Disney Infinity (series)
| Disney Infinity | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genres |
Action-adventure Sandbox Toys-to-life[1] |
| Developers | Avalanche Software |
| Publishers | Disney Interactive Studios |
| Platforms | Xbox 360, Nintendo 3DS, Wii, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android, Apple TV |
| First release |
Disney Infinity August 18, 2013 |
| Latest release |
Disney Infinity 3.0 August 30, 2015 |
Disney Infinity was an action-adventure sandbox toys-to-life[2][3] video game series developed by Avalanche Software. The setting of the series is a giant customizable universe of imagination, known as the Toy Box, populated with toy versions of iconic Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters. As Avalanche Software was closed down on May 10, 2016, Disney announced that the franchise would be retired.[4]
Games
The first game, Disney Infinity was released on August 18, 2013 for Xbox 360, Nintendo 3DS, Wii, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Microsoft Windows and iOS. The second game, Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes was released on September 23, 2014 for Wii U, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, iOS, and Microsoft Windows. The third and final game, Disney Infinity 3.0 was released on August 30, 2015 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Wii U, iOS and Android.[5] The series was discontinued on May 10, 2016, due to Avalanche Software's closure, despite some sources stating that there were some major plans in place to keep the series alive, and the presence of numerous new characters and playsets previously planned.[6]
Gameplay
Disney Infinity are action-adventure games with physical toys, open world creation and story-driven gameplay. Characters, playsets and other features are brought into the game using figurines and discs with the included Infinity Base. With the exception of non-humanoid characters, such as those from the Cars series, each character has a double jump and a default set of attacks, as well as an ability unique to each figure. For example, Sulley and Jack Skellington can roar to scare others while Violet and Randy can turn invisible. There are two main modes in this game: Play Set[7] and Toy Box.[8] Each playset is essentially a self-contained world with its own gameplay, based on a specific film or series with recognizable characters and storylines. Characters from one world cannot enter into another world, but players can put any characters together in Toy Box mode. Toy Box is a sandbox mode that players can fully customize and explore.
Play Set mode
There are a number of playsets available in the series, which are accessed via placing the relevant playset piece onto the Infinity Base and are based upon several intellectual property franchises. These playsets include:
- Disney Infinity 1.0
- Disney Infinity 2.0
- Disney Infinity 3.0
- Star Wars: Twilight of the Republic
- Star Wars: Rise Against the Empire
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- Inside Out
- Finding Dory
- Marvel Cinematic Universe
These playsets have their own unique campaign, which can be played with up to two players. However, all characters from a specific franchise can play in their respective playset (for example, Mr. Incredible can't be used in the Pirates of the Caribbean playset), meaning two figures from the same series are required to play a play-set in split-screen multiplayer. However, Marvel and Star Wars playsets feature collectable "Crossover/Champion coins", which enable to use certain characters from different playsets.[7] Playing through play set unlocks objects and vehicles that can be used in the Toy Box mode.
Toy Box mode
Toy Box mode[9] allows players to create their own game in an open-world arena. Players can mix and match everything that is unlocked within each of the play-sets including characters, weapons and gadgets. By unlocking new content in the Disney Infinity play-sets, players are able to build their own worlds and essentially create their own game.[9] There are various "adventures" in this mode, which help teach the player how to use the mode's tools. Players can also earn "spins" by playing through playsets or leveling up their characters, which can be used to unlock additional items. The mode supports online multiplayer, in which players can play around with items that only the other player has, albeit only during that session.
A portable Toy Box became available in late 2013, exclusively for the iPad.[10] A version of the Toy Box is also available for Microsoft Windows. These versions of the Toy Box utilize the web codes included with each Disney Infinity character.
Physical elements
The Infinity Base[11] has two round spots to place figurines, and a hexagonal spot to place world discs. When the figurines are placed on the Infinity Base, the characters are imported into the game, while world discs unlock Play Sets.[8]
Power Discs are discs that can be placed on the Infinity Base along with their characters to add new elements to the game. Players can use up to three environment enhancements (Hexagonal Power Discs) that can only be used in the toy box mode and up to two character enhancements (Circular Power Discs) per character. The environment enhancements can alter the terrain, change the background "sky," add new vehicles or add new weapons. The character enhancements will alter things about the character such as damage done, replenish health, allow for faster experience gain for leveling and so on. One Power Disc is included with the Starter Pack while additional discs are sold in blind bags each containing two discs.[12]
Characters
^PC – Windows version only
^Con – Console versions (^Mob and mobile version) only; update download required
References
- ↑ http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/herocomplex/la-et-hc-the-player-e3-toys-to-life-20150613-story.html#page=1
- ↑ Martens, Todd. "Toys-to-life gaming at E3 is set to land big, but it's not all child's play". LA Times. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
- ↑ Williams, Katie (May 4, 2015). "Toys-To-Life Are Gaming's Hottest-selling Accessory of 2015". IGN. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
- ↑ "Disney is ending its Infinity video game line, shutting down Avalanche Software". May 10, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
- ↑ Cork, Jeff (May 5, 2015). "June Cover Revealed – Disney Infinity 3.0". Game Informer. Retrieved May 6, 2015.
- ↑ http://www.iheartinfinity.com/disney-infinitys-ambitious-plans-future-cancelled/
- 1 2 Disney INFINITY (29 May 2013). "Disney INFINITY Playsets". Disney INFINITY Figures. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
- 1 2 Nichols, Scott (18 January 2013). "Disney Infinity preview: Skylanders challenger not the usual toy story". Digital Spy. Retrieved 21 January 2013.
- 1 2 "Disney Infinity Toy Box Mode". Disney Infinity. 29 May 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
- ↑ Butts, Steve (August 14, 2013). "Disney Infinity Goes Mobile". IGN. Retrieved August 20, 2013.
- ↑ "Disney launches Infinity video game that costs more than an iPad Mini". Daily Mail. January 16, 2013. Retrieved January 17, 2013.
- ↑ "Disney INFINITY Figures — Power Discs". Disney Infinity Figures. 24 April 2013. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
- ↑ https://twitter.com/DisneyInfinity/status/596015252388618240