Disney Illusion Island

Dlala Studios | Disney Games

2D Platformer | Nintendo Switch (2023), PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S (2025)

Reviewed on Xbox Series X

I have fond memories of playing Castle of Illusion with my cousin on Sega Genesis, so I was pleasantly surprised to see this spiritual successor from Dlala Studios, the team behind the 2023 Battletoads reboot. Disney Illusion Island launched as a Nintendo Switch exclusive in 2023 before arriving on other platforms in 2025. I picked it up during the 2025 Holiday sale on Xbox, and had to give it a shot just because I love the art style so much.

Disney Illusion Island is best described as a Metroidvania-lite. Gameplay centers on platforming mechanics such as double jumping, wall-bouncing acrobatics and avoiding enemies rather than fighting them. As you progress, you gain new abilities that unlock previously inaccessible areas of the map. Gameplay is broken up by some really excellent cutscenes featuring the same animated charm as Dlala’s 2023 Battletoads. The adventure spans across three distinct biomes (each ending with a boss battle) and clocks in around 8 to 10 hours; excellent for a weekend game.

Platforming is excellent, and remarkably accessible. Adjustable difficulty means whether you’re introducing someone to platformers or a platforming veteran, you’ll find a sweet spot of challenge. Controls are tight and responsive - which is incredibly important to the genre. Visually, it’s a treat for cartoon fans: vibrant colors, clean outlines, and character designs that pop off the screen while keeping the Disney cartoon charm. Four player co-op is an option as well, if you can round up the pals. I played through solo and never felt like anything was unbalanced for single player.

The game isn’t without friction points. Enemy encounters can feel frustrating since you’re always dodging rather than fighting back. Some players may find the constant evasion and acrobatic mechanics more stressful than satisfying. The constant need to chain together precise platforming sequences won’t appeal to everyone. You also won’t find the sprawling depth of many other Metroidvanias. This is more of a weekend rental than something you’ll be playing for 40 hours.

If you’re looking for a fun game to consume a weekend, look no further. If you see it on sale, even better! I especially recommend Disney Illusion Island to those curious about Metroidvanias, or more challenging 2D platformers, as Dlala has done an excellent job making the genre accessible. I also recommend it to animation fans; the cutscenes are genuinely enjoyable and very well done. However, if you just don’t like these kinds of games, or are looking for a gameplay sequel to Castle of Illusion, this isn’t for you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Good:

• Solid, accessible platforming with adjustable difficulty
• Gorgeous hand-drawn animation style
• 8-10 hours long

Bad:

• No way to dispatch of enemies
• Precision platforming can be an acquired taste