Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes First Look

Disney obviously knew it had a hit on its hands with the introduction of Disney Infinity last year. Utilizing real-life figurines in a digital universe (akin to the same manner that Activision did with Skylanders), the game was a huge favorite for young fans and nostalgic Musketeers alike.

For this year’s edition, however, instead of resting on its laurels and simply making a few mild changes to formula, Disney has decided to go all out by implementing the Marvel Universe into the sequel. This fall, both avid comic book fans and kids of all ages will be able to thoroughly enjoy Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes, which will not only return to such platforms as Wii U, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but also make its debut on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as well.

The formula for the game is exactly the same as last year. You’ll have access to a portal, and can place pre-made game sets and figurines on said portal to interact with it. With the Marvel play-sets, the locations revolve around New York, where you can guide any of the given Avengers (Thor, Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Hawkeye, Black Widow or Captain America) against the evil Loki and his goons.

That won’t be the only world available in Disney Infinity 2.0. A playset based around the world of the Amazing Spider-Man and the who’s who of villains trying to shut him down (including Venom and Green Goblin) have been introduced, and in a matter of weeks, Disney will unveil the latest playset for the release, based on the forthcoming film Guardians of the Galaxy. Yep, Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket and Groot (“I AM GROOT!”) are all coming, with their own special stage set-up.

The worlds featured in Disney Infinity 2.0 are much larger than the original game, making exploration worth all the while as you find secret missions, new goods to unlock in the Toy Box mode (more on that in a second), and other Marvel-based goodies. What’s more, each character has something unique to offer in the world. Spider-Man gets around by swinging with his webs; the Hulk can charge through city streets and leap into the air with ease; and Iron Man can activate his jets and fly around with little to no problem.

In addition, characters in Disney Infinity 2.0 can be properly leveled up. As a result, you’ll be able to unlock new abilities and powers for each one. These include Iron Man’s impressive ground slam, and the Hulk’s forceful Thunderclap. They’re sure to come in handy, especially when you’re taking on tougher opponents in the game – and they’ll be out there in spades.

Along with the pre-set levels that are included with each individual playset, Disney Infinity 2.0’s primary mode is the Toy Box. As with the original game, you’re able to create and share your own levels in this mode, creating mini-games and customized missions at will, or just plain goofing around, like watching Hulk smash his way through a flower-filled garden, just because he can. Per usual, you’ll be able to upload and share your level creations with others, while downloading what the best of the Internet has to offer. Although not as compelling as direct online play, this certainly adds mileage to the Disney Infinity universe in terms of replay value.

However, the game isn’t just limited to the Marvel side of things. Disney already confirmed that all the toys from the original Disney Infinity playset will work with 2.0, even if there are some limitations in terms of powering them up. Also, new Disney-related are being introduced with their own special set-ups, including Maleficent from the Sleeping Beauty universe (as well as the recent Angelina Jolie film) and Merida from the Pixar-animated Brave. They’ll be sold separately, but will work with version 2.0 with no problems, aside from not being able to cross over certain ones into particular universes. (It’s sort of the same way the first game worked, like using Monsters University characters in that level, The Lone Ranger characters in another, and so on.)

With an enhanced Toy Box mode that’s easier to use, a wide assortment of Marvel and other Disney characters to play with, and more possibilities than the first game could introduce, Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes appears to be a huge expansion of what the original offered. We’ll find out just what kind of stuff this hero is made of – and provide plenty of strategies – when the game arrives on September 23rd.