our review of the Wii U version to see just how much I love this freaking series. I even

did a musical number. But here’s the thing...I’m also honest. And it’s hugely disappointing

to see Epic Mickey 2 not address the problems that held back the original.

Like its predecessor, it’s stunning in concept, flawed in execution.

But of course, there’s a difference this time around. Unlike the original, there are

two versions of Epic Mickey 2. You have the HD version, which we’ve reviewed...and you

also have the Wii version. Now, they’re obviously the same core game, but there are

two important things to note about this version...a pair of observations that seem to echo from

a distant past, a time the ancients referred to as “2009.”

It’s not as pretty on Wii, but holy crap, does it play better!

Let’s be honest. The Wii version is probably the last version of this game you were thinking

about buying, right? After all, one of the highlights of the prior game was its fantastic

art. So obviously, you want the sequel in HD. But therein lies the decision. Which is

more important to you? The sharp look of high definition, or the superior control of that

magical little remote?

Of course, it’s on the developers that you can’t have both. It’s inexcusable that

the Wii U version doesn’t support the Wii Remote, because playing Epic Mickey 2 on the

Wii, you’re reminded that...the entire basis for these games was the Wii Remote, and high

definition be damned, that’s where they’re still at their best.

In case you missed our review of the HD version, the story picks up soon after the events of

the original. Mickey Mouse has just saved Wasteland, this Tim Burton-like world of forgotten

Disney characters, but his new friends are once again in trouble. Mickey returns with

paintbrush in hand to a familiar world and a new threat.

As with the original, that paintbrush steals the show in Epic Mickey 2. At least, that’s

the case with this version. In the HD games—Wii U included—you control the brush with analog

sticks. But going back to the Wii Remote’s pointer...it’s almost magical, to keep with

the game’s themes. Painting and thinning is faster and better on Wii.

Of course, the drawback is that...the Wii version just can’t match what the others

offer visually. This is a very good-looking Wii game, but it’s still a far cry from

the sharp look you get on the HD consoles. And again, that’s what makes this game feel

like such a throwback to the last generation. That argument of gameplay versus graphics.

It’s being totally re-litigated with Epic Mickey 2.

Epic Mickey 2 is the rarest kind of game. Its art is inspirational. Its sheer character

appeal is on a level few if any could even fathom. And its brilliance is in how it places

the familiar—these icons that have shaped our culture for nearly a century—into the

unfamiliar...cold, mechanical places that contrast everything we know about them.

This game is conceptually brilliant.

But that doesn’t save bad cameras, AI, physics...if you allow yourself to enjoy the experience

and see beyond the flaws, Epic Mickey 2 is magical. And it plays like a dream with the

Wii Remote. But then again, if you throw your controller in rage as Oswald refuses to help

you for the 18th time...well, I’d understand that, too.