Disney announced that it’s releasing Disney Infinity, an new Disney-themed cross-platform video game in which players can play as prominent Disney and Pixar film and TV characters.
The huge appeal to the game is the ability to have various and seemingly unrelated Disney and Pixar interact in the same world, mimicking “how kids play in real life.” If feels like a video game version of fan fiction, in a good way.
The game essentially is built on the enormously popular Skylanders model, where players purchase mini collectible figurines of various characters and then “beam” them into the game using the Disney Infinity base. The game also incorporates elements of other games such as world-building aspect of Minecraft and the zaniness of Just Cause.
The playable characters shown in the “cast photo” (below) mostly seem to be from Pixar franchises—Cars, Monsters Inc. and The Incredibles—but there are some Disney ones in the mix—Toy Story, Pirates of the Caribbean, Wreck-It Ralph, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie and Phineas & Ferb.
Here are a few more details from the press release:
In a way that only Disney can, Disney Infinity integrates collectible character figures that come to life in the game. These figures provide experiences that are true to these characters and stories, as well as the opportunity to bring characters from various Disney and Pixar films to play together in a virtual “Toy Box.” This all-new game universe will launch in June across all consoles and will have a phased roll out across mobile and online devices throughout 2013.Throughout each story-driven experience, called a “Play Set,” players will solve challenging puzzles, battle enemies and explore iconic locations from famous Disney properties, while collecting unique characters, vehicles, and gadgets from each world and saving them to a virtual “Toy Box.” Players can access their “Toy Box” and build and customize their own unique virtual world using their favorite characters, vehicles, settings and accessories. Disney Infinity allows players the opportunity to share these unique creations in the “Toy Box” mode with friends both online and off.The Disney Infinity Platform includes:
- Disney Infinity Interactive Pieces – Initially a line of 40 collectible interactive pieces will be introduced that allow players to expand and customize their play experiences.
- Disney Infinity Interactive Character Figures – Seventeen character figures will allow players to experience a variety of their favorite characters in true to property experiences and in “Toy Box” mode.
- Disney Infinity Base – When figures are placed on the Infinity base, they unlock the world and play experiences of Disney Infinity.
- Disney Infinity Power Discs – Interactive discs can be placed on the Infinity base to power up characters and “Toy Box” with unique powers, customizations and gadgets.
Just as Kingdom Hearts was a huge success for Disney, it’s seems like a no brainer that Disney Infinity is going to be a huge hit. Disney isn’t limiting the game to just a few consoles either, but rather opening it essentially anywhere games can be found. The game will be available Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, Wii, PC, mobile devices, and Nintendo 3DS.
Disney Infinity will be released on the gaming consoles in June 2013. While the mobile and online devices will have a phased roll out throughout 2013.
Check out the trailer below!
Will you buy Disney Infinity? What character are you most excited to play as?
