When Epic Mickey 2 was released on the larger consoles several months ago, it received decidedly average reviews - and deservedly so. It wasn't value for money as a full-priced game.
But its port to the PS Vita handheld with its pick-up/put-down nature, plus a vastly reduced price-tag, makes thegame far more palatable.
Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two returns Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney's first character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, to Wasteland, a world filled with 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions.
In single player mode, the AI frustratingly controls Oswald as Mickey's sidekick, but it's not until you play wireless co-op with a friend that Oswald's ability to control electricity comes to the fore. The co-op is drop-in/drop-out, but with the AI being almost an oxymoron, you'll be hoping your friend does more dropping in than dropping out.
The Vita's touch controls are utilised to control Mickey's magical paintbrush that wields paint and thinner, and the few racing levels use the tilt feature to reasonably good effect.
The smaller screen definitely does the game's graphics a favour,
But despite the game coming across better on the portable format, and having some fun platforming moments, Epic Mickey: The Power of Two is still a sub-par, occasionally infuriating game. But the low price makes it worth a look, especially with a like-minded, Vita-owning friend.
