Funko Fusion
The current media landscape's obsession with crossovers and mash-ups can arguably be traced back to the popularity of Funko Pop, those collectible vinyl figures that represent an extensive range of pop culture from rockstars and Star Trek villains to cereal mascots and retired athletes Before Fortnite morphed into a Funko Pop-like game, these figures adorned mall stores and collectors' shelves, offering both fan favorites and obscure characters Given the release of Funko Fusion, it's surprising we didn't see a Funko-themed console and PC game sooner, but based on the current outcome, perhaps it was worth the wait
Funko Fusion employs an over-the-shoulder third-person view reminiscent of recent Lego Star Wars titles, inviting players into colorful worlds inspired by beloved movies and TV shows While Lego games typically feature high-profile franchises like Marvel and Lord of the Rings, Funko Fusion opts for a curious mix of major and niche properties, including Jurassic World, Scott Pilgrim, Hot Fuzz, The Thing, Masters of the Universe, The Umbrella Academy, and the original Battlestar Galactica. This eclectic selection stems from their shared distributor, Universal Studios.
Gameplay unfolds similarly to Lego titles, allowing players to explore 3D levels brimming with destructible objects and enemies, solving puzzles to advance. Each property offers distinct music and scenery; for example, an early Scott Pilgrim level features its movie's soundtrack, immediately evoking nostalgia. The Thing levels employ unsettling music, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the snowy landscape. While the use of property-specific soundtracks is immersive, it isn't surprising
Despite its fun premise, Funko Fusion isn't tailored for children. This becomes evident through its inclusion of darker themes, such as The Thing, and the presence of the band Sex Bob-Omb from Scott Pilgrim However, the game's design flaws ultimately detract from the experience, as it fails to adhere to a coherent puzzle and level structure, leading to frustration and confusion.
Unlike the Lego series, renowned for its well-crafted "nuzzles" or light puzzles, Funko Fusion lacks a clear internal logic. Initial confusion during gameplay led me to believe I had missed a tutorial, but such guidance is absent As a result, players often feel lost, unsure how to proceed, particularly when some puzzles require returning to levels after unlocking specific characters or items.
This inconsistency extends to the game's visual language, which often fails to signal which elements are currently accessible. For example, yellow arrows in one level hinted at a locked door, but I soon discovered that a specific character was needed to bypass it information the game never provided upfront
Many puzzles are similarly frustrating, especially timed challenges requiring players to interact with multiple levers These can only be completed with specific characters or consumables, leading to confusion when players initially assume they can solve them with ingenuity. Funko
Fusion introduces concepts only to change them without warning, making problem-solving feel more like a guessing game.
Combat mechanics add to the challenges, with shooting feeling imprecise and melee combat relying on button-mashing. Enemies can trap players in corners, and those that respawn infinitely disrupt puzzle-solving by blocking paths Mini-boss encounters often require trial-and-error rather than strategic planning, resulting in overly long and repetitive fights
While world bosses generally follow a predictable format hitting glowing spots while dodging minions the consistency is one of the few redeeming qualities in an otherwise chaotic experience.
The absence of co-op functionality at launch exacerbates these issues Funko Fusion is set to roll out four-player online co-op in stages, beginning with Jurassic World in October. While the intent to prioritize developers' work-life balance is commendable, the lack of co-op makes the game feel incomplete Without teammates to assist in puzzles or fend off enemies, the gameplay becomes more tedious and isolating.
That said, there are bright spots The game features secret levels and characters beyond the main hubs, with surprising entries from horror franchises like Child's Play and Five Nights at Freddy's Funko Fusion leans into its horror properties in unexpected ways, offering a refreshing twist
One standout aspect is the game's humor, drawing from the inherent charm of Funko figures. Moments like a character getting stuck in a doorway while escaping dinosaurs or the ability to comically pop heads off enemies add a playful touch. The He-Man levels, presented in a cel-shaded style, also stand out amidst the otherwise live-action backdrop.
In summary, while Funko Fusion captures some of the charm of its Lego predecessors, it falters in execution. Its lack of cohesive puzzle design, frustrating combat mechanics, and absence of co-op functionality hinder the overall experience, leaving players yearning for the refined formula of established franchises.