Disney Illusion Island Hits New Platforms—Is the Magic Still Fresh for Multiplayer Fans?

It’s not every day you see a platformer starring Mickey, Donald, and Goofy get a proper multi-platform rollout-especially one that dares to blend hand-drawn art, couch co-op, and free post-launch content. Disney Illusion Island Starring Mickey & Friends just dropped on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with physical editions for those who still love a boxed copy. As a lifelong fan of classic platformers, but also someone wary of cash-grab nostalgia, this one grabbed my attention for a few reasons-some genuinely promising, some raising my trademark gamer eyebrow.

Disney Illusion Island Starring Mickey & Friends: Platformer Nostalgia Meets Modern Co-op

Key Takeaways:

• Hand-drawn visuals and tight level design aim to recapture the magic of old-school Disney platformers, now playable on next-gen and PC.
• Up to four-player local co-op with unique character abilities adds a modern, teamwork-centric twist-but online co-op is still MIA.
• Free new content featuring Scrooge McDuck and a Dig! ability shows real post-launch support, not just a one-and-done release.
• Dlala Studios (Battletoads 2020) brings their 2D animation chops and signature humor, but can they make Disney platforming matter again?

Let’s be honest: the Disney platformer is a genre with serious baggage. For every Castle of Illusion or Magical Quest, we’ve endured a parade of forgettable tie-ins. But Dlala Studios—yeah, the team behind that divisive 2020 Battletoads reboot—has quietly carved out a reputation for slick 2D animation and self-aware writing. That gives me hope this isn’t just another bland, family-friendly cash-in, especially with the studio’s knack for expressive visuals and comedic timing.

The big draw here is local co-op for up to four players. Couch co-op is a dying art, and seeing Disney lean into it (with actual gameplay mechanics built for teamwork, like Rope Drop and Leap Frog) feels weirdly refreshing. It’s the kind of experience that could revive those lost “everyone-yelling-at-the-TV” living room moments—just don’t expect to play online with distant friends, because there’s still no networked option. In 2025, that feels like a missed opportunity, but at least the basics are done right.

The game isn’t just retreading old ground. Each character—Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy—brings their own unique twist to platforming, not just palette swaps. That’s something even big franchises often get lazy about (looking at you, recent Sonic sidekicks). The three biomes—Pavonia’s overgrowth, Gizmopolis’s upside-down physics, and Astrono’s cosmic weirdness—promise enough visual and mechanical variety to keep things interesting for repeat sessions or family nights.

What really caught my eye was the free Scrooge McDuck content and the C.A.S.H. (Cave Adventuring Scavenger Hunt) side quest. Rather than nickel-and-diming players with paid DLC, Dlala and Nighthawk are dropping meaningful updates at launch. The new Dig! ability and scavenger hunts give the game some extra legs, especially for collectors and completionists—and it’s rare to see a Disney game take cues from the indie scene’s generosity.

Of course, there’s always the risk that Disney Illusion Island’s charm wears thin after the nostalgia buzz fades. Will the platforming really live up to the classics, or will it lean too hard on safe, kid-friendly design? Dlala’s Battletoads was divisive: praised for visuals but not for its gameplay depth. Still, at $29.99 for a physical copy (with a bonus poster), it’s not the most egregious “family tax” we’ve seen from a big publisher—especially with content parity across digital and physical editions.

For gamers like us, the real value in Disney Illusion Island is in its commitment to accessible, pure platforming—and the fact that it supports genuine, local multiplayer. Whether you’re introducing kids to the hobby, reliving your own SNES-era Disney days, or just want something less cynical than yet another “live service” grind, this is a rare shot of wholesome, cooperative energy. Just don’t expect it to revolutionize the genre—but that’s okay, because sometimes we need games that do the basics really well.

TL;DR: Disney Illusion Island Starring Mickey & Friends is a genuine attempt to revive the magic of classic platformers for a new generation—with beautiful hand-drawn art, meaningful local co-op, and free post-launch content. It’s not rewriting the rulebook, but it is a polished, nostalgia-fueled platformer that actually respects your time and wallet. If you miss the days of couch co-op chaos and Disney afternoon vibes, this is one worth checking out—just keep your expectations grounded.

Source: Nighthawk Interactive via GamesPress