..Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two..

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Introductions are overrated. Let's cut to the chase. There's a sequel to 2010's Disney Epic Mickey in the works at developer Junction Point; the sequel is called Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, and it stars Mickey Mouse, just like the first game. Here's the lowdown… 

Epic Mickey 2 returns players to the Wasteland, the realm of forgotten Disney characters and places. Set not very long after the events of the first game, the story begins with the mysterious return of the Mad Doctor, a villain from the first Epic Mickey, who claims that he has turned away from his evil ways. Big surprise, he hasn't, and his actions put the Wasteland in peril anew, meaning Mickey must once again come to the rescue.

Gameplay-wise, Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two looks like it will continue the formula established in the first Epic Mickey. Mickey will still have his magic paintbrush in hand as he explores the Wasteland, and he will still be able to use paint and thinner to make changes to the world. Unlike the first game, where such changes were impermanent, painting or erasing objects like buildings have a lasting effect, even when Mickey leaves an area. Not only that, but the people who live in these areas remember the changes made. So if Mickey does something jerky, they will not forget later on.

Perhaps the biggest addition in gameplay is the fact that Mickey's not going it alone this time. As the title implies, The Power of Two features a teammate in the form of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the former-villain-now-good-guy from the first game. Oswald brings a slew of new skills to the game. Aside from his ability to fly with his helicopter blade-like ears, he can detach his arm (gross, in a cartoony sort of way) and use it as a boomerang. Along with those, he can use a remote that uses electricity to control, destroy, or befriend enemies, just like Mickey can with his paintbrush. Oswald and Mickey will also be able to pull off special abilities together. An example is Mickey grabbing onto Oswald's feet, allowing both of them to fly through the air. 

While Mickey and Oswald may be quite capable on their own, the challenges the two face in Epic Mickey 2 will require them to work together, which translates in real world the as being able to play the game with a buddy. Yes, in other words, co-op. While you play The Power of Two, at any time a second player can come along and join in on the fun. Don't think, however, that Oswald is only useful if you're playing co-op, as the rabbit will follow you automatically in single-player mode, allowing you to pull those cool tag-team skills even when you're flying solo.

Add to these features new areas to explore, revamped old ones, a drastically improved camera (Junction Point made hundreds of adjustments in order to avoid the headaches caused by Epic Mickey's camera), full-on voice acting and musical numbers (a video game musical. Can you believe it?), and you have the ingredients for what sounds like a worthy sequel. Will it all click to make it so, or will the new features end up bogging the experience? In a few months, we will have our answer (I'd go for a lengthier conclusion, but conclusions are overrated, just like introductions).

Look for Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two this fall for the Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. And let's not forget the 3DS is getting its own game, Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Illusion. But more on that later...

Peter Grimm A writer, journalist, and aspiring storyteller, Peter Grimm has been gaming since the days of the Nintendo 64, and reporting on the goings-on in the World of Gaming since late 2011. His base of writing operations is located within the void between Here and There, or so he would have you think.

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