Video Game Review: Disney's Magical Mirror Starring Mickey Mouse

Disney's Magical Mirror Starring Mickey Mouse

Graphics:	8
Sound:	6.5
Story:	5
Fun:	7.5
Controls:	8
Overall:	7

What is supposed to be the most stupid concept to be drawn with polygons on a 3.5 inch optical disk for the Gamecube, is really not that bad. The only memorable Mickey Mouse game ever was a side scrolling adventure, but this one is point and click. This is a unique concept for a Disney game or any game. Disney has made an unexpected, daring, tedious, (etc., etc.) move with making a point and click game with Mickey Mouse. While it may seem stupid, this game actually pacts a fun and challenging experience even for the most thorough gamers. The story begins with Mickey sleeping in his room. Suddenly a ghost comes out of his mirror. It takes his soul from his bed and puts him on the other side of the mirror. Mickey's out of body experience puts him on edge as the paper thin ghost breaks the large mirror. The object for Mickey is to find the lost pieces of the mirror, while being attacked by the mischievous paper thin ghost, dodging evil toys and what not. The story is nothing to be wowed about. I think we can see similarities in other plots, like the movie Alice Through the Looking Glass. While the story seems stolen, it gives the player something constructive to do. Not being able to actually control Mickey, the little hand you take control of is like a guide. You guide Mickey through the game, and not everything you click on is interactive, which makes the game lose it's "freedom". It is quite funny to see Mickey in this game. This game is without a doubt pretty funny. Watching Mickey's pantomime actions and funny faces make it enjoyable to watch, and makes it feel like a cartoon. I'm serious. The graphics are in quite good shape, and never seem to slow down. The detailed environments are creatively done, but the level mapping seems too simple. Disney Interactive made finding items easy, and the game also uses common sense, such as a chair in a room, and a mirror piece in up high. Figure it out. The environments are good, and Mickey's actions are great, but Mickey's face and figure look like a 100 x 100 picture on the Internet exploded to a 1000 x 1000. His figure and facials aren't clear, and are etchy. The camera angles are crafted to your liking, and rarely get in your way. It is also fitted to help you find clues easier. The game is pretty fun. Well, let's say it is addicting. Once it is on, it won't go off even when the power short circuits. I couldn't turn it off, unless it was to eat. Thank goodness that only lasted for one day. The game has you back tracking often, so you might get frustrated easily. The point and click antics seem too easy to a person who has never played it, but I will guarantee it will pack a lot of head scratching and "Oh, now I know what to do" moments. This game can be fun for anyone. The controls are the simple point and click, and that is all that is to be done. While you are playing, though, you will see that many of the items in the game are not interactive, and some that are, are pointless. The game slows down a bit when Mickey scratches his head and his little motions he does every time he finds an item. Although, you will find yourself doing as much head scratching as Mickey will in many points. The simple controls are welcomed for this kind of puzzle game. Dude, is it a buyer? Maybe not. I don't know how long this game extends, but I wasn't able to finish it during my rental period. The game does not have much replay value after you beat it, since you will probably memorize the entire game. If you under 9 years old, this game will be a blast, and it is enjoyable for people for all ages, but you will want to rent it before you make a decision. My decision is just to rent it. It may not sound that good, but it is a worthy game. "A worthy game." -Niloc

Archive note: The original publication day is unknown; this review existed by March 30, 2003.