Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition

Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition is an action-adventure sandbox video game developed byAvalanche Software and published byDisney Interactive Studios. It is the sequel to the2013 video gameDisney Infinity, and was announced onApril 30,2014.

The game was released onSeptember 23, 2014 inNorth America,September 19, 2014 in theUnited Kingdom, andSeptember 18, 2014 in Australasia and the rest ofEurope, for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One, and features characters from bothMarvel Entertainment andDisney properties. The game was also released on Microsoft Windows onOctober 2, 2014, and iOS in November 2014.Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition was also released for PlayStation Vita onMay 9,2015, exclusively at GameStop.^[12]

Plot

Like the original game, the sequel follows multiple plots, with each Play Set having its own. The Avengers Play Set centers around theAvengers trying to stopLoki andM.O.D.O.K. from attempting to rebuild the Casket of Ancient Winters with the aid of theFrost Giants in order to freezeNew York City.

The Spider-Man Play Set, which is heavily inspired byUltimate Spider-Man, centers aroundGreen Goblin,Doctor Octopus, andMysterio cloning theVenom symbiote and launching a symbiote invasion.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Play Set, which is heavily inspired by theGuardians of the Galaxy film in terms of design, centers around theGuardians stealing anInfinity Stone fromRonan the Accuser to the planetKnowhere. With the help ofCosmo the Spacedog and theCollector, the Guardians must protectKnowhere from Ronan and theSakaaran fleet. The Guardians of the Galaxy will eventually make way onto Ronan's ship, theDark Aster, to defeat him once and for all.

Gameplay

Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition features similar gameplay toDisney 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 theHulk andStitch. 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 theHulk andBlack 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, whileStar-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, whileThor 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 inDisney Infinity: 2.0 Edition replaces the roulette-based unlock system fromDisney 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 nearby.^[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, includingNova, 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 ofManhattan that is 4x larger thanThe Incredibles Play Set featured in the firstDisney Infinity title.^{[29][30][31][32]}The Incredibles Play Set was the largest environment inDisney 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 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, includingTinker 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 toSuper 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 inDisney 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 inDisney Infinity: 2.0 Edition by placing aDisney Infinity play set piece on theDisney 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 includeEVE fromWALL-E, andSultan fromAladdin.^[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]

InDisney Infinity, each figure had their own "Adventure", a playable level that was made specifically for the character. Toy Box Adventures do not return inDisney 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 inAsgard and calledAttack on Asgard.^[26] InAttack on Asgard, Loki will command Frost Giants to invadeOdin'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] includingGamora's "space armor."^[50] Additionally, some Hexagonal Power Discs can launch "Area of Effect" attacks.^[15]

All figures, Power Discs and Toy Boxes fromDisney Infinity are compatible withDisney Infinity: 2.0 Edition.^[51] Bases fromDisney 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) andDisney Originals (characters that are based on Disney properties).^[53]

Playable Characters

A CrystalSorcerer's Apprentice Mickey Mouse figurine was also released in December 2014.^[54]

*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.

Power Discs

Main article:List of Power Discs

Voice cast

Marvel Super Heroes

Development

Concept

Disney INFINITY was originally described to be a "platform that's always growing and will ultimately have something for everyone,"^[55] and that theInfinity platform is open to expanding. WhenDisney INFINITY was yet to be released, Avalanche Software CEO John Blackburn stated that discussions about the inclusion ofStar 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 boughtLucasfilm, 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 potentialDisney Infinity sequel.^[57]

Avalanche Software started working with Marvel Entertainment, after it was acquired by Disney in2009, about developing a game featuring Marvel superheroes, in2011.^[41] The conception of the game started immediately after the acquisition, asDisney 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 October2013, 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

OnApril 8,2014, Marvel Entertainment released a teaser trailer featuring characters fromDisney INFINITY interacting with Captain America'sshield.^[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 ofDisney INFINITY. This information was incorrect. More news aboutDisney INFINITY will be shared onApril 30, and we hope you will check back for that update."^[60]

OnApril 30, 2014, Disney announced a follow-up game toDisney INFINITY,Disney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition, at Pacific Theatres' Cinerama Done inHollywood,^[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 theMarvel Comics universe. The announcement was also broadcast live online through a webcast.^[61] The unveiling included appearances byClark Gregg, who appears asAgent Coulson inAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D., andSamuel L. Jackson, who appears as Nick Fury in many films in theMarvel 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] TheGuardians of the Galaxy Play Set was revealed onJuly 23, 2014, and it was confirmed Studio Gobo (the studio that developed thePirates of the Caribbean Play Set forDisney INFINITY) developed the play set.^[1]

Design

The art style fromDisney INFINITY, in which every character and object is designed to look like a toy and was co-designed byPixar,^[70] was carried over toDisney 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 forDisney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition, unlike the first game.^[28] TheDisney 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 ofMickey 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, tryAmazing 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]

ThoughDisney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition is heavily inspired byAvengers 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] NoX-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]

TheDisney INFINITY fanbase and "community" have avidly played a role in development ofDisney 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 theDisney Infinity team, were actually hired to create free downloadable levels forDisney 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 ofDisney INFINITY, Avalanche Software expressed interest in supportingDisney INFINITY toys on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles. John Day, of Avalanche Software, stated that the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions ofDisney 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. InDisney 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 ofDisney 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 asDisney INFINITY: Marvel Super Heroes,Disney INFINITY 2.0,Disney INFINITY: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) andDisney 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 theMarvel 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 onSeptember 23, 2014 in North America,September 19, 2014 in the United Kingdom, and onSeptember 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 theMarvel Super Heroes Starter Pack's street date, but the leak has since been contained.^[87]

TheToy Box Starter Pack (known as theToy Box Combo Starter Pack in some markets),^[88] which will be released onNovember 4, 2014 in North America andNovember 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 theDisney 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 allThe 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 inAustralia andNew 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] ADisney INFINITY 2.0 Marvel Premium Value Pack bundle is exclusive to Amazon.com, and includes theMarvel Super Heroes Starter Pack, the Captain America, Venom, and Rocket Raccoon figures, a Power Disc blind pack and theSpider-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 ofDisney 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 andDisney 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 theAvengers play set, while Thor will be released separately.^[107]

The Microsoft Windows version of the game will be released digitally, as an update to theDisney INFINITY application for Windows,^[108] onOctober 2, 2014.^[9] Micro transactions will be required to unlock additional content.^[109] The iOS version ofDisney 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 throughSeptember 22, 2014, consumers who pre-ordered the Starter Pack receive a freeDisney 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] promotingDisney Infinity: 2.0 Edition. Free figures were handed out at E3 2014 and Blogger Bash's Sweet Suite 2014.^[114] In promotion of bothDisney Infinity: 2.0 Edition andBig Hero 6, Disney created a giant-sized version of the BaymaxDisney : 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 ofGravity Falls, was also present at the pop-up shop, to announce the inclusion ofGravity 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] ADisney Infinity: 2.0 Edition-themed Xbox One was also given away at Comic-Con.^[119]

OnAugust 9, 2014, GameStop heldDisney Infinity Day, an event that celebrates the game in stores, by offering promotions on it.^[120] An officialDisney Infinity Toy Box Summit was held onAugust 15, 2014 toAugust 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 withDisney 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, includingCaptain America: The Winter Soldier.^[124]

Multiple trailers have been released for the game. A teaser was released onApril 8, 2014.^[59] The reveal trailer for the game was unveiled onApril 30, 2014.^[125] A trailer focusing on the Avengers Play Set was released onMay 22, 2014.^[126][127] A second trailer, this time based on the Spider-Man Play Set, was released onJune 10, 2014.^[128] Disney revealed Stitch and Tinker Bell with a preview of the game, onJuly 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 onJuly 26, 2014, and was released to the public onJuly 28, 2014.^[131][132] OnAugust 7, 2014, a trailer focusing on Aladdin and Jasmine fromAladdin was released.^[133] To coincide Gamescom 2014, Disney Interactive Studios released a trailer featuring Donald Duck onAugust 12, 2014.^[134] An informational trailer for the Toy Box was released onAugust 14, 2014.^[45] Another trailer centering around the Toy Box was released onAugust 20, 2014.^[135] A trailer revolving around Baymax and Hiro Hamada fromBig Hero 6 was released onAugust 27, 2014.^{[136][137][138]} A trailer, titled Walk It, themed to the Aerosmith song "Walk This Way" was released onSeptember 5, 2014.^[139]

Multiple teases from theDisney 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 throughRadio 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 withinDisney 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 ofDisney 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 ofNew York City.^[156]

Andrew Reiner, of Game Informer, thought thatThe Avengers,Guardians of the Galaxy, andSpider-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 ofDisney Infinity: 2.0 Edition's play sets, calling it "cringe-worthy."^[157] He also cited that the dubstep music featured in theSpider-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 condemnedDisney 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 theMike Wazowski andElsa figurines from the first game.^[161] Those two figurines were the best selling characters ofDisney 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 expectsDisney INFINITY andDisney INFINITY: 2.0 Edition to generate $1 billion in sales.^[162]

Future

A third installment in theDisney INFINITY game franchise and the inclusion of characters fromStar Wars have been hinted at by executive producer John Vignocchi.^[163] When talking about the franchise's future, Vignocchi stated that "2015 is not sofar, 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 forStar Wars and thePixar filmInside Out.

Gallery

The Disney Wiki has a collection of images and media related toDisney Infinity: 2.0 Edition.

Trivia

• AlthoughAngelina 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 originalDisney INFINITY title).^[164]
• The sign for theDinoco gas station can be seen, along with a sign forGusteau's.
• This is the first Disney game released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
• There is a terrain and skydome forPlanes: Fire & Rescue in the Toy Box, along with the water tower and control tower.
• When a Magic Band from theWalt Disney World is placed on the Disney Infinity Base, an item based on theIt's a Small World Façade is unlocked.^[165]

External Links

• Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes' Launches Fall 2014 with More Than 20 Characters, New Gameplay at theStitch Kingdom
• Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition onDisney Infinity Wiki
• Official website
• Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes onWikipedia

References

- -

Games • • Playable Characters Disney Infinity: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Disney Infinity: 3.0 Edition: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Non-Playable Characters Disney Infinity: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition: • • • • • • • • • • • • • Disney Infinity: 3.0 Edition: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Objects • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (Disney Parks version) • •