Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition (also known as Disney INFINITY 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes and Disney INFINITY: Marvel Super Heroes) is an action-adventure sandbox video game developed by Avalanche Software and published by Disney Interactive Studios. It is the sequel to the 2013 video game Disney INFINITY, and was announced on April 30, 2014. The game was released on September 23, 2014 in North America, September 19, 2014 in the United Kingdom, and September 18, 2014 in Australasia and the rest of Europe, for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One, and features characters from both Marvel Entertainment and Disney properties. The game was also released on Microsoft Windows on October 2, 2014, and iOS in November 2014. Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition was also released for PlayStation Vita on May 9, 2015, exclusively to GameStop.[12]
The game follows multiple plots, with each Play Set having its own. The Avengers Play Set centers around the Avengers trying to stop Loki and MODOK from attempting to rebuild the Casket of Ancient Winters, with the aid of the Frost Giants in order to freeze New York City.
Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition features similar gameplay to Disney INFINITY. Each character can equip a "Pack" or a "Tool." Packs are items that are worn and can be equipped on a character's back, occasionally shown as some sort of backpack. Tools are items, such as rifles, that can be equipped in a character's hand. Some aspects of the game, however, have been changed. In addition to ground movement, certain characters are able to fly and hover. The size of Toy Box worlds and play sets have been increased, notably due to the inclusion of flying. Certain characters can climb walls, including the Hulk and Stitch. The level cap of playable characters has been expanded from Level 15 to Level 20. Characters can be "leveled up" by collecting orange sparks. A "Skill Tree" has been incorporated into the game, and can be used to upgrade a character's abilities. The figures from the first game will also receive additional abilities through the Skill Tree.The choices made in the Skill Tree are semi-permanent, as players have the options to reset the Skill Tree choices by resetting their character to Level 0. Some characters can jump long distances, including the Hulk and Black Widow. Each character plays differently from another,[13] with characters being roughly divided into two categories, Ranged and Melee.[14] Ranged characters fight from far distances, while Melee characters fight using close combat. Signature moves can be unlocked as the player progresses.[15] For example, Drax primarily utilizes short-ranged melee attacks to defeat enemies, while Star-Lord can use ranged pistols.[13] As characters are leveled up, new abilities will be unlocked.[16]Iron Man's ground slam and Hulk's Thunderclap[16] abilities can be unlocked once players have enough Skill Points. Characters' upgrades differ. Iron Man can upgrade his blasting capabilities, while Thor and Hulk can upgrade their strength, using the new Special Skills and Combat system.[17] All upgrades, skills and progress applied to the character will be saved to the figurine.[18] The freeform unlock system in Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition replaces the roulette-based unlock system from Disney Infinity.[19] If a player is defeated in-game, they must wait a certain time frame until they can use the character that character again.[20] A map scanner has been implemented to allow players get around worlds more easily.[20] Mission givers are also present in the game.[20] In order to web-sling, players do not need to attach their webs to surroundings near by.[21]
Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition is split up into two game modes: Play Set, and Toy Box. In Play Set mode, players can play open world multiple story modes based specifically on a certain franchise. Each play set spans from 6-10 hours in length.[22] These play sets can be accessed by placing the Play Set piece (also known as a crystal shard piece)[23] on the Disney Infinity Base, a near field communication-enabled[24] hexagonal platform that has two round spots to place figures (and use in them in the game), and one hexagonal spot to place the Play Set piece or Power Discs. Only figures, usable in the game through near field communication technology,[24] that are from a play set's corresponding franchise can be used in that play set. Certain characters, including Nova, Iron Man, Rocket Raccoon, and Hulk[25][26][27] are playable in more than one play set, by collecting tokens (called "Cross Over Tokens")[25] scattered throughout levels.[28] Once players have collected ten Cross Over Tokens for one character,[25] that character can be used in another play set and will unlock exclusive storylines. The Avengers Play Set and Spider-Man Play Set take place in "Marvel Manhattan," a version of Manhattan that is 4x larger than The Incredibles Play Set featured in the first Disney Infinity title.[29][30][31][32]The Incredibles Play Set was the largest environment in Disney Infinity.[33] While in Play Set mode, players will be able to uncover secret missions and new goods that can be used in the Toy Box.[16] Brian Michael Bendis will pen the stories and dialogue of all future Marvel play sets.[29] Local multiplayer can be accessed through split screen.[34]
The Toy Box Game Maker tool, which can be used to restrict access to perform certain actions.
The latter game mode, Toy Box mode, is a sandbox mode that allows players to create their own games and worlds, using items unlocked in Play Set mode.[35] Certain characters, including Tinker Bell, cannot be played inside Play Set mode and only in Toy Box mode.[36] Toy Box mode supports local and online multiplayer.[20] In Toy Box mode, players are given a "Magic Wand,"[35] which can be used to place items around the sandbox, customize items and access the Toy Shop[35] (a virtual shop where players can purchase new items for use in the Toy Box). The Magic Wand can also be used to set commands on objects, using "Game Logic." Creativi-Toys, objects in the Toy Box that can be set to use Game Logic, return in the game, with 75 new additions.[37] For example, a player can set a party cannon to shoot confetti if they connect the cannon to a button. Players can also restrict access to certain packs and tools in the Toy Box, including the Magic Wand.[37] The Toy Shop replaces the Toy Spinner from the first game.[25] Items that can be used in Toy Box mode can be unlocked through Play Set mode.[35] In an attempt to make Toy Box building easier, the game features improved and enhanced Toy Box editor tools (including in-game "brushes", that will automatically create scenery for players, including cities, dungeons and race tracks).[38] Templates, pre-built mini-games when placed into a world or "Auto Creators",[15] are also present in the game.[39] Templates range from Cliff-side beat 'em up Battle Arenas[39] (similar to Super Smash Bros.) to obstacle courses. Players can then tweak and change Templates to their liking.[15] In order to add some Templates into the Toy Box, players must decide the length, width and height of a box that will house and generate the desired structure.[25] A Challenge Maker has also be implemented into the game, allowing players to create structured games.[37] Result screens were also added for competitive play Toy Boxes.[37] A new feature introduced in Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition is the Text Creator, which allows players to write their own text bubbles in the Toy Box.[37] All text, however, must be filter and moderated through a safe chat server.[37] The game also introduces the Toy Box Game Maker, a tool that can restrict access to certain actions, including the use of the Magic Wand.[40] An undo button has also been implemented into the game.[41] Objects from the first game can be unlocked in Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition by placing a Disney Infinity play set piece on the Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition base.[42] The game also features automated builders, that can be dropped into the Toy Box and generate worlds for players.[30] Automated builders include EVE from WALL-E, and Sultan from Aladdin.[28] In the Toy Box mode, players are also be able to create interior areas, a feature absent from the first game.[43] Interior areas (styled in-game as INteriors)[25] can also be themed to certain characters.[44] More than twenty rooms can be added inside an INteriors.[25] Multiple INteriors can be connected through doorways inside buildings.[25]
In Disney INFINITY, each figure had their own "Adventure," a playable level that was made specifically for the character. Toy Box Adventures do not return in Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition.[20] An introductory Toy Box is pre-loaded into the game, and is filled with Game Play Hosts, who can assign missions and answer questions a player may have.[37] Rewards are given to players once Game Play Host missions are completed.[37] Players can share their Toy Box creations with friends by uploading them onto the internet.[16][45] To help incorporate the new sharing features, a Newsfeed screen was added to the main menu.[37] Players can upload up to 300 Toy Boxes to a private cloud, and can save up to 100,000 Toy Boxes.[37] Players can "like" favorite published Toy Boxes and find other Toy Boxes that have found positive reception from other players.[37] In order to make searching through the shared Toy Boxes easier, players can set categories and filters that apply to the Toy Box that they want to play in.[37]
The game introduces Toy Box Games, discs which allow players to create games based on genres such as tower defense and dungeon crawling.[46] Each Toy Box Game is around 3-4 hours in length.[47] The tower defense Toy Box Game is set in Asgard and called Attack on Asgard.[26] In Attack on Asgard, Loki will command Frost Giants to invade Odin's Palace.[26]
Power Discs, physical discs placed on the Infinity Base to unlock skies, textures and in-game toys, will return from the first game.[48] There are two types of Power Discs: Circular and Hexagonal. Circular Power Discs give in-game boosts to playable characters, and Hexagonal Power Discs unlock skies, textures and in-game toys (including vehicles).[44] The game also features two-wheeled vehicles, like motorcycles in addition to four-wheeled vehicles.[32] Eighty-two Power Discs are to be released.[49] Some Power Discs feature "Team-Ups". Team-Ups make other characters pop up in-game to fight alongside the player.[48] Certain Power Discs also unlock new costumes for characters,[48] including Gamora's "space armor."[50] Additionally, some Hexagonal Power Discs can launch "Area of Effect" attacks.[15]
All figures, Power Discs and Toy Boxes from Disney INFINITY are compatible with Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition.[51] Bases from Disney Infinity are also compatible. However, a Xbox 360 base cannot be used on any other console except a Xbox 360, and the Nintendo 3DS base from the first game cannot be used in the second game.[42] Whether or not players decide to use the Infinity Base from the first game or second game, that base must be connected to a console via USB.[14]
Characters
Each character is made to play different from another.[13] Many characters were chosen to be included in the game due to popular demand, in which Disney conducted polls on their social networking pages.[52] While some characters are playable in a play set and the Toy Box, some are only playable in Toy Box mode. Characters are split up into two categories, Marvel Super Heroes (characters that are based on Marvel properties) and Disney Originals (characters that are based on Disney properties).[53]
*This character appears when using a Marvel Team-Up Power Disc. However, Yondu has also been confirmed as a playable character.
**A black-suit variant of this character is included in the PlayStation Vita Starter Pack.
Maleficent's Spell Cast - This disc of power will serve you well. Defeat your enemies with Maleficent's Green Flame spell!
Zeus' Thunderbolts - With this Power Disc, you control the skies like a god of Olympus! Make bolts of lightning arc down from above, damaging your enemies. The power of Zeus is with you.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier Strike - Send down a missile strike from above. Your enemies will need to take cover
Marvel Team-Up: Winter Soldier - Team up with the Winter Soldier and catch your enemies in the crossfire
Marvel Team-Up: Iron Patriot - Hit them hard, hit them fast, hit them everywhere! Iron Patriot reporting for duty
Stark Arc Reactor - Try the Mark 42 on for size! Unlock Iron Man's black and white special edition Guardians of the Galaxy armor with added boom!
Sentinel of Liberty - Expand your Super Hero wardrobe with Captain America's World War II costume and original shield!
Gamma Rays - Time to get old school and unlock the Original Grey Hulk costume with added smash!
The Immortal Iron Fist - Become the Immortal Iron Fist for chi-powered healing and the dreaded Iron Fist attack!
Alien Symbiote - Slip into this infamous Spider-Man costume and boost your range for pick-ups
Marvel Team-Up: Ant-Man - Team up with Hank Pym (aka, "Ant-Man") – he's small, but packs a big punch!
Marvel Team-Up: White Tiger - Fight alongside White Tiger who conquers her enemies with feline power and grace
Marvel Team-Up: Yondu - Fight alongside this powerful, arrow shooting ally and send enemies running for their lives
Space Armor - Unlock Gamora's out of this world Space Armor costume for added protection against enemies. Who says fashion can't be functional too?
Infinity Gauntlet - Summon a force field of cosmic explosions to devastate your enemies. This is a rare and powerful disc!
Rags to Riches - Slip on this Prince Ali costume for added style and increased riches.
All for One - Don't get your feathers in a ruffle quite yet!! Put this 3 Musketeers costume on and enjoy a generous experience increase!
The Glory Days - Try on Mr. Incredible's Glory Days costume, and you'll get added currency from each enemy you defeat!
Cursed Pirate Gold - With Jack Sparrow's Cursed Pirate Gold costume, you gain a new damage shield! Who says curses are always bad?
King Louie's Monkeys - Bombard your foes with coconuts and bannanas as a band of screaming monkeys cheer you on!
Chernabog's Spirit Cyclone - Summon a whirling spirit from the Disney classic, Fantasia, and scare your enemies with eerie sounds!
Sorcerer Supreme - Use Sorcerer Supreme's Bolts of Balthakk to strike down your enemies
Sandy Claws' Surprise - Slip on Jack Skellington's Sandy Claws costume, with a chance to scare with each hit!
Chem Capsules - Toss your Chem Capsules at your enemies and create a cloud of frost that freezes them right in their tracks! From the movie Big Hero 6.
Jim Hawkins' Solar Board - Hover above your Toy Box creations on Jim Hawkin's Solar Board!
Eglantine's Motorcycle - Check out this classic motorcycle from Bedknobs and Broomsticks! It has a side car and ejector feature for ultimate fun!
Le Maximum - Take a ride and honk your horn in this Interpol car from the movie, Muppets Most Wanted!
Alice in Wonderland's Caterpillar - Take a seat on Alice's Caterpillar from the ride at the Disney theme parks. One added bonus; smoke bombs!
Medusa's Swamp Mobile - Hop on Medusa's motorcycle with super boost ability from the movie The Rescuers!
Aerial Area Rug - Take a ride on this Phineas and Ferb creation – A flying area rug with an ejector seat!
Cloak of Levitation - Try on Dr. Strange's Cloak of Levitation and glide into action!
Light Cycle - Race around the Grid, trailing a destructive ribbon of light behind you, on a Tron Light Cycle.
Light Jet - Take the battle of the skies above the Grid with the Light Jet.
Customization
World War Hulk - Customize your landscape to make it look as if Hulk went on a smashing rampage
World War Hulk Sky - Turn your blue skies green with this Hulk themed Power Disc
Stark Tech - Deck out your Toy Box compliments of Tony Stark. Unlock the Stark Industries Tech theme with upgraded Hologram Readout Tech ability
View from the Suit - Ever wonder what it's like to see the world from inside Iron Man's helmet? Check out the Hologram Readout Tech upgrade and unlock Stark Industries "View from the Suit"
The Rip - Turn Toy Box skies into the skies of Knowhere with this Power Disc and transport yourself to the outer edge of all space and time
Star-Lord's Galaxy - Turn your Toy Box into Knowhere - Star-Lord's home base in the Galaxy
Groot's View - Embrace your inner green thumb and theme Toy Box skies out Groot-style
Groot's Roots - Theme out your Toy Box world with Groot's Roots. It's sure to grow on you!
Spider-Streets - Customize your Toy Box with Spider-Man themed streets and buildings
Spider-Sky - The forecast will be sunny with a 100% chance of spider webs with this power disc
Simba's Pridelands - Your Toy Box will look just like Simba's homeland with these Savannah textures!
The King's Domain - Your Toy Box skies will look like the skies of the savannah from the movie The Lion King with this Power Disc!
Calhoun's Command - Deck your Toy Box out like a scene from Hero's Duty from the movie Wreck-It-Ralph. Sergeant Calhoun approved!
CyBug Swarm - Cy-Bugs dance above the Hero's Duty world from the movie Wreck-It-Ralph. All your Toy Box is missing is Sergeant Calhoun!
Gravity Falls Forest - Wake up and smell the pine trees! Change your terrain into the forest from Disney XD's series, Gravity Falls and enjoy streams, trees, rocks and more!
Gravity Falls Sky - Unlock a pine forest, water falls and beautiful blue skies with this Power Disc. You'll feel like you've stepped into a scene from Disney XD's series, Gravity Falls!
Jasmine's Palace View - Transform the skyline of your Toy Box with this Power Disc and you will feel as if you're in the land of Agrabah!
The Sands of Agrabah - Transform your Toy Box terrain into the dunes and desert of Agrabah!
The Middle Kingdom - Decorate the skies of your Toy Box with softly painted mountains and Asian stylized artwork. Inspired by the movie Mulan.
Mulan's Countryside - Activate this Power Disc to give your Toy Box terrain the look of Chinese silk. Inspired by the movie Mulan.
Forgotten Skies - Unlock Forgotten Skies for Toy Box. It's a Dinosaur World lover's dream come true
Dinosaur World - Deck your Toy Box out with Dinosaur World terrain, textures and landscapes. Things are about to get pre-historic!
Second Star to the Right - Fly through the night skies of London, just like Peter Pan!
Neverland - Use this Power Disc to transform your Toy Box into the world of Peter Pan!
Skies of the World - Enjoy colorful skies inspired by the classic Disney theme park ride, "It's a Small World"!
A Small World - It's a Small World inside of an infinite Toy Box! Enjoy terrain and textures inspired by this classic ride from the Disney theme parks!
Disney INFINITY was originally described to be a "platform that's always growing and will ultimately have something for everyone,"[55] and that the Infinity platform is open to expanding. When Disney INFINITY was yet to be released, Avalanche Software CEO John Blackburn stated that discussions about the inclusion of Star Wars and Marvel characters in the game took place.[56] On that subject, Blackburn said "I hope so! As a developer, I so want that. When Disney bought Lucasfilm, I was like, 'Holy ...! This is awesome!' But at this point in time, there's been some discussions about that, there's just been no decisions made."[56] In February 2014, Avalanche Software began hiring game testers for a potential Disney Infinity sequel.[57]
Avalanche Software started working with Marvel Entertainment, after it was acquired by Disney in 2009, about developing a game featuring Marvel superheroes, in 2011.[41] The conception of the game started immediately after the acquisition, as Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition's executive producer John Vignocchi commented "As soon as the acquisition happened we started having conversations about Marvel. I giggle that I know the date, because I checked in via Foursquare at Marvel. So that's how I knew, that was the first time we sat down with Joe Quesada."[41] Avalanche developed a demo in October 2013, which featured the Marvel superhero Iron Man flying through a rudimentary city.[41] The demo was later released to the public almost a year later.[41]
Since the game was set to include Marvel characters, Brian Michael Bendis, a comic book writer, was brought on to write original story material. This would allow the game's developers to provide more deep and immersive story lines.[58] With a more complex combat system, Ninja Theory was brought on the development team in February 2014, to fulfill the concept.[2][3][4]
Announcement
On April 8, 2014, Marvel Entertainment released a teaser trailer featuring characters from Disney INFINITY interacting with Captain America's shield.[59]D23, the official Disney fan club, originally reported that the game would be released in August 2014. This statement was later removed, as representatives of the site said "we erroneously reported about the launch of the next chapter of Disney INFINITY. This information was incorrect. More news about Disney INFINITY will be shared on April 30, and we hope you will check back for that update."[60]
On April 30, 2014, Disney announced a follow-up game to Disney INFINITY, Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition, at Pacific Theatres' Cinerama Done in Hollywood,[32] for release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 in Q4 2014, featuring characters from the Marvel Comics universe. The announcement was also broadcast live online through a webcast.[61] The unveiling included appearances by Clark Gregg, who appears as Agent Coulson in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Samuel L. Jackson, who appears as Nick Fury in many films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.[30][62][63] Jackson was in-character as Fury, in a video where he discusses "Project Infinity."[55]
Marvel Entertainment chief creative officer Joe Quesada was also at the unveiling, declaring that the comic book characters are "uniquely Marvel but still fit within the game."[64] At Sony's Electronic Entertainment Expo 2014 conference, it was revealed that the game would be released for the PlayStation Vita and PlayStation TV in 2015.[65] The PlayStation Vita version of the game will play like the PlayStation 3 version,[66] and is stated by John Vignocchi on his Twitter account to be available in spring.[67] It has been confirmed that the game will not be available on Wii (due to technical limitations)[68] and Nintendo 3DS[53] (due to its hardware not strong enough to do open worlds).[69] The Guardians of the Galaxy Play Set was revealed on July 23, 2014, and it was confirmed Studio Gobo (the studio that developed the Pirates of the Caribbean Play Set for Disney INFINITY) developed the play set.[1]
Design
The design stages of the Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition character Black Widow.
The art style from Disney INFINITY, in which every character and object is designed to look like a toy and was co-designed by Pixar,[70] was carried over to Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition. Developers re-imagined Marvel characters in art style. John Vignocchi said on the redesigns, "it was a really interesting process. Working with Joe Quesada and the creative team and Marvel ― getting them to understand what the visual aesthetic of 'Disney INFINITY' is, that is, they're not the characters themselves, but toy versions of those characters, and reimagining some of Marvel's most iconic superheroes in that art style was a daunting, but very fun task for this team."[28] Each character goes through multiple stages of development, including how they will look in the game and what their figurine's pose will be.[71][72] The developers specifically designed the Venom character to be on par with Hulk when it came to size and mass. On Venom's design, John Vignocchi said "we hulked him out a bit. In fact, the character is the only one that comes close to the Incredible Hulk in the game (designers wanted another brute to offer) and when fully powered up, stands on equal footing with the green beast."[73]
No "Crystal" variants of characters have been designed for Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition, unlike the first game.[28] The Disney INFINITY team wanted to focus on a more diverse array of characters, as said by John Vignocchi "we're not planning on doing the crystal characters again. Our focus this time around – rather than create a whole series of chase characters, we wanted to make sure that we had a wider variety of characters," he said. "What we decided to do instead was really put our horsepower into creating different characters as opposed to variants. We think our fans appreciate having a character like Star-Lord or Rocket Raccoon as opposed to another version of Mickey Mouse."[28] Despite this, a Crystal variation of Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey Mouse will be released.[54] The game has been designed to be less violent, in order to appeal to a wider audience.[15]
When designing the game, Avalanche Software focused not only on the inclusion of the NFC-enabled[24] Marvel figurines, but improving the Toy Box experience (especially for younger players) as well.[43] Jimmy Pitaro, president of Disney Interactive Studios, stated "we wanted to take everything that worked so well and make it epic."[32] Each character was picked based on how they would fit in the game, as said by TQ Jefferson, "what you're going to see as we roll out and reveal more characters, is that they're going to be more characters that you've known forever and they make sense," Jefferson said. "And the other characters, you may not know them as well, but once you see them in-game, you're going to understand why we made the choices that we made. These characters bring a certain narrative strength with them and, just as important, they bring a unique bit of gameplay with them ... [these are the] characters that are the most fun to play ... that have the most impact on story. Once you see the full spectrum of characters, it's not just an Avengers game. It's very much a Marvel super heroes game."[74]
The development team tried to appeal to the game's target audience (children) by making changes to environments, with one being to disregard physics.[21] Matt Solie, of Disney Interactive Studios, when asked about the topic, stated "I had my nephews, who are eight and five, try Amazing Spider-Man 2, which is the epitome of physics-based, buildings attached—[it's] not really fun for them. They didn't understand, 'Why can't I swing?'" Solie said. "It just made sense for a kids and family game."[21] Also basing the game around its target audience, John Blackburn, part of the game's development team, looked to his 6-year-old nephew Logan to see what younger audiences wanted out of the game.[41] The procedural editing options were added, after Blackburn noticed that Logan was building very simple things in the Toy Box.[41]
Though Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition is heavily inspired by Avengers Assemble, Ultimate Spider-Man, Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in terms of design, the possibility of the female Thor from the comics joining the game has not been ruled out.[75] On the possibility of the game's artists possibly designing a toy-like female Thor, John Vignocchi stated "The Thor that we have inside of Infinity is based on the animated series Avengers Assemble. Infinity being a platform that evolves over time, that certainly doesn't rule out the possibility of creating a new version of Thor. Should there be a demand, we'd love to do that."[75] No X-Men characters will be included in the game.[76] Analysts believe this is due to the fact that 20th Century Fox owns the film rights to X-Men.[76]
The Disney INFINITY fanbase and "community" have avidly played a role in development of Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition. Community members Stewart "CrazybyNick" Malcolm, Patrick "PapaEcho" Efird, Tyler "Tyforce" Cole, Jose "doctorlogicgate" Abalos, and Quinn "quinnjitsu" Johnson, who competed in multiple challenges hosted by the Disney Infinity team, were actually hired to create free downloadable levels for Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition.[77][78][79]
Ninja Theory was hired by Disney to design Loki, Ronan, Green Goblin, and Jasmine's combat systems and polish all of the other characters' combat systems.[2][3][4]
PlayStation 4 and Xbox One development
Prior to the release of Disney INFINITY, Avalanche Software expressed interest in supporting Disney INFINITY toys on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles. John Day, of Avalanche Software, stated that the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of Disney INFINITY would likely be "way more beautiful," offer "a whole lot more" content, "or both."[80]
The versions of the game for the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One have better graphics and more memory than their counterparts for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U.[81] When discussing the additional power of the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One, John Vignocchi stated "I'd say, specifically related to Xbox One, the graphical prowess of that system is incredible. So, we're looking at what we can do to make sure the game looks incredible on [the Xbox One]. From a features perspective, I'd say the thing we're most excited about is that players are going to be able to create Toy Boxes now that are much, much larger than they were before,"[77] and "In terms of what we're doing with [PS4 and Xbox One], we're planning on making use of the graphical prowess of those machines — they can pump out some amazing-looking graphics. In addition to that, what we're planning on doing is taking advantage of the overall memory footprint. In Disney INFINITY there were certain platforms that were constrained by the amount of RAM, so people couldn't truly build the toy box of their dreams. We've optimized the engine to allow the last-gen, PS3 and 360, to still build compelling Toy Box levels, but with Xbox One and PS4, the sky's the limit."[74] The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of the game are more advanced than the others, as executive producer John Vignocchi said "one of the most unique features of Disney Infinity 2.0 on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, just because of the memory footprint of those systems, is that the size of the toy boxes you can create are just gigantic."[32] The game engine is improved and expanded.[82]
Release
Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition (which also has been marketed for release as Disney INFINITY: Marvel Super Heroes, Disney INFINITY 2.0, Disney INFINITY: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) and Disney INFINITY 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes)[29][30][48][83][84] game disc and video game software will be released to the public on multiple dates, through "Starter Packs." Starter Packs are bundles that will provide players with the game disc, the Infinity Base, a web code card, a poster and varying playable characters based on the Starter Pack they purchase.
The game was first released in the Marvel Super Heroes Starter Pack, which includes the game disc, the Infinity Base, the Avengers Play Set, a web code card, a poster as well as the Iron Man, Black Widow, and Thor figures.[85] This bundle was released on September 23, 2014 in North America, September 19, 2014 in the United Kingdom, and on September 18, 2014 in Australasia and the rest of Europe, on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.[7][6][8][86] A Toys "R" Us retailer broke the Marvel Super Heroes Starter Pack's street date, but the leak has since been contained.[87]
The Toy Box Starter Pack (known as the Toy Box Combo Starter Pack in some markets),[88] which will be released on November 4, 2014 in North America and November 7, 2014 in the United Kingdom,[88][89] will include the game disc, the Merida and Stitch figures, two Toy Box Game Discs, the Infinity Base, a web code card and a poster.[90][91][92] This bundle will be released for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.[90]
A "Collector's Edition" Starter Pack is exclusive to the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 released, and in addition to everything included in the Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes Starter Pack, it includes the Hulk, Captain America, and Hawkeye as playable characters, and a diorama featuring a Frost Beast to display all The Avengers characters.[53][93][94][95][96] The "Collector's Edition" was unveiled during Sony's E3 2014 press conference, and was created after a partnership between Sony and Disney was formed.[93][97] The "Collector's Edition" is exclusive to EB Games in Australia and New Zealand.[98] This bundle was released on September 23, 2014 in North America, September 19, 2014 in the United Kingdom, and on September 18, 2014 in Australasia and the rest of Europe.
The game was also bundled with a 12 GB PlayStation 3 console.[95][99] A Disney INFINITY 2.0 Marvel Premium Value Pack bundle is exclusive to Amazon.com, and includes the Marvel Super Heroes Starter Pack, the Captain America, Venom, and Rocket Raccoon figures, a Power Disc blind pack and the Spider-Man Play Set.[100]
For those who purchased the first game, Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition will also be released digitally,[101] through the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store and Xbox Games Store.[102] The digital version of the game will not be available for Xbox One, due to hardware incompatibility issues.[103] The digital version of Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition will not be available at launch, but instead will be released on November 4, 2014 in North America.[88][104][105] This version of the game will include the Toy Box mode, but will require an Infinity Base and Disney INFINITY figurines.[104] The play sets will be compatible with it, as they will also be available individually on the same day.[106] Iron Man and Black Widow will be included with the Avengers play set, while Thor will be released separately.[107]
The Microsoft Windows version of the game will be released digitally, as an update to the Disney INFINITY application for Windows,[108] on October 2, 2014.[9] Micro transactions will be required to unlock additional content.[109] The iOS version of Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition will be released through the Apple App Store on an unspecified date in November 2014.[10] An Android version is also being discussed.[110]
Disney Interactive Studios announced that starting July 24, 2014 through September 22, 2014, consumers who pre-ordered the Starter Pack receive a free Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition figurine from retailers nationwide.[5] Retailers including Disney Store, Tesco, and Game have offered this deal.[111]
Marketing
Disney Interactive Studios has been present at multiple conventions (including the Electronic Entertainment Expo[112] and San Diego Comic-Con International),[113] promoting Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition. Free figures were handed out at E3 2014 and Blogger Bash's Sweet Suite 2014.[114] In promotion of both Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition and Big Hero 6, Disney created a giant-sized version of the Baymax Disney : 2.0 Edition figure.[115][116] At San Diego Comic-Con, Disney set up a pop-up shop, which allowed the public to play the game, meet special guests and participate in giveaways.[5][117]Alex Hirsch, creator of Gravity Falls, was also present at the pop-up shop, to announce the inclusion of Gravity Falls Power Discs.[118] Disney also hosted special events for D23 and Marvel Unlimited members.[117] The game was also present during the Marvel Games panel.[117] Additionally, the Marvel Booth and Microsoft Game Lounge held demos, to promote the game.[117] A Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition-themed Xbox One was also given away at Comic-Con.[119]
On August 9, 2014, GameStop held Disney Infinity Day, an event that celebrates the game in stores, by offering promotions on it.[120] An official Disney Infinity Toy Box Summit was held on August 15, 2014 to August 17, 2014 in Salt Lake City.[121] The summit was a fan appreciation event, and allowed invitees to participate in multiple competitions involving the Toy Box.[121] Disney also allowed invitees to have a hands-on preview with Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition.[121] An in-depth look at the Toy Box was also showcased during the Summit.[122] Disney also held a "Movie Magic Video Contest," which gave players a chance to win a Captain America figure and a chance to go to the Toy Box Summit.[123]Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition was included in Disney's "Marvel Super Hero September" campaign, which promoted multiple Marvel films and products, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier.[124]
Multiple trailers have been released for the game. A teaser was released on April 8, 2014.[59] The reveal trailer for the game was unveiled on April 30, 2014.[125] A trailer focusing on the Avengers Play Set was released on May 22, 2014.[126][127] A second trailer, this time based on the Spider-Man Play Set, was released on June 10, 2014.[128] Disney revealed Stitch and Tinker Bell with a preview of the game, on July 16, 2014.[129] Another trailer focusing on the Guardians of the Galaxy Play Set was released on July 23, 2014.[130] A trailer centering around super villains (Loki, Ronan and Green Goblin) was shown at San Diego Comic-Con 2014 on July 26, 2014, and was released to the public on July 28, 2014.[131][132] On August 7, 2014, a trailer focusing on Aladdin and Jasmine from Aladdin was released.[133] To coincide Gamescom 2014, Disney Interactive Studios released a trailer featuring Donald Duck on August 12, 2014.[134] An informational trailer for the Toy Box was released on August 14, 2014.[45] Another trailer centering around the Toy Box was released on August 20, 2014.[135] A trailer revolving around Baymax and Hiro Hamada from Big Hero 6 was released on August 27, 2014.[136][137][138] A trailer, titled Walk It, themed to the Aerosmith song "Walk This Way" was released on September 5, 2014.[139]
Multiple teases from the Disney INFINITY team have been made on social networks, including Twitter and Facebook. One prime example is the "Something wicked is coming to #DisneyInfinity... pic.twitter.com/tt8sJytvwi" tweet, which revealed Maleficent would appear in the game.[140] To promote the game, developers have appeared in interviews conducted by gaming sites, including GameSpot.[141] Disney has also chosen to advertise the game through Radio Disney.[142][143] A weekly web series, The Disney Infinity Toy Box TV: The Official Weekly Web Show, which highlights outstanding Toy Box creations from players,[77][144] has regularly been providing updates on the game.[36] These updates include "sneak peaks" at characters (in depth descriptions of characters' abilities and appearances).[36][145] The web show is hosted by John Vignocchi and the game's community manager Allison Petrek.[78]
In a marketing stunt, a holographic visualization of Hulk was projected at Tower Bridge.[146][147] The projection of Hulk stood 36 feet high, and after debuting the stunt, Disney officially uploaded a video of the hologram on YouTube.[146][147] The stunt also featured holographic projections of Spider-Man and Iron Man.[147]
Since the game's unveiling, there have multiple leaks revealing content featured within Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition, primarily from stores marketing the game. Target inattentively leaked the release date of the game, September 23, 2014, in a flyer.[148] Venom was also leaked by the flyer, as the character had never been revealed prior.[148] Walmart later leaked that multiple characters including the Guardians of the Galaxy would be playable in the game. Walmart did so by listing multiple characters, play set packs and Starter Packs on their website.[91][149] Another image was leaked, showcasing the Star-Lord and Gamora figures.[150] On the leaks, John Vignocchi stated "Yeah, this year we definitely had a challenge with retail – putting out the sku plans and having those accessible by managers prior to announcements. But at the same time, as we've said internally – well, people care enough to talk about it, so we know we're doing something special!"[41]
Reception
Upon release, Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition received mixed to positive reviews from game critics. Aggregating review websites GameRankings and Metacritic, respectively, gave the PlayStation 4 version of the game 72.71% and 72/100.[151][152]
While the new additions to game's Toy Box mode received praise, Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition's Play Set mode was criticized. The Toy Box was praised for its new additions by both David Roberts of GamesRadar and Randolph Ramsay of GameSpot.[153][154] Roberts, however, panned the game's "awkward combat, boring, repetitive quests and obtuse controls."[153] He also described the Avengers Play Set as being too empty and bland.[153] Ramsay gave the game a more favorable review, but primarily found some of Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition's technical hiccups and the need to unlock toys in the Toy Box, which made some of his time playing the game adverse.[154] Brandon Jones of GameTrailers praised the easier-to-use Toy Box tools, but was disappointed by a lack of diversity from the game's play sets.[155] Subsequently, Daniel Krupa of IGN commended the game's improved combat, which made characters more unique, and the more accessible Toy Box mode.[156] He, alike Roberts and Ramsay, criticized the game's lack of variety in its Play Set mode, repetitive missions and lifeless version of New York City.[156]
Andrew Reiner, of Game Informer, thought that The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Spider-Man Play Sets were "miserable adventures," the characters' controls were done well and that the character animations were well done.[157] Reiner, however, was not pleased with the music featured within all three of Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition's play sets, calling it "cringe-worthy."[157] He also cited that the dubstep music featured in the Spider-Man Play Set was poorly done.[157] Blake Peterson, of Game Revolution, gave the game a more commendatory review, explaining that the game's improved combat, stronger level design (compared to the first game), expanded Toy Box options, and the ability to personalize characters, were some of the major things that made the game worth while.[158] In spite of that, Peterson condemned Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition's bad driving mechanics, poor player training within Toy Box mode and high cost to unlock content.[158] Steve Hannley of Hardcore Gamer also gave the game a positive review, scoring it a 4/5, saying "Toy Box mode has been notably upgraded and overall gameplay is more polished, while increased depth will have players of all ages coming back for more," while criticizing the "repetitive" Play Sets.[159]
Sales
Michael Pachter, of Wedbush Securities, forecast that about 3.2 million copies of the game would be sold.[160] He also forecast that the Marvel play sets and figurines would double in sales, due to strong international appeal of super heroes.[160] Prior to the game's release, Disney was initially surprised by the popularity of the Venom figurine. Disney has cited the character's design and abilities as its source of high sales.[73] Rocket Racoon was the best selling character, since becoming available to pre-order in July 2014.[161] The Rocket figurine sold almost twice as much as the Mike Wazowski and Elsa figurines from the first game.[161] Those two figurines were the best selling characters of Disney Infinity.[161] The Rocket Raccoon figurine was later reported to have tripled in sales, but Disney denied to provide actual sales figures.[161] Groot was the third selling character, only behind Venom.[161] Disney expects Disney INFINITY and Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition to generate $1 billion in sales.[162]
Future
A third installment in the Disney INFINITY game franchise and the inclusion of characters from Star Wars have been hinted at by executive producer John Vignocchi.[163] When talking about the franchise's future, Vignocchi stated that "2015 is not so far, far away anymore, is it?"[163] On May 5, 2015, it was revealed a 3.0 edition would come out in Q3/Q4 2015, including sets based off of all 7 films for Star Wars and the Pixar film Inside Out.
Although Angelina Jolie did not reprise her role as Maleficent due to prior obligations, she did personally approve the figure's design (and reportedly was the first celebrity to request a copy of the original Disney INFINITY title).[164]
The sign for the Dinoco gas station can be seen, along with a sign for Gusteau's.
This is the first Disney game released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
There is a terrain and skydome for Planes: Fire & Rescue in the Toy Box, along with the water tower and control tower.
Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes' Launches Fall 2014 with More Than 20 Characters, New Gameplay at the Stitch Kingdom
