disney interactive

GIVEAWAY: Epic Mickey 2-The Power of Two Game Plus Oswald Ears

3 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis 71 Comments

Disney’s Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is shaping up to be THE gift for the holiday season, and now you have a chance to get one of five copies I’m giving away here at Zannaland, thanks to the wonderful folks at Disney Interactive. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, you’ll also get a set of Oswald ears, so you can play your game in style.

I’m going to make entering extra simple, with the use of Rafflecopter below. Just log in using facebook or your email and check off the options for extra entries without leaving this page. The one mandatory entry is leaving a comment on this page. If you need a little inspiration or just want to learn more about the Epic Mickey 2 gameplay, head over to my Epic Mickey 2 review for the game trailer and some gorgeous hi-res photos of the gameplay.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Best of luck in the giveaway and in saving Wasteland!

REVIEW: Epic Mickey 2: Power of Two for Xbox360

30 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

For this review, I enlisted the help of the gamers in my household, my husband and son, to get some more official opinions from those that know what they are doing with a controller. Below are their thoughts, and then head over to read my reaction after playing the Power of Illusion version on Nintendo 3DS back in September. Happy playing!

If you hadn’t heard about Epic Mickey 2 – here is a synopsis of the game: In “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two,” gamers will play as Mickey Mouse and for the first time ever, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s first cartoon star, in an all-new adventure of creativity and discovery. Created by industry luminary Warren Spector and Disney Interactive’s Junction Point game development studio, “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” returns Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Wasteland, an alternate world filled with 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions. But for the first time, Mickey and Oswald will join forces as true partners – Mickey with his magical paint brush that wields paint and thinner, and Oswald with his powerful remote control that allows him to command electricity.

My 13 year-old had this succinct review of his time playing: The art design was really cool and the scenery and backgrounds were really fun to play through and walk around in. Overall gameplay was really fun, with lots of items to collect and lots to keep you entertained. Playing as a single player was a bit frustrating as you had to wait for Oswald to come over and do his parts of the game, but that was the only downside.

Whereas my husband had a bit more to say:

The much anticipated followup to Epic Mickey is a great game on the Xbox360. Dazzling graphics highlight the game, and fans of the original game will not be disappointed. However, Epic Mickey 2 is not without its problems, minor as they are.

Although they are rare, there are still some camera issues left over from the first game. You will find yourself cursing the camera as it auto-zooms to awkward angles while you are climbing rock piles or running into rooms.

Unfortunately the story seems to get in the way of the game. The graphics and game-play draw you in and really make you want to play. Just as you get into a groove running around Mean Street, you realize that you are stuck having to go back collect an item, or take a picture, or complete a task that you overlooked. A little bit of “free play” would have made this game perfect. The story is not linear, even though it seems like it would have been easy enough to make it so. When you first enter the game you are bombarded with side-quests and story details that are hard to remember and juggle.

Now for the good news. Many of the control issues that plagued the first game have been taken care of in Epic Mickey 2. You will no longer find yourself losing at critical points because Mickey does not move or paint in the directions you expect him to. The movement is smooth, and game-play is very enjoyable.

Also, the developers did a good job of interweaving side-scrolling platform levels into the game. They do so in a way that is not obtrusive to player and does not have you stalling to remember how to control the game. You can effortlessly move from the 3D, third-person view of Mean Street, to the side-scrolling of the D.E.C. without losing a beat.

But, by far, the biggest plus to this game is the two player action using Oswald. A second player can control Oswald and join in the game, helping Mickey along in his adventure. Oswald has his own powers and his own part to play in completing puzzles and tasks. This makes the game a far more rewarding, fun, and collaborative experience for two players.

Single people; fear not – if you play the game on single play, the computer controls Oswald, completing his tasks for you automatically. This leaves single players open to worry about the unfolding story tasks.

“Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” is rated ‘E’ for Everyone by the ESRB, and is now available for the Playstation 3
computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 and Wii U for a suggested retail price of $59.99 and Wii for a suggested retail price of $49.99. “Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion” is also rated ‘E’ for Everyone by the ESRB and is now available on the Nintendo 3DS for a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary Xbox360 and Nintendo 3DS game for review purposes. Thoughts and opinions expressed here are those of the authors. Links included are affiliate links.

VIDEO: Warren Spector and Peter Ong Discuss Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion for Nintendo 3DS

24 September 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Junction Point vice president and creative director Warren Spector, Peter Ong and the rest of the team from DreamRift behind the development of Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion for the Nintendo 3DS and some folks from Disney Interactive. We were shown an amazing Disney day and night, meeting with VIP lounges and Magic Kingdom tours and a lovely dinner at California Grill. In between all the wining and dining, we learned so much about the game, from the people that poured their hearts and souls into its creation. It’s rare, as a consumer, to meet the minds behind a video game, and discover all hard work and detail each person contributed.

Hearing from Warren Spector was, as a Disney fan, wonderful. Not only is he a long-time video game fan, but a long-time Disney fan as well. Seeing his passion in action was a treat as he described his involvement in Epic Mickey. I had wondered if Disney nerds experts like those of you reading this now, would find things within the game that would satisfy our particular level of…attention. Warren assured us that we would be in heaven with the specific park and Disney film details within Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion.

In addition, talking through the actual game developers throughout the day and learning how they watched the Disney films used in the game countless times, and various other ways they kept true to the Disney brand, the classic gaming experience they were honoring, and bringing in a whole new generation with the drawing aspect to the Nintendo 3DS.

This video below will shed some light on the thought process behind the game and how game play develops.

As far as the details go, yes, it is played on a 3D handheld system, however you can turn OFF 3D any time, if your eyes have had too much or you’d just like a traditional gaming experience. The game is rated G but for ages 7 and up because of the 3D aspect. Too much exposure to the 3D setting on young eyes can be damaging. Outside of that issue, there are no other concerns as far as violence or age range go.

Epic Mickey Power of Illusion — Screenshot from the Aladdin level

I was able to play through the first level of the game, and as a very casual gamer, I was able to figure things out, but there were some parts that were a little frustrating, so keep that in mind with younger players. Of course practice and patience is the key to any successful video game conquest!

Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion is a great game for anyone looking to recreate a classic 16 bit experience with a modern update, or any fan of Disney animated features or Parks. The game will be available on November 18, 2012.

Disclosure: Great thanks to the Disney Interactive team for our day in the parks as we learned about this game. I was provided special access at Walt Disney World, dinner and refreshments throughout the day. My opinions and thoughts are my own.

All-New Disney Epic Mickey 2 Opening Movie Titled “A Story Begins”

12 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I am SO ready for Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two to be released! Disney Interactive just announced that the new game will be featured in a panel at the San Diego Comic Con show this Sunday, July 15th. In anticipation of that panel, the game’s creators have given us this never-before-seen opening movie for the game, called “A Story Begins.” Read all about the official news and watch the video below:

BURBANK, Calif. — (July 12, 2012) – “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” will be presented in a panel discussion taking place on Sunday, July 15^th at 1:00 p.m. at the San Diego Convention Center, Room 25ABC. Participating in the panel are video game designer Warren Spector of Disney Interactive’s Junction Point, Peter David, award-winning comic writer and author of the upcoming “Disney Epic Mickey 2 Graphic Novel” and Marv Wolfman, award-winning American comic book writer and co-writer of “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two.” The panelists will discuss how the team mapped out the story for this innovative new video game and unveil the first details surrounding the graphic novel, a 48 page retelling of Mickey’s return to Wasteland that will extend the video game experience for readers. Additionally, Becky Cline, Director of The Walt Disney Archives will be on hand to discuss the historical significance of Walt Disney’s first cartoon star, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who is prominently featured in the video game. The panel will reveal all-new gameplay footage and artwork, and a special never-before-seen sequence of pages from the upcoming graphic novel.

“The story in ‘Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two’ will immerse players in an even deeper and richer gameplay experience than before as they take on the roles of Mickey Mouse and Oswald to befriend and battle their way through the world of Wasteland on a brand new journey of creativity and discovery,” said Warren Spector, creative director and vice president, Junction Point. “We’re honored to have collaborated with such talented individuals as Marv Wolfman, Peter David and Becky Cline on Mickey and Oswald’s next adventure, and we look forward to offering Comic-Con attendees a behind-scenes-look at the game and graphic novel.”

Written by Peter David and illustrated by Fabrizio Petrossi, the “Disney Epic Mickey 2: Graphic Novel” is a 48 page retelling of Mickey Mouse’s return to Wasteland to help Oswald the Lucky Rabbit as he faces the Mad Doctor. The graphic novel extends the videogame experience for readers and will include exclusive footage, a backstage pass, and more.

The “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” video game returns Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Wasteland, an alternate world filled with more than 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions. But for the first time, Mickey and Oswald will join forces as true partners – Mickey with the magical paint brush that allows him to wield paint and thinner, and Oswald with a powerful remote control that allows him to command electricity. This new co-op play further enhances the idea that “PlayStyle Matters” – a unique approach to gameplay pioneered by Warren Spector where players tackle challenges the way they want to in order to explore a variety of possibilities and storylines, but always with consequences for their chosen actions.

Development for “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” for the Wii™ system from Nintendo, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system is being led by Disney Interactive’s Junction Point. Supporting the latest technology, the game will also feature full support for the PlayStation®Move motion controller. “Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion” for the Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system is under development by critically-acclaimed developer DreamRift, in collaboration with Junction Point. The games are currently unrated by the ESRB. For more information, go to www.disney.com/disneyepicmickey.

Can’t wait to play! Will you be picking up Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two?

Disney Pixar’s Brave Gorgeous Nail Art Tutorial!

29 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I am a fan of all things nail polish-related and after falling in love with Brave in theaters, when I saw this nail art tutorial, I had to share! It looks relatively easy too, even if you didn’t want to go all out with the beads, the rest of the nails look like anyone can bravely attempt the design. 😉

The tutorial is done by Cute Polish which also has a whole line of Disney and other nail art tutorial on the Disney Style channel on YouTube.

Check out the video tutorial below!

This video is part of Disney’s celebration of ONE BILLION views on its YouTube channels. This week, the company is celebrating these milestones with a special 10-day programming event on its YouTube network. New original and exclusive videos will be introduced from across Disney, including Disney Parks, Radio Disney, Games, and Theatrical, and its YouTube content partners.

The program schedule includes:

6/24 – A nail art tutorial from CutePolish inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “Brave”

6/25 – An exclusive short from Simon’s Cat — “Window Pain”

6/26 – A One Direction acoustic performance from Radio Disney

6/27 – A look at the new Cars Land at Disney California Adventure® Park

6/28 – An exclusive video from YouTube’s ShanesDominoez, titled “Domorail”

6/29 – Episode 4 of Disney Interactive’s animated Web series, “Talking Friends”

6/30 — “Rainbow Connection” performed by Anna Graceman

7/1 – The first-ever Club Penguin music video with DJ Cadence

7/2 – Behind the curtain at Disney’s Tony® Award winning musical, Newsies

7/3 – The premiere of That’s Fresh, a new cooking show from parenting network Babble

Check out all the videos at YouTube.com/Disney. I know I was really surprised at all the diverse and fun stuff on there!

Brave Video Games Get Set To Hit The Target On Consoles and Phones

18 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

After seeing Disney Pixar’s Brave last week, I can’t wait to get more Brave action in the form of some amazing video games that Disney Interactive Studios has lined up for us. Merida’s archery skills and her action-packed encounters within the film set the perfect backdrop for video games the whole family can enjoy.

A third person action-adventure, “Brave: The Video Game” expands the tale beyond the movie’s storyline. Gamers can play as Merida, an expert archer and heroine, and in the console versions, players can also play as other entertaining characters from the film. In addition, they will be able to go on quests through a magical world and solve puzzles to uncover secrets. Available for Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, PC/Mac, and also Nintendo DS consoles.

Check out the Brave video game trailer below:

In addition, Disney Interactive Studios has created a Brave version of the insanely popular Temple Run app for both Android and iPhones. From Imangi, the makers of Temple Run, and Disney comes a new take on the most exhilarating Android app. Join Merida from Disney/Pixar Brave as you run, slide, jump, turn and shoot your way across the wilds of Scotland on an endless running adventure!

New features just for Temple Run: Brave —
• Introducing ARCHERY — tap targets to shoot a bullseye and earn extra coins
• New, amazing visuals. It looks better than ever!
• All new environments inspired by Disney/Pixar Brave and the wilds of Scotland
• Play as Merida from Disney/Pixar Brave
• Outrun Mordu, the demon bear, to earn running glory

Here’s the Brave Temple Run trailer below:

Brave Temple Run is available for download now and Disney Pixar’s Brave the Video Game for consoles is out tomorrow, June 19!

Marvel Super Heroes Assemble on Disney’s Club Penguin

13 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

With the recent record-breaking box-office success of Marvel’s The Avengers, the Marvel phenomenon is set to hit Disney’s Club Penguin. The “Marvel Super Hero Takeover” will be the biggest event in the history of the #1 virtual world for kids. It’s the first time Club Penguin will bring an outside franchise into the world. In the event, kids can dress up as Marvel Super Heroes (Thor, Hulk, Iron Man, etc!) or Super-Villains, join teams to defend or defeat the evil Destructobot, explore the superhero headquarters, and more.

Here’s all the official info from Club Penguin:

Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, June 13th – Marvel mania has reached all the way to Club Penguin Island, the #1 Virtual world for kids, as penguins assemble for the Marvel Super Hero Takeover, an epic online event starting June 14th through July 3rd.

A meteor has hit the island of Club Penguin, powering up the dangerous Destructobot. Players can choose to suit up as one of 14 Marvel Super Heroes or Super-Villains, including Avengers characters such as Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, and Thor, as well as the mischievous Super-Villain Loki.

Club Penguin Marvel Super Hero Takeover - Hawkeye costume

Club Penguin Marvel Super Hero Takeover - Thor costume

“Everyone wants to feel special and believe that they can do something that no one else can do. That optimism is what drives both Club Penguin and the Marvel story lines and characters,” said Lane Merrifield, co-founder of Club Penguin and executive vice president of Disney Interactive Worlds. “Club Penguin and Marvel characters are the perfect match, and I’m sure our players will love it!”

“Bringing our worlds together marks a major milestone for both Marvel and Club Penguin,” said Rob Steffens, Executive Vice President of Marvel Entertainment. “Reactions from the fans are already tremendous, and we’re thrilled that we’re able to bring Marvel and Club Penguin together for such an epic event.”

As part of The Marvel Super Hero Takeover event, players can:

Choose to dress up as Marvel Super Heroes, Super-Villains or civilians
Explore the island, which has been transformed to include new destinations such as a bank, jail, and a superhero headquarters
Join teams to decide whether to defend or defeat the evil Destructobot
Meet Aunt Arctic, the news reporter and editor-in-chief for the Penguin Times, the Club Penguin Island newspaper. She’ll be keeping a close eye on the battle of Super Heroes and Super-Villains around the island

Super Heroes and Super Villains wanted. Visit http://www.clubpenguin.com/marvel and let the adventures begin.

AMAZING Epic Mickey 2 Behind the Scenes Trailer

18 May 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

We’ve previously shared a gallery of screenshots and concept art for Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, coming out soon on Wii, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. Now Disney Interactive has released a behind-the-scenes trailer showing even more of this exciting new game.

The images and gameplay are just breathtaking. It’s so wonderful to see more of Oswald as well. I know we can’t wait to play around here!

Disney Movie and Video Game News and Releases

2 April 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Disney has been so busy creating and updating apps and video games and dvds that I’d be posting 10 times a day to keep up, so I thought I’d throw all of this news into one convenient post in case you hadn’t seen the announcements:

First up – Brave: The Video Game. Disney Pixar’s Brave premiers in June and the game will follow suit this summer. I like that this will be a video game that appeals to girls, without being about puppies or Barbie, and I have high hopes that Disney Interactive Media Group will do it justice!

BURBANK, Calif. — (March 19, 2012 ) – Disney Interactive Media Group announced today that “Brave: The Video Game” is currently in development for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ system from Nintendo, Nintendo DS™ handheld system and Windows PC/ MAC. Inspired by “Brave,” the upcoming Disney•Pixar animated fantasy adventure movie, the video game invites players to run, jump and battle their way through the rugged landscape of mythical and mysterious Scotland. By using their wits and bravery, gamers will also be able to wield a sword and bow to defeat fierce enemies, break a magical curse and save a kingdom. The video game will release summer 2012, in conjunction with the film.

A third person action-adventure, “Brave: The Video Game” expands the tale beyond the movie’s storyline. Gamers can play as Merida, an expert archer and heroine, and in the console versions, players can also play as other entertaining characters from the film. In addition, they will be able to go on quests through a magical world and solve puzzles to uncover secrets.

“We’re excited to offer a compelling game across multiple platforms for fans of the upcoming Disney•Pixar film ‘Brave’. Whether gamers want to play on their own or with others, they can relive highlights from Merida’s journey and go on new adventures inspired by the legends of Scotland and Disney•Pixar storytelling,” said Javier Ferreira, senior vice president of publishing, Disney Interactive Media Group. “With Kinect™ for Xbox 360 and Move on the PlayStation®3, gamers will feel like they are using a bow and arrow in an archery range and have a truly immersive experience.”

The console versions of “Brave: The Video Game” offer a variety of gameplay, including single-player, co-op for family and friends, and a special Bear mode, where players will be able to play as a bear. Several new opponents created exclusively for the game will challenge the player throughout the experience, culminating with an ultimate boss battle to complete the adventure. The Nintendo DS game is filled with its own exciting missions and a myriad of characters to engage single players.

“Brave: The Video Game” launches Summer 2012 for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and Windows PC/MAC.

Next up, Disney Interactive launches original web series for gamers “Power Up” hosted by Christina Grimmie and presented by Kinect for Xbox 360

Power Up, Disney Interactive’s new original web series gives families an inside look at the exciting world of video gaming. Presented by Kinect for Xbox 360, the weekly show on Disney.com is hosted by YouTube and musical sensation, Christina Grimmie, who will cover a wide range of game-related topics, including reviews of popular console, mobile, social and casual games. The series will also feature comedic game-based skits with other popular YouTube stars, as well as original songs and music by Grimmie. Fans can also check out Power Up on Disney’s network on YouTube, Disney Mobile and Xbox LIVE.

To celebrate the launch of Power Up and the highly anticipated “Kinect Rush: A Disney•Pixar Adventure” video game, players can enter the “Power Up Sweepstakes” for a chance to win a family trip to San Francisco, for a private tour of Pixar Animation Studios, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the game, as well as the opportunity to play “Kinect Rush: A Disney•Pixar Adventure” with Christina Grimmie. To enter the sweepstakes, guests can visit Disney.com/PowerUp or text “POWERUP” to 347639 (DISNEY).

And lastly, a new release in the Tinker Bell and friends series – Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings:

BURBANK, Calif., March 23, 2012 – The Walt Disney Studios unveils an all-new, original full-length CG-animated feature film, “Secret of the Wings,” starring Tinker Bell, one of Disney’s most beloved and iconic characters, along with her fairy friends (Fawn, Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist and Vidia) and introducing a sparkling new winter fairy, Periwinkle. Debuting on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Digital on October 23, 2012, the film marks the first time ever Tinker Bell will fly on Disney Blu-ray 3D.

For Tinker Bell and the other warm season fairies, the Winter Woods remains a mysterious and forbidden place. “Secret of the Wings” takes audiences on an amazing journey of discovery with Tink, into this forbidden world where she discovers a magical secret that changes her life forever.

A magical fairy adventure for the whole family, “Secret of the Wings” features a spectacular voice cast including Academy Award®-Winner Anjelica Huston (TV’s ‘Smash’), Timothy Dalton (TV’s ‘Chuck’, The Living Daylights), Lucy Liu (TV’s ‘Southland’, Charlie’s Angels), Raven-Symoné (TV’s ‘That’s So Raven’), Megan Hilty (TV’s ‘Smash’), Pamela Adlon (TV’s ‘Californication’), Matt Lanter (TV’s ‘90210’), Debby Ryan (TV’s ‘Jesse’) and Mae Whitman (TV’s ‘Parenthood’), and introducing the sparkling new winter fairy, PERIWINKLE, voiced by Lucy Hale (TV’s ‘Pretty Little Liars’). A DisneyToon Studios production, the film is directed by Peggy Holmes, co-directed by Bobs Gannaway, and produced by Michael Wigert. John Lasseter serves as Executive Producer.

“Secret of the Wings” is Disney’s highly-anticipated all-new movie in the Tinker Bell Disney Fairies film franchise. These beautifully-animated films have ranked at the top of the home entertainment charts every year they have been released.

In addition to the all-new feature film, the spectacular animated release includes a host of exciting bonus features that extend the viewing experience, taking audiences deeper into the magical world of Disney Fairies. (More details forthcoming)

To celebrate the upcoming release of “Secret of the Wings,” Disney has launched a new destination in Facebook for parents to stay updated on Disney Fairies news as well as receive the best new content and activities that they can share with their children. Audiences can become a fan now at: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyFairies.

For the latest information on “Secret of the Wings,” fans can head to www.Disney.com/SecretofTheWings to view film clips, and more.

I’ll share more news and releases as they come in!

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two-Screenshots & Images!

23 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I was a huge fan of Epic Mickey, as I think so many Disney buffs were so I can’t wait to see what the second installment brings to life! Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two will release on multiple gaming platforms this fall and this time around, Oswald is a playable character! Here is the official press release, with game images and official trailer too:

BURBANK, Calif. – (March 23, 2012) – Disney Interactive Media Group today announced the development of “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two”, the sequel to the critically acclaimed and commercially successful “Disney Epic Mickey” video game. In “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two”, gamers will play as Mickey Mouse and for the first time ever, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s first cartoon star, in an all-new adventure of creativity and discovery. Created by video game industry luminary Warren Spector and Disney Interactive’s Junction Point game development studio, “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” returns the franchise to the Wii™ system from Nintendo, and expands it to new HD consoles including the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

“As a life-long Disney fan, working with Mickey Mouse in the original ‘Disney Epic Mickey’ was a truly humbling experience,” said Warren Spector, creative director and vice president, Junction Point. “Millions of fans fell in love with Mickey as a video game hero and I know they’ll experience similar emotions when they get to interact with and actually play as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in ‘Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two.’”

“Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” returns Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Wasteland, an alternate world filled with 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions. But for the first time, Mickey and Oswald will join forces as true partners – Mickey with his magical paint brush that allows him to wield paint and thinner, and Oswald with his powerful remote control that allows him to command electricity. This new co-op play further enhances the idea that “PlayStyle Matters” – a unique approach to gameplay pioneered by Warren Spector where players dynamically tackle different challenges in order to explore all possibilities and storylines, but with consequences for their chosen actions.

Image gallery: (click to enlarge)

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two game box

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two gameplay

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two Oswald and Mickey

Staying true to Disney’s rich musical heritage, “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” is the first video game that can be described as a “musical.” At many points throughout the adventure, characters will advance the plot by expressing themselves in song, with all-original music and lyrics. In addition to this distinctive musical approach to storytelling, players will hear tunes and instrumentation that change based on their personal choices, ultimately allowing each player to “conduct” their own unique soundtrack. Disney Interactive has enlisted the help of Emmy award-winning composer James Dooley and noted lyricist Mike Himelstein to create these musical gameplay elements.

The magic of Disney will not only resonate through the game’s musical numbers, but also through the introduction of authentic Disney Character Voices talent who provide player direction through genuine character dialogue. In “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two,” all characters—most notably Oswald The Lucky Rabbit whose voice will be heard for the first time—will communicate by speaking to the player.

“In the first ‘Disney Epic Mickey title,’ fans embraced Mickey as a true video game hero and welcomed Oswald back into the Disney family with open arms,” said John Pleasants, co-president, Disney Interactive Media Group. “Now, as the vision for the “Disney Epic Mickey’ franchise advances, fans and gamers across all platforms will experience completely new ways to embrace the immeasurable vault of Disney characters and attractions.”

Development for “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” is being led by Disney Interactive’s Junction Point. Supporting the latest technology, the game will also feature full support for the PlayStation Move. The game currently is unrated by the ESRB. For more information, go to www.disney.com/disneyepicmickey.

I can’t wait to see and learn more. Zannaland will be sure to bring you any upcoming images, news or extended trailers for Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two!