Remembering Disney Infinity 2013-2016
Disney Infinity was a series of toys-to-life video games first developed by Avalanche Software and published by Disney Interactive Studios way back in 2013. Disney released Infinity to compete with Activision’s Skylanders. The game had a unique twist, allowing players to collect physical figures and use them as playable characters in-game, adding an element of collectability to the experience.
One of the highlights of the Disney Infinity games was the inclusion of popular characters from across the Disney and Pixar universes, allowing players to take control of iconic heroes and villains like Jack Sparrow, Mr. Incredible, Elsa, and Darth Vader. The character models were beautifully designed, and the voice acting was top-notch, making the game an immersive experience for Disney fans of all ages.
The series was available on various platforms including PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and PC.
Disney Infinity 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0
The first version of Disney Infinity was released in 2013 and was simply called Disney Infinity. This version featured a variety of different playsets, which were essentially levels that were themed around different Disney properties, such as Monsters University or Pirates of the Caribbean. Players would use physical figures, which were sold separately, to access these playsets and play as their favorite characters.
In 2014 and the second game was released – Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes. As the name suggests, this version of the game introduced a lot of Marvel superheroes into the mix, such as Iron Man, Thor, and Spider-Man. This version also added a new mode called the Toy Box, which allowed players to create their own custom levels and games using assets from across the Disney universe.
Disney Infinity 3.0. The third and final version of the game was released in 2015. This version introduced Star Wars characters into the game, allowing players to play as characters such as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Yoda. This version also expanded on the Toy Box mode, allowing players to create even more complex and detailed levels than before.
Sadly Disney Infinity 4.0 was never released. The game’s development was cancelled in 2016 after Disney decided to discontinue the Disney Infinity series altogether. The decision was made due to the increasing costs of game development and production, as well as the changing landscape of the toys-to-life genre. The developers shifted their focus to other projects, and the Disney Infinity series was officially shut down. Despite the cancellation of Disney Infinity 4.0, the previous versions of the game still have a strong following among fans of the series.
Gameplay
The gameplay itself was a mix of open-world exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Players could explore various worlds inspired by Disney and Pixar properties, each with their unique storyline and missions. The game also featured a “Toy Box” mode that allowed players to create their custom worlds, levels, and games using a vast array of assets, tools, and logic tools.
While each version of Disney Infinity had some differences, they all shared the core gameplay mechanic of using physical figurines to access different playsets and characters. They also all allowed players to create their own custom levels using the Toy Box mode, which was a unique and innovative feature that set the game apart from other similar titles.
Complaints
While the game had many strengths, it was not without its flaws. The game’s combat mechanics were often simplistic, and the platforming elements could feel repetitive at times. Also, the requirement to purchase additional physical figures to unlock certain characters and levels could be a turn-off for some players.
Playing Disney Infinity Today
Since discontinuing the series in 2016, Disney has subsequently stopped making new figures for the game. Because of this, you’re basically left with finding used figures on eBay or old stock on Amazon. You can still get most of the characters fairly cheap, however some can get a little pricier depending on their rarity and condition.
Overall, the Disney Infinity games were a fun and engaging experience, offering players a chance to explore the Disney universe in an entirely new way. While the game may have had its shortcomings, it was still a fantastic option for gamers looking for a family-friendly experience that blended the worlds of Disney and gaming.
