Format: Cartridge
Genre: 2d platformer
Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega

Who says that first generation games on a platform are usually lackluster in the graphics department? Castle of Illusion has astonishingly good artwork-- some of the stages almost defy belief-- and the whole thing is wrapped in one of the most silky-smooth and polished presentations you can find on the Genesis. Aesthetically, much of the game-- but especially the bosses-- straddle a marvelous line between Disney-cute, and creepy and threatening. It's wonderful!

One can tell the composer for this game worked very closely with the art director, because that Disney cuteness seemingly warped with the slight sense of a crazed mind comes across in the soundtrack as well. The understated way in which the music and sound effects weave into the fabric of the game-- grabbing attention when appropriate, then receding into the background again-- is the work of genius.

Castle of Illusion has got to have the best character physics of any platformer ever. Mickey feels light and floaty, yet fine and precise-- you can drop him right on the pixel you want, and also maneuver him through the air perfectly. The stages are full of wonderful themes and have unpredictable structures-- some even contain themed sub-levels.

In the domain of Sega Genesis platformers, if Sonic the Hedgehog is like a fattening hot dog with french fries, and Kid Chameleon is like a full three-course meal with all of the trappings, then Castle of Illusion is like a brownie sundae-- you probably won't eat one every day and can't really live off of them, but when you do have one it's creamy and delicious.