Epic Mickey is, well, epic!

I have great respect for "Kingdom Hearts," the dynamic adventure game that eloquently blends the Walt Disney and Final Fantasy worlds. I honestly thought Disney could do no better. But I might be wrong.

"Epic Mickey," a new game purportedly for the Nintendo Wii, could top the "Kingdom Hearts" games if these early concept renderings are any indication. The artwork by Fred Gambino and Gary Glover takes such a unique approach that I simply had to share it with you. It's amazing.

Oddly enough, I might have dismissed the art had I seen it before CONvergence. But my trip this year to the annual geeky gathering in Minnesota helped me better understand the steampunk genre, which strongly influenced these "Epic Mickey" designs. It probably doesn't hurt, either, that I'm midway through reading "The Time Machine" at the moment.

Alternate realities have long proven an enjoyable mental exercise for me, whether it's debating with comrades whether B could have happened without A, or viewing such science fiction movies. And the crazed tale associated with "Epic Mickey" — that forgotten Disney characters are out to get their revenge on Mickey, presumably because they're jealous of all his fame and fortune — piques my interest nicely.

Because it's not yet officially announced, we know precious little about the game. Is it a strategy game? A role-playing game? Is it easy on the dystopia? Does it have a harder edge? I'm anxious to know — and many other gamers are similarly curious. Here's hoping we get an official announcement and additional information for the game soon!