IT’s EPIC: Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two Preview

My Epic Mickey 2 Pin

I first learned of Epic Mickey 2 through my husband when he attended a sneak peak of the game at E3 this summer. “Tee, You are going to love it!” Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is the sequel to Epic Mickey. Epic Mickey is one of my favorite video games from 2010. It took me awhile to beat the game but I did it! What makes the sequel so wonderful is that Oswald is now a second player! Recently, I had the opportunity to explore the game first hand at a special review event. The event was amazing and the attendees celebrated Epic Mickey 2 in Disney style!

My “epic” adventure started at the Grand Californian Hotel on the Disneyland property. Attendees spent time with game creators, Junction Point’s Warren Spector and Paul Weaver, DreamRift’s Peter Ong, as well as Disney Interactive’s Bill Roper plus members of the Disney Interactive team! We were given a presentation of Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two where the creators revealed new levels of the games such as Rainbow Caverns as well as many new features, enhancements and abilities.

New level Rainbow Caverns!

Concept art for Rainbow Caverns. BEAUTIFUL!!!

I tested the game on XBOX 360 and Wii. Wow! The Epic Mickey 2 graphics are eye-popping! This game truly looks amazing! Players can play as Mickey Mouse or as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. If you’re not familiar with Oswald, he’s one of Disney’s first cartoon characters! The game soundtrack is unique and we actually hear character voices this time around. Another big change to note is that Epic Mickey 2 is not exclusive to Wii! The game will also be available to Playstation 3, XBox 360, PC as well as Wii and the new WiiU. Hand held players will be happy to know that Nintendo 3DS has their own version of Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion. So cool!

My ‘Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps’ Tour pin

The rest of our day was spent touring and enjoying Disneyland. Did you know that Disneyland resorts actually offers guided tours? Our group was taken on a condensed version of the three hour ‘Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps’ Tour. I highly recommend this tour for hard core Disney fans! The highlight is getting an exclusive look at Walt Disney’s private apartment. The park opened July 17, 1955 and Walt was there in this apartment looking overlooking main street. What a surreal experience! Disneyland is the only park that Walt ever saw. That makes this park a really special place. We then went on to Main Street which plays a part in both Epic Mickey games. The game designers did their best to accurately represent this part of Disneyland. Just like at Disneyland Resort, Main Street is the central hub of Epic Mickey’s Wasteland and players will recognize the familiar but “strange” area.

My Club 33 Pin

By the way, I had no idea this celebration would get better. How about dinner at the exclusive member-only restaurant, Club 33?!!? This “secret” establishment is located in New Orleans Square. Just look for the emerald doorway and “33” sign. We took the staircase up to the elegant main dining room. Disney sketch artist and historian Stacia Martin was there and while we ate dinner she shared some Disney history and different paths that we can use as guide posts in the game or in the park. During dinner (which was absolutely delicious!), I also had a lovely conversation with creative director Paul Weaver about gaming history and Epic Mickey. I was really inspired by his enthusiasm and dedication to gaming!

To end my fabulous behind-the-scenes Disney experience my group had VIP front and center seats to view the breathtaking firework display! The Disney fireworks were better than previous Fourth of July displays I’ve seen! It was truly a magical moment!

The Power of Two: Me and Jasmine of @Southinkucanmom

What an incredibly EPIC day! Definitely one that I will never forget. I still get chills thinking I had this amazing opportunity! I enjoyed spending time with everyone and I am thrilled that I will have a chance to review Epic Mickey 2! I love that it’s a co-op game which my family can experience together. Stay tuned for my review and mark your calendars-November 18th is the release date!

* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. Tee was invited to attend this preview event free of charge to facilitate this review.This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service.
 The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.