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 |  New York Times -
Nov-06-2009After Mickey's Makeover, Less Mr. Nice Guy(topic overview)
CONTENTS:
- For decades, the Walt Disney Company has kept Mickey Mouse's appearance and character largely unchanged, afraid that even the smallest alteration might damage a brand that earns the company $5 billion (£3 billion) a year in merchandising sales. (More...)
- Back on topic, with the original Disney cartoons easier to obtain on video, we can see that the early Mickey was a much scrappier fellow, more Bart Simpson than meaningless logo. (More...)
- Along with the game, Disney is also re-imagining everything about the character. (More...)
- Many major publishers won't go near a new game unless follow-up releases are almost a sure thing. (More...)
- In the ensuing years, Mickey engaged in gun fights, hallucinated after consuming bug spray, partied until the police came, and indulged a wide variety of other antisocial activities. (More...)
- The designer revealed that his company, Junction Point Studios, was working on two projects before Disney came calling, eventually buying the studio. (More...)
- I prefer text bubbles anyway in a game like this. (More...)
- He's best known as the cheerful and friendly cartoon icon of the Walt Disney Company. (More...)
- Disney CEO Bob Iger personally took on the task of reacquiring the rights to Oswald from Universal in 2006. (More...)
- While Donald has foibles and actual character, the Mouse was embalmed by the Corporation long ago. (More...)
- IW took away ammo types, skills, weapon mods, but also made the augs swappable--which I think removed a lot of the consequence of the first game. (More...)
SOURCES
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For decades, the Walt Disney Company has kept Mickey Mouse's appearance and character largely unchanged, afraid that even the smallest alteration might damage a brand that earns the company $5 billion (£3 billion) a year in merchandising sales. As U.S. sales of Mickey merchandise are declining, the squeaky clean rodent is to be "re-imaged" and will acquire a cunning and cantankerous streak when he appears in a new Disney video game, Epic Mickey, next year. According to The New York Times, the move is part of a wider effort to rethink the character's image, from the way he walks and talks to his appearance on the Disney Channel and what his house looks like at Disney World. [1] LOS ANGELES: For decades, the Walt Disney Company has largely kept Mickey Mouse frozen under glass, fearful that even the tiniest tinkering might tarnish the brand and upend his $5 billion or so in annual merchandise sales. Now, however, concerned that Mickey has become more of a corporate symbol than a beloved character for recent generations of young people, Disney is taking risky step of re-imagining him for the future. The first glimmer of this will be the introduction next year of a new video game, Epic Mickey, in which the formerly squeaky clean character can be cantankerous and cunning, as well as heroic, as he traverses a forbidding wasteland. At the same time, in a parallel but separate effort, Disney has quietly embarked on an even larger project to rethink the character'''s personality, from the way Mickey walks and talks to the way he appears on the Disney Channel and how children interact with him on the web.[2]
The first indication will be the arrival next year of a new video game, Epic Mickey. And, according to The New York Times, Disney has quietly begun to rethink everything about Mickey, including the way he walks, his squeaky voice, how children interact with him on the web, and even what his house looks like. They are worried that, although every child knows who Mickey Mouse is, they do not identify with his adventures as they do with more contemporary animated heroes such as Russell, from the latest Pixar film Up, or Nemo the fatherless fish, or even Bart Simpson - all of them children in need of adult supervision, rather than the all-sensible Mickey, who is more miniature adult than child. Mickey was a bit of a wild child himself, when he made his first appearance, in 1928, in that changeover period when silent movies were being superseded by the "talkies". He played practical jokes, he pursued his girlfriend Minnie aggressively, and in Steamboat Willie, he vented his anger on an undeserving parrot.[3] Disney earns around £3 billion from the Mickey Mouse brand every year. Mickey has kept his look almost unaltered over the years but will now take on a 'cunning and cantankerous streak' for a new Disney video game, Epic Mickey, to be released next year. Disney will assess everything from the way he walks and talks to his appearance and what his house looks like at Disney World.[4] As U.S. sales of Mickey merchandise have declined, a rethink was in order. The squeaky-clean rodent is to be "re-imaged" to acquire a cunning and cantankerous streak when he appears in a new Disney video game, Epic Mickey, next year. The move is part of an effort, understood to still be in its early stages, to rethink the character's image, from the way he walks and talks to his appearance on the Disney Channel and what his house looks like at Disney World.[5]
You can point to where 'Star Wars' has gone or where properties like Spider-Man have gone -- there are different iterations between the games, the movies and the TV shows." It's a strategy that's also been adopted by other franchise-holders like Warner Bros.' videogame division, which created a kid-friendly "Lego Batman" and the darker "Batman: Arkham Asylum" in the same year to reach all fans of the Dark Knight. Disney began brainstorming "Epic Mickey" in 2004, and handed off the property to Spector when the Mouse acquired his Junction Point shingle, based in Austin, Texas, in 2007. Junction Point opened its doors in 2005. While Disney declined to disclose the budget on "Epic Mickey," "It is receiving an investment appropriate to our company's most valuable character," Hopper said. "Epic Mickey" is the latest high-profile game to be announced by Disney Interactive Studios, which has been focusing more on developing titles based on its popular animated characters -- Tinker Bell recently bowed in a new game -- and movies, and TV shows that air on Disney Channel. Initially, Mickey's return to his roots will be strictly a videogame phenomenon. Spector, though, says he hopes the game will serve as a launching pad for a wider rebirth of the character at the Mouse House. "Realistically, all we're trying to do is make Mickey the game hero he deserves to be," he said.[6] The Mouse House will reintroduce its famous mascot in "Epic Mickey," a videogame due late next year that will revive several of the character's key personality traits that have been dulled or forgotten since his introduction in the late 1920s. While vidgames have become a more important part of the company in recent years, Disney has deliberately avoided casting Mickey in starring roles in its top titles, with the exception of "Kingdom Hearts," a 2002 role-playing collaboration with Square Enix that led to several sequels and combined Disney characters with the "Final Fantasy" franchise. The reason for leaving him out until now: While Mickey has long been a key symbol for Disney, his personality had been lost over the years. "He's an image, and he's an icon, but he's not a character anymore," said Warren Spector, VP and creative director of Junction Point Studios, the Disney division making the game, and the well-respected creator of the far more adult vidgame franchises "Deus Ex," "Thief: Deadly Shadows" and "System Shock." "I want to remind Mickey that he's a hero -- and to be a hero, we need to give him purpose. We need to throw him up against problems worthy of a hero -- not just trying to give Pluto a bath," Spector said. "I want him to be funny. I want him to struggle. I want to 'age him up' a little."[6] Now that the long-speculated Epic Mickey has been officially unveiled, Junction Point Studios' Warren Spector is speaking candidly about the project and his work with Disney -- which goes beyond the Mouse himself. The veteran Spector revealed to Variety that he actually approached Disney not to tackle a Mickey Mouse project, but to find a publisher for a spiritual heir to his renowned Deus Ex -- for which he tried unsuccessfully to buy back the rights from Eidos.[7] As more Epic Mickey details surface, developer Warren Spector has openly discussed his plans for a sequel and his hopes that Disney will back development on the pair of titles Junction Point was working on before they were acquired in 2007. Developer Warren Spector has been candid about his initial disinterest in joining Disney to work on a Mickey game, claiming in multiple interviews that he originally approached Disney to pitch a "spiritual successor" to the PC shooter Deus Ex (Spector has tried and failed in the past to reacquire the rights to the Deus Ex franchise from Eidos.)[8] Warren Spector originally tried to buy the rights to work on a Deus Ex successor before moving to Disney. Warren Spector has revealed that before his studio, Junction Point, was bought out by Disney and put to work on Epic Mickey he was actually working on a successor to Deus Ex.[9]
How far can one go when reinventing something so ubiquitous as Disney cartoon characters? Thats just one of the problems faced by Warren Spector, of Deus Ex fame, and his Junction Team development outfit as they work on Epic Mickey, the Nintendo Wii game set to star a host of characters from the back catalog of the company.[10] An anonymous reader writes "Warren Spector's doing the circuit for the just-announced Epic Mickey, and has noted that he actually approached Disney with two other games in mind -- including one he says was 'the spiritual successor to Deus Ex.' Spector actually attempted to buy back the rights to the game he's most loved for from Eidos, but was unable to get the company to sell it to him. That's a shame, he notes, because 'there were and still are Deus Ex stories I would like to tell.'"[11] "Series". Spector currently at work on Epic Mickey has told Variety that prior to picking up work the Disney gig, he and his wife had been kicking some ideas around for new projects, one a massive piece of original IP, the other a "spiritual successor" to Deus Ex. He says that at one time he tried to get the rights to his game back from publishers Eidos, but they weren't willing to part with it, so Spector was forced to come up with a Go-Bots to Deus Ex's Transformers.[12] Warren Spector is in the news lately thanks to lots of buzz surrounding Epic Mickey which is being published by Disney Interactive, but in fact it wasn't exactly Mickey he wanted to do for the publisher but Deus Ex (or something like it). At a London launch event, Spector stated that he tried to get the rights for Deus Ex back from Eidos but was unsuccesful.[13] Cities likes Shanghai, Montreal and Detroit will be portrayed in Deus Ex 3 and a regenerative health system will be used, causing consternation among gamers. It would be great to actually see Warren Spector realize his vision of a successor for the original Deus Ex but with Epic Mickey set to be released in late 2010 and with another fantasy project created by the developer also of interest for Disney, it might be some time before we see that project come to life.[14] Maybe not. In a recent interview with Variety, ostensibly to talk about Epic Mickey, Spector revealed that he might not be quite as sick of the J.C. Denton set as he'd let on. Prior to the sale of Junction Point Studios to Disney, he said he'd approached the company looking for a publisher for two projects he was already working on: "A big, big fantasy game" based on a setting he'd originally created for DC Comics, and a near-future sci-fi title described as a "spiritual successor to Deus Ex in many ways."[15] I'm hoping that part of the deal through which Disney acquired Junction Point Studios was a clause stating that JPS would be free to develop the Deus Ex successor or fantasy game after completing the initial "Epic Mickey" game.[7]
" Deus Ex was very much a game of the millennium." As it acquired Junction Point in 2007, Disney now owns the rights to the project, leaving the door open for Spector to realize his Deus Ex successor. Along with that concept, he also brought with him to Disney a fantasy title that may also see development at some point. He describes a "a big, BIG fantasy game that I had been wanting to do for about 15 years." Spector says he and his wife collaborated on a world and story arc for DC Comics, which DC declined to pick up. "I loved this world and the characters we had created," he laments.[7] I sort of filed the serial numbers off. "Deus Ex was very much a game of the millennium," he continued. It makes you feel fuzzy, right? Alas, it doesn't seem likely that Spector will snatch Deus Ex 3 from Eidos, We're also willing to guess -- just to throw it out there -- that Spector is too busy now to mess with whatever he had cooking at Junction Point a few years prior. Epic Mickey is happening.[16] The project was ultimately abandoned in favour of Epic Mickey, but Spector says that it was basically " Deus Ex 3 with the serial numbers filed off ". Spector says Junction Point was working on an epic fantasy game that he's been planning for almost 15 years - but that it was too put to one side in favour of Epic Mickey.[9]
In 2004, a group of interns dreamed up Epic Mickey, which is set in a '''cartoon wasteland.''' It is a place where all Disney's unrecognizable and retired creatures live. The main inhabitant is Oswald the Lucky Rabbit (a character that predated Mickey) along with a disemboweled, robotic Donald Duck while living in a '''twisted, broken, dangerous''' version of It's a Small World. '''I wanted him to be able to be naughty ''' when you'''re playing as Mickey you can misbehave and even be a little selfish,''' said Warren Spector, the creative director of Disney-owned game developer Junction Point.[17] "Mickey is never going to be evil or go around killing people," said Warren Spector, creative director at game developer Junction Planet, which Disney owns. "I wanted him to be able to be naughty -- when you're playing as Mickey you can misbehave and even be a little selfish." In the game, Mickey stumbles upon a Cartoon Wasteland where some forgotten Disney characters inhabit a world dominated by the sorcerer Yen Sid. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney's first cartoon character, is the first inhabitant of this land and has become comfortable but bitter after watching Mickey attain his incredible success.[18] Spector added that the game will enable players to ultimately decide "what makes Mickey cool." To do that, Disney is reviving the mischievous mouse of cartoon shorts such as "Steamboat Willie" and "The Brave Little Tailor," in which Mickey is portrayed as adventurous and rambunctious. In the game, which will be released exclusively on Nintendo's family-friendly Wii console, Mickey is kidnapped from his home and brought to Cartoon Wasteland, a world that's home to all of Disney's rejected creativity. Armed with a paintbrush and paint thinner, he will interact with the environment, creating and destroying areas and items as he goes, which winds up unleashing an enemy to battle. The Wasteland is filled with several long-forgotten Disney creations, chief among which will be Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the cartoon character Walt Disney created before Mickey but lost the rights to in 1928, when the financier and distributor of his films fired him.[6]
One of the first hints about Mickey's upgraded look and feel will be on display in a new video game being released by the Walt Disney Corporation early in 2010.'' The game will feature an upgraded, more aggressive Mickey Mouse that aims to recapture some of the irreverant attitude the character displayed upon his debut in "Steamboat Willie" in 1928.[19] Although Mickey Mouse has remained untouched for decades, the Walt Disney Company will unveil a rebranding of the universally known character when he appears in the video game Epic Mickey, due out next fall. "There'''s a distinct risk of alienating your core consumer when you tweak a sacred character, but at this point it'''s a risk they have to take,''' said Matt Britton, managing partner at New York brand consultant firm Mr. Youth.[17] The surprising move to reinvent the mouse comes following a decline in merchandise sales for the character. Although worth $5bn this year, the decline is a result of the changing tastes of a new generation of cartoon fans, who have grown up with Nickelodeon and Pixar. It's hoped the makeover will make the mouse appeal to the modern broods of texting, technologically savvy children who currently make up the markets. 'There's a distinct risk of alienating your core consumer when you tweak a sacred character, but at this point it's a risk they have to take,' said Matt Britton, a managing partner of Mr Youth, a New York brand consultant firm. Mickey Mouse made his debut in Steamboat Willie in 1928. The character, which was originally voiced by Walt Disney himself, has evolved through various costume and anatomical changes throughout the years, although all retained his cheerful and happy demeanour.[20] Mickey Mouse is getting a makeover. The one-time "Steamboat Willie" star is coming up his 81st birthday Nov. 18 and it looks like his gift from Walt Disney Co. will be a much-needed overhaul. The small-world news was big enough that even the august New York Times put the story on its cover.[21]
Mickey has to be made more sinister. EVERYTHING regarding a "traditional" culture must be destroyed to make way for the New Order, whether it's Christianity or cartoons. I think MIckey would pull in more revenue if they made the current Mickey Mouse Clubhouse merchandise more readily available. The same goes for Little Einsteins and Special Agent Oso, also from Disney. I would like to be able to buy branded toys and clothes for my toddlers from my local supermarket, but they're not normally available. Walt Disney must be spinning in his cryo-chamber. How sad that they have to make Mickey horrible! Although I may play the game, I dont think Ill let my kids know about it - its a bad example really, being selfish and nasty! My kids do like Playhouse DIsney's 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse', and also they enjoy visiting Disneyland Paris. "A disembowelled, robotic Donald Duck also features, as does a ' twisted, broken, dangerous' version of Disneyland's It's a Small world" Noooooooo.[20] The 81-year-old character, Disney'''s most famous creation, has been revamped to star in the new computer game Epic Mickey. In his virtual form, Mickey Mouse more closely resembles classic computer heroes such as Sonic The Hedgehog than his previous cuddly incarnations. If he is made to behave in a selfish way, his appearance grows more rat-like. The hope is to return Mickey, most familiar to many as a potent corporate symbol of the Disney empire, to his roots as a playful figure of fun. As Epic Mickey, he will inhabit a cartoon wasteland occupied by characters no longer in fashion and a twisted version of Disneyland'''s sickly-sweet It'''s A Small World ride. Mickey faces the enmity of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a cartoon character created in 1927 but abandoned in a studio dispute, who has become bitter about his fellow character's popularity.[22] Disney is re-imagining Mickey Mouse. Next fall, in a video game called "Epic Mickey," Nintendo Wii players will have the opportunity to mold their own CGI version of Mickey, who will travel through the Small World ride gone wrong and face a disemboweled robot Donald Duck, among other dilemmas. Mickey's appearance will change through his adventures, with the way gamers make Mickey behave. In this universe, Mickey will be a rascally character, a la Bart Simpson, which was his original persona.[23] Epic Mickey, designed for Nintendo's Wii console, is set in a "cartoon wasteland" where forgotten and retired Disney characters live, including Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who last appeared in a cartoon in 1951. He is not so lucky in the video game. He reappears as an embittered character, envious of Mickey's fame, while Donald Duck comes back disemboweled and robotic. Disney has before its eyes the cautionary tale of "New Coke" - Coca Cola's attempt to update a cultural icon by altering the formula and advertising the "new taste" of what they officially called Coca Cola II. It was failure, and after a few years, they were back marketing "Classic Coca Cola".[3] The game is set in a "Disney wasteland" locale where forgotten and retired Disney cartoon characters reside. Oswald, the Lucky Rabbit is a cartoon character Walt Disney created in 1927 who everyone thought would have eclipsed the popularity of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. Over the years, Oswald has become bitter and envious of Mickey's popularity as evidenced in this short 19 second vid.[24]
Realizing that, over the past 40 years or so, Mickey Mouse has become less an adorable, sweatshirt-selling cartoon character and more a scary-faced symbol of ugly corporate culture and homogenized entertainment product, Disney is planning a makeover! The Times ' Brooks Barnes reports today that broad plans are in the works to re-imagine the conglomerate's smiley mascot, apparently into something more relevant to the cynical, nihilistic children of today who've been weaned on X-rated cinema and apocalyptic video games.[25] After more than 80 years he first appeared in Steamboat Willie, Mickey Mouse is poised to make his debut as the lead character in a computer game, The Guardian reported. Disney's popular character has got a year-long makeover which has transformed him into a vintage-looking yet three-dimensional cartoon character.[26] Steamboat Willie was actually not the first Mickey Mouse cartoon, but it was the first with synchronised sound, and its instant success made Walt Disney the most famous animator in cinema history, and led on to countless more short cartoons, to Mickey Mouse comics, spin-offs of every description including cuddly toys and T shirts, and hundreds of Mickey Mouse clubs across America. In the anxious 1930s, when American was threatened by recession and political radicalism, the highly conservative, communist-hating Walt Disney toned down Mickey's behaviour and created the bland, all-American mouse kid that he has been ever since. On one occasion, animators made a short cartoon for a private viewing to amuse their boss, in which the heroic mouse finally went all the way with Minnie. Disney congratulated them on the craftsmanship, asked for the names of all those involved and, the next day, he sacked them all.[3] After that came Steamboat Willie, the well-done sound cartoon which made the character a household name overnight. Granted, Mickey didn't speak in that short, but his first words ("Hot Dogs") came only 6 months later and by the end of the 20s, and Walt Disney's falsetto was forever linked to the character shortly afterwards. They've got a big hill to climb after that horrible first impression, which a man who's supposedly a genius is supposed to know just how important those are.[27]
Modern audience expectations don't fit comfortably with the realities of Disney lore, but we agree to ignore the incongruities for the sake of Disney "magic." Based on the fact that the "new" Throwback Mickey is first appearing in a video game, a product with a niche audience, it's not a wild guess to assume that Mickey's makeover won't be thorough. We'll see more of the rascal in platforms such as video games and maybe the tween-targeted programming of the Disney Channel, and more of the hand-holding sweetheart in the theme parks and in official promos. (His walk-through "house" at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is slated for demolition for the upcoming Fantasyland expansio n, clearing the way for a new home reflecting the friskier Mickey.) If anything, Mickey's getting a split personality to match the mock virtuousness that every mass media icon must be skilled at playing, whether crying for Oprah or pitching their Cinderella story to People. His two sides will be used in turn to suit the audience. Like children themselves, Mickey will be a character model when Mom and Dad are watching, and a craftier sort when it's playtime.[28] CNET reports the game will feature a world of forgotten Disney characters, including one of Walt Disney's earliest stars, Oswald, who in the game becomes jealous of Mickey's success. Spector tells CNET that in the game, Mickey unknowingly destroys Oswalds comfort zone and must "face the consequences of what he was accidentally wrought." "It's a game where we remind people that Mickey is a hero who solves problems by dynamically changing the world around him and deciding how to interact with the people and places and problems he encounters in this strange new world," Spector tells CNET. Despite Mickey's new attitude, Spector tells CNET he's still the good guy. "I wanted to remind Mickey that it's OK to be mischievous and badly behaved."[29]
Spector is a longtime Mickey fan. His hand in making games like "Deus Ex" is evident in the edgy gameplay of "Epic Mickey." The presentation of Mickey as a character who's not afraid to start a fight may be jarring to people who have grown used to him as the straight man who reacts to the zany antics of Goofy, Donald Duck and his other animated associates. Disney execs say they don't believe the changes carry any significant risk.[6] A more aggressive, multidimensional Mickey could also better fit into the current cultural landscape, where a benevolent, permanently smiling rodent (with no visible teeth) seems like a bland throwback. Warren Spector, the creative director of Disney's Junction Point, the division developing the game, told the Times ' Barnes, "I wanted him to be able to be naughty'''when you'''re playing as Mickey you can misbehave and even be a little selfish." (Now, if they can only get him to ride a surfboard and rap about being " the kung-fu hippie???from gangsta city " like Poochie, the nakedly pandering "hip" dog character shoehorned into "The Itchy & Scratchy Show " on The Simpsons, his transformation would be complete.)[30] A disembowelled, robotic Donald Duck also appears in the game, designed for Nintendo'''s Wii console. Warren Spector - creative director of Junction Point, the Disney-owned game developer that led the work on Epic Mickey - told the New York Times : "I wanted him to be able to be naughty ''' when you'''re playing as Mickey you can misbehave and even be a little selfish." He added: "Mickey is never going to be evil or go around killing people."[22]
Because as we know by now, the all but forgotten Oswald is an integral part of the plot to Junction Point's Epic Mickey game. The New York Times relates the story (via Kotaku ) as they delve into Disney's dealings to deliver a modern-day makeover to their mousy mascot.[31]
When Disney bought Junction Point in 2007, it also acquired the rights to the titles. Spector added that while he didn't join Disney with plans to work on a Mickey Mouse game, he's enjoying working on a licensed title. Disney has given him a loose leash, he said, although admits one or two of his ideas have been dismissed after going too far. He said he was "completely stunned" that his hardcore fanbase reacted enthusiastically to the announcement he was making Epic Mickey.[32] My wife and I created a world and a whole story arc for DC comics," Spector told Variety. "But they decided not to pick it up." Disney secured the rights to both games when they acquired Junction Point, and Spector has been elusive about what he plans to work on after Epic Mickey releases in 2010. It might be a sequel, or it could be a return to some of his favorite settings.[8]
Warren Spector, creative director of Junction Point, a Disney-owned game developer working on Epic Mickey, said the game would be edgy and unexpected. "By putting the mischievous Mickey in an unfamiliar place and asking him to make choices - to help other cartoon characters or choose his own path - the game forces players to deal with the consequences of their actions.[1] The new platform game is intended to establish the character alongside computer game heavyweights including Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog. 'We've pulled Mickey out of the world of cartoons which is where he belongs and feels comfortable and safe and we pull him into a world we call the Cartoon Wasteland,' game designer Warren Spector told The Guardian. The game sees Mickey plunged into an apocalyptic-looking world where the formerly squeaky-clean mouse comes face to face with past Disney characters eclipsed by his fame.[20] Disney wants to establish Mickey as an action hero just like Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog. The company wants to build on his new fame with games franchise and lots of cool merchandise to attract the younger generation. "We'''ve pulled Mickey out of the world of cartoons which is where he belongs and we pull him into a world of Cartoon Wasteland,''' the paper reported game designer Warren Spector saying.[26]
Warren Spector may be all about Epic Mickey for the time being, but we learn today that the veteran game designer also wanted to make a new Deus Ex game - and that he even tried to acquire the rights to the series.[33] Deux Ex has been one of the most important videogames ever created and the man behind it is Warren Spector, the developer who is now in the limelight because of his involvement with Disney on the Epic Mickey Nintendo Wii project. Even at the moment, he is thoroughly dedicated to making the adventure title and is saying that he is still very much interested in creating a spiritual successor for Deus Ex (well all pretend that the Invisible War sequel never happened).[14] During a London event to showcase Disney Epic Mickey, developer Warren Spector revealed that his initial pitches to Disney were for two very different titles; hinting one -- in many ways -- may have been a spiritual successor to Deus Ex.[34]
Warren Spector might be going full Mickey these days but in a recent interview he suggested that we could still see some " Deus Ex stories" from him at some point in the future. Spector has made some pretty awesome games over the years, none more so than Deus Ex, his millennial tale of a crumbling near-future Earth which mixed numerous outrageous conspiracy theories with a sluggish, dated game engine, muddy textures, ugly models and absolutely god-awful voice acting, and somehow came up with an explosive bundle of pure, mind-blowing awesomeness as a result. Naturally, fans everywhere were disappointed when he announced in June of last year that he was "tired of making games about guys in black leather carrying guns." It was, by all appearances, the last nail in the coffin.[15] "I made the creative decision that characters wouldn't talk in the Cartoon Wasteland," Warren Spector explained to The Cut Scene. "It was entirely a creative decision because As soon as I start doing this, I've lost most of my potential audience. If I'm trying to re-introduce this character to an audience, there are certain connotations with that voice that I'm going to have a hard time overcoming." When he does speak in a future game, he'll probably be an affable Everyman voiced by Nolan North (our guess). Oswald, Spector said, won't need much consideration, due not only to his relative unfamiliarity to modern audiences, but also due to the properties of the character itself. "If you watch the existing cartoons," Spector said, "he's such a special character. In many ways, he's a funnier, more cartoon-y, more modern guy than Mickey is."[27] Epic Mickey isn't due for release till next year yet its designer Warren Spector's already speculating about an Epic Mickey trilogy. Asked whether Epic Mickey was a "stand-alone adventure" or a franchise Spector said that he doesn't do anything that cannot be followed up. "I don't do anything that isn't extensible", he told 1UP adding that two more could be on the way. "And I will certainly feel like that I have not done my job if we can't make other games in this world with these characters.[35] "Epic Mickey" is actually doing something fresh with the Mickey Mouse franchise. Warren Spector, the director of the game, is phenomenal in his field, and surprisingly enough, Mickey Mouse games over the years have been very good. This one looks no different.[17]
"I had three games planned for 'Deus Ex,' and you see where that got me." At the end of the interview, Spector also name-checks "Ducktales" as a Disney property he would be eager to tackle, among others. He really sounds at home under the House of Mouse, which will hopefully bode well for their first big game when "Epic Mickey" drops next year.[36] Concerned that kids these days aren'''t connecting with the character as much as older generations did, the media and entertainment company is planning to update Mickey by making him edgier. The paper explains that in his new personality, '''the formerly squeaky clean character can be cantankerous and cunning, as well as heroic.''' The new version of the mouse will make his debut in a video game to be released next year called Epic Mickey. The redesign is a big move and one that the company is making cautiously, the paper explains: '''Disney executives are treading carefully, and trying to keep a low profile, as they discuss how much they dare tweak one of the most durable characters in pop culture history to induce new generations of texting, tech-savvy children to embrace him.'''[37] The first step will take place next year with the release of 'Epic Mickey', a video game which casts the mouse as an action hero in a cartoon wasteland. Players can choose whether the mouse can be helpful or cunning, in which case he grows more rat-like. The game's reception will be watched closely by Disney chiefs for indications of how far they can go with his reinvention.[38]
Marketing experts, who care nothing for honoring history, are made nervous by the shift, likening the coming change to the introduction of New Coke. Disney purists, the ones who are versed in the first decade and a half of Disney animated short-form cartoons upon which the entire empire is built, are fascinated to see Mickey return to his rascally roots. He was, as the New York Times, puts it, "the Bart Simpson of his day," but even that reference is dated by about 20 years, as Bart himself, like Mickey, has gradually grown sweeter and milkier with time. If anything, Mickey was the Stewie Griffin (from the show Family Guy ) of his day, sassy and inappropriate and deliciously devious. In one of his earliest shorts, Plane Crazy, he dumps Minnie Mouse from a biplane because she refuses to kiss him. In The Karnival Kid, he spanks the exposed buttocks of another character.[28] I have a 2 year old daughter and she is just being introduced to Mickey Mouse through the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Cartoon. She seems to like it as much as Dora the Explorer, Handy Manny or any other recent character designed to appeal to children. Small updates to his wardrobe could work but to go beyond that would be huge mistake. Parents who take their kids to Disney Land and Disney World do it for themselves as much as their children. they identify with Mickey and the other characters because they grew up with them. If Disney chooses to completely overhaul Mickey they will be turning their backs on the parents who buy the movies, toys, etc. and encourage their children to embrace Mickey.[21]
Sounds great. Uh, what about Minnie? And Donald? And Goofy? And Daisy? After the jump, we suggest how to bring them into 2009 as well. We say that it's time for Minnie Mouse to ditch the bowif she doesn't think her dress and eyelashes didn't differentiate her enough from Mickey, maybe she should consult a plastic surgeon or a breast enlargement hypnotherapist. Speaking of her dresses, we think it's time she experimented with garments above the knee. Why not try out some blue? While her beau is getting all devious, Minnie's gonna need some edge. She should wear a lot of leopard print and hit on much younger, hotter cartoon characters rather than settle for grumbly old Donald. It's pretty obvious that Goofy should be bisexualhe's always secretly had a thing for both Mickey and Minnie, right? I think Goofy is rich now, too. He's the only cartoon to ever make money on the real estate crash, because he bought swampland from Disney back in the day. He's obviously traded in the little cap for a fedora, and is now far too self-assured to say things like "Aww shucks."[23] Disney's beloved panda-rodent mascot is getting a video game makeover, and it'll give you more nightmares than the time he emptied all those buckets for that jerkface sorcerer. "I wanted him to be able to be naughty - when you're playing as Mickey you can misbehave and even be a little selfish." The sexual creepiness here is subtle, which almost makes it worse, because you start wondering if maybe it's all in your head, and you're just the kind of perv who reads a sentence about an "adventurous, enthusiastic and curious" child-like character and suddenly starts wondering, wait, what is the third G in GGG? And: Well, his feet are pretty big. And: In retrospect, he always did dress a bit like a Chippendale dancer.[39]
Oswald is to be a major character in the Disney Wii video game codenamed Epic Mickey to be released in 2010.[40]
The Disney Epic Mickey game developed by Spector, is set for launch on Nintendo's Wii console next year. Get ready to see your favourite Mickey in the game roaming the Cartoon Wasteland, faces up to friends he cast aside and overshadowed with his own fame.[26]
Eek! Mickey Mouse, the anodyne fixture on night-lights and lunch boxes for generations, is getting the Steve Austin treatment from some Disney imagineers who think they can rebuild him. According to the New York Times' Brooks Barnes, Disney is currently developing a new videogame called Epic Mickey that would present the 81-year-old cartoon character-turned-corporate icon as "cantankerous and cunning, as well as heroic, as he traverses a forbidding wasteland."[30] One might consider the decision to move forward without a voice for Mickey to be apt, if not ironic. It was only in May of this year that Wayne Allwine, who had provided the voice of Mickey Mouse for longer than anyone, passed away from diabetes complications. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days was the last Disney product to feature his work, and has a dedication to his memory. Incidentally, Disney has found a new voice for the time being in one Bret Iwan, though it does not appear he has any real credits to his name yet. While Mickey looks to be reborn, it seems very little needs to be done with his "brother," Oswald.[31] For decades, the Walt Disney Company has kept Mickey Mouse's look and character largely unaltered, afraid that even the smallest change might harm a brand that earns the company $5 billion (£3 billion) a year in merchandising sales.[5] For Disney, the cost was one sportscaster: Al Michaels. That is what-- or rather, who they traded to NBC Universal to obtain the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the cartoon character which Walt Disney came up with in the 1920s, before creating Mickey Mouse and striking it rich.[31] For decades, the Walt Disney Co has largely kept Mickey Mouse frozen under glass. Now, however, concerned that Mickey has become more of a corporate symbol than a beloved character for recent generations of young people, Disney is taking the risky step of re-imagining him for the future.[41] HOLLYWOOD, CA (Gosh!TV) 11/3/2009 ''' '''When people laugh at Mickey Mouse, it'''s because he'''s so human,''' said Mickey Mouse creator and original voice Walt Disney. '''That'''s the secret of his popularity. We wanted something appealing, and we thought of a tiny bit of a mouse that would have something of the wistfulness of Chaplin, a little fellow trying to do the best he could.[40]
The timeless hero of Walt Disney's imagination is undergoing a strict change, one that has Disney watching closely over the creation of the game and one that could potentially change how everyone views Mickey Mouse.[42] LONDON - Mickey Mouse is being 'reimaged' as the Walt Disney Company tries to appeal to a new generation.[4] For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service This site is best viewed with Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, or Firefox 2.0 or higher, at a minimum screen resolution of 1024x768. For decades, the Walt Disney Company has largely kept Mickey Mouse frozen under glass, fearful that even the tiniest tinkering might tarnish the brand and upend his $5 billion or so in annual merchandise sales.[2]
How dare they change The Mickey Mouse image!!! Poor Walt will roll over in his grave. He developed Micky and the other Disney Characters to be a source of delight to children of all ages. methinks this is the same mindset that decided our past "family" sitcoms were too 'nice' and decided EVERYONE should have problems like the 'real' world.[28] Mickey Mouse as a brand and as an iconic character has already proven its ability to "remake" itself (at least be re-discovered with the same awe and wonder as it was first received) by 4 or 5 subsequent generations now by my count. If the suits at Disney corporate can't figure out how to capitalize on magic like that, they don't deserve the legacy left by Disney the man. It's a slippery slope, Mr. Spector.[21]
(or perhaps therefore) the appearance of the Mickey Mouse character himself, waving from high atop the final float of the parade, feels anti-climactic--just another manifestation of the ubiquitous rodent. He is everywhere but, in another way, nowhere. His animated likeness played character roles in 1983 and 1990 short features, according to a spokesman for Disney Studios, but that was about it for new Mickey between 1953--when "Simple Things" seemed to close out his celluloid career in part because Disney had "run out of situations to put him in," the spokesman said --and in 1995, when he returned as himself in "Runaway Brain," an animated short that was nominated for an Academy Award. "We do have an interest in keeping Mickey Mouse a vital character, not just a corporate symbol," he said.[43] I think it is smart of Disney to update Mickey Mouse. These classic animated characters unfortunately are having difficulty with the new generations fitting in and adapting with the technologically focused youth. Not only is Mickey Mouse going through this transition but Garfield the cat is seeing the same transformation. The simple animation of the past is just no longer going to cut it for the youth, in addition, instead of his usual slow-talking demeanor, he is sped up to keep young people's attention, as much of our society can only handle short-form, constant action.[37]
Killer ideas, Rodney, and I can't touch them. Disney has morphed Mickey many times over the years and has always asserted the Mouse's relevance, even as other characters and icons have taken his place. My hope is that Disney will loosen its notorious death grip on Mickey by soliciting new non-Disney ideas.[21] Which is why 2001's "Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse" still includes previews for "Return to Neverland," "Atlantis: The Lost Empire," "Cinderella II: Dreams Come True", and "Recess Christmas: Miracle on Third Street," treating each as though it's something new ("Return to Neverland" is even promoted as "Coming soon to theaters.") Of course, if you haven't seen it, or even if you have but you've added some new children to the family in the past eight years, then you can't go far wrong by adding this one to your Christmas collection. Featuring a talent roster that reads like a who's who of voice actors like Jodi Benson, Corey Burton, Peter Cullen -- and the holy trinity itself, Maurice LaMarche, Tress MacNeille, and Rob Paulsen -- "Mickey's Magical Christmas" brings together several of your favorite characters under one roof -- literally. Mickey has just finished entertaining the night's audience at the House of Mouse, and it's time for everyone to head home.[44]
There are two or three Mickey shorts from the 30s that are alleged to have fallen into public domain because some secretary didn't file copyright extension in time, or one page wasn't signed, that sort of bureaucratic nonsense. They do appear on occasional PD compilations, just like some Popeyes and Betty Boops and Three Stooges. Studios with deep pockets do go after these operations, because even if the U.S. copyright did lapse, they could still maintain ownership control through foreign copyrights, trademarks, or ownership of the soundtrack music: Disney was just following the lead of other studios by establishing a Disney music publishing branch, but that's turned into a very valuable asset and instrument of control. If "Steamboat Willie" and other early Disneys were allowed to lapse without extending the copyright term, someone COULD issue them on their own home video, but they would have to use their own source material, like an old film print. The version of "Steamboat Willie" issued on DVD a few years ago would be considered a new copyrightable work, if not for the mere fact of transferring it to a new medium, but also for using a newly cleaned-up picture, re-synchronized soundtrack or reframing the picture to better fit TVs. Some PD collections also claim to have been "digitally remastered" which arguably means they could file copyright on their version.[43] From "Steamboat Willie" to "Homeward Bound II," wholesome family entertainment and costly recreation, the cable channel, souvenir opportunities, media acquisitions, alleged subliminal dirty pictures and songs we cannot cannot cannot get out of our minds." Mickey Mouse Will Be An Asshole remarks Ann Althouse, "He needed some edge." Deranged and Perverted Gawker has a field day with the news. Azaria Jagger notes the sexual undercurrent in Mickey's new personality: "The sexual creepiness here is subtle, which almost makes it worse, because you start wondering if maybe it's all in your head, and you're just the kind of perv who reads a sentence about an 'adventurous, enthusiastic and curious' child-like character and suddenly starts wondering, wait, what is the third G in GGG? And: Well, his feet are pretty big. And: In retrospect, he always did dress a bit like a Chippendale dancer."[45] From "Steamboat Willie" to "Homeward Bound II," wholesome family entertainment and costly recreation, the cable channel, souvenir opportunities, media acquisitions, alleged subliminal dirty pictures and songs we cannot cannot cannot get out of our minds. Just the barest outline of his ears alone is enough for most people to "get it," a Disney spokesman told me at the time. "There is 100 percent recognition of Mickey Mouse by the American public," he added, overstating the truth, I suspect, but just slightly.[43] Disney'''s first Mickey Mouse film, Plane Crazy, was a flop. Six months later, at the time of Steamboat Willie'''s release, sound was a sensation sweeping theaters.[40]
"Epic Mickey," a new videogame, will showcase the beloved mouse's darker traits, including guilt, selfishness and destructiveness. This is all part of a larger plan to make Mickey relevant to a younger, edgier generation. (Game makers claim it's a return to the mouse's pugilistic roots on display in his first cartoon, "Steamboat Willie.")[45] One might think Michaels would feel a little slighted, being traded away for an obscure cartoon rabbit. Fortunately, NBC was eager to have Michaels join their new NFL franchise and he was eager to go; the roadblock was a long-term contract with Disney's sports network, ESPN, which is now apparently null and void. Of relevance is that while Disney traded away one voice to get things moving along for Epic Mickey, they aren't bringing in another for the mouse himself.[31] Take notice that Mickey in this game is designed to look like 1920's/1930's Mickey Mouse, who only whistled. To have him talk wouldn't sound right. In the 20's/30's cartoons, he only whistled (because they were silent films), which is why I think BigD145's idea is pretty good. I think that, during an opening scene, we should see regular Mickey Mouse, and we should hear him talk, but when he gets sucked into the "Cartoon Wasteland", he is transformed into this 1920's-era Mickey and only speaks in text bubbles. I want Christian Bale to do the voice overs in his Batman voice. I'm trying so hard to like this.[27] Just an outline of his ears is enough. He is one of the most recognisable characters in the world, but Mickey Mouse is about to get a makeover. More precisely, he is being "reimaged" to enhance his appeal to youngsters of the video game generation who have been nurtured on the slick computer-generated graphics of the likes of Pixar and Dreamworks.[5] Mickey Mouse is set for a makeover and it looks like the loveable character is headed for the dark side. Epic Mickey is set for launch on Nintendo's Wii console next year and will feature the mouse as you've never seen him before.[20] The Wii project tells the story of ancient Disney characters isolated in a darker, alternative world and just as hope seems to be lost, Mickey Mouse turns up to paint a little colour.[46] Fans can expect changes in the way Mickey Mouse looks, talks and acts.'' These upgrades will be seen across the media spectrum, featuring upgrades to Mickey's house at Disney World, changes to his presence on the Disney Channel, and changes in how children are able to engage with the character online.[19] K-E-Y. Why? Because Disney stopped making Mickey Mouse cartoons in 1953, 'The Mickey Mouse Club' went off network TV in 1959 and therefore he is a vague and uncompelling fictional character to me.[43] We in the generation that grew up with sardonic, edgy and sometimes violent cartoon heroes will need to get acquainted. Beyond his mere image, Mickey is not even nostalgia for us. He is, in most ways, a stranger whose name is a synonym for all things nugatory and inept. "He's a happy little guy, very optimistic, never gives up, multi-talented," explained my friend Laurie Nayder of Rogers Park, an otherwise normal schoolteacher with a passion for collecting Mickey Mouse memorabilia. "He sings. He dances." "His basic, rounded shape makes people feel somewhat innocent and safe," added Disney.[43] Take for example the work United Airlines had to accomplish after breaking someone's guitar. Let alone the number of Twitter apologies issued forth by Chris Brown and Kanye West. But when others do it in reverse and run their good-guy image through a darkside wash cycle, the task might be a little easier. Such is the case with the re-engineering of'' one Mickey Mouse. Stewie Griffin With 'Mickey sales' declining markedly, (less than 20 percent of 2009's sale s will actually come from the U.S. this year), Disney execs see this as a red flag.[24] To combat falling domestic merchandise sales and increase Mickey Mouse's relevance amongst children, Disney has undertaken a quiet, albeit full-blown revitalization of the character.''[19] Disney liked the name Mickey and the famous mouse character would be named Mickey Mouse.[40] MICKEY Mouse, the squeaky clean icon of the world's most wholesome entertainment empire, may not be smiling sweetly for much longer. In perhaps the most delicate makeover undertaken of a children's character, Disney chiefs are working on toughening up the 81-year-old mouse's image as they fear his appeal is flagging.[38]
Today, November 3rd, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has released a full-length adventure starring many of Disney's classic characters titled "Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed In At The House Of Mouse." In the movie, which debuted in 2001, a huge snowstorm leaves over 35 of Disney's popular characters, including Mickey and Minnie, stranded inside their home where they have to put together an impromptu party to bring about the holiday spirit.[47] The chief inhabitant is Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a cartoon character Walt Disney created in 1927 as a precursor to Mickey but ultimately abandoned in a dispute with Universal Studios.[25] Here's how: the storyline for Epic Mickey revolves around a conflict between Mickey and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, an obscure character Walt Disney came up with in the 20s.[48]
As the main antagonist and first creation of Walt Disney himself, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit has become greatly envious of Mickey's fame and renown and wants to put an end to that. As the main player, Mickey must go around in a paint-like world and use his paintbrush to apply thinner or paint in order to influence the worlds themselves.[42]
This is the last straw. If you people who have stolen Walt's name change Mickey into something with R-rated behavior, or even make him less buoyant than he has been since 1928, you'll have one less fan. I watched the first "Mickey Mouse Club" episode on TV in 1955, have been taking my family (and now 8 grandchildren) to Disney parks all their lives, and I have 419 images of The Mouse in my office.[49]
Me too. It helps selling it a lot, because it seems great and unique and somehow adult in presentation, meaning people may buy this, because it hasn't been done similar on other consoles, like even Dead Space has (shame it sold so poorly! Damn, I think I buy it to support it!). If they keep presentation unique in Disney's universe and don't spoil it thru Mickey being so damn nice and helping them all without so much as a conflict, and if they transport these awesome concept arts into the game, then they may be selling it a lot. Sonic_13 said: I'm so glad this game is Wii exclusive.[46]
'''Mickey is never going to be evil or go around killing people,''' said Warren Spector, the creative director of Junction Point, a Disney-owned game developer behind Epic Mickey.[2] Spector says Junction Point was working on an epic fantasy game that he's been planning for almost 15 years - but that it was too put to one side in favour of Epic Mickey. Spector says Junction Point was working on an epic fantasy game that he's been planning for almost 15 years - but that it too was put to one side in favour of Epic Mickey. What a shame Spector didn't get a chance to make DE3, it leads one to wonder that perhaps Eidos intend to milk the franchise for all it's worth themselves, which would hardly be good.[9]
"There were, and still are, Deus Ex stories I would like to tell. That story is not done for me," Spector revealed to Variety in a recent interview. That's not all they were working on, either; Spector's independent studio Junction Point were simultaneously developing what he describes as "a big, big fantasy game that I had been wanting to do for about 15 years.[8] Deus Ex was very much a game of the millennium." The possibility of more Deus Ex isn't just wishful thinking; Spector also said that while his own attempts to secure the rights to the franchise from Eidos were unsuccessful, Disney was able to pick them up when it purchased Junction Point in 2007.[15] 'Deus Ex' was very much a game of the millennium." When Disney got in bed with Spector's Junction Point they also acquired the rights for the so-called spiritual successor to Deux Ex Spector wants to create, as well as a fantasy game based on the DC Comics.[13]
Eidos is currently developing a third game in the series. Astonishingly though, Spector has revealed that before his studio began work on Epic Mickey he did actually try to buy the rights to the Deus Ex series with the idea of making a successor of his own. Speaking to Variety, Spector says he ultimately failed to get hold of the rights to the game, but began work on a similarly themed title anyway.[9] Warren Spector has revealed that he tried, unsuccessfully, to reacquire the rights to Deus Ex from Eidos, and was subsequently working on a science fiction themed game prior to his studio's purchase by Disney.[32] Famed designer Warren Spector wasn't done with Deus Ex after he and his studio finished the follow-up Invisible War. In a recent interview with Variety, Spector said that he tried to acquire the rights to the IP from Eidos, but before that, he had plans for a game in the vein of Deus Ex ready to go and needing a publisher.[16]
My wife and I created a world and a whole story arc for DC comics. They decided not to pick it up. I loved this world and the characters we had created." The other was, he hinted, a spiritual successor to Deus Ex with a science fiction theme. Its development began after Spector was unsuccessful in his bid to reacquire the rights to Deus Ex from Eidos. Neither game has been canned however, he said.[32] My wife and I created a world and a whole story arc for DC Comics. They decided not to pick it up. I loved this world and the characters we had created." Spector also revealed that he was still interested in the cyberpunk world of Deus Ex, hinting that the other project was a spiritual successor to the game he helped create at Eidos.[50]
The game is set in 2027, making it a prequel to the Deus Ex title Spector worked on, and will be featuring a main character that uses mechanical augmentations and not the nano bot ones players are used to.[14]
I had three games planned for Deus Ex, and you see where that got me", Spector reminisced. On other possible Disney projects he suggested that he'd love to make a Duck Tales game.[35] After finishing this article, I am now in the process of inventing a parallel universe travel device in order to live in the same world that Warran Spector is making Deus Ex games instead of disney holiday fodder.[16]
Deus Ex' was very much a game of the millennium." IP owners Eidos - who Spector developed the first Deus Ex for - have their own plans for the IP it would seem, and even though Spector offered to buy the rights the publisher refused.[33] 'Deus Ex' was very much a game of the millennium." Spector also revealed that he unsuccessfully attempted to reacquire the rights to Deus Ex, the third instalment of which is currently in development.[50]
Warren Spector, creator of Deus Ex, isn't letting the fact he no longer has access to the series stop him from dreaming up more games in the series.[12]
Warren Spector, the creative director of the new video game, said the transformation would not be too drastic. "Mickey is never going to be evil or go around killing people," he said.[38] Warren Spector's new take on Mickey Mouse may not be quite with us yet, but that hasn't stopped the designer discussing his ambitious future plans for the Epic Mickey series.[51] Would you like to see "Epic Mickey" become a trilogy? What about about Warren Spector on a "Ducktales" game? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.[36] Epic Mickey was only announced a few weeks ago, but the man behind the games, Warren Spector, has already gone on record saying he'd like at least another two titles. In my head, I've got two more planned. those games have not approved and who knows if we'll ever see them.[52]
Back when the mouse was introduced in the 20s, Mickey was a troublemaker. Game designer Warren Spector wanted to embrace this and create a game designed around Mickey's dark side, CNET reports.[29]
Warren Spector, the chap behind Disney's Epic Mickey has ideas for at least two sequels depending on how the first turns out.[46]
The clearest sign of Epic Mickey's rapidly approaching failure is was a bad idea is the fact that it was "dreamed up" by "a group of interns" in 2004. I will do my best to refrain from drawing a gross generalization of what this corpus of Disney video game interns may be like--and what sort of sexual energies they may or may not be subconsciously channeling into their summer projects--but if you have ever entered a room (preferably in a darkened basement) where four, five, perhaps six male video game aficionados were fragging their way through a digitized slumber party, you will know that there is a particular odor of gamey, over-testosteroned adolescent male je ne sais quoi that will attack your sinuses and gag you as though a sweaty gym sock has just been stuffed down your throat. That will be the scent of Epic Mickey: Stale, festering horror. Send an email to the author of this post at azaria@gawker.com.[39] I'm inclined to disagree with you guys. Actually, pretty much everyone here is taking this the wrong way. They're not re-doing Mickey so that he'll be all "BADAZZZ YEAH" in Disneyland, it's just a re-design that's inspired by Steamboat Willie specifically for this game. As a video game player (and I'm gonna guess that you guys aren't even gonna touch this one ever), it's always good to see something new, fresh & exciting done with existing mechanics, so that's it's not the same-old football/shooting dudes/whatever game.[17] Each player will come up with a different answer." In many ways the new Mickey does appear to be a return to the original character in the 1928 film Steamboat Willie, in which he appeared as something of a rabble-rouser, prone to fisticuffs.[5]
Mickey, on the other hand, is sort of a distant, stiff Emcee, smiling serenely at the opening of some movies or in promotional pictures of Disney World. It wasn't always this way: In the beginning, Mickey was playful and kindhearted, but also something of a troublemaker. In his 1928 premiere performance in Steamboat Willie, he sasses his boss, swings a cat by its tail, chokes a goose, plays with the nipples on a sow and engages in a variety of other behavior that would earn him the ire of PETA and a fatwa from the national Parent Teacher Association.[49] Trademark doesn't expire (at least, not unless permitted to lapse), so the only thing that would happen if Steamboat Willie were in the public domain is that. we could play Steamboat Willie for free. Copyright already doesn't protect them from parody or satire, or from quotation for the purposes of education or commentary. Trademark would continue to protect them from people using Mickey and thereby appearing to be a Disney product. IANAL, admittedly, but I find this whole thing completely baffling.[43]
Why can't Mickey stay the same - where dreams come true, friends are important and happy is good. Why would you gear a product to the small age group of disenfranchised youth/teenagers for a video game and alienate the kid's and the adults these teens will grow into who appreciate the simple message of Mickey and Disney.[28] Well it seems that Walt Disney is going to re-brand this iconic character and give him a serious attitude adjustment for a new video game that is to be released by Disney Interactive Studios in 2010.[53] A new video game, set to be released in the fall of 2010, is changing the iconic Disney character's demeanor. This is not a drastic change for the character.[29]
Were a hip, edgy, "cool" Mickey to emerge, I would feel less comfortable. Have you not checked out Epic Mickey - the new video game in the works - its a dark demented Mickey. I would leave Mickey alone - he is recognized the world over.[21] I think it's cool. Haven't played video games for years but I want this one!! Epic Mickey kicking ass.[17]
Apparently, the plan is to put a bit more rogue in the rodent, making Mickey a bit more edgy in the likes of films and video games. To wit, the company is looking to recast the way he walks, talks and lives.[21]
"The most interesting thing about Oswald is how little you have to create," said Spector. "If you watch the existing cartoons, he's such a special character. In many ways, he's a funnier, more cartoon-y, more modern guy than Mickey is." "If you watch those with a game designer's eye, the Oswald game designs itself - what that character can and cant do and should and shouldn't do - so we didn't have to do much."[31] Mickey won'''t be bland anymore, either. '''I wanted him to be able to be naughty ''' when you'''re playing as Mickey you can misbehave and even be a little selfish,''' Spector said. In many ways, it is a return to Mickey at his creation. When the character made its debut in 1928, he was a rabble-rouser who got into fistfights, played tricks on his friends and, later, was amorously aggressive with Minnie.[2]
One of the world's most identifiable characters has become little more than a corporate mascot who is rolled out whenever the Disney company needs to sell something. Mickey is a placebo, a blank slate of a cherub upon whom children and adults alike can project their fondest make-believe fantasies. Even when he makes personal appearances, he's usually silent. Mickey could be said to be stuck in 1955, but Disney is aware it's nearly 2010. Its image-makers, aware that Mickey's "aw-shucks" act has grown stale and won't last forever in a world filled with ironic and savvy kids, are taking a risk with their flagship character. Breaking the code Mickey has followed for the past half-century, it has authorized a new image for His Mouseness, which could turn off millions of parents who treasure the genial personality they're used to. Then he continues his quest to other locations and scenes from Disney history.[28] With more interesting characters, it was little wonder that Mickey became the dull, stiff face of a corporate empire. Ironically, the Mickey watch became one of his most recognizable pieces of marketing: After all, for him, time had long since stopped. While this transformation is overdue, it is also fraught with danger: Although Disney's decision to bring back the flawed, playful Mickey fits into the character's origins, it flies in the face of the last fifty years.[49] You know how our grandparents grew up yelling "Hello, Mickey" back at the TV during cartoon hour? Well, today's kids seem to view the helium-voiced mascot as more of a logo, or maybe a hat design, than as a lovable character. I guess that didn't sit well with the higher-ups at Disney, who want their iconic moneymakers to hold not just our attention but our hearts.[23] I would like to see some of the characteristics of the old Mickey come back. My kids absolutely love the old Mickey cartoons, many are still played at the Disney hotels in their restaurants and the Disney Cruise ship.[49]
M-O-U-S-E. The thought may dismay those of you who grew up thinking of Mickey in the sort of vivid terms that kids today think of, say, Kermit the Frog, but for many of us under 60, Mickey Mouse is little more than a symbol. He may be a plucky, cheerful, idealistic and somewhat innocent cartoon hero to you, but he is a logo to us--a mascot like the Michelin Man or the Jolly Green Giant, only with a much higher Q-rating.[43] My kids have been watching new Mickey Mouse cartoons for a couple of years. He's working harder than you think.[43]
Corporal Punishment Mickey worked in the raucous, politically incorrect period of the Great Depression. Mickey's modern stewards see a modern day relevance in that brazen attitude, which is a principal reason they've chosen to debut the new Mickey against the backdrop of the old Mickey Mouse Sound Cartoons.[28]
When Mickey Mouse makes his triumphant return to the world stage in Disney Epic Mickey, he'll do so without his trademark squeaky voice.[27] Mickey Mouse might never have been created but for the competitiveness of Charles Mintz at Universal Studios. Disney asked for a larger budget for his popular Oswald the Lucky Rabbit animated series. Mintz reacted by hiring the bulk of Disney'''s staff away from him. Mintz told Disney if he wanted to keep working he could go on his payroll, for less money.[40] My toddler absolutely loves Mickey and will only watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Playhouse Disney. We had a Mickey Mouse theme for his 1st Birthday and couldn't even get a cake from anywhere! I can't believe that they're having to transform him in order to generate sales.[20]
Disney Mickey'''s Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse has Mickey, Goofy, and Donald running a nightclub for an audience of Disney characters.[40] Everyone joins in to sing at the House of Mouse. When Mickey laments that nothing seems to raise Donald's spirits, he goes up to the roof and, upon advice from a timely Jiminy Cricket, wishes upon a star, which magically comes down from the heavens to become the star on their Christmas tree, making everything bright and magical, so that everyone can come together as a single group to sing "The Best Christmas of All." Bonus features on this disc include the premiere episode of the House of Mouse series, and a short featurette on sound effects with Wayne Allwine, who shows a group of kids how sound effects were made for different Disney films and then lets the kids provide those sound effects for his own rendition of "The Night Before Christmas."[44]
Please leave Mickey alone as others have rightly noted. Just because the greedy control board at Marvel sold out and let themselves be bought by Disney don't let me see any Disney character show up in a Spiderman outfit again! (Stan Lee I can't believe you would let that happen! Nuff Said!) When USAyesterday showed those Mouse ears in Spidey red I started to puke.[49] News of Mickey's rebrand comes as China finally gave the green light for Disneyland to build a Disney theme park in Shanghai after 20 years of negotiations. It is hoped Shanghai Disneyland which is expected to cost around $4billion - will unlock a giant new market for Mickey and his fellow characters.[20] While one of the world's most recognizable corporate logos, Mickey has long since receded into irrelevance as a cartoon character. In 2006, Saturday Night Live highlighted this with a satiric riff on the famed "Disney Vault," in which Mickey shepherds a little boy and girl through the studio's legendary repository.[49] The effort to re-engineer Mickey is still in early stages, but it involves the top creative and marketing minds in the company. Disney executives are treading carefully as they discuss how much they dare tweak one of the most durable characters in pop culture history. In Epic Mickey, the title character still exhibits the hallmarks that younger generations know: he is adventurous, enthusiastic and curious.[2] According to Spector, the idea for Epic Mickey was conceived by "a group of interns" in 2004. Here's hoping those enterprising young people got some college credits and a decent discount on Disney theme parks for contributing an idea that could potentially generate hundreds of millions of dollars for Disney.[30] Bloggers greeted the news with dark humor and sarcasm. He'll Always Be a Corporate Shill The Chicago Tribune's Eric Zorn says that Mickey only resonates with people over 60. To everyone younger, he's an enigma at best. He thinks Mickey's most enduring manifestation is as the icon of the Disney brand: "Mickey does mean something to us: Disney.[45] With the loss of Walt in the mid-sixties, Mickey has become the father figure for all things good that Disney has represented to children world-wide. He's timeless whereas us humans have a limited time span available to us. Mickey has represented Walt admirably these last 50 odd years and it would be a mistake to change or think otherwise.[49] After the kids find Walt Disney's cryogenically-frozen head and various disturbing old movies, Mickey tells them, "You take the good with the bad.[49] A five-year-old Mickey Rooney met cartoonist Walt Disney while working at the Warner Brothers studio.[40]
Epic Mickey, designed for the Nintendo Wii console, is set in a cartoon wasteland inhabited by forgotten and retired Disney creations.[5] I had a lot of stuff generated that was very specifically designed to be provocative and to cross that line. I know its too far - or is it? You tell me." Its an interesting choice to attempt to always push the line, offering a design that crosses certain lines only to see whether the publisher is willing to actually accept it or whether a negotiation process on the final version is set to follow. Some of the initial art, which can be seen attached to this article, really seems too disturbing for Epic Mickey, a Disney Nintendo Wii title that will presumably be bought by parents for their children as Christmas 2010 approaches.[10]
Epic Mickey not a Wii-exclusive? PS3 and Xbox 360 owners can prepare to get excited. Epic Mickey revealed as Wii exclusive As promised Game Informer has unveiled its Epic Mickey magazine.[35]
Until then we can all play Shattered Horizon by Futuremark, coming out tomorrow and available on the premiere digital download site, Steam. You know, there is a silver lining to all this. Even though Epic Mickey doesn't appeal to a lot of us here (and even fewer of us will probably buy it), I'm hoping that it's a big success both critically and financially which will give Warren the investors required to make the game we all want him to make.[9] Game designer Warren Spector wanted to create a game designed around Mickey's dark side.[29] "Holy cow, the opportunity to mess with one of the most recognizable icons on planet Earth," the metaphor-mixing Warren Spector, creative director at Disney game developer Junction Point, told the Times.[21] Spector comments that it may not be the end of either project though, as Disney bought the rights to the concepts when it bought out Junction Point Studios - so either may be bought back from the dead at some point in the future.[9] Spector has launched original properties before, but this will be his first big one since Disney purchased Junction Point, and he's aiming high.[36]
Back on topic, with the original Disney cartoons easier to obtain on video, we can see that the early Mickey was a much scrappier fellow, more Bart Simpson than meaningless logo. [43] Many of the original Disney characters are perceived by parents as being far more squeaky clean than Mickey.[28] Classic novel, write a sequel even though the original writer is dead. Where is the creativity? In the case of MIckey Mouse, make another character! It is no wonder people and children under the age of 30 are cynical, and have very little appreciation of classic movies or characters.[49] I think its a great decision. I was always a fan of the Mickey Mouse Floyd Gottfredson comic stories of 1930's and always felt that he was a smart different character then, doing investigations and working with the secret service in his stories. This feels like a move in that direction.[27] Mickey Mouse looks like a SOCIOPATH in that cartoonization. It will cause people to have Mickey Mouse phobias similar to clown phobias.[17]
There is hardly a child or an adult in the developed who would not recognise Mickey Mouse on sight, from just a silhouette of two round ears protruding from the top of a round, hairless head. He has been preserved, unchanged for decades, as the ultimate American symbol of wholesome children's entertainment, a winning formula that the Disney Corporation has not dared to tamper with.[3] Disney wants Mickey Mouse to shed his squeaky clean image.[45] No one could tamper with Mickey's family friendly image, even as a private joke. His name also went into the language, "Mickey Mouse" being used, or misused, as an adjective, to mean ridiculous or insignificant. It caused a ghastly misunderstanding in a British court in 1990, when a judge named Michael Davies, who was angry about a run of absurdly large libel awards, admonished a jury in a case involving the distribution of a few libellous pamphlets not to make a "Mickey Mouse" award. By "Mickey Mouse", he meant "ridiculously large", but the jury thought he meant "ridiculously small" and awarded the plaintiff £1.5m, the highest ever in British legal history. Although Mickey will generate an estimated $5bn (£3bn) worth of merchandise sales in 2009, less than one-fifth of that is likely to have come from the USA, which is why the Disney Corporation is now contemplating changing the image of their signature creation.[3]
Of course, a tougher, more butch Mickey might appeal to boys, the audience whose $50 billion in spending (that's a lot of paper routes!) Disney has been trying to harness for years. As Barnes reported in April, the company even went so far as to employ a "kid whisperer" named Kelly Pe''a, who uses her background in journalism (and her "headquarter for boys" colleagues' experiences with anthropology and psychology) to delve deep into the meaning of boys' dinosaur bedsheets and stuffed animals.[30]
Um, you guys do know that the most recent Mickey actor died last summer, around the time he completed work for Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days? Right. Disney might have not chosen his successor for the role yet.[54] Being a long time supporter of everything Disney and a traditionalist, I'm taken aback by your description of Mickey as being flat and boring.[49]
The movie has a great message that the Best Christmas of All is the one you spend with your friends and your family. We absolutely loved this movie and can't wait to watch it again as it gets closer to the holiday season. We love the classic Disney characters Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto, but we also love all of the Disney Princesses and other characters from the classic Disney Films and we were so excited that Disney made a movie with them all coming together for the holidays.[47] Zorn asks, "What's Mickey to me or me to Mickey?" The answer is that Mickey as a character has been completely overtaken as just a symbol of Disney.[18]
Remember the scene in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" where Mickey and Bugs Bunny team up to torment Bob Hoskins? Bugs seems perfectly natural, while Mickey looks ridiculously out of place. It's ironic that a vacuous nonentity like Mickey may be at the heart of copyright extension. According to one of the few conspiracy theories I find somewhat plausible, Disney kept pressuring Congress to keep extending copyright protection because they were afraid of what would happen to Mickey if he fell into the public domain. Apparently lobbying came easier to them than providing fresh Mickey material, which would have reset the clock on the copyright.[43] No. I do not like the new look of Mickey. He looks mean. This is not good for little kids to relate to an evil looking or mean looking Mickey. Please keep him friendly.[28] Why do we always have to change things? Change is not always best! some things are classic. Mickey is one of those classics! He is special and unique. just the way he is. If there are some that dont like him. they they can look towards the newer characters. Mickey needs to carry the tradition that he was created in.[28] Mickey is mute? A trilogy? Jordan Grim Devore reminding everyone the game doesn't look like the header? Geez.[54]
The basic premise of the game will be to guide Mickey and friends through this universe as they are being hunted by Oswald, who is furious with Mickey's rise to fame and fortune. It's going to be rather strange to see Mickey in this new role of action hero, let's see how people adjust to the new makeover.[53] In the game, Oswald has become bitter and envious of Mickey's popularity. The game also features a disemboweled, robotic Donald Duck and a "twisted, broken, dangerous" version of Disneyland's "It's a Small World."[25] In Epic Mickey, Oswald resurfaces as bitter and envious of the mouse's popularity. A disembowelled, robotic Donald Duck also features, as does a ' twisted, broken, dangerous' version of Disneyland's It's a Small world.[20]
Epic Mickey details emerge Mickey Mouse is all set for a a macabre makeover.[35] This has to be a joke. I would never buy anything in the image of this Mickey Mouse. NO WAY! You might as well kill him off and tell the kids he is dead. because you won't market this Mickey.[28] This is a fail!! they should NOT in any way change Mickey Mouse. My son loves Mickey, he shouldn't be afraid of him.[17]
There is a giant ad for 'House' on the right side of my screen as we speak. I just read your comment and looked to the right side of my screen and there's a giant picture of Hugh Laurie staring at me with a pill on his tongue. Now I picture Hugh taking that pill and transforming into Mickey Mouse and the world changing into cartoon all around him. It's all very Matrix-like.[27] Nice catch; I should have said they watched the Mickey Mouse club, not cartoon hour, JenM.[23]
"We do have an interest in keeping Mickey Mouse a vital character, not just a corporate symbol."[43] Although cantankerous and cunning, Mickey's character is above all a hero who must solve problems to stop the Phantom Blot overlord and revive the wasteland. In an added twist, the more destructive his behaviour, the more the famous mouse begins to resemble a rat.[20]
It's odd how quickly people have forgotten that Mickey originally could be kind of a jerk with a propensity for cruelty, somewhat in the vein of Bugs Bunny. I think, at this point, the original vision of Mickey is more stylish, edgy and iconic than anything else. Just embrace the fact that you wouldn't want your kid holding this mouse's hand.[21] Mickey was a rabbit before he became a mouse for copyright and legal issues. Maybe it's time for the rabbit to finally see the day and honor it's creator's original idea.[21]
"I've been donning my armour and girding my loins and getting ready for battle." Following Epic Mickey he adds he would like to incorporate Wii Motion Plus into a sequel. His next project could be an original one and not a licence.[32] Video: Epic Mickey teaser is sketchy, soundtrack revealed With the unveiling of the Wii exclusive Epic Mickey edging. Epic Mickey exposed in magazine scan Ahead of its big reveal a magazine scan has revealed. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.[35]
Last week Spector posted a video on YouTube talking about what it took to re-brand Mickey by spearheading Epic Mickey.[18] "In my head, I've got two more planned." It's far from a sure thing whether those games will ever manage to escape the confines of Spector's brain-prison and see the light of day, however, despite the high level of anticipation Epic Mickey has generated. "In the business world of reality, those games have not been approved, and who knows if we'll ever see them," he continued.[55] Whoa whoa whoa. An Epic Mickey trilogy? But what about Duck Tales ? "In the business world of reality, those games have not approved, and who knows if we'll ever see them."[54]
If it works out then Spector already has at least two more planned out, but it all comes down to how well Epic Mickey's debut does.[46] A wise decision, Spector. Personally, I feel that the best of Mickey can be found in all of his old films up to Fantasia's Sorcerer's apprentice where he doesn't talk. Spector, please don't take the Peter Molyneux path to hype your game.In addition, it's hard for gamers to get excited about Epic Mickey when we haven't even seen a trailer.[54]
"I made the creative decision that characters wouldn't talk in the Cartoon Wasteland," Spector explained. "It was entirely a creative decision because As soon as I start doing this, I've lost most of my potential audience. If I'm trying to re-introduce this character to an audience, there are certain connotations with that voice that I'm going to have a hard time overcoming." Spector says he's chosen to use the Wii's system resources for other elements of the game.[31] As Spector puts it, "I made the creative decision that characters wouldn't talk in the Cartoon Wasteland." "If I'm trying to re-introduce this character to an audience, there are certain connotations with that voice that I'm going to have a hard time overcoming." This was one of the few things that I couldn't stop thinking about when the game was announced. Speech bubbles were the way to go for this project, if you ask me.[54]
Along with the game, Disney is also re-imagining everything about the character. The studio plans to tweak his clothing, personality, and home, presenting a fresh face to the Disney Channel, Disney World, and the internet. It's about time. [49] I've been to Florida's Disneyworld 3 times now, and I was never a big Disney fan. That being said, this game sounds like it could be pretty cool. I'll keep an eye out for this.[22]
To help pass the evening, Minnie brings out some old home movies -- animated shorts to the likes of you and me -- to brighten everyone's evening. These include "Donald on Ice," "Pluto and the Christmas Tree," "The Nutcracker" (starring Minnie, Mickey, Donald and Goofy, and narrated by John Cleese), and "Mickey's Christmas Carol" (recently released along with "Pluto and the Christmas Tree" as part of the "Disney Animation Collection" series).[44] By the wartime, Donald's character was much more fun to hang stories on. It's Donald who joined the Army as a buck private in some of his cartoons, just so he could be abused by drill Sergeant Black Pete, originally Mickey's nemesis.[43] You're absolutely right. Mickey has been resting on his laurels for about two-thirds of his career (if cartoon characters can be said to have "careers").[43] "Keeping cartoon characters trapped in amber is one of the surest routes to irrelevancy," the article notes. "While Mickey remains a superstar in many homes, particularly overseas, his static nature has resulted in a generation of Americans ' the one that grew up with Nickelodeon and Pixar ' that knows him, but may not love him. Domestic sales in particular have declined: of his $5 billion in merchandise sales in 2009, less than 20 percent will come from the United States."[31]
Anyway, I never really cared for that mischief Mickey in the black/white cartoons. I much prefer the King Mickey persona he's taken on the Kingdom Hearts series. & even the hopelessly in love with Minnie personality that he portrayed once his cartoons gained technicolor. Hopefully they'll keep this rendition of Mickey just in this one game.[17] Well Mickey's voice actor died a few months ago, and the replacement hasn't even done anything as far as I heard, so I'd actually say that's why Mickey doesn't have a voice in this game. Mickey's voice didn't ruin him any in Kingdom Hearts.[27] Mickey's voice is at least considered widely recognizable. i'm a little saddened that there will be no "HA HA! OH BOY!" to be heard in this game.[27]
I'll just keep waiting for his post-Epic Mickey not-Deus Ex game he plans to do before retirning.[16] The first level of Deus Ex is horrible. "In many ways, he's a funnier, more cartoon-y, more modern guy than Mickey is."[27] There is also the Deus Ex REVISON mod in the works which will add a lot of new content to the core game. That's how awesome Deus Ex is; almost 10 years after its release, there is still an active mod community involved with it.[16] If you've never played Deus Ex (the one that came out in 2000), then I suggest you go buy it now. All these years later, it is still one of the best games ever made. Once you have played it you'll realize why this is such a big deal.[34]
Deus Ex, often considered one of the best PC games ever made, is a FPS/RPG hybrid about uncovering an international conspiracy in a near-future, cyber-punk setting. It was followed by a second game, Invisible War, but due to a shortage of original team members (including Spector) the game failed to live up to expectations.[9] I joined in with the disappointment of Invisible War. It seemed "dumbed down" for a more casual audience. It was hardly a bad game. It was actually a pretty good game in its own right, but just couldn't leave up to the gigantic expectations us Deus Ex fans had, thus it got a bit more hate than necessary, imo.[34] I too want to see another Deus Ex game badly - the Montreal crew seems to have a decent track record at making good games, so I won't get up in arms about it until proven otherwise.[34]
Deus Ex is easily one of the greatest games of all time. I have little faith for these sequels.[34] Deus Ex was amazing, and I personally loved DX2, as well, and am cautiously optimistic about Eidos's DX3 that's in development, along with Thief 4. Speaking of which, it's about time for them to make an actual press release for DX3, rather than a teaser site, with surprisingly active forums, for how little news is out.[16]
The Montreal development studio of Eidos has been working on Deus Ex 3 for quite some time, with some concept art and some plot details leaked earlier during the year.[14] "There were, and still are, Deus Ex stories I would like to tell. That story is not done for me," the veteran designer told Variety. His studio, Junction Point, had previously been working on two unannounced projects, he said.[32] "There were and still are Deus Ex stories I would like to tell. That story is not done for me," he says. He says the project wasn't a pure franchise sequel: "I sort of filed the serial numbers off," he says of the concept[7]
Not many games can get a whole bunch of gamers talking about world politics like the Deus Ex series did.[12] Ehh, it was okay, but even if it was a standalone game and I had never played Deus Ex, I think I would have been disappointed.[11] I would love to see another Spector-Influenced Deus Ex style game. I suppose it would be the next best thing to him doing the next game actually named "Deus Ex".[7] "I had three games planned for Deus Ex, and you see where that got me."[55] It is obvious that an edit button could not save you james. Screw the grammar and spelling, the biggest concern here is you not even hearing of this game?! Seriously, Deus Ex was mind blowing.[34] Deus Ex is my favorite game, period. It's one of those game's that had both the narrative and gameplay chops to pull you in and never let you go.[34]
Sadly -- with another team on the project -- it appears Spector's dream of continuing the Deus Ex conspiracy personally have indeed come to an end, for the time being.[34] Would much rather have seen a Deus Ex 3 developed by Spector (a legend) than the fools who were put in charge of it at Eidos.[34] Soon as Spector wants to make anything even reminiscent of Deus Ex, I will be standing by with my wallet.[16]
The first (one and only) Deus Ex - pre 9/11 - had an almost prophetic scenario, also thanks to the good writing. I remember reading, when Eidos took Ion Storm over, that Warren was trying to do something in the backend (unifying game-dev process, to make dev-cycles quicker?) Also, wanting to do his version of Tomb Raider.[7] Comparing "decent" to the original Deus Ex is like comparing a nice steak to a frozen pizza.[11]
Many major publishers won't go near a new game unless follow-up releases are almost a sure thing. What comes across as so crass and avaricious when it falls out of Bobby Kotick's mouth sounds more like solid long-term thinking when it's said by Warren Spector. [55] One of the sad things about this industry is the fact that somebody like Warren Spector has to fight to get any of his ideas or games done.[7]
"I don't do anything that isn't extensible," Spector told 1UP.com. "And I will certainly feel like that I have not done my job if we can't make other games in this world with these characters.[36]
Films from Pixar and Dreamworks along with computer games with increasingly sophisticated graphics have prompted Disney to re-evaluate the 71 year-old character.[4] In 2006 (the game's been kicked arond since 2004), NBC and Disney struck a deal: Disney got the rights to Oswald back, while Al Michaels would leave the Disney-owned ESPN and go work for NBC instead.[48] The game is set to be released by Disney Interactive Studios in fall 2010 exclusively for the Wii.[18] "We designed the game for a certain demographic," said Graham Hopper, exec VP-general manager of Disney Interactive Studios. "This game won't be easily played by a 4- to 5-year-old.[6]
By the time Steamboat Willie released, most United States movie theaters had installed sound, and Steamboat Willie was the first cartoon with synchronized sound. Other cartoon studios were still producing silent pictures and unable to compete with Disney.[40] Dear John. You stupid ass. my father LOVES Mickey, and by extension so do the rest of us, my mother, and my brother, and of course, ME. My father's 74 years old, and has Steamboat Willie on his boat, he's got collectible Mickeys all over the house. on the mailbox, lamps, figurines, stuffed Mickeys, name it. he's got it.[49] Graphically alone it looks incredible. P.s. they are not redoing Mickey. This is how he originally looked as Steamboat Willie.[17]
No, this is a creepy mean looking Mickey! Mickey is supposed to be fun and happy even if he is acting mischievous. The disconnect between appearance and action is part of the fun- he looks sweet and unsuspecting no matter what he may do- even if it's naughty. They might as well make a whole different mouse.[17] Let alone the number of Twitter apologies issued forth by Chris Brown and Kanye West. But when others do it in reverse and run their good-guy image through a darkside wash cycle, the task might be a little easier. Such is the case with the re-engineering of one Mickey Mouse.[45] "Mickey," short for Mickey Mouse, in the 1930s and 1940s was used by jazz fans to refer to pop bands unworthy of attention. as in "You don't want to go to the Hollywood Lounge tonight, it has a mickey band there."[43] Quick! Describe Mickey Mouse's personality in six words or less. Mickey is a lot of things, but specific he isn't.[28] Mickey Mouse is to get a makeover to heighten his appeal to youngsters of the video-game generation nurtured on computer-generated graphics and interactivity.[1] Whoa Jessica, your GRANDparents grew up watching Mickey Mouse on TV? I suddenly feel one generation older.[23] Mickey Mouse has been a given a mischievous makeover ''' unleashing the rascally rodent within.[22]
With the launch of " Epic Mickey," the iconic mouse of yesteryear will step over to the darkside.[24] Rather than the stiff corporate logo of yesteryear, Epic Mickey will offer a character who is more multifaceted, flexible, and fun.[49] We'll have more news on Epic Mickey - currently a Wii exclusive - just as soon as we can extract it.[51] Darkside Mickey Designed for Nintendo's Wii console, the game will replace Mickey's squeaky clean persona with one that is devious, mischievous and cunning.[24] The mechanics of the game were inspired by Mario Galaxy and Okami. If you played either of those masterpieces and know anything about gaming or old school disney - you should be excited for this Wii exclusive.[17] Sure the game sounds pretty desperate (even more so when you consider the original idea came from focus-grouped Disney interns) but you know what? We'll totally play it.[25] You had me there for a second, Spector. If the game stays true to the original vision, and plays decently, this could be a very good thing.[54] Spector describes the first as "a big, BIG fantasy game that I had been wanting to do for about 15 years.[50] Let's get the first one out before thinking of sequels! Robertd1138 said: Wasn't there supposed to be a big reveal for this game at the end of October in London? There was a media event, yes, but how much of that is embargoed I don't know.[46]
Daily Weekly GamesIndustry.biz is the world's most read and influential games industry website. "It's a tossup whether I check GamesIndustry.biz or make my morning coffee first, as both are essential to my early morning routine. I find GamesIndustry.biz a key component of my research, with the site's editors and reporters breaking news stories more often than any of its competitors."[32] Image courtesy of Google Images. News on Disney's new pet project has spread since it's first slew of sketches hit the internet more than a year ago.[42] As a shareholder and new parent I became reassured of what Disney stood for and was planning to do in the years to come.[49]
In the ensuing years, Mickey engaged in gun fights, hallucinated after consuming bug spray, partied until the police came, and indulged a wide variety of other antisocial activities. Although his behavior in the "Sorcerer's Apprentice" segment of 1940's Fantasia is comparatively mild, he still displays disobedience, laziness, and an almost frightening hunger for power. Tasked with hauling water to a basin, the mouse enchants a broom to do his job while he naps. As he dreams of wielding godlike power, the broom mechanically continues at its work, flooding the basin. [49] Over the years, Mickey's growing cast of co-stars took over the negative traits that make characters fun and approachable.[49] I'm all up for darker things but having Mickey as a darker character wouldn't be a good thing.[17]
We'll have to introduce a bevy of new pals not to leave any one out, including a handicapped Mickey (Sorry, I meant physically challenged), a midget Mickey, (jeez, I mean little person Mickey) an American Indian Mickey (the son of a casino owner,) an emo Mickey (who the others constantly encourage not to cut himself,) and most definitely an earth friendly green Al Gore Mickey.[21] Maybe the interns will even get a cut of the profits. Well, probably not: Mickey isn't the only one in this wasteland who can be "cunning" and "a little selfish" sometimes.[30]
Well. I guess I'm not surprised he was off the A-list for so long. While I speak for those who feel a disconnected mania for Mickey at best, I've got to express a certain admiration. For a has-been celeb, he's got the greatest endorsement deal of all time.[43] Mickey was my FAVORITE CARTOON as a toddler and it breaks my heart that my niece has no interest in him. This is going to make it 10 times worse.[17] Curiously, the original Mickey showed a roguish side. In 'Plane Crazy', his first cartoon, he forces himself on Minnie when she refuses to kiss him.[38] There are songs, skits, sight gags and cartoons. Donald is in a humbug mood, and Mickey wants his friend to have a Merry Christmas along with everyone else.[40] Belle, Ariel, Jasmine and Cinderella must share the same room as Timon and Pumbaa, Winnie the Pooh, the Mad Hatter, and the Seven Dwarfs, as well as countless others (even the villains) while Mickey and Minnie try to save the day by putting on a Christmas party for everyone. Donald Duck refuses to have his Christmas spirit elevated -- "Bah, humbug!" is his raspy retort to having his Christmas plans ruined.[44] How do you know some of them aren't? I have heard rumors about Goofy and Donald Duck. and isn't Mickey's voice just a bit high-pitched? I'm just sayin.[49]
Oswald is something of an antagonist in "Epic Mickey." He resents his brother's success and the love Walt had for Mickey.[6] The creepy mouse-like mecha walker seen earlier in the year is something that Epic Mickey should keep.[10]
I think to make this work with today's media, Mickey has to go politically correct - therefore we will have to have a Caucasian Mickey, an African American Mickey, a Hispanic Mickey, an Asian Mickey, and a gay Mickey who hang around with each other where ever they go.[21]
Seriously, ever since "naughty" crossed paths with "nurse" and "maid" and every female on Hugh Hefner's dance card, it should really just be off-limits to people whose jobs involve children. Luckily, Spector assures us that "Mickey is never going to be evil or go around killing people," mostly because the imagining of him as a coyly naughty-but-nice seducer is psychically troubling enough for one generation.[39] I would like to have seen Mickey head towards a Studio Gilbi style more beauty and depth.[19] Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is the chief inhabitant, a predecessor to Mickey who was abandoned in a dispute with Universal Studios.[20]
The little girl's confusion is completely understandable. It's been a long time since Mickey was funny.[49]
The designer revealed that his company, Junction Point Studios, was working on two projects before Disney came calling, eventually buying the studio. [50] As Warren Spector, Creative Director of Junction Point, says, "Holy cow, the opportunity to mess with one of the most recognizable icons on Planet Earth."[42] In my head, I've got two more planned," the Junction Point boss tells 1UP. "In the business world of reality, those games have not approved, and who knows if we'll ever see them.[51]
Spector is well aware of how unpredictable the gaming market can be. "In the business world of reality, those games have not approved, and who knows if we'll ever see them," he said. That doesn't be mean he's not holding out for a best case scenario, though.[36] Well, at least I'll finally be able to play it now (and maybe be old enough to appreciate it). Played through the whole game at least 5 times, and it's a big game.[9] @Qraze and David Quinn Carter There is actually an HD remake in the works by the mod community (project HDTP http://offtopicproductions.com/hdtp/). They are taking their sweet time though which is understandable since this game is so complex.[16] The story was incredible for the time it was relased and still holds up better than most games released today.[12]
Prime example of how a more immoral and somewhat more God-less nation only cares about dark, cynical and crude humor and lust. Can't image what will be the standard 20 years from now when these jaded kids become the future of America. Bad enough these kids are jaded by tv and video games (total inactivity and immoral training).[28] The most obvious step in the iconic mouse's makeover will be an upcoming video game.[49]
I prefer text bubbles anyway in a game like this. I don't mind talking through major cut scenes, but when everybody always talks, it's annoying to have to sit there and listen to their same crappy line of two of dialog over and over again. [27] One hell of a game, imo. It was a passable game, let's be honest, it wasn't actually very good. It wasn't very BAD either, though. IMHO they suffered from Command & Conquer syndrome - the original game had a storyline set in the near future, where things have changed but are still relatable to the player. Then they went all out into the far future with whiz-bang technology and crazy pyramids and such. the game was just another sci-fi thing at that point.[34]
He's best known as the cheerful and friendly cartoon icon of the Walt Disney Company. [20] For many of today's filmgoers, Disney's playful anarchy has been channeled into a variety of animated sidekicks like Beauty and the Beast's Lumiere, Aladdin's Genie or Toy Story's Buzz Lightyear.[49] Why can't our kids have something nice for a change, something sweet to combat all the REAL wickedness that surrounds us? Disney is all about fantasy, escapism, a way to put aside the concerns of the day and relax.[28] Totally agree with first comment, the Studio Ghibli approach has beauty and depth but also emotional complexity (characters behave "badly" sometimes as well as heroically or courageously) and enough peril to satisfy kids action needs. Having said that I was totally perplexed by Ponyu but my daughter loved it.[19] Dialogue can be interesting, but i prefer the protagonists' to be kept to a minimum. I mean, yea, it's artistic for everyone to speak with a voice except the main character, but there's another reason there if you really think about it. He already has a replacement voice. Don't recall the new guy's name, but he was in reserve for a few years before Allwine's unfortunate passing.[27] Kids have enough "aggression" from various media entities and channels. I get what they're trying to do and surely their New Generation Characters (Pixar set) fill this "gap in the market."[19]
Now, the Fed has spelled out the conditions that could prompt it to raise rates earlier, including '''low rates of resource utilisation, subdued inflation trends and stable inflation expectations.''' Automaker Chrysler, still building itself up since its government bailout and hasty partnership with Fiat, has embraced a softer tone, the New York Times reports. At a meeting yesterday, its executives spoke in a '''subdued''' and '''understated''' way about the company'''s financials and future plans.[37]
Disney CEO Bob Iger personally took on the task of reacquiring the rights to Oswald from Universal in 2006. [6] The rights for the Deus Ex franchise are at the moment in the possession of Eidos, which has been recently bought by Japanese publisher Square Enix.[14]
While Donald has foibles and actual character, the Mouse was embalmed by the Corporation long ago. [43] Younger generations that grew up with Adult Swim and Manga comics are favoring edgier cartoon characters like Stewie Griffin from " Family Guy," and more scatological humor about'' bodily functions and sexual preferences.[24] I am surprised they did not give me SPIKED HAIR & EARS like every other cartoon character.[17]
You can see hundreds of public domain cartoon videos in the store, many titled with the name of a (presumably) still trademarked character, but not using a more protected trademarked logo. If a character appears on the box, it's usually from a frame grab or a very badly drawn likeness (because no self-respecting cartoon artist would work for such an operation).[43]
IW took away ammo types, skills, weapon mods, but also made the augs swappable--which I think removed a lot of the consequence of the first game. [16] I think the problem here is that some people don't realize that they've only shown us one level from the whole game.[27]
SOURCES
1. Mickey Mouse to be put in touch with his 'inner rat' - Times Online
2. After makeover, Mickey is no more Mr Nice Guy - US - World - The Times of India
3. Mickey Mouse to get a makeover - News, TV & Radio - The Independent
4. Mickey Mouse gets tough - Marketing news - Marketing magazine
5. Mickey's makeover means meaner mouse - Times Online
6. Disney takes Mickey back to his roots - Entertainment News, TV News, Media - Variety
7. Gamasutra - News - Spector 'Not Done' With Deus Ex, Visualizes Successor
8. Spector reveals spiritual successor to Deus Ex - CIO.de
9. bit-tech.net | Spector tried to buy Deus Ex rights
10. Original Artwork for Epic Mickey Will Not Be Used - Went a bit too far - Softpedia
11. Slashdot Games Story | Spector Tried To Gain Back Rights To Deus Ex
12. Warren Spector So Not Done With Deus Ex | Kotaku Australia
13. Fragland.net V4 :: Warren Spector wanted Deus Ex, didnt get it
14. Warren Spector Has a Vision for Deus Ex Successor - Now property of Disney - Softpedia
15. The Escapist : News : Warren Spector: Deus Ex "Is Not Done For Me"
16. Destructoid - Spector tried to obtain Deus Ex, planned a successor
17. Perez Hilton: Mickey Gets A Makeover!
18. Mickey Mouse to Show Dark Side in New Video Game
19. "Epic Mickey" Disney Reinventing The Classic Character - PSFK
20. Mickey Mouse gets a makeover - and this time Disney's giving him a dark side | Mail Online
21. Marketing: How Would You Remake Mickey Mouse? - Adages - Advertising Age
22. Mickey Mouse Gets Makeover For Computer Game That Unleashes His Dark Side | World News | Sky News
23. Mickey Mouse Got A Makeover. But What About Minnie? | The Frisky
24. How "Mickey Mouse" Is Re-Branding? | InventorSpot
25. Disney to Make Mickey Mouse Relevant Again With Terrifying New Video Game -- Vulture
26. Mickey Mouse reinvented as action hero- Hindustan Times
27. Epic Mickey is the strong, silent type (of cartoon mouse)
28. Mickey Mouse gets his edge back
29. Mickey Kicks Butt & Takes Names In New Video Game - wbztv.com
30. Disney Making Mickey Mouse Tougher - Pressed - Portfolio.com
31. News: Disney Trades a Voice for Mickey's Brother, But Gives the Mouse No Voice of His Own - Kombo.com
32. Spector plans spirtual successor to Deus Ex // News
33. Spector wanted to buy Deus Ex - News - play.tm
34. Spector talks initial Disney pitches, hints at spiritual successor to Deus Ex
35. Video Games Republic » Epic Mickey trilogy planned
36. 'Epic Mickey' Could See Two Sequels » MTV Multiplayer
37. Mickey Mouse'''s Makeover | The Big Money
38. Mickey: no more Mr Mice guy - World News, Frontpage - Independent.ie
39. Mickey Mouse's 'Naughty' Makeover Promises to be Disturbing - Mickey Mouse - Gawker
40. DVD: Mickey'''s Magical Christmas | Gosh!TV
41. Business finance news - currency market news - online UK currency markets - financial news - Interactive Investor
42. Epic Mickey: Possible Makeover?
43. Change of Subject: Putting a little rat into Mickey Mouse
44. The Trades - DVD Review: Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse
45. Mickey Mouse Gets Mean | The Atlantic Wire
46. Spector Considering Epic Mickey Sequels at C3 News
47. Disney's "Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed In At The House Of Mouse" Review | Disney Dreaming
48. Al Michaels Instrumental In Epic Mickey Storyline | Kotaku Australia
49. Mickey Mouse gets a makeover -- DailyFinance
50. Spector Not Done With Deus Ex | NowGamer
51. Sequels planned for Epic Mickey - News - play.tm
52. Warren Spector Wants Two More Epic Mickey Games - News - Gaming Union
53. Disney's Epic Mickey Video Game
54. Destructoid - Mickey remains silent in Epic Mickey plus sequel talk
55. The Escapist : News : Warren Spector Plans an Epic Mickey Trilogy
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