If you watched Nintendo’s announcement this morning, you saw the pricing, bundles, and date of the new WiiU. You also saw video of Disney Interactive’s Epic Mickey 2. We knew it was coming to WiiU, but this is one of the first times we’re seeing information revealing specific content for the system. The biggest release in my opinion, will be the ability to utilize the game pad, to see an active map with way points and information. The release date still has not been confirmed for WiiU, but they did also release some screen shots. Here they are below along with quotes from the press release detailing information.
This will admittedly be the first time I’ve been super excited for a game from Disney Interactive. Epic Mickey 2 looks like it will have all the chops necessary to integrate platforming and adventure. This may be a day 1 pick up for my console.
Available across multiple platforms including Wii, Wii U system, Xbox 360 and the PLAYSTATION 3 system, players will enjoy HD graphics that showcase the vibrant game world. The game will also feature full support for the PlayStation Move.
Wii U system players will utilize the Wii U™ GamePad to view a fully detailed, real-time map of Wasteland with waypoints and markers to help guide them through the game and complete the different quests and side-quests. Players will also be able to use the GamePad to access sketches and activate them to use in-game for a more immersive experience.
Players can play as Oswald in drop-in, drop-out 2-player co-op mode with “The Power of Two” evident as Oswald participates in Mickey’s adventure every step of the way.
All in-game characters—most notably Oswald The Lucky Rabbit whose voice will be heard for the first time ever—are fully voiced by the official voice actors of those characters.
Players will experience Disney’s forgotten characters and attractions in all-new levels and further explore levels from the original “Disney Epic Mickey” game, but now changed, impacted by world-changing events that have shaken Wasteland apart. New 2D levels based on classic Disney animated films and shorts will offer compelling puzzle-based, platforming gameplay.
Players will enjoy an original game story co-written by award-winning American comic book writer, Marv Wolfman, and Junction Point. The storyline will feature a variety of new and returning characters that will further immerse players in Disney’s rich history while adversaries familiar and new will challenge players.
“Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” is the first video game that can be described as a “musical,” where at various points during the adventure characters will express themselves and advance the plot by bursting into song. All songs feature original Disney-inspired music and lyrics. Players will also hear tunes and instrumentation that change based on their personal choices, which will ultimately allow each individual to “conduct” their own unique soundtrack.