In the last six months, I think I’ve talked more about classic Disney games from my childhood than I have in the last five years. Today’s topic of discussion? Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse. Or, more accurately, the HD re-release that’s launching next month.

We’ll be able to dive back into an HD version of this classic starting on Sept. 3 and 4 on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.

Today, we bring news of the PlayStation Network’s special pre-order bonus. If you reserve your digital version of the game between now and Sept. 2, you’ll get three things. You’ll get an avatar set, a dynamic theme and, last but not least, immediate access to the original Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse.

This is one of Sega’s best efforts ever. If you’re buying the HD remake on the PlayStation 3 next month, might I suggest jumping ahead and dropping the cash now so that you can enjoy the original in all its glory?

While the PlayStation Blog does indicate that this is their pre-order exclusive, there has been some rumbling that it applies to the other platforms as well. We’ll let you know if that’s the case.

Are you looking forward to this remake of Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse? I had a chance to check it out at E3, and I loved it then.

Use a chess clock to keep track of move and play times
Tick tock

Use a chess clock to keep track of move and play times

These chess clocks feature dual clocks for players to control their own timers, and loud alarms so everyone knows when time is up. These clocks can be used for other 2-person games, like checkers, that may benefit from a game timer.