The early 2023 Nintendo Direct showcase gave fans a peek at upcoming games being released for the Nintendo Switch – and there were quite a few notable names. One in particular isDisney Illusion Island,a forthcoming side-scrolling platformer game in the style of classic Walt Disney cartoons.Disney Illusion Islandallows players to explore a hand-drawn and animated Mickey & Friends adventure and also incorporates many of the multiplayer and co-op platformer mechanics that make theTrinefranchise so memorable and enduring.
The release of the Nintendo Switch and other modern consoles with built-in multiplayer technology have prompted the development of numerous games focused on teamwork. Outside ofparty game classics likeMario KartandOvercooked, theTrinefranchise has emerged as arguably the best multiplayer game to try for fans of platformers and real-time collaboration. WhileDisney Illusion Islanddraws parallels withCuphead, Rayman Legends,and more, it might share many of the same gameplay perks asTrine. Disney Dreamlight Valleyhas already reintroduced Mickey Mouse to the modern video game scene, butDisney Illusion Islandoffers something new.
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Disney Illusion Island Should Take Inspiration From Trine
Based on the gameplay footage unveiled during the Nintendo Direct showcase,Disney Illusion Islandalready shares similarities with the firstTrinegame. For instance,Illusion Islandplayers can choose from four characters –Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy– each appearing to have different skills and capabilities. It also seems the game emphasizes local co-op, as players can use special abilities while playing together. The “heart gifting hug,” “Leap Frog,” and “Rope Drop” abilities seem to require multiple players, which is excellent for co-op but may cause issues for single-player experiences.
The particular focus on creating a dynamic multiplayer experience connectsIllusion IslandtoTrineand might even appeal to the same player base. TheTrinefranchise has received positive critical acclaim for its compelling puzzle mechanics and fluid gameplay in multiplayer. While some Nintendo Switch games likeAnimal Crossing: New Horizonshave successfully incorporated multiplayer mechanics, multiplayer platformers are still relatively scarce.Disney Illusion Islandmight be the perfect fit as more players look for multiplayer games to play using couch co-op – as long as the gameplay is fresh and innovative.
Disney Illusion Island Can Push Platforming Forward
WhileDisney Illusion Islandseems to have taken inspiration from other popular side-scrolling platformers likeTrine, its success might be contingent on how it moves the genre forward. For instance,theCupheadfranchiseis top-rated because it brings a new focus on challenging gameplay centered around memorable boss battles.Celesteis arguably one of the most popular platformers released because of its impactful storytelling and imaginative mechanics. While relatively little is known aboutDisney Illusion Island,there is ample possibility for the game to introduce truly unique gameplay elements.
While theTrinefranchise is acclaimed for its fluid multiplayer functionality,Illusion Islandcould bring storytelling to the forefront. The focus on relic collecting is similar toTrine,but the classically animated cartoon storytelling sequences in theIllusion Islandtrailer seem like unique additions.Disney Illusion Islandcan make its mark on the platformer genre through innovative combat, including boss battles that challenge avid players. For instance, the gameplay footage featuring an underwater level has been released and could feature unique gameplay centered around underwater physics and sea-based fighting.Trine 5has yet to be announced, butDisney Illusion Islandmight be the perfect game to fill in the gap.
