Following the same style of gameplay as the original Mega Drive/Genesis title. Presented in high-definition 3D graphics, the game is largely played as a side-scrolling platformer like its predecessor, although some sections allow Mickey Mouse to move in multiple directions, such as puzzle segments. Mickey's main offensive ability is his bounce attack, which he can use to bounce on enemies and reach higher areas. He can also collect projectiles which he can throw at long distance enemies. Levels are re-envisioned versions of the original game's levels now separated into three acts, featuring new layouts, puzzles and enemies, as well as enhanced boss fights. The castle itself, which was merely a transition in the original game, can now be fully explored, with new areas opened up by collecting numerous gems littered around each level. Throughout the game, players can find playing cards and chilli peppers that can be used to unlock various outfits for Mickey.
Plot
As in the 1990 original, the game casts players in the role of Mickey Mouse who must fight his way through the Castle of Illusion to rescue Minnie Mouse from an evil witch Mizrabel who wants to steal her beauty. Obstacles include enchanted forests, rebellious toys and mazes of living books.
Development and release
The Castle of Illusion remake was teased by Sega in April 2013 and was announced later that month. The game was developed by Sega Studios Australia, their last game before the studio was shut down, under the supervision of the original game's director, Emiko Yamamoto. The game features a remastered soundtrack arranged byGrant Kirkhope, as well as an option to listen to the original soundtrack composed by Shigenori Kamiya. The game also features full voice acting for Mickey, as well as narration by Richard McGonagle. From September 2016 until March 2017, the game was delisted from the Steam, Xbox Live, and PlayStation Network stores. Players who pre-ordered the game on PlayStation Network were able to download the original Genesis game, as well as a theme and custom avatars.
Reception
Castle of Illusion received generally positive reviews, according to review aggregatorMetacritic. IGN gave the game a score of 6.7, praising its presentation while critiquing its slippery controls and a short length. Joystiq gave the game 4/5 stars, calling it "both a great remake and a showcase for the key elements that make a great platformer". GameSpot gave the game a score of 7.0, praising its fun platforming while lamenting unskippable cutscenes. Official Xbox Magazine gave the game a score of 8.0, calling it "a fun update to yesteryear’s classic, but also a solid platformer in its own right". GamesRadar gave the game 3.5/5 stars, praising its presentation while noting some issues with controls on account of input lag for some televisions.
