For more on Epic Mickey 2: The Power Of Two, check out our full Epic Mickey 2: The Power Of Two review. Or, for more of the best Nintendo Wii U games for a 10 year old, why not try our Family Game Finder
Given it's emphasis on all things Disney, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is likely to be a pretty big hit with the little ones. With the world of forgotten cartoon characters, Wasteland, in trouble, Mickey is called away from his world to set things straight again, this time with the help of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Essentially a platform game, you'll need to use a combination of Mickey's magical paintbrush and thinner pot to paint in the scenery, defeat enemies and solve puzzles if you plan on saving the world. Oswald also has his own set of unique abilities, armed with a remote control capable of sending out electrical impulses to stun enemies and kick-start the machines that you'll find scattered across the landscape.
What may prove frustrating is Oswald's hopelessness when playing in single-player - controlled by the game, he spends most of his time on the opposite side of the screen wandering aimlessly around, often completely blanking you pressing the button to call him over to help with a puzzle. It's much better if you have someone who can take over as the rabbit in two player co-operative rather than rely on the game to help you in your time of need.
Mickey himself is controlled with dual analogue sticks of the GamePad - similar to the control scheme you'll find on games like Gears of War, Call of Duty and Halo, which may pose problems for unfamiliar kids. Oswald meanwhile, gets to keep the same Wii Remote and Nunchuck controls of the first Epic Mickey game, perhaps making him the better choice for younger, less able players.
It has a few shortcomings, and can seem a bit challenging/awkward at some points, but if they've played the previous Epic Mickey game and enjoyed - or indeed, some of the Disney film tie-in titles - the odds are they'll have a blast with Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two too.
Like most things Disney, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is as squeaky clean as you'd expect - there's no blood, guts or gore whatsoever. Mostly, Mickey Mouse uses his magical paintbrush to befriend enemies by blasting them with a spray of paint, as well as using it to help out many of Wasteland's inhabitants - although mischievous mice could potentially run amok with Mickey's other weapon, his bucket of thinner. With this, you can rub out parts of the landscape, erase enemies from existence (who turn into a puddle and disappear) and cause all sorts of chaos for the villagers. But being a bad egg has it's consequences too, and you'll find people treat you differently...
Age Ratings
Format Reviewed: Nintendo Wii U
