If you’re a Disney fan and like the idea of co-op platformers, then the recent Nintendo Direct has good news for you. There will be a new one coming to the Nintendo Switch in a few months’ time, called Disney Illusion Island.
First announced during the biennial D23 expo last year, Disney Illusion Island features four characters that you can play as – Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy. The initial announcement introduced the game with a few short seconds of gameplay, but as part of the Nintendo Direct recently, the game got an extended trailer that shows more of the game, as well as its emphasis on the co-op part.
To start, the trailer showcases the different animations that each character has for universal actions. For instance, the air glide animation has Mickey use the classic cartoon hoverbike, while Minnie falls gently with a parasol. Daffy, on the other hand, tries to fly aggressively by flapping its wings holding a feather in each, while Goofy breaks his fall by squirting a giant mustard bottle. The same applies to the swimming and sliding animations as well, with each character showing off their personality with their own specific versions of different actions.
While the game can be played solo, the real magic of Disney Illusion Island is really in the bits that involve at least two players. This ranges from simple bonuses like giving each other hugs for a health boost to actual mechanics like playing virtual leapfrog to jump further. Then there are the usual platformer classics like unlocking abilities to unlock new paths and stage bosses with mechanics.
Disney Illusion Island is made by British developer Dlala Studios, and naturally published by Disney Interactive. It looks to be a Nintendo Switch exclusive, with a release date of 28 July 2023. It is available for pre-order on the eShop, with a price of US$39.99 (~RM172).
(Source: Nintendo [1], [2])
