released on the Game Boy Advance and it included a save game feature. Also there was two sequels, but for me it is this first game that has all the charm.
Mickey’s Speedway USA-Nintendo 64
2000
This game was made by the people at RARE and it was made at a time when these guys just produced hit after hit. Many people heap the praise on Mario Kart 64 and Diddy King Racing, but often over look this gem. It plays just as good as Diddy Kong Racing did (as it was made by the same guys) and it also looks fantastic. It has a ton of tracks and characters for you to play as. If you are a fan of cart racers then you really owe it to yourself to check this out.
