Disney Illusion Island Review – IGN

A Whimsical Adventure Awaits on Disney Illusion Island

As living expenses continue to rise and superhero movies disappoint, sometimes all we need is a comforting embrace. That’s where Disney Illusion Island comes in. This cooperative platforming adventure game for up to four players features a dedicated hug button, allowing you to give your partner an instant health boost when they’re struggling. With kindhearted collaboration and a warm and fuzzy feel-good factor, Disney Illusion Island is suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.

Whimsical Charm and Humor

Disney Illusion Island welcomes you with its whimsical charm right from the start. The game follows Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy as they journey through Monoth, a mysterious island, in search of stolen magical tomes. The hand-drawn art style pays tribute to Disney’s early animation, while the game’s irreverent and self-aware humor adds a contemporary touch. Despite mostly text-based interactions, Disney Illusion Island manages to bring plenty of laughter as you embark on upbeat story quests.

It’s a Sprawl World After All

Disney Illusion Island presents a sizable world with interconnected biomes, but don’t fret about getting stuck. The game generously provides checkpoints, clear directions, and teleportation devices to keep you on track. With these conveniences, you can enjoy a six-hour journey without wasted time retracing your steps. The fluid movements of the four main characters match the strong sense of forward momentum, making exploration a breeze.

Joyful and Responsive Gameplay

Each playable character in Disney Illusion Island is a joy to control, with responsive inputs and a hint of floatiness. Unlock new abilities as you progress, such as wall jumps and grappling hook swings, to access previously restricted areas. While these abilities may not be groundbreaking in the platforming genre, the game implements them seamlessly. Performing a series of leaps, swings, and slides will leave you feeling as exhilarated as Mickey’s high-pitched voice.

Enemies to Avoid, Not Confront

Disney Illusion Island is filled with mischievous characters ready to trip you up, but combat isn’t the focus. Instead, you must navigate past them since you lack offensive moves. With spiky exteriors and Donald Duck’s aversion to pants, it’s best to steer clear of these enemies. The boss encounters, although a bit formulaic, involve clever platforming challenges rather than direct attacks. While more creativity in these fights would have been welcome, the game’s overall charm prevails.

Mouseketeers of the Kingdom

The cooperative play in Disney Illusion Island is commendable, especially if you have a mix of experienced and novice players. Besides the comforting hugs that replenish health, the game provides additional support measures. You can drop a rope to help a struggling player reach higher platforms or use a marker to teleport them to safety. These measures ensure that every player stays engaged and avoids frustration. If you prefer a challenge, the game is also playable solo, but be prepared for tougher obstacles.

A Delightful Adventure for All

Whether playing alone or with friends, Disney Illusion Island offers a delightful adventure. The game’s collectibles contribute to a shared pool, sparking friendly rivalry rather than competition. The hidden Mickey symbols provide an entertaining game within a game, adding to the overall enjoyment. With its whimsical charm, cooperative gameplay, and entertaining characters, Disney Illusion Island is a heartwarming experience for players seeking a feel-good adventure.