Epic Mickey is one of those cult classics that every gamer has heard of at one point in their lives, but very few actually got to try out. However, in 2024 Disney partnered up with Austrian developer Purple Lamp to make this beloved Nintendo Wii exclusive more accessible to a broader audience by releasing a remastered version known as Epic Mickey: Rebrushed on all modern platforms. If all that wasn’t enough, they also ported it to mobile devices this month, two whole years after the initial launch of said remaster.
Needless to say, this is a monumental occasion, as it’s the first time Epic Mickey is officially available on iOS and Android – but it may also seem weird to some, as this is a game that was originally made for a console as unconventional as the Wii, and as such, its groundbreaking mechanics and unique gameplay may not have translated all that well to modern smartphones. Fortunately, however, that isn’t the case here, because the iOS port of Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is very high quality, and it does feel like yet another perfect way of experiencing this classic platformer.
First and foremost, there are the touch controls. 3D games that were not originally designed for mobile devices often have a difficult time when they’re being ported over to smartphones, which results in uncomfortable control schemes that feel nowhere near as smooth as the ones in their home console counterparts. Epic Mickey: Rebrushed on iOS is an exception… for the most part. As expected, this port implements a touch-based interface that can feel very awkward to use and can even be quite frustrating when it comes to precision platforming and/or timed challenges. However, it’s also surprisingly easy to get used to them, as they’re definitely an acquired taste.
It’s also important to keep in mind that Epic Mickey was originally designed for the Nintendo Wii, a console with motion controls, yet its unique thinner and paint mechanic, which requires the player to precisely aim at a target before erasing it or painting on it, translated surprisingly well to the touch controls of mobile devices. As a matter of fact, this mechanic is the heart and soul of this game, as not only is it used brilliantly throughout the entire adventure (be it for combat, platforming, or puzzles), but it also helped it stand out among the sea of similar 3D platformers of the late 2000s, and it still helps it differentiate itself from other titles in 2026.
At its core, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a linear 3D platformer that borrows a few elements from other genres, like action, adventure, and puzzle. Mickey Mouse will have to explore the Wasteland with the help of his magic paintbrush while he erases enemies with thinner and restores destroyed structures with paint (which, in turn, will help NPCs that will reward him in gratitude). While the main story is around 9-10 hours long, this still is a surprisingly meaty game with tons of extra collectibles and goodies to find, making it absolutely perfect for any completionists out there. Combine that with its autosave feature, and this port turned what was once a traditional home console title into the perfect mobile experience, one that players can boot up anywhere to go and play for a few minutes before pausing and deciding to continue later.
Epic Mickey is a linear adventure, but it’s worth clarifying that its linear levels are massive, and all of them branch out into optional sections that contain extra collectibles and even a few side quests, so the gameplay can get quite open-ended from time to time. Another noteworthy aspect is its freedom of choice: some mandatory missions can be solved in more than one way, and it’s up to the player to decide which one to choose. It’s not much, but these branching paths are a breath of fresh air that make the overall experience a bit more interesting than expected.
Needless to say, the 3D platforming gameplay is as fun, dynamic, inventive, and fast-paced as it was back in 2010, not to mention that there are even a few 2D platforming segments that break out the pace by functioning as transitions between the bigger levels. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, however, as NPCs will sometimes ask Mickey to collect a set number of collectibles known as Power Sparks before he can proceed to the next level. In order to obtain them, he’ll have to run around areas and talk to other NPCs who may be willing to give him a Power Spark for completing a specific mission. These types of side quests should have been 100% optional, as these mandatory segments slow down the otherwise frantic pace of this adventure and end up coming off as tedious filler instead of worthwhile additions.
Presentation-wise, this mobile version of Epic Mickey: Rebrushed holds up surprisingly well. For this review, the game was tested on both an older iPhone 11 and a newer iPhone 15, and it worked exceptionally on both devices. It runs incredibly smoothly, and the graphics look colourful and vibrant, with only the occasional odd-looking texture popping up to remind users they’re not playing on the most powerful hardware out there. Nevertheless, it’s relieving to know that this port isn’t compromised in shape or form, and it’s yet another excellent way of experiencing this classic. After all, Epic Mickey is a timeless game with a distinct and eye-catching visual identity, and Purple Lamp did an outstanding job at keeping what made the original game so beloved while also polishing it for modern systems.
Truth be told, playing Epic Mickey in 2026 feels a bit mind-blowing at times. After all, this game was made back in the late 2000s, when Disney was not the massive multimedia conglomerate it is today and was more willing to make fun of itself. Witnessing Mickey explore a massive wasteland full of forgotten characters, icons, and IPs, including Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who blames Mickey for “stealing” his life as the company’s mascot, is as bizarre as it is charming, and it feels like modern-day Disney would never dare to parody itself in such a cynical manner. Credit where credit is due, however; the company did still greenlight this modern remaster, so it clearly still has some sense of humour about some of the most obscure parts of its decades-long history.
Underneath its gloomy atmosphere, Epic Mickey still is a relatively cheerful and lighthearted adventure that constantly pays homage to Disney’s humble beginnings. Not only does it boast beautiful handdrawn cutscenes that are oozing with charm, but it also allows players to unlock classic black-and-white from the company’s early years, which can be watched at any point during the Extras screen. All in all, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a massive love letter to the history of this company and any die-hard Disney fan should try it out as soon as possible (if they somehow haven’t played it until now).
