The Best Disney Games

Key Takeaways

Disney Mirrorverse
features fantastic character designs but faces criticism for microtransactions.
Hercules
offers a unique mix of 2D and 3D gameplay as a beloved licensed game of the 90s.
Despite a confusing plot, the
Kingdom Hearts
series delivers epic gameplay with engaging worlds and characters.

As a lifelong Disney enthusiast who grew up playing video games, I must say that each of these games offers a unique and delightful take on the magic of Disney.

Disney has been a staple in the hearts and minds of kids and adults worldwide since the company was created in the 1920s. Disney has created some of the most beloved franchises and characters of all time, so it’s no surprise that there are a plethora of Disney video games across various platforms as well.

We’ll examine some outstanding Disney video games that stand out for their memorability, uniqueness, and association with Disney. These games not only live up to expectations as licensed titles, but they also reflect the grandeur of the Disney brand.

10 Disney Mirrorverse

Fantastic Character Designs, But A Standard Mobile Game

Developed and published by Kabam
Released in 2022
Action RPG

The Disney Mirrorverse is a mobile game that transports you to an alternate dimension based on Disney’s classic stories. In this game, players step into the shoes of diverse characters from different realities within the Disney and Pixar universes. These unique heroes, referred to as Guardians, are obtained using Crystals. Each character has unique abilities and falls under one of four categories: melee, ranged, tank, or support. This action RPG offers exciting team-based combat with a variety of characters, allowing for creative combo attacks. However, the Disney Mirrorverse stands out primarily due to its captivating character designs.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve found myself utterly captivated by Mirrorverse, a game where Disney and Pixar characters undergo mind-blowing RPG transformations. It’s not just about swords and sorcery; these designs are ingenious and breathtaking! Take Rapunzel, for instance, her long golden locks have been artfully wrapped around her body and turned into a deadly weapon. Or consider Woody, who’s now a human sheriff in a form that’s as familiar as it is fantastical. Despite the occasional flak over microtransactions (a pesky issue in many mobile games), the game’s exceptional character designs and engaging combat system more than compensate for it.

9 Hercules (PS1/PC Version)

A Heroic 2D Side Scrolling Platformer

As a gamer, I’m excited to delve into the PlayStation 1 and PC version of the classic game “Hercules,” inspired by the renowned Disney animated film. This game was quite distinctive because while it predominantly featured 2D graphics, certain aspects, particularly when traversing different planes, would transition into 3D. This was a clever bridge between the 2D Disney games of the past and the promising future of 3D Disney games.

As a diehard fan, I can’t help but sing praises about Hercules, a game that stood out in more ways than one during the ’90s gaming era. It wasn’t just a regular side-scrolling platformer; it was an immersive and delightful experience. The attention to detail in the animation and pixel art is simply remarkable, with hand-drawn elements adding a unique charm to the gameplay.

8 Epic Mickey (Wii)

A Platformer Starring A More Mischievous Mickey Mouse

Developed by Junction Point Studios
Published by Disney Interactive Studios
Released in 2010
Action adventure platformer

In a unique twist, the Nintendo Wii game “Epic Mickey” aimed to revamp Mickey Mouse’s overly cheerful demeanor by giving him a more daring and mischievous edge, as depicted in its title. Although this new portrayal was effectively implemented within the game and its sequel, it primarily remained confined to those realms.

Epic Mickey is an engaging platformer where players can devise imaginative strategies to navigate various stages. What sets this game apart is its moral compass, as the storyline offers distinct paths and companions based on specific decisions you make.

The shift towards choice-based gameplay and allowing players some flexibility in level completion, deviating from the traditional Disney games, was an innovative move, and one that proved to be highly beneficial. Epic Mickey, as a result of this fresh approach, remains a cherished Disney game, even earning a remake titled, Epic Mickey: The Return of Wasteland.

7 The Disney Afternoon Collection

Six Games For The Price of One

Includes Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers 2, Darkwing Duck, Ducktales, Ducktales 2, and TaleSpin
Developed by Digital Eclipse
Published by Capcom
Released in 2017
2D Platformer

This Disney Afternoon Collection gathers six cherished Disney video games from the past, bundling them into a single, nostalgic set. These six games initially appeared on the SNES during the years 1989 to 1994 and have left an enduring impression on gamers thanks to their entertaining side-scrolling platform adventures.

In the contemporary versions of these six titles, you’ll find the original designs preserved, along with their unique gameplay dynamics. But what sets them apart now is the addition of a time rewind function, enabling players to reverse actions and correct instant errors. This was typically challenging in classic games due to their lack of do-overs, so this new feature certainly adds a welcome element of flexibility.

This set not only enables players to engage in online leaderboards for competition, but it also offers exclusive features reminiscent of the originals, such as extra resources and concept sketches. The Disney Afternoon Collection is certain to captivate both young gamers starting out and older players with nostalgic feelings for these games.

6 Disney Classic Games Collection

Three Classics Together Under One Title

Just like the previously mentioned Disney Afternoon Collection, the Disney Classic Games Collection is another nostalgic journey that compiles three classic Disney games into a single title. First launched in 2019 with only The Lion King and Aladdin, it was subsequently re-released in 2021 to incorporate the SNES version of The Jungle Book as well.

These three games, initially acclaimed classics on the SNES during the ’90s, have been revived with enhanced graphics and contemporary features like the rewind function seen in the “Disney Afternoon Collection”. This collection offers a fantastic selection of Disney gaming experiences, appealing to both children and adults, particularly those yearning for some serious nostalgia.

5 Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear To The Rescue (PC, PS1, N64, & Dreamcast Versions)

Laser Focused Adventures

Exploring Buzz Lightyear’s Rescue Mission offers players an engaging 3D adventure through locales featured in the Toy Story 2 film, including Andy’s House and Al’s Toy Barn. Additionally, unexplored areas are accessible, like the surroundings of Andy’s home neighborhood. Although it didn’t encompass a sprawling, bustling open world, it did carry an open-world vibe, as each level showcased its own distinctiveness and offered ample space to roam and discover.

In this game, players guide Buzz Lightyear as he embarks on a quest to save Woody from a toy collector named Al. The adventure includes lots of platforming challenges, but Buzz can defend himself using his laser and spin attack against enemies. When firing his laser, Buzz has the ability to adjust his aim with a first-person perspective. Additionally, by spreading his wings, Buzz can perform a double jump.

Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue stands out as an exceptionally memorable Disney and Pixar game, offering numerous intriguing exploration opportunities, cameos by beloved characters, and immersive and captivating gameplay that keeps players on their toes.

4 Toy Story 3 (Xbox 360 & PS3 Versions)

Terrific Toy Box Mode

Developed by Avalanche Software
Published by Disney Interactive Studios
Released in 2010
Action adventure platformer and town management sim

Back in the 2000s, there were many video games based on movies, and one such game was an adaptation of Toy Story 3, which came out in 2010 marking the end of that era. The story mode was decent, but nothing extraordinary. However, it was the Toy Box Mode where the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Toy Story 3 really stood out.

In simpler terms, Toy Box Mode is essentially a game that lets you manage and customize a Wild West-themed town. You can explore freely, personalize the town as desired, and participate in various tasks. Finishing these tasks enables you to purchase new toys and broaden your gaming experience. With numerous customization options, enjoyable missions, and many unlockable items like toys and costumes, Toy Box Mode from Toy Story 3 has more than enough engaging elements to deserve a place on this list.

3 Disney Infinity

A Creative Spectacle That Came At A Cost

Back in 2013, the game titled “Disney Infinity” was an extraordinarily ambitious undertaking. Essentially, it presented a vast, open-ended game environment reminiscent of a sandbox. What made this unique was that players could control their beloved Disney characters within this world, provided they had the appropriate action figures to go with them.

The main attraction of Disney Infinity lay in its collectible action figures and interactive discs, which allowed characters to join the game when placed onto the Infinity Base. Users could engage with Disney Infinity through two modes: Play Sets and Toy Box Mode.

In simpler terms, “Play Sets” were specific game environments that you could buy, each one based on a popular franchise. When you put these Play Sets onto your “Infinity Base”, you could play through a storyline featuring the chosen franchise and its characters. The catch was, in Play Sets, you couldn’t combine characters like you could in “Toy Box Mode”. In Toy Box Mode, you had the freedom to use any character you wanted while creating your own unique game world. And the best part about Toy Box Mode? It was incredibly innovative, letting you design your own world with your favorite characters!

The demise of Disney Infinity was largely due to its high-priced toy figurines and discs necessary to unlock all its contents. It was discontinued in 2016, but the game, as well as all previously released figurines and discs, can still be bought today. The unique and captivating content of Disney Infinity, combined with its creative aspects, create an incredible—yet regrettably costly—Disney gaming experience.

2 Disney Dreamlight Valley

A Cozy Life Sim, But Make It Disney

In recent times, snug and enjoyable games have gained a significant following, and Disney has joined this wave with the game titled “Disney Dreamlight Valley“. This adventure asks participants to revive a valley once cursed, teeming with beloved Disney and Pixar characters. The player can forge friendships with these characters and join them on their tasks across the valley. As they journey together, characters gain levels, enabling access to unique items like outfits and furniture that align with each character’s theme. Additionally, players have the freedom to personalize the valley, their dwelling, and even their wardrobe according to their preferences.

In Disney Dreamlight Valley, there’s no shortage of missions to tackle since each character has their unique tasks and hurdles, in addition to a wealth of story missions not tied to specific characters. There’s also an abundance of charming character interactions, like the culinary debate between expert chefs Tiana and Remy the Rat about dividing the valley’s dining services. As expected, there are classic elements of a comfortable game, such as farming, fishing, and cooking. While Disney Dreamlight Valley might not be groundbreaking or intricate, it offers an enjoyable spin on the cozy genre that could last for many years to come.

1 The Kingdom Hearts Series

Confusing Plots, But Epic Gameplay

Developed by Square (KH1), Square Enix Product (KH2) and Square Enix Business Division 3 (KH3)
Published by Square (KH1, Japan), Square Electronic Arts (KH1, North America), Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (KH1, EU) and Square Enix (KH2 and KH3).
Various games were released between 2002 and 2019.

In terms of top-notch Disney games, it’s hard to beat the Kingdom Hearts series, which blends Disney characters with those from Square Enix franchises, particularly Final Fantasy. The story revolves around a young lad named Sora, who embarks on an epic quest along with familiar faces like Donald Duck and Goofy. His mission: to locate his friends, Riku and Kairi, and save the world from sinister entities known as Heartless.

The plot expands into a complex, lengthy, and confusing narrative, but despite this, the gameplay is incredibly engaging, and the worlds that Sora explores are fantastically designed and esthetically gorgeous. Throughout the thirteen games available — and the three mainline games — players explore various Disney worlds. Not only that, but Sora, Goofy, and Donald’s designs will change depending on the world they are in, such as turning into animals when in The Lion King world in Kingdom Hearts 2 or becoming toys when in the Toy Story world in Kingdom Hearts 3.

Although the storyline can be puzzling in parts, the richly detailed Disney realms, engaging combat system, and sheer enjoyment it offers make the Kingdom Hearts series stand out as truly exceptional Disney video games.

2024-09-15 20:05