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 is Disney Illusion Island, a forthcoming side-scrolling platformer game in the style of classic Walt Disney cartoons. Disney Illusion Island allows 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 the Trine franchise 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 of party game classics like Mario Kart and Overcooked, the Trine franchise has emerged as arguably the best multiplayer game to try for fans of platformers and real-time collaboration. While Disney Illusion Island draws parallels with Cuphead, Rayman Legends, and more, it might share many of the same gameplay perks as Trine. Disney Dreamlight Valley has already reintroduced Mickey Mouse to the modern video game scene, but Disney Illusion Island offers something new.
Disney Illusion Island Should Take Inspiration From Trine
Based on the gameplay footage unveiled during the Nintendo Direct showcase, Disney Illusion Island already shares similarities with the first Trine game. For instance, Illusion Island players 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 connects Illusion Island to Trine and might even appeal to the same player base. The Trine franchise has received positive critical acclaim for its compelling puzzle mechanics and fluid gameplay in multiplayer. While some Nintendo Switch games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons have successfully incorporated multiplayer mechanics, multiplayer platformers are still relatively scarce. Disney Illusion Island might 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
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While Disney Illusion Island seems to have taken inspiration from other popular side-scrolling platformers like Trine, its success might be contingent on how it moves the genre forward. For instance, the Cuphead franchise is top-rated because it brings a new focus on challenging gameplay centered around memorable boss battles. Celeste is arguably one of the most popular platformers released because of its impactful storytelling and imaginative mechanics. While relatively little is known about Disney Illusion Island, there is ample possibility for the game to introduce truly unique gameplay elements.
While the Trine franchise is acclaimed for its fluid multiplayer functionality, Illusion Island could bring storytelling to the forefront. The focus on relic collecting is similar to Trine, but the classically animated cartoon storytelling sequences in the Illusion Island trailer seem like unique additions. Disney Illusion Island can 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 5 has yet to be announced, but Disney Illusion Island might be the perfect game to fill in the gap.
Disney Illusion Island will be released in 2023 for Nintendo Switch.