With the release ofFunko Fusion, Funko Pop fanatics finally have a game that celebrates the entire Funko brand. Not only does it whisk players across dozens of franchises filled with Funko Pops, but it also sheds light on many of the brand’s biggest products. Although the game plays much like any other collect-a-thon on the market right now, one element ofFunko Fusionfeels like a blast from gaming’s past.
At first glance,Funko Fusiondoes not really do things that differently fromthe likes of the LEGO franchise. However, 10:10 Games has actually tied the entire experience directly with Funko Pops themed after the various characters within the game. These Funko Pops are great ways for players to add their favorite characters to their collections, yet they also serve a far greater purpose within the game, as they can actually bring these characters to life.
Funko Fusion Has all the Makings of a Toys-to-Life Title
Funko Fusion’s Funko Pops Have Revived the Toys-to-Life Concept
Before the release ofFunko Fusion,Funko unveiled an assortment of different Funko Popsgeared towards fans of the game. They could find the likes of Freddy Funko, Eddy, He-Man, Shaun, a Cylon, or even M3GAN. There are many different figures to collect, with even more possibly on the horizon. All of which makes for a fun tie-in product, but the studio did not stop there.
Inside eachFunko FusionFunko Pop, players can find unique codes. These codes can then be redeemed for various DLC costumes or characters within the game. Even though they do not necessarily correspond to the Pop figure they came with, they do give players some exciting new additions to the roster. With these codes, they can gain access to Mecha Freddy, Bob’s Big Boy, the Dilophosaurus, Slime Pit He-Man, and a battle-damaged M3GAN. There may be even more characters on the horizon, but for now, the code fun seems to stop there.
Although there is no big portal to put these characters on,Funko Fusion’s code system feelsexactly like a Toys-to-Life game. Players purchase these physical collectibles, they then redeem codes on Funko’s website, and are given new characters to play as withinFunko Fusion. While it remains to be seen if that approach is successful or if fans actually like it, this concept may be exactly what the dying Toys-to-Life genre needed.
The Next Era of Toys-to-Life May Have to Follow Funko Fusion’s Lead
Toys-to-Life used to be everywhere, withthe likes ofSkylanders,Disney Infinity, andLEGO Dimensionsflying off the shelves. However, they also got extremely expensive fast, the experiences were not as strong as they could be, and players were just getting burnt out by the concept. So, the genre has come to a grinding halt, with only a few survivors, like Nintendo’s Amiibo. But now, it seems likeFunko Fusionmay be attempting to bring it back.
It makes sense that a company that has made a name for itself within the collectible market would want its first major game to somehow sell said collectibles. If it succeeds, then more studios may want to take some notes. This approach does not require massive portals or for players to constantly get up to switch the characters they are controlling. Instead, they can simply buy a figurine, input a code, and have that character unlocked for their entire adventure. As long as it does not get too expensive, that may be the best way to usher in a new era for this genre.
It will be interesting to see ifFunko has plans for moreFunko Fusiontie-in products. If it does, these figures will hopefully bring with them more unique characters, or at least match the characters they unlock. And if it ends up succeeding, then the entire genre may be able to make its mark once more.
Funko Fusion
WHERE TO PLAY
Funko Fusion is a third-person action game that’s all about celebrating fandom. Play with some of your favorite characters from across TV, movies, games, and comics, and explore handcrafted worlds inspired by Jurassic World, Back to the Future, JAWS, The Thing, Chucky, Battlestar Galactica, Hot Fuzz, The Umbrella Academy, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Masters of the Universe, Invincible, and many more!Select, unlock, and play with 60+ unique playable characters from more than 20 fan-favorite franchises, all lovingly recreated in Funko Pop! form.Each character has their own weapons and special moves, and some characters have unique skills for solving puzzles and finding secrets.Explore your favorite franchises in video game form, relive memorable moments, and play through a unique story that ties them all together!Shoot, blast, and whack enemies in ranged and melee combat. Craft gadgets and items to give yourself an advantage or to unlock hidden areas.
