Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed has finally made its way to Nintendo Switch 2, and the improvements over the original Switch version are hard to miss. The game itself hasn’t changed much, but the sharper visuals and much smoother performance make a real difference. Better yet, the upgrade is free for existing owners.
Performance is where you’ll notice the biggest change. The original Switch version ran at 30 FPS, while the Switch 2 release targets 60 FPS. Platforming feels much smoother as a result, and moving through the environments is a better experience overall. The visuals have also come a long way. The original port had noticeably worse lighting, a blurry image, and poor anti-aliasing. Those problems are much less apparent here. Lighting looks better, the image is considerably sharper, and the environments benefit from the extra clarity. In fact, the Switch 2 version comes surprisingly close to the PS5 release in both visual quality and performance.
I tested the game in docked and handheld modes, and both ran exceptionally well. The frame rate stayed close to a locked 60 FPS throughout my testing, with no noticeable issues. That’s an impressive result for a game running on portable hardware, especially compared to the original Switch version.
There are a couple of other additions, too. The Switch 2 version supports gyro aiming and mouse controls. I only spent a little time testing the mouse functionality, so I can’t say much about how well it works in practice. Still, it feels like a natural fit for the game. Epic Mickey originally launched on Wii in 2010, where it used pointer-based motion controls. The Switch 2’s mouse functionality offers something of a similar experience.
As for the game itself, Rebrushed remains a straightforward 3D platformer aimed largely at younger players. The mechanics are easy to pick up, and the difficulty rarely gets in the way. Anyone new to the genre should feel comfortable playing it.
Much of the gameplay revolves around Mickey’s magical paintbrush, which doubles as a weapon and a way to interact with the world. Paint can restore objects, while thinner dissolves them. The game makes it fairly clear where these abilities can be used, with interactive elements glowing when Mickey approaches them. You’ll rely on the brush throughout the adventure, from solving puzzles and exploring levels to dealing with enemies.
The same idea carries over to combat. Painting certain enemies can turn them friendly, letting you avoid a fight, while thinner offers a more aggressive alternative. It’s a neat bit of flexibility, even if the combat itself is fairly basic.
Most of the game takes place in 3D environments, but there are also 2D side-scrolling stages based on classic Mickey Mouse cartoons and Disney animation. Drawing inspiration from Steamboat Willie, The Trolley Troubles, and Fantasia, these stages offer a welcome break from the main adventure. They also deliver some of the game’s best nostalgic moments. The platforming remains fairly forgiving, however, so don’t expect these sections to provide much of a challenge.
The story is straightforward, but its premise gives the adventure a unique identity. A beautifully animated opening cinematic introduces us to a world where Mickey is lured by a magic mirror to the Sorcerer’s workshop, inspired by Fantasia. In this workshop, the Sorcerer uses magical paint to create a world that resembles a Disney Park. While sneaking around, Mickey accidentally spills some of the paint, unleashing a monstrous entity that ultimately drags him into the Wasteland, a forgotten realm inhabited by neglected Disney characters.
Among them are Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Clarabelle Cow, and Horace Horsecollar. The setting gives these older characters a chance to step into the spotlight, particularly those who have spent years in Mickey’s shadow. The story doesn’t get especially complicated, but the imaginative setting and references to classic Disney animation give the game plenty of personality.
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is an enjoyable platformer, though its relatively simple gameplay won’t appeal to everyone. Younger players and Disney fans will probably get the most out of it, while those looking for demanding platforming or more ambitious game design may come away disappointed.
The Switch 2 version is another story. It’s an excellent port that addresses many of the original release’s technical shortcomings. The improved visuals are easy to appreciate, and the jump to a near-locked 60 FPS makes the game feel considerably better to play. Since the upgrade is free for existing owners, revisiting Mickey’s adventure is an easy decision.
Rebrushed doesn’t do much to push the genre forward, but it has enough charm to make the journey worthwhile. On Switch 2, the improved performance and cleaner presentation make this the best way to play the game on Nintendo hardware. For anyone after an accessible platformer with plenty of Disney nostalgia, it’s an easy recommendation.
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed Game Information
- Price: $39.99
- Publisher: THQ Nordic
- Developer: Purple Lamp
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was provided by the publisher
