Thankfully the team at Dlala shares my enthusiasm for the old 90s platformers.
“We love those games.”
I probably wouldn’t be making games if I hadn’t played those."
Of course, back in the 90s, mascot platformers were all the rage.
The action takes place on one giant map of three unique biomes to create a consistent platforming game.
Other biomes include a botanical area inside a giant peacock, and an area inspired by Rube Goldberg machines.
The likes of Mario and Rayman have provided inspiration here.
It’s through these extra side challenges that Disney Illusion Island ups its difficulty.
That’s also why the game is local multiplayer only, to bring back that jostling co-operative vibe.
That said, nobody (nobody!)
They’re certainly a far cry from theirKingdom Heartscounterparts.
What does make each character unique are their buoyant animations.
It’s classic Mickey that’s inspired the art style.
It was also a purposeful move away from the Mickey of Playhouse Disney and the theme parks.
“We wanted to harken back to Mickey’s heritage but really do a fresh take on it.”
It all ties together to feel consistently Disney, yet fresh and exciting.
“Working with Disney, this has been easy.
This has been by far the most comfortable partnership we’ve ever had,” says Grand-Scrutton.
Their goal from day one has been: make an awesome Disney game."
The team certainly looks like it’s on the path to achieving that.
It’s also nothing like Dlala’s previous, unannounced Disney project.
Disney Illusion Island, Grand-Scrutton clarifies, is really nothing like that project.
Instead the team “came in fresh” and the studio has grown considerably.
The enthusiasm for Disney is abundant here in the care Dlala has taken over these characters.
It might be a cheesy Disney line, but for Grand-Scrutton this project seems like a dream come true.
“It’s Mickey Mouse, everyone knows who Mickey Mouse is,” he says.
