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Overview of Funko Fusion
Funko Fusion is an upcoming crossover video game featuring characters and worlds from over 20 popular franchises. The game is being developed by 10:10 Games, a new studio founded by former developers of the hugely popular Lego video games.
While the Lego games appealed primarily to younger audiences, Funko Fusion is rated T for Teen and will include properties that are decidedly not just for kids. However, the game still maintains a lighthearted, humorous style.
Funko Fusion represents the video game debut for Funko, the company best known for its ubiquitous Pop figurines depicting characters from nearly every entertainment franchise imaginable. Given the brand’s massive popularity and reach into pop culture, a major video game was a natural next step.
Early previews of Funko Fusion gameplay showcase a fun third-person shooter style, with melee and ranged combat options available for each character. The game features an open world structure, with themed portals connecting levels based on the different franchises.
Funko Fusion is set to launch on September 13, 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Pre-orders include bonus playable characters from The Walking Dead.
Gameplay and Mechanics of Funko Fusion
Funko Fusion features third-person shooter style mechanics, with a focus on fun and accessible controls rather than hardcore combat. Players can switch between melee and ranged attacks on the fly for each character.
For example, He-Man uses his powerful sword for up-close fighting, while OJ from Jordan Peele’s Nope wields a mini inflatable tube man for more comedic melee attacks. For ranged combat, the game gets creative with characters that don’t traditionally use guns or blasters.
In addition to basic attacks, each character has signature moves and abilities that reflect their personalities and powers. Fans can expect to pull off iconic moves from their favorite franchises.
The gameplay takes place across a large open world with portals connecting themed levels based on the different IPs. For instance, players can walk through a portal from the main hub into a level based on Ghostbusters or Back to the Future.
Exploring the open world and finding secret portals allows players to unlock additional cameo levels and bonuses. The developers have described these secret areas as fun surprises for fans.
The modular nature of the open world and portal system allows the developers to easily add new content post-launch. More characters, franchises, and levels can be introduced over time to expand the scope of the game.
Supported Platforms and Release Date
Funko Fusion is scheduled to launch on September 13, 2024 for the following platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X/S
- PlayStation 4
- Nintendo Switch
- PC
The game will utilize the power of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S to deliver enhanced visuals and fast load times. The PS4 and Switch versions will allow a wider audience to experience the game. And PC players can enjoy Funko Fusion as well.
Releasing on all major modern platforms means the developers are positioning Funko Fusion as a major blockbuster title for Fall 2024. The September release date follows in the footsteps of other big holiday games.
Pre-ordering Funko Fusion grants access to bonus playable characters from The Walking Dead – Rick Grimes and Michonne. These bonus characters come with alternate outfit options inspired by the hit AMC show.
The Walking Dead pre-order content provides just a taste of the post-launch support planned for Funko Fusion. The developers have already outlined their content roadmap extending well beyond launch.
Overall, the multi-platform release and pre-order bonuses demonstrate how Funko Fusion aims to be an inclusive crossover game with broad appeal across player types and fandoms.
Licensed Franchises Featuring in Funko Fusion
One of the most exciting aspects of Funko Fusion is the sheer variety of beloved franchises it will include, with over 20 already confirmed. Here is the full list so far:
- Back to the Future
- Battlestar Galactica
- Child’s Play
- Five Nights at Freddy’s
- Hot Fuzz
- Invincible
- Jaws
- Jurassic World
- Knight Rider
- Masters of the Universe
- Megan
- The Mummy
- Nope
- Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
- Shaun of the Dead
- The Thing
- The Umbrella Academy
- Voltron
- The Walking Dead
- Xena: Warrior Princess
This incredible lineup showcases the range of IPs represented. From classic 80s movies to recent horror and sci-fi hits, Funko Fusion brings together properties that span decades and genres.
Each franchise will include playable characters that fans can control. Certain IPs will also have their own themed levels, while others may feature as secret unlockable cameo stages.
The developers plan to continue expanding the roster post-launch, bringing in more surprise franchises over time. The cameo nature of some IPs leaves the door open for nearly any property to join the Funko Fusion universe eventually.
Overall, the diversity of brands speaks to Funko’s mission of uniting pop culture fandoms into one celebratory experience. Players can live out crossover scenarios that go beyond anything seen before in games, movies, or television.
Post-Launch Support to Expand Funko Fusion
The developers of Funko Fusion have emphasized that the game is designed as an evolving platform that will grow substantially after launch. The modular nature of the gameplay and open world allows new content to be added seamlessly over time.
As mentioned, the first post-launch additions will be The Walking Dead characters included as pre-order bonuses. Rick Grimes and Michonne represent just the start of plans for new playable heroes and villains.
The team aims to introduce new franchises regularly by popular fan request. Surprise cameo levels based on iconic movies, TV shows, games, and comics can appear in updates.
There is an ambitious roadmap to keep Funko Fusion fresh with new characters, levels, weapons, cosmetics, and game modes. Given the thousands of potential franchises yet to be included, the possibilities are endless.
This ongoing support model follows other successful live service games like Fortnite and Minecraft. New crossovers and themed content will give players reasons to keep coming back.
For fans of the Funko brand, the prospect of being able to play as their favorite characters will be hard to resist. And by expanding the scope of the game over time, the developers ensure Funko Fusion has longevity rather than being a short-lived release.
The post-launch plan shows this is far more than just a licensed cash grab. There is a commitment to make Funko Fusion a dynamic platform celebrating all facets of pop culture for years to come.
Analysis and Expectations for Funko Fusion
Based on early previews and details from the developers, we can analyze what to expect from Funko Fusion when it launches this Fall.
Firstly, it aims to fill the gap left by the beloved Lego video games. The lighthearted humor, vast character roster, and worlds spanning pop culture make it a spiritual successor. But the teen rating and inclusion of more mature franchises differentiate it and expand the potential audience.
The sheer amount of iconic franchises represented gives Funko Fusion massive crossover appeal. Fans from different fandoms can unite and play together in this ultimate mashup. The opportunity to control favorite characters in a shared universe is unique.
Structuring the game as an evolving platform means there is intrinsically high replay value. Players will be motivated to keep returning to see who joins the roster next and what new themed content gets added.
The low difficulty and accessibility options make Funko Fusion suitable for family co-op. But there is enough depth for hardcore gamers to sink their teeth into mastering each hero.
Overall, Funko Fusion delivers on the promise of its name by fusing countless properties into one celebratory gaming experience. It caters to pop culture lovers of all ages and interests. When it launches this September, Funko Fusion should be a hit with fans and critics alike.
Get Ready to Fuse Your Favorite Franchises
Funko Fusion represents an exciting new frontier for crossover video games. By bringing together over 20 beloved franchises within one unified gaming world, it delivers a pop culture mashup like we’ve never seen before.
Whether you’re a fan of classic adventure movies, horror icons, sci-fi epics, or comic book heroes, Funko Fusion allows you to play as characters you love from all these genres and more. Seeing them interact with one another promises humor, surprise, and endless possibilities.
With its accessible but deep gameplay systems, post-launch support plans, and multi-platform release, Funko Fusion is shaping up to be a major release that appeals to veteran gamers and pop culture enthusiasts alike.
The game captures the spirit of Funko’s Pop figurines, finally bringing those iconic characters to life in playable form. And with the addition of exciting IPs planned for the future, the fun should never stop evolving.
Get ready to fuse your favorite franchises together when Funko Fusion launches on September 13, 2024. This is one pop culture mashup you won’t want to miss!
