Disney Illusion Island: A Magical Metroidvania Adventure
Disney and developer Dlala Studios have announced an exciting new game called Disney Illusion Island, set to release in 2022. As soon as I heard about it, I knew it had to be at the top of my must-play list for the year. There are several reasons why it caught my attention—the stunning visuals, the exceptional voice acting, and the opportunity to play as beloved Disney characters in a Metroidvania-style adventure. But what really sealed the deal for me was the snippet of composer David Housden’s score in the reveal trailer. It was clear that this team was onto something special.
The music in Disney Illusion Island is uniquely Disney. It captures the essence of what makes Disney music so recognizable, while also offering something fresh and original. When I finally had the chance to play the game earlier this summer, I found myself humming along to the fantastic score throughout my entire playthrough. It quickly became one of my favorite soundtracks of the year. So, naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to interview Housden, the talented composer behind the game’s music.
Before we dive into the interview, I’m excited to exclusively reveal a behind-the-scenes Making Of video that delves into the process of creating the game’s score. You can watch it below:
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Pop Punk Beginnings
This isn’t the first collaboration between Housden and Dlala Studios. Housden previously composed music for the studio’s 2020 Battletoads revival and their mobile game, Janksy. He has a long-standing professional relationship with Dlala CEO and Illusion Island director AJ Grand-Scrutton. However, their history goes even further back to their shared love of pop-punk music in England. They initially crossed paths in the local music scene before Housden joined one of Grand-Scrutton’s bands.
Housden’s academic background focused on music, but not specifically game music. However, his dissertation explored the techniques and technologies employed in modern video game soundtracks, indicating his passion for the medium. Grand-Scrutton, on the other hand, was working with Jagex, the team behind the popular game Runescape, honing his skills in development and quality assurance.
Their paths continued to intertwine throughout their careers, with Housden working on recompositions for renowned game series like Silent Hill and Dead Island. Eventually, he collaborated with Mike Bithell, the leader of Bithell Games, on the score for the BAFTA award-winning game Thomas Was Alone. Grand-Scrutton playfully jokes about the transition from zombie games to a game about squares, but it’s clear that their creative partnership has flourished over the years.
Mutual Admiration and Trust
Dlala Studios had no hesitation in choosing Housden to compose the score for Illusion Island. In fact, they considered him the only choice for the job. Comparing their partnership to the collaboration between composer Hans Zimmer and director Christopher Nolan, I couldn’t help but draw the comparison. However, Grand-Scrutton asserts that even if given the opportunity to work with Zimmer, he would have still chosen Housden. Their friendship and strong working relationship shine through during our interview, even over a webcam.
According to Grand-Scrutton, Housden’s talent is not the only reason for their successful collaboration. He values how well they work together and the trust they have built over the years. Grand-Scrutton mentions the often humorous process of providing briefs for Housden, referencing Power Rangers theme songs and ’80s wrestler Hulk Hogan’s theme for Battletoads. Despite the eccentric briefs, Housden always manages to deliver exactly what Grand-Scrutton envisioned. Their synergy is a testament to their deep connection and shared understanding of each other’s creative vision.
Housden also commends Grand-Scrutton, acknowledging that he doesn’t receive enough credit for his contributions to their working relationship. He admires Grand-Scrutton’s ability to grasp the essence of their projects and create compelling briefs. Their personal relationship has played a significant role in their creative process, and Housden couldn’t imagine working with anyone else.
A Disney Sound of Their Own
When Housden first embarked on creating the score for Disney Illusion Island, he naturally leaned towards the Disney Renaissance period of the 1990s—the era of films like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. However, both Dlala and Disney had a different vision in mind. They wanted to capture the sound of 1930s Jazz and Ragtime music, which characterized the early days of Mickey Mouse and Disney animation.
Housden remarks that the sweeping and romantic sound of composers like Alan Menken defined the Disney music of that era. However, he quickly realized that Mickey Mouse has his own unique sound, deeply rooted in Jazz and Ragtime, which was popular during the time of his creation. This style has evolved over the years, incorporating elements like heavy metal and dubstep in recent Mickey Mouse shorts. Nonetheless, at its core, the music remains rooted in the Jazz and Ragtime tradition, featuring unconventional scales and iconic instrumentation like whistles.
In Illusion Island, each area has its own distinct musical identity, much like the different “lands” within Disney parks. Housden took inspiration from Disneyland’s various areas to create themes that fit the different biomes of the game. The Botany realm, for example, is filled with percussion and wind instruments, while the Engineering biome incorporates more metallic sounds. Even the underwater sections have their own unique musical elements, featuring the ocarina, an instrument reminiscent of a shell.
The Challenge of Capturing Disney Magic
Creating the music for Illusion Island was both an exciting opportunity and a daunting challenge for Housden. Using a full orchestra to perform his compositions was a dream come true, but he also felt the weight of the task. As a self-taught musician without a background in traditional music education, Housden relied on his ears and instincts to create music that evoked the essence of Disney.
He admits that writing music that captures the spirit of Disney is a tall order, requiring years of classical training. However, his natural inclination towards pop-infused melodies and catchy tunes helped him create music that resonates with players. For Housden, the key is not to overthink the process but to trust his instincts and create music that he and his collaborators are happy with.
The orchestra adds an extra layer of magic to the score, elevating it to the level of Disney park music. The experience of hearing his compositions played by some of the world’s best performers was both thrilling and intimidating for Housden. However, he managed to overcome the challenge, producing a score that has struck a chord with players and critics alike.
A Magical Reception
Since its release on the Nintendo Switch in July, Disney Illusion Island has received a warm reception from players. Grand-Scrutton and Housden are both thrilled with the positive feedback and the emotional connections players have formed with the game. Grand-Scrutton fondly recalls his own childhood memories of playing games like Top Gun and Super Mario with his parents. He is delighted to see families creating their own core memories through the game and is proud to have been a part of that experience.
Housden’s joy comes from seeing how the music he poured his heart and soul into has resonated with players. He believes that music is often overlooked in video games, even though it plays a crucial role in enhancing the player’s emotional connection to the game. Being able to contribute to a Disney project was a significant milestone for Housden, and the positive reception of the score has been incredibly rewarding for him.
As we wrap up our interview, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for Disney Illusion Island. The combination of Dlala Studios’ creative vision, Housden’s exceptional musical talent, and the magical world of Disney promises to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience. I, for one, can’t wait to explore Illusion Island and immerse myself in its captivating visuals, gameplay, and, of course, its enchanting soundtrack.
Disney Illusion Island was released on the Nintendo Switch on July 28. Don’t miss out on this magical adventure, and be sure to check out our in-depth review of the game. Let us know in the comments below what you think of Disney Illusion Island and its captivating soundtrack!
(Note: The content of this article is based on an interview conducted with David Housden and AJ Grand-Scrutton. Quotes and statements are attributed to them and have been edited for clarity and conciseness.)