Disney confirms Epic Mickey developer has been shut down

Disney has confirmed that Junction Point Studios, the developer of the Epic Mickey games, has been shut down, with all 160 employees being let go. Here is the official word from a representative of Disney:

It was with much sadness that we informed our teams today of changes to our Games organization, which include the closure of Junction Point Studios. These changes are part of our ongoing effort to address the fast-evolving gaming platforms and marketplace and to align resources against our key priorities. We're extremely grateful to Warren Spector and the Junction Point team for their creative contributions to Disney with Disney Epic Mickey and Disney Epic Mickey 2.
-Disney Representative

It has also been confirmed that Warren Spector, the founder of the studio, has left Disney Interactive following the closure. The latest entry in the series, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, received mostly negative reviews and sold poorly.

Source: Polygon

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two - Video Review by IGN

IGN has posted their video review of Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, and it appears to be a mixed bag from their point of view. They praise the graphics and co-op, but they say the gameplay is very repetitive which is made worse by the fact the game is 20 hours long. The camera is also said to be quite a problem which can make things frustrating at times. The footage in the video review is from the PS3 version, but the Wii U version should be pretty much the same as it's a port. Other sites and magazines are posting their reviews of the game and, as of this writing, the highest score is a 70 given out by Xbox 360 Magazine. You watch IGN's video review after the break.

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two - Inkwell trailer

Here's the Inkwell trailer for Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two. Inkwells allow you to coat Mickey and Oswald in different types of ink, which makes them invisible or invincible. Video after the break.

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two - PlayStyle Matters trailer

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is one of the Wii U launch day titles, and Disney has released a new trailer for the game which shows a few puzzles, some platforming, and even a little combat. Video after the break.

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two - Reconstructed Wasteland trailer

That paintbrush can do a lot.

Disney has released yet another short trailer for Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two. This vignette shows the two heroes using the creative abilities of their tools of the trade: Mickey's paintbrush and Oswald's remote control. Video after the break.

Wii U version of Epic Mickey 2 will support Wii Remote and Nunchuk in single player

According to a new interview, this is possible.

A few weeks ago, it was reported by Nintendojo and many others that the Wii U version of Epic Mickey 2 would not support the use of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk in single player mode, meaning gamers would have to use the GamePad when going solo. It looks like that may no longer be the case. According to an interview published by Spanish website Game Reactor, game designer Warren Spector has confirmed that the Wii U version will, in fact, support the use of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk in single player.

It was also revealed that the GamePad screen can be used as a map which shows your position and reflects changes made by the use of Mickey's paint and thinner. However, it is "not clear yet" if the GamePad's map and touchscreen features can be used when playing with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.

Update: In the interview, Warren Spector confirmed that the Wii U version will support the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, but he didn't specifically say it would be supported in single player. GameReactor, GoNintendo and GenGame believe he was referring to single player support, but it isn't completely clear. If you would like to read an English translation of the interview for yourself: click here.

Source: Game Reactor via GoNintendo

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two - Oswald trailer

Disney has released a new trailer for Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two which highlights Oswald the Rabbit and his remote control. You can check it out after the break.

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two - Paint and Thinner Trailer

Disney has posted a new trailer for Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two which highlights the creative and destructive abilities of Mickey's magic paintbrush. You can watch it after the break.

Epic Mickey 2 might miss Wii U launch

Will it be a launch day title?

Warren Spector is overseeing development of Disney's Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, and he believes the Wii U version might not be available on launch day. While speaking at a New York Comic Con roundtable, Spector had this to say on the matter:

“The reason why we’re not committed to a date on the Wii U version is that no one has been through Nintendo’s approval process on the Wii U. We have no idea how long it will take for the game to go through approval. Disney is not going to be the reason why it will miss [November 18].”

Every other version of the game is scheduled for release on November 18th, the same day the Wii U launches. We'll keep you posted.

You can watch game footage while listening to Warren Spector in the video after the break.

Source: Nintendo World Report

Epic Mickey 2 can't be played on Wii U GamePad alone

You'll need a TV to play.

According to Nintendojo, a game producer at Disney Interactive has confirmed that it will not be possible to play Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two on the Wii U GamePad alone. The developer really wanted to make it possible to do so, but the feature had to be omitted due to time constraints.

Interestingly, Nintendojo says only the GamePad can be used to play single player, as Wii Remote and Nunchuk support is only available for player two. If you prefer the control style of the original, it looks like you'll have to go with the Wii version. Three gameplay videos after the break.

Source: Nintendojo

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two - Gameplay videos

Plenty of platforming in this game.

Here are three gameplay videos of Epic Micky 2: The Power of Two. The first two show some of the platforming and puzzles in the game, while the third shows Mickey and Oswald taking on a gigantic boss. The game will be released on both the Wii and Wii U. You can check out the videos after the break.

Epic Mickey 2: Introduction and History of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit

Mickey and Oswald are a powerful duo.

Here are a few more promotional videos for Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two. The first gives a quick introduction to the game while the second offers a brief history of Walt Disney's forgotten cartoon character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Videos after the break.

Pre-order Epic Mickey 2 from GameStop, get an exclusive Oswald Ears Hat and $5 discount

Apparently these offers are good for the Wii version but not the Wii U version.

GameStop is now offering free Oswald Ears Hats and a $5 discount for those who pre-order Disney's Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two. Strangely, the pre-order incentives are listed on the pages for the Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii version, but not the Wii U version. You can check it out via the links below. Just a reminder, the Wii U can play Wii games.

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two - Wii   -  $5 discount and Oswald Ears Hats for pre-orders
Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two - Wii U  -  No mention of any sort of pre-order bonus

Two videos about Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two

Disney's Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is one of the most anticipated sequels of the year, and it has been confirmed as a Wii U launch day title. You can see two videos which discuss the game's story and characters after the break.

Epic Mickey 2 coming to Wii U

Warren Spector of Junction Point Studios recently said that it was too late to develop a Wii U version of Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two. That has changed. The game has been announced to be in development for the Wii U and will be a launch window title. Two trailers after the break.

Source: MyNintendoNews