I have always been a fan of Lego video games, but recent efforts like The Skywalker Saga from TT Games just didn’t resonate with me. This is why Funko Fusion caught my attention. It’s the debut release from 10:10 Games, founded by Jon Burton and Arthur Parsons, and it features a collection of popular toy-themed properties in a video game. I had an early look at Funko Fusion before its September 13 release date announcement, and I found it to be a fascinating blend of weirdness and ambition.
This game brings together various franchises, including some more mature ones like Invincible, Shaun of the Dead, and The Thing. Despite its teen rating and occasional bloodshed, everything maintains a cute, vinyl Funko Pop aesthetic. Additionally, it offers co-op shooting gameplay with destructible environments. While Funko Fusion may seem overwhelming for those tired of IP crossovers, I am intrigued, especially since I’ve drifted away from Lego games.
A Unique Crossover Experience
Funko Fusion is a third-person shooter where players navigate through levels inspired by a diverse array of movies and TV shows. Here’s the list of properties already confirmed by 10:10 Games:
- Back to the Future
- Battlestar Galactica
- Child’s Play 2
- Five Nights at Freddy’s
- Hot Fuzz
- Invincible
- Jaws
- Jurassic World
- Masters of the Universe
- Megan
- The Mummy
- Nope
- Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
- Shaun of the Dead
- The Thing
- The Umbrella Academy
- Voltron
- Xena Warrior Princess
Despite its initial appearance as a children’s game, Funko Fusion includes elements from explicit horror movies like Jaws, Nope, and Five Nights at Freddy’s. This results in a slightly more graphic experience than anticipated, aiming for a teen rating while maintaining a playful tone. The game showcases a tasteful balance of violence and mischief within the Funko Pop universe.
“We aim for a teen rating to bring these IPs together, mixing comic violence and mischief with a tongue-in-cheek approach,” says Parsons, the design director of Funko Fusion and the head of publishing at 10:10 Games. “The unifying factor here is Funko and its lens, allowing this eclectic blend to mesh well. I witnessed this integration in action through two gameplay levels in a hands-off preview.”
The first level, a reinterpretation of The Thing, sees players battling corrupted enemies in an Antarctic base while rescuing dogs. Combat mechanics are relatively simple, with deployable items like turrets and bounce pads enhancing gameplay. Parsons highlighted the destructible environmental objectives, rewarding players with “vinyl” currency upon destruction.
Although the gameplay deviates from the tense atmosphere of the John Carpenter film, the faithful recreation of the base is commendable. The developers intend to loosely connect the individual IPs within a light narrative framework, prioritizing authentic storytelling from each property.
Additionally, the decision to forgo voice acting in favor of pantomimed cutscenes reminiscent of older Lego games adds to Funko Fusion‘s nostalgic charm. This approach aligns with Parsons’ emphasis on respecting and faithfully representing the diverse IPs in the game.
Authentic Adaptations
While the reimagined levels may not perfectly mirror their source material, they successfully capture the essence of iconic IPs like Shaun of the Dead. Parsons stresses the importance of treating third-party IPs with utmost respect and ensuring a deep understanding of each property for an authentic gameplay experience.
“For a project involving numerous IPs, extensive research and a fan’s perspective are crucial to delivering an engaging and faithful experience,” Parsons explains. “Being a true fan of the IPs we work with builds trust with our partners, allowing us to craft an immersive and enjoyable game.”
As I await a hands-on experience with Funko Fusion, I am curious to see if this unconventional project can deliver an engaging gameplay experience. While IP crossovers have become commonplace, the game’s success hinges on its ability to captivate players beyond the initial novelty. With a blend of eclectic gameplay, occasional violence, and a mix of beloved franchises, I remain hopeful that Funko Fusion can recapture the magic of classic Lego games.
Funko Fusion will launch on September 13 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.
Editors’ Recommendations
