Imagine buying Tekken and getting only around 5 characters by default and 4 arenas, then having to pay $15 per extra character. That would literally be the end of the gaming industry as we know it because gamers all over the world would just implode from all their rage.
However, Disney Infinity is much more than just a game. If you're a Disney toy collector who happens to like video games, this might just be the only thing you'll ever need to buy ever. Disney Infinity is as much about toy collecting as it is about video gaming. And each figure unlocks a fully playable character within the game. It's like taking your toy and digitizing it. In fact, the way I look at this, the game is just a bonus. The characters all share the same art style so they all look like they come from the same universe - something ToyBiz had trouble with when they were handling the Marvel Legends line.
Disney Infinity figures are fantastic for play and display. To play, take your figures and transport them into their digital universe to do all sorts of crazy stuff in the virtual toy box within your console of choice. The game style presents every element in the world as a toy. Think Lego games, but with Disney characters. NPCs are tiny Duplo-looking characters, enemy robots seem to have a battery hatch locked in place with a philips head screw, and your own characters die by breaking apart as toys normally would. Considering you get gorgeous collectible figures and the ability to use them within a video game, the the value of Disney Infinity goes way beyond traditional DLC. Lesser quality toys cost much more and don't do much beyond being a toy.
Here's what the Starter Pack comes with:
1. Disney Infinity base - this is where you scan the figures, the world trophies and the power discs
2. Disney Infinity game
3. Game manual
4. Power disc
5. Game worlds - Incredibles, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Monsters U.
6. Redemption code (dunno what for) on http://disney.com/infinity.
7a. Mr. Incredible
7b. Captain Jack Sparrow
7c. James P. "Sulley" Sullivan
The Booster Pack (Sidekicks) includes:
A. Mrs. Incredible/ Elastigirl
B. Mike Wazowski
C. Captain Barbossa
D. Redemption code http://disney.com/infinity.
The Figures
Every figure is beautifully sculpted with brilliant detail. This is especially true for the Pirates of the Caribbean figures, as they boast the most need for intricacy. They seem to be made out of resin and plastic, which means they can break if dropped. It's not exactly the best way to make toys for kids, but these toys are meant to be played with digitally so I guess it's all good. They all have some weight to them, which make them feel nice and beefy, and they probably won't get knocked down too quickly. Unfortunately, they have no articulation to speak of but they're still fantastic for display anyway as is. As far as paint goes, everything is clean and shiny - no bleeding or overlaps whatsoever.
I love Cap'n Jack's expression, all being inebriated and charming. And no, it doesn't look like Johnny Depp, but it isn't meant to. This Jack is the Disney Infinity universe's version of Jack Sparrow. Look at how the colors intricately mix without overlaps on both of these figures' coats, skin, and their various buckles and accessories. Their swords could've used a shinier coat of silver paint on the blade but I guess they're meant to look like toys. My favorite part about this set is that angry little monkey on Barbossa's arm. Look at him! LOOK!
As far as superhero poses go, these two figures got it down. Neither figure is super special but they're clean. Mr. Incredible looks nice and bulky. The figure's really heavy, too. Mrs. Incredible is a little flimsy because of the thin limbs with very little contact between the figure and the base. And I've read about some people breaking this figure just by dropping it a moderate height.
Sulley and Mike are very simple figures, but the sculpt is very crisp. Again, paint is just like all the other figures, spic and span all throughout. On Sulley's fur, lending depth and some complexity to the figure, there are different shades of green covering most of the body. I also love the expression on Sulley, too, as if walking down the hall of Monsters U, being a smug douchebag. Mike, on the other hand, looks like some nerd with retainers. Perfect representations of the Monsters U movie.
The Gameplay
The Starter Set has three worlds - Incredibles, Monsters U, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Each world is pretty much a game on its own - Incredibles is like an open world brawler, Monsters is a stealth pranking game, and Pirates is a platformer with naval battles. The strongest game by far would be the Pirates world, because those ship fights feel really good. The controls may not be as tight as Assassin's Creed 3's naval battles, but they're good enough.
Within each world, players get to collect items that they add to their Toy Box, which can be used in another game mode. All the story modes actually feel like missions you have to do just so you can collect aforementioned Toy Box items. Instead of being the meat of the game, the story mode is merely a means to an end. Unfortunately, the story mode gameplay might seem very, very shallow to seasoned gamers. It is a game meant for kids, after all.
Here's the kicker - to play couch co-op during story mode, you'd need another figure from the same world. That ultimately means having to shell out some money for at least one more figure.
Where Disney Infinity really shines is the Toy Box mode. Once you collect enough items, you can start building. You can use whichever character here. The only rules here are the ones you make. It's a fairly robust game creation mode that allows you to have races, do battles, fight other characters, or navigate mazes. It's like Little Big Planet, only a little less powerful and with Disney characters. Grab a few Disney-minded friends and go to town!
I bet it's going to get real fun when you start downloading maps made by the creative Disney community.
TL;DR
Disney Infinity is more than just a game. It's as much about the figures and physical collectibles as it is being an interactive medium. The figures are all fantastic, and are well worth the asking price, which immediately makes them more valuable than mere traditional DLC. The gameplay might be a little too shallow for older gamers, though.