“Epic Mickey” is a video game that could see the return of Mickey Mouse to life. Not that Mickey was ever dead, but as Warren Spector put it “He’s an image, and he’s an icon, but he’s not a character anymore”. Spector is the VP and creative director of Junction Point Studios, the Disney division in charge of making the game. He is also known as the creator of vidgame franchises such as “Deus Ex,” “Thief: Deadly Shadows” and “System Shock.” His creativity in the field as well being a huge fan of the mouse were the reasons he was handed the project.
In the story line, Mickey is Kidnapped and Taken to Cartoon Wasteland, a place where all of Disney’s rejected creativity lives. Mickey is equipped with a paintbrush and thinner which he uses to interact with the environment. As he goes along creating and destroying environments and items Mickey ends up unleashing an enemy. The game also features long forgotten characters such as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Walt Disney lost the rights to this character in 1928, long before Mickey was born, but Disney CEO Bob Iger’s personal efforts have seen him reappear in this game. Oswald is portrayed as an antagonist who hates the success Mickey has achieved and also the love Walt had for him. One of the main goals in the game is the redemption of Oswald.
Mickey’s portrayal as someone who’s not afraid to start a fight in this game has lead to doubts of acceptance by all, especially children. In reply to that Graham Hopper, exec VP-general manager of Disney Interactive Studios said he didn’t believe there was risk, he added “We designed the game for a certain demographic, this game won’t be easily played by a 4- to 5-year-old”.