[NYCC 2012] Preview: Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Illusion unveils new Little Mermaid level

At New York Comic Con this year, Junction Point unveiled a brand new level – or rather, brand new hall in the Castle of Illusion – in the upcoming 3DS side-scrolling platformer Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Illusion.

For those of you unfamiliar with the game, Power of Illusion is a sequel of sorts to the old SEGA classic Castle of Illusion. In the game, Mickey Mouse travels to Wasteland – the resting place for the Castle of Illusion – to rescue Minnie Mouse from Mizrabel's evil clutches. The castle consists of several halls, all filled with illusions of iconic Disney universes. To date, we've had two confirmed halls based on Disney films – Peter Pan and Aladdin.

However, today we learned a third world: The Little Mermaid. Like the other wings of the castle, this one has themed elements from The Little Mermaid, which means you platform under the sea.

The first part of the wing is the typical castle platforming, but once you get into the second wing you travel underwater. This is where it gets really neat because it changes the physics of the game (don't worry, it isn't annoying underwater swimming physics seen in most platformers). While underwater, Mickey's jumps are accentuated allowing you to jump higher and fall slower. There are also streams of water that can either push you up or down.

Gameplay physics aside, the environment of The Little Mermaid wing is beautiful. In my past previews, I've already touted how impressive looking Power of Illusion is. Despite the relative simplicity of its 16-bit nature, Junction Point has managed to create something visually appealing, that even works with the 3DS' 3D setting. The Little Mermaid level not only continues in the right direction, but enhances it with dazzling water features.

I've only played three of the levels from Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion, but from what I've played, this is definitely a game that should be on your radar if you own a Nintendo 3DS. Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion is due out November 18, 2012.