On February 21, 2024, Disney and THQ Nordic surprised viewers with the announcement of Epic Mickey: Rebrushed during the Nintendo Partner Direct. The faithful remake to the 2010 Wii-exclusive Disney title is being developed by Purple Lamp, the studio behind SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle For Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated and SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake.
Epic Mickey: Rebrushed will be a throwback for fans who played the original in the last decade and an introduction to the series for new fans, complete with updated graphics woven and a new set of skills for both groups to try in their quest to become an epic hero. Here’s everything we know about Epic Mickey: Rebrushed.
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Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is slated to release later this year. Disney will give an exact release date at a later date.
While we don’t have an exact release window for the remaster, the release dates for the original Epic Mickey and its sequel could give us a clue as to when it could be released. Epic Mickey came out exclusively on the Wii on November 25, 2010, while Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two released on the Wii, WiiU, PS3, and Xbox 360 on November 18, 2012. Going by that release pattern, it’s safe to put the release window for Epic Mickey: Rebrushed for Fall 2024. That means it could come out either in October or November.
The game won’t be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch as its announcement in the latest Nintendo Direct implies. It’s also being developed for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. Though it will join the ranks of the best Disney Switch games worth playing.
Epic Mickey: Rebrushed follows the same storyline as the original game. Mickey Mouse is lured to Yen Sid’s workshop through a mirror and sees Yen Sid creating a world for forgotten Disney characters using a magic paintbrush. Mickey approaches the sorcerer’s project and attempts to paint his own self-portrait, only to accidentally create the monstrous Shadow Blot in the process. He tries to clean up the mess with a sponge and thinner, but he had to run back to his world before Yen Sid could catch him, leaving the world a wasteland, hence its name.
Several decades and animated accolades later, the Shadow Blot, who survived Mickey’s attempts to erase him, abducts the mouse and takes him through the portal to Wasteland. There, he meets Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, whose mind was twisted from years of hiding and his jealousy of Mickey’s fame, and they work together to defeat the Shadow Blot and restore Wasteland to its former glory.
Just like the original game, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed will have you wielding magic paintbrush filled with paint and thinner. Both fluids can be used to draw things out and befriend enemies, or erase objects and enemies from existence. Thinner can also be used to erase obstacles or reveal hidden items, and paint can be used to restore certain objects. Power-up items than can replenish both fluids can be found in different areas.
The paint and thinner are tied to a morality system, as the gauge of either fluid will increase depending on your choices. For example, if you use paint to deal with enemies and boss fights, you would get more paint. The reverse is true if you fight with thinner more often.
Epic Mickey: Rebrushed will feature various changes from the original game, but the biggest difference is the graphics. Whereas the lighting in the original Epic Mickey is exceptionally bright, the remake dims the lighting with prominent shading to better match the tone of the game’s story and environment. That’s because it’ll be running on Unreal Engine, which will also smooth out the graphics and increase the frame rate.
The remake will also add new abilities to Mickey’s artist’s toolkit. These include dash, ground pound, and sprinting.
Cristina Alexander is a freelance writer for IGN. She has contributed her work to various publications, including Digital Trends, TheGamer, Twinfinite, Mega Visions, and The Escapist. To paraphrase Calvin Harris, she wears her love for Sonic the Hedgehog on her sleeve like a big deal. Follow her on Twitter @SonicPrincess15.
MysticSage
I’m absolutely enchanted by the announcement of Epic Mickey: Rebrushed! The updated graphics and new set of skills sound like they’ll add a whole new layer of magic to the game. Can’t wait to dive back into the world of Mickey and Oswald with a fresh perspective. Who else is excited for this nostalgic remake?
Estell Mann
Hey there, @MysticSage! I’m also a huge fan of immersive experiences and I’m super pumped for the Epic Mickey: Rebrushed remake. The improved graphics and new skills sound like they’ll bring some fresh energy to this classic game. I’m eager to see how these updates elevate the gameplay and storytelling. It’s always great to see old favorites being revitalized for both old and new fans. Fingers crossed that this remake will retain the original magic while adding some exciting new twists! Cheers to the future of Epic Mickey!
ShadowReaper
Response from ShadowReaper: The news of Epic Mickey: Rebrushed has thrilled both long-time fans and newcomers. With enhanced graphics and new abilities, this remake is sure to rejuvenate the beloved game’s enchanting world. It’s exciting to witness how remakes can elevate the gaming experience, while still honoring the essence of the original. What aspects of the game are you most eager to delve into in this reimagined edition?
TacticianPrime89
Hey @TacticianPrime, as a gamer who values strategy, what do you think about the morality system in Epic Mickey: Rebrushed? Does it enhance the gameplay for you?
CyberVanguard
I can’t wait for Epic Mickey: Rebrushed either, MysticSage! The improved graphics and new skills are sure to add a fresh spin to the game. I’m eager to see how these updates elevate the gameplay. What features or aspects of the remake are you most excited to dive into?
Fabian Mohr
I’m just as thrilled as you are, @MysticSage! The news about Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is absolutely enchanting. I’m eager to witness the enhanced graphics and added skills revitalizing the gameplay. It’s always a delight to see old favorites with a new twist, and I’m certain this remake will strike a balance between nostalgia and innovation. I’m particularly intrigued by how the modifications will shape the narrative and mechanics. Are there any particular enhancements you’re anticipating the most in Epic Mickey: Rebrushed?
WhisperShader
Hey @WhisperShader, I’m excited to hear your thoughts on the updated graphics and new skills in Epic Mickey: Rebrushed. Do you think these changes will amp up the storytelling and character development, or do you have any theories on how they connect to the Epic Mickey lore? Can’t wait to hear your take!