Disney has always been the iconic entertainment megaplex aimed at the younger generations. They've had outings with more mature audiences in the past, but when someone says Disney, you think Lion King, not the Sixth Sense. However, it seems that Disney is trying to distance themselves from the kid only guise and step into a new era of appealing to all ages. Taking a page from Nintendo's book, it seems Disney sees that the way to keep its title as entertainment Dynasty is to appeal to gamers.
We all know how Disney recently purchased Marvel Comics. That seems like a big step towards appealing to older consumers. Disney also combined with Square Enix to put some of the most iconic Villains and Heroes of the RPG genre together with the most iconic Cartoon characters of all time. This produced a deep and dark story that draws in players of many age groups. The Kingdom Hearts series is obviously a step away from what disney typically deals with. However, it still held the cutesy mantra that we are familiar with.
The new game Disney is cooking up seems to blow all that out of the water though. Under the working title of Epic Mickey, their new endeavor would be ambitious for any company, let alone one that is seen solely as a entity appealing to youngsters. All that has been released about the game, which was "revealed" last December, is some amazing concept art. The game takes place in what appears to be a discarded, steam-punk version of their Theme Park, Disney World in Florida. The mood is somber, and the art is almost chilling in its nature. However, words can barely describe it. Have a look-see for yourself.
This picture shows part of Epcot being carried on the back of a submarine with legs. (Monstro, perhaps?) Notice the decrepit look, and gears protruding from the "limbs".
This image appears to show forgotten characters invading a beach in anticipation of an attack. Notice the carriers with the faces of the Seven Dwarves (Grumpy (?) and Dopey). The hands on their back look like Mickey's glove, while the holding compartments are the Teacups from the Theme Park. These ships apparently drop off the characters on the beach, lowering them with their hands.
More Artwork
An attack on Mickey's Castle?
Steam-Punk Magic Kingdom
Steam Punk Goofy
The project is being headed by former Deus Ex designer Warren Spector, whose studio was acquired by Disney in 2007. It seems headed to the Wii as well. The concept is that classic Disney characters are tired of being cast aside to be forgotten in the annexes of History, while Mickey Mouse continues to live on as an icon of Disney. Not much else is known except that the game is supposedly a platformer and the player will interact with the artwork in the game.
More artwork can be found here.
I for one am very excited for this game. Yeah, there's nothing revealed but it looks great!
EDIT: Note, I know Disney owns many franchises, and those firms have created dark movies, games, etc. However, this is one that Disney's iconic characters will be staring in, featuring their own theme park, The Magic Kingdom. This is a huge step, imo.
We all know how Disney recently purchased Marvel Comics. That seems like a big step towards appealing to older consumers. Disney also combined with Square Enix to put some of the most iconic Villains and Heroes of the RPG genre together with the most iconic Cartoon characters of all time. This produced a deep and dark story that draws in players of many age groups. The Kingdom Hearts series is obviously a step away from what disney typically deals with. However, it still held the cutesy mantra that we are familiar with.
The new game Disney is cooking up seems to blow all that out of the water though. Under the working title of Epic Mickey, their new endeavor would be ambitious for any company, let alone one that is seen solely as a entity appealing to youngsters. All that has been released about the game, which was "revealed" last December, is some amazing concept art. The game takes place in what appears to be a discarded, steam-punk version of their Theme Park, Disney World in Florida. The mood is somber, and the art is almost chilling in its nature. However, words can barely describe it. Have a look-see for yourself.
This picture shows part of Epcot being carried on the back of a submarine with legs. (Monstro, perhaps?) Notice the decrepit look, and gears protruding from the "limbs".
This image appears to show forgotten characters invading a beach in anticipation of an attack. Notice the carriers with the faces of the Seven Dwarves (Grumpy (?) and Dopey). The hands on their back look like Mickey's glove, while the holding compartments are the Teacups from the Theme Park. These ships apparently drop off the characters on the beach, lowering them with their hands.
More Artwork
An attack on Mickey's Castle?
Steam-Punk Magic Kingdom
Steam Punk Goofy
The project is being headed by former Deus Ex designer Warren Spector, whose studio was acquired by Disney in 2007. It seems headed to the Wii as well. The concept is that classic Disney characters are tired of being cast aside to be forgotten in the annexes of History, while Mickey Mouse continues to live on as an icon of Disney. Not much else is known except that the game is supposedly a platformer and the player will interact with the artwork in the game.
More artwork can be found here.
I for one am very excited for this game. Yeah, there's nothing revealed but it looks great!
EDIT: Note, I know Disney owns many franchises, and those firms have created dark movies, games, etc. However, this is one that Disney's iconic characters will be staring in, featuring their own theme park, The Magic Kingdom. This is a huge step, imo.
