February 01, 2024

56 - Castle of Illusion

1 hour 5 minutes

AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you to join Mickey Mouse as he journeys to save Minnie from the Castle of Illusion. Before there was Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega looked to Disney’s iconic mascot to help cement its new Genesis console as a contender to Nintendo. Learn how the game came to be, how it plays, and its legacy in our latest episode.

Sega and Disney

Detailing Sega's 16-bit Genesis/Mega Drive launch in 1989, the hosts discuss Sega's strategy of working with established names, resulting in games like Castle of Illusion. Emiko Yamamoto, serving as director, played a crucial role in this collaboration.

The Game

Castle of Illusion is described as a simple yet vibrant 2D platformer. Mickey's quest to save Minnie from the Witch Mizrabel takes him through enchanted realms like Toyland and The Library. The hosts appreciate the game's relative ease compared to contemporaries and highlight its colorful graphics and smooth animations.

Master System

The Master System version is explored, emphasizing its uniqueness rather than being a mere replica of the original. Mickey's ability to interact with the environment is a notable distinction, and many prefer this version over the Genesis one.

World of Illusion

The hosts touch on the sequel, World of Illusion, released in 1992, presenting a departure with puzzle-platformer elements. Its vibrant graphics and cooperative gameplay earn praise, and Emiko Yamamoto's continued involvement is noted.

Other Illusion Titles

The episode delves into other titles in the Illusion series, including Land of Illusion, a sequel for the Game Gear, and Legend of Illusion, released in 1995 for the Game Gear and Master System in Brazil.

Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion

The Illusion series resurfaces in 2012 with Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion for the 3DS, adopting Metroidvania elements and paying homage to the classics.

Remake

Castle of Illusion gets a remake in 2013, expanding on the original with 2.5D gameplay and more exploration. The hosts appreciate the enhancements while lamenting that it marked the closure of Sega Studios Australia.

Illusion Today

The episode touches on the game's inclusion in the Genesis Mini library in 2019 and references Disney Illusion Island, a multiplayer Metroidvania inspired by Castle of Illusion.

Get in touch! Send questions and comments to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

Behind the Design: Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse" - Sega-16

"Castle of Illusion: Behind the Scenes - Part 1" - YouTube

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By The Minotti Brothers

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