Nintendo Disney Illusion Island - Share a Hug on July 28, 2023

[Keyser_Soze]

 

[Keyser_Soze]

Waiting for @stepee to appear ITT

[stepee]

I replied to this the first time it was shown in a different thread last year but yes I’m obviously day1 here!

[Keyser_Soze]

This was my first time seeing it so I apologize!

[stepee]

8 minutes ago, Keyser_Soze said:

This was my first time seeing it so I apologize!

 

I actually may be losing my mind? I could have sworn there was already a thread and that I had commented on how great it looks here, but search brings up nothing!

 

It must have been just in response to a video from whatever show it was announced in back in September. Thanks for giving it its proper due 

[Paperclyp]

This reminded me of Rayman Legends, but I would be surprised it if had the tight gameplay and design of those games. 

[Biggie]

8 hours ago, stepee said:

I replied to this the first time it was shown in a different thread last year but yes I’m obviously day1 here!

This does look great!

[Brian]

 

Disney Illusion Island Preview - Disney Illusion Island Has No Combat And A Metroid Map - Game Informer

WWW.GAMEINFORMER.COM

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We got to see extended gameplay for the upcoming Disney Illusion Island and chat with the game's creative director.

 

[stepee]

No combat, like, not even jumping on enemies? Ehhh that lowers my interest probably more than metroid map increases it. Still will play regardless if only for the art alone.

[Keyser_Soze]

3 hours ago, stepee said:

No combat, like, not even jumping on enemies? Ehhh that lowers my interest probably more than metroid map increases it. Still will play regardless if only for the art alone.

 

So you're still day one on this just not hour one.

[stepee]

This came out a month ago btw!

 

Game Information

Game Title: Disney Illusion Island

Platforms:

• Nintendo Switch (Jul 28, 2023)
  

Trailer:

Publisher: Disney Electronic Content

    Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 75 average - 55% recommended

Critic Reviews

Atomix - Alberto Desfassiaux - Spanish - 70 / 100

Disney Illusion Island is a great introduction to the metroidvania genere, but things like a slow pace and a very simple level design, stops it from being a better game.

Attack of the Fanboy - Alex Huebner - 3.5 / 5

Whether you're looking to pick this up and play it with the littles in your life or you're looking to play it for yourself, this is a quick and enjoyable platformer with a lot to offer. It's something that's an enjoyable, laid-back play. However, if you want a challenge you may want to turn to another title.

But Why Tho? - Mick Abrahamson - 9.5 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is quite possibly one of the best Disney games about Mickey and Friends made to date. The world of Monoth is such a joy to explore and is made fantastically to feel like a modern Metroidvania platformer.

CGMagazine - Chris De Hoog - 9.5 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is practically a unicorn, offering fulfilling, customizable co-op for the whole family in an endearingly charming cartoon coating.

COGconnected - Jaz Sagoo - 84 / 100

Disney Illusion Island is the perfect family platformer. With inclusivity at the center of its design, you can select a suitable difficulty option that allows everyone to engage and more importantly, enjoy the game. Love and admiration for the history of Mickey are apparent. References to classic cartoons and previous video games are noticeable as you venture through a new world. At first, I was taken aback by the lack of combat and familiar gameplay loops, however, the slick platforming and delightful design shine through to make this a wonderful and memorable adventure.

Checkpoint Gaming - Charlie Kelly - 5 / 10

Disney Illusion Island may be striving to be a flashy and exciting 2D Metroidvania experience, but its depth remains one-dimensional. It starts at a snail's pace with its drip-feeding of basic and essential abilities and from there it never really picks up. This is unfortunately thanks to floaty platforming that will disinterest most along with the most uninspired Metroidvania-level design I've seen in some time. Though there are classic and picturesque Disney flourishes aplenty, it's not enough to make the game an enjoyable experience to investigate every nook and cranny for secrets. Be warned, this is an island voyage not all that worth taking.

Console Creatures - David Pietrangelo - Recommended

Disney Illusion Island looks and sounds fantastic. It's a great starting point for anyone just getting into Metroidvanias. It's not very difficult and doesn't bring much new to the table, but it's still a fun, whimsical time.

Destructoid - Timothy Monbleau - 7 / 10

Disney Illusion Island won’t go down in history like the best Disney platformer classics have. But it’s still a fun, if not forgettable, romp starring Mickey and friends. Those who are newer to platformers or want to get someone in on the genre will be primed to enjoy this title. Also, while I don’t think the exploratory angle does the game any favors, it may appeal to collect-athon fans. Otherwise, Illusion Island is just a reliable game for a rainy day. A perfect seven if there ever was one.

Digital Trends - Tomas Franzese - 3.5 / 5

Disney Illusion Island is a charming all-ages platformer that acts as a breezy introduction to the Metroidvania genre.

Digitally Downloaded - Matt Sainsbury - 3.5 / 5

Disney Illusion Island is both enjoyable and entertaining, but just as the action in the game zips by with slick efficiency, so too is your memory of the time with it going to be breezy. If you’re able to use it as a way to bond with family or friends, then it’s going to have much more value than as a single-player experience. For those playing solo, expect plenty of charm, but given that it has been developed so that the youngest of children can enjoy it, there just isn’t much substance to it.

Enternity.gr - Hektor Apostolopoulos - Greek - 8 / 10

Disney's title can't match the pluralism and demands of a Hollow Knight or Metroid Dread, but it offers a concept that could work perfectly as an introduction to the world of metroidvania and platformers for younger or less experienced players.

Eurogamer - Ed Nightingale - 3.5 / 5

An expressive, characterful entry point for metroidvanias.

Eurogamer.pt - Vítor Alexandre - Portuguese - 3 / 5

It is noticed that the producers created the game with family in mind. The challenge is not the most refined, it lacks a good dose of puzzles and that degree of production more careful, evidenced not only by the metroidvania but by titles like Rayman Legends that also operate in the horizontal side scroll. Here the characters move to reach the objectives and overcome the obstacles, dodging the enemies and avoiding the successive traps set on the way. It is therefore a long obstacle course, labyrinthine and accessible. Still with the typical trait and originality of a Disney animation.

Everyeye.it - Mario Petillo - Italian - 7.7 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is a good entertainment title for families, with the addition of a coop up to four players that makes the experience even more immersive.

Explosion Network - Dylan Blight - 5 / 10

Families can get more out of this as an entry-level Metroidvania. Still, even as much as the game succeeded in charming me at times with the core characters, it's hard to recommend this to anyone over the many other Nintendo Switch exclusive 2D platformers.

Final Weapon - Saras Rajpal - 2.5 / 5

Disney Illusion Island is a game with a beautiful art style, charming characters, and fantastic audio design. Despite this, it suffers from an identity crisis, and you can never entirely be sure who the game is meant for. With tricky controls, a lack of a unified genre, and bland levels, you may find your money well spent with other 2D platformers. However, if you're a fan of Mickey Mouse and friends, Disney Illusion Island is worth a try for the visuals and nostalgia alone.

Fintendo - Antti Saavalainen - Finnish - 3 / 5

"Family-friendly platformer lacks the usual Disney charm."

Game Informer - Wesley LeBlanc - 8.5 / 10

With credits behind me, I’m excited to discover more of Monoth’s secrets and collectibles I haven’t yet found, and I’m especially thrilled to play more with my 7-year-old nephew. Illusion Island doesn’t overhaul the platformer genre, or the Metroidvania formula for that matter, but its distinctive no-combat focus on simply moving through Monoth keeps the trip amusing, brisk, and gratifying. I would have liked more challenge; this is a simple adventure that might not capture the interest of platformer enthusiasts with little to no preoccupation with Disney. But when met on its own terms, it’s hard to deny Illusion Island is a jubilant love letter to these characters and platforming.

Game Rant - Anthony Taormina - 4 / 5

Disney Illusion Island is a great introduction to the world of Metroidvanias that will put a smile on anyone’s face. It might be simple in some ways but the design, writing, and fluid gameplay are solid enough that the experience rarely feels repetitive or uninteresting. Mickey and his friends have been mainstays of gaming culture for decades now, and Disney Illusion Island brings those characters to a new generation in a way that feels modern and approachable.

GameSpot - Heidi Kemps - 7 / 10

It's a slow starter, but Disney Illusion Island eventually comes into its own as a polished, breezy multiplayer action platformer.

GamesHub - Leah Williams - 4 / 5

Disney Illusion Island makes a huge impression in its runtime, with any concerns about challenge or repetition largely overshadowed by an incredible art style that brings the adventure to life in eye-popping fashion.

GamesRadar+ - Oscar Taylor-Kent - 3.5 / 5

A cute My First Metroidvania with charming characters, wrapped up in some fairly basic and uninspired platforming levels. It's not Illusion at its best, but should entertain kids.

Gaming Age - Matthew Pollesel - B

Given how nice the game looks and how well it’s put-together, there’s a very solid argument to be made that Disney Illusion Island is the perfect way to get kids of all ages hooked on this genre. It may be a well-worn genre, and Disney Illusion Island won’t win any awards for originality, but on the whole, this is a pretty polished game.

GamingBolt - Shubhankar Parijat - 8 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is a charming, enjoyable, easygoing Metroidvania platformer that should appeal to everyone regardless of how familiar you are with the genre or how skilled you are on the sticks.

GamingTrend - Ron Burke - 95 / 100

With unrelenting charm, excellent writing and voice work, and an art style that is sure to put a smile on your face, Disney Illusion Island is the magical Mickey Metroidvania you didn't know you needed.

God is a Geek - Adam Cook - 8 / 10

Disney Illusion Island plays things very safe at times, but sometimes that's okay, and it's worth celebrating nonetheless.

Guardian - Sarah Maria Griffin - 2 / 5

This new Disney platform game is a strangely cynical waste of potential

Hardcore Gamer - James Cunningham - 4 / 5

Disney Illusion Island is a great all-ages platform-adventure that works hard to appeal to players of any skill level.

Hobby Consolas - Alberto Lloret - Spanish - 78 / 100

Disney Illusion Island is an entertaining platform with metroidvania development capable of entertaining children and adults, with its cooperative for four. Technically it is a joy, which almost looks like a Mickey animated series, although unfortunately it is very easy and short, and despite its abundant collectibles, it is not especially replayable.

IGN - Tristan Ogilvie - 7 / 10

If you’re after a frictionless, family-friendly platforming adventure that’s heavy on charm and light on challenge, then Disney Illusion Island fits the bill better than a muzzle on Donald Duck.

IGN Italy - Mattia Ravanelli - Italian - 7.2 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is a good introduction to the metroidvania genre for the uninitatied. It's a pity the iconic Disney heroes are so tiny on the screen.

Impulsegamer - Tory Favro - 4.2 / 5

Disney illusion Island is an absolute success and a worthy addition to your gaming library.

Kakuchopurei - Jonathan Leo - 90 / 100

Dlala Studios aims to recapture that [90s 2D platforming] magic with its new Nintendo Switch-exclusive title, and succeeds on all fronts. Disney's Illusion Island is a feel-good all-ages search action fare that four people (or less) can really enjoy. From its pleasing aesthetics and whimsical music to its fun-if-familiar platforming and lovely controls, along with some post-game replayability and challenges, it's safe to say that this title might start a possible return of 90s Disney game platforming and action.

Kotaku - Zack Zwiezen - Unscored

Regardless, if you own a Switch (and based on the sales of that device, you probably do) I’d recommend checking out Disney Illusion Island. Even non-Disney adults will enjoy the snappy action, low-stakes gameplay, gorgeous visuals and co-op shenanigans. And if you are a Disney adult, well, you probably already bought this game and have it installed on your Switch. Good news: You are in for a treat.

LevelUp - Santiago Villicaña - Spanish - 8 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is an excellent metroidvania that not only kids will love, but also expert gamers. Its level design is so brilliant and smooth that it makes you fall in love immediately with the characters, world and gameplay.

Luis Alamilla - Luis Alamilla - 6.5 / 10

Video Review - Quote not available

Metro GameCentral - GameCentral - 7 / 10

A Disney-infused Metroidvania Jr., with a gradually increasing challenge that's ideal for children and, in its latter stages, offers enough inventiveness for grown-up players as well.

New Game Network - Yasmine Hubbard - 70 / 100

Disney Illusion Island is an excellent choice for anyone who classes themselves as a gigantic Disney aficionado or anyone looking for a family-friendly game. However, the enchantment of the experience may start to dwindle like a fading dream due to the over-simplistic gameplay.

Nintendo Blast - Beto Ferreira - Portuguese - 6.5 / 10

Disney Illusion Island presents itself as an average game. It doesn't invent the wheel nor does it bring novelties, offering the "bread and butter" done well.

Nintendo Life - Mitch Vogel - 9 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is a magnificent return to form for Mickey and friends. Though we wish that it was a bit more challenging, the excellent controls, relaxing vibes, whimsical world, and oodles of collectibles all come together to make for a cozy and enjoyable experience you won't want to miss. We strongly recommend you pick up Illusion Island if you're looking for another quality 2D platformer to add to your library, it's full of that elusive Disney magic and is one of the best platformers to release on the Switch this year.

NintendoWorldReport - Neal Ronaghan - 9 / 10

This is the platonic ideal for an entry-level platformer because it is filled with smartly designed gameplay that takes well-worn tropes and makes them more approachable for everyone while still providing a nice romp for those experienced with these types of games. If you're a parent who wishes your child would cut the crap and start playing Symphony of the Night with you, maybe start them here and then work your way up to fighting Dracula with some pit stops like Ori and Guacamelee along the way. Here's hoping the quality of this game leads to the Quackshot remake of my dreams.

Paste Magazine - Garrett Martin - 8 / 10

Disney Illusion Island ultimately proves to be more Disney than Metroid. That makes sense: they’re selling this game based on Mickey and Minnie, after all. If you’re a Hollow Knight or Ori fan looking for something as challenging or emotionally powerful as those games, you probably never expected a game starring Goofy to deliver on that. Illusion Island gives us what it promised: a light, fun Metroid-style game with multiplayer, built around Disney’s most beloved characters, and that’s ideal for younger players and their friends and family. You’d have to be seriously goofy to find any fault with that.

Press Start - Kieron Verbrugge - 7.5 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is a competent and approachable metroidvania-style platformer that does a great job at accommodating players of all skill levels and offers up a great take on Mickey and Friends, but a relatively short runtime combined with overly simple mechanics and some disappointing presentational choices means that it falls just short of true magic.

Prima Games - Priscilla Wells - 9 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is an unmissable experience that is a melting pot of classic Disney charm, metroidvania-lite gameplay, and witty dialogue.

Rectify Gaming - Henry - 8.5 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is a charming, family friendly Metroidvania platformer that captures the spirit of classic Disney cartoons whilst delivering a highly accessible experience that’s fun for all.

SECTOR.sk - Matúš Štrba - Slovak - 7.5 / 10

Disney Illusion Island brings several interesting ideas, a beautifully crafted and designed world, but the gameplay starts to feel a bit shallow over time, so it doesn't quite reach its potential. However, it won't be a complete waste of time, especially if you play it with kids.

SVG - Sam Watanuki - 8 / 10

"Disney Illusion Island" serves up a whimsical and family-friendly adventure packed with charm, excitement, and a surprising amount of nostalgia.

Screen Rant - Christopher Teuton - 4 / 5

We've had a great time playing Disney Illusion Island in multiplayer as a family, and I can't help but think that's the only "right" way to play it. It would be nice if there was a bit more voice acting, since the gameplay is simple enough that even kids who can't quite read yet are able to pick it up and play mostly effortlessly, but even considering these few flaws it's still one of the best family games of 2023. It's a well-made adventure that, despite the many assistance features and lack of combat, still manages to be entertaining and enjoyable to players of varying ages. While it probably won't be everyone's favorite Metroidvania of all time, it's absolutely worth playing if you have kids.

Shacknews - Ozzie Mejia - 8 / 10

Disney Illusion Island can best be compared to the average Disneyland ride. It's short, doesn't outstay its welcome, and shouldn't be experienced alone.

Siliconera - Jenni Lada - 7 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is this bright, bubbly game with a lot of personality, but its design and area execution can bleed together and feel empty.

Slant Magazine - Aaron Riccio - 3 / 5

It doesn’t help just how stubbornly Illusion Island’s gameplay traffics in the familiar. It’s not until the last level that it takes off the training wheels and offers much of a challenge for older audiences, but it’s disappointing that it’s game over just as the campaign is getting a head of steam up. Illusion Island, then, has enough magic to make you wish there was more of it.

Spaziogames - Domenico Musicò - Italian - 7.4 / 10

Despite its name, Disney Illusion Island is not a new game of the beloved "illusion series" for old SEGA consoles. It's a simple and well crafted metroidvania with a sweet and relaxed atmosphere that reminds the old good Walt Disney of twenty years ago.

TechRaptor - Andrew Stretch - 7.5 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is a great entry as a first Metroidvania for younger fans. While the slower paced movement might not mesh well for all gamers, there's a lot to do in this expansive world filled with quick wit and hidden collectibles.

The Escapist - Marty Sliva - Unscored

Video Review - Quote not available

TheGamer - George Foster - 3.5 / 5

Like with the platforming, the map exploration and Metroidvania mechanics can be a bit too simplistic in execution and mostly tell you where everything is and how to get it. Seasoned platformer fans might find things too easy, but if you can accept that lack of challenge and take Illusion Island for the joyful adventure that it is, then you'll find that it's a good, simple time, with satisfying mechanics, a love for Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy, and a gorgeous world to explore.

VGC - Chris Scullion - 3 / 5

Disney Illusion Island looks and sounds incredible and doesn't do much wrong in terms of gameplay. It doesn't really do much to advance the Metroidvania genre, though, and while it's clearly designed to appeal to younger players the convoluted ending and hit-and-miss jokes mean we ended simply enjoying it, rather than loving it.

VGChartz - Evan Norris - 6 / 10

While the story and venue fail to leave a strong impression, and the backtracking gameplay gets old fast, the game's successes in animation, platforming mechanics, and end-game content help balance things out.

Video Chums - A.J. Maciejewski - 7 / 10

It may not live up to the Illusion titles for Sega Genesis but what's here is good stuff nonetheless as Disney Illusion Island presents a wondrous game world that can be rather enjoyable to explore. Just don't expect much variety or any sense of challenge.

WayTooManyGames - Eduardo Rebouças - 9 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is a game that takes no risks, but at the same time, is exceptionally well made. There aren’t any deep criticisms to be made about its design, outside of it being the safests of bets in the overcrowded marketplace of its subgenre. As an entry level game for those without experience and/or younger players, it checks all the necessary boxes as it not only is a visual spectacle, but a lot of fun to play. And in the end, fun is what matters in a multiplayer game such as this, which it delivers in spades.

WellPlayed - Mark Isaacson - 8 / 10

It never fully challenged me personally and isn’t an overly long experience, but with a few friends or Disney diehards, Disney Illusion Island is a worthy adventure and one of the better licensed titles to venture out from the Magic Kingdom of late.

Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 8 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is a fun, all-ages romp through a Disneyfied fantasy world. It doesn't do anything outside of what is expected, but what it does, it does well. The platforming is easy to pick up and fun to master, and there's a sense of progression and advancement to the game that helps keep it feeling like a true Metroidvania. It's a cute, charming and enjoyable adventure, and sometimes, that is all a game needs to be. Now if only it would just stop bullying poor Donald Duck so much ....

XGN.nl - Theo Weber - Dutch - 7.5 / 10

Disney Illusion Island is an entertaining game, whether you play alone or with up to four friends. The platforming action is smooth and flawless from the start and you don't even miss defeating enemies. The only cons here are the small screen of the Switch and the little flaws in the co-op mode.

 

I started playing it for realz a couple days ago. It’s great! When it said no combat I was kind of thinking no enemy’s, but there are enemy’s, and you can die, you just can’t defeat anything. Besides bosses, which do play out as a normal boss battle (at least the one that I did) but dont directly attack them yourself. The game is all about just the platforming and that feels great here. Its on the easy side, but you can give yourself only one heart if you want to increase the challenge.

 

The story is really well done and actually kinda funny, the music is proper disney whimsy, the presentation is great, and it is GORGEOUS. I can tell it's going to be a little short but it's a lot of fun and highly recommend it to old school disney fans. 

[EternallDarkness]

it was actually quite fun

[GameDadGrant]

Played a bit of this co-op with my kid. Fun times were had. They weren't kidding that the game is slow, but...still fun.