Castle of Illusion

"Not perfect, but not bad either."

Introduction

I actually got this game because of my liking for World of Illusion, and I certainly was not disappointed by this game.

Gameplay - 8.5/10

Very enjoyable for most of the game. It's a straightforward platformer, and Mickey has to get through each level to the world exit in each of the places he visits. There are three modes, including a ridiculously easy mode that a two year old would have no problem finishing.

The game may seem straightforward at first, but there are some surprises. On one stage, the exit is right in front of you, but it's also locked and you have to go and collect a key. On another stage, the level keeps turning upside down, and on yet another, you have to keep jumping up above you to avoid rushing water - like an early version of the F Zero stage from Super Smash Bros. Melee. At various points, you will get chased by giant apples, Raiders of the Lost Ark style. All of this is impressive, and saves the game from appearing repetitive.

Bosses in the game are certainly interesting too - I rather enjoyed fighting the water sprite and the ogre, for example. The latter looks really dull, but he has a sneaky way of repelling your attacks unless you wait until the right moment.

The object of the game involves collecting seven gems, which sounds suspiciously like it was influenced by the Sonic games, except that there's no "Super Mickey". You collect these usually by beating bosses, and occasionally by getting to certain points in the game.

Most of the levels are generally enjoyable, with often a large variety in types of stages, and the only real let down for me was the fourth level, which seems absolutely tiny.

Story - 3/10

The only thing I don't like about this game. Minnie Mouse has been captured by Mizrabel the witch, and Mickey must rescue her. It's kind of like an early version of Banjo Kazooie and a near copy of the plot to the Mario games.

As for the ending, you would be well advised to reach for the power switch the moment that you defeat the final boss. I remember mentioning that the ending to Mario Party 5 was liable to induce nausea, and the same is true for this one. Not only is it soppy and childish, but it isn't believeable at all. But even that doesn't ruin the game outright.

Graphics - 7/10

Pretty impressive in my opinion - with impressive looking levels that rarely get boring because of the different designs. I'm very fond of the design of the "spooky" stage on the first level with cool looking ghosts that you bounce off, and this makes you forget that it's similar to the first stage - only with a palette change.

Sound - 9/10

Some of the music is absolutely brilliant. The boss music is vibrant and makes you look forward to fighting the bosses just so you can hear it; the spooky music on one of the stages is also fun to listen to and makes you wish the stage was longer than it actually is, and I rather enjoyed the music on the stage leading up to the penultimate boss. The music is never childish either, even on the "toytown" stage.

Play Time/Replay Value - 5/10

The game's only shortfalling. It won't take you long to finish, and there isn't a lot of scope for replay either.

Final Verdict

If you're not sure about it, rent this - although if you happen to stumble across the Castle of Illusion/Quackshot double pack (which I am a proud owner of), then by all means buy that.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 08/29/05