Movies might be the first thing that springs to mind when most people hear Disney, or perhaps TV shows for younger fans thanks to Disney Plus, but it also has a long and pretty successful relationship with the video game world. A relationship that is set to continue on July 28, 2023, when Disney Illusion Island launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch.
One of the many games launching in 2023 that's helping to throw 2D sidescrollers back into the spotlight, Illusion Island is a colorful co-op platformer featuring four of Disney's most iconic characters. Up to four people can play at the same time, choosing between Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. Unfortunately, you can only play with others via couch co-op and not online, an omission that has become worryingly prevalent recently.
Whether you want to play through Mickey's next adventure alone or you have a friend or three to play co-op with, even though Illusion Island doesn't launch until July 28, you can pre-order it now. Unfortunately, there aren't different editions to choose from. No extra content if you pay $10 more, and no special collector's edition statue if you're willing to pay a lot more. There are pre-order bonuses to be had, though. Either a special edition Illusion Island notebook if you're ordering in Europe, or luggage tags featuring the game's four characters if you pre-order through Walmart
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Disney Illusion Island
A serious throwback to a bygone era of 2D sidescrollers and Disney games, and one that will hopefully provide a co-op experience Switch owners have been waiting a while for.
So, the only decision you need to make is where you're going to buy it. Some of the bigger options are listed above. If you want a physical copy of Illusion Island, take your pick. If you want a digital copy, and you want to take Mickey and the gang for a spin as soon as midnight hits on July 28 in your part of the world, your best bet is to order through the Nintendo eShop.
Illusion Island continues a run of triple-A 2D sidescrollers coming our way that isn't coming to an end anytime soon. We've already had Kirby's Return To Dream Land Deluxe this year, Super Mario Wonder and Sonic Superstars still to come, and then Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown in early 2024.