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Disney Infinity 2.0 swings to Vita in May with special Spider-Man
Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes will arrive on PlayStation Vita in May 2015, Avalanche Software tweeted over the weekend. The Vita version of Disney's latest sandbox game will feature Black Suit Spider-Man, which VP of Production John Vignocchi noted will be exclusive to the Vita's starter pack for the game. The pack will come with a Bluetooth-enabled base and will be compatible with PlayStation TV. The Vita version will be about eight months late to the party, as Disney Infinity 2.0 first launched in September for a number of other platforms: Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U. Disney issued the game as a stand-alone download for returning players last month and confirmed Disney Infinity 2.0 for Vita in June. While Disney Interactive laid off roughly a quarter of its staff in March, the division posted $116 million in annual operating profit in November. [Image: Disney Interactive]
Disney Infinity takes Interactive division into profit and beyond
Disney Interactive posted $116 million in annual operating profit, which is the first time Disney's gaming arm has made a yearly gain under its current setup. The figure represents the division's profit for the fiscal year that ended September 27, 2014, underlining the impact of Disney Infinity and its array of collectible figures since launching in August 2013. It's not all been plain sailing for Disney Interactive this year, after the division reportedly laid off around 700 employees in March 2014, roughly a quarter of its staff. Disney Interactive President James Pitaro said at the time, "These are large-scale changes as we focus not just on getting to profitability but sustained profitability and scalability." A month later, Pitaro revealed Disney Infinity had notched 3 million starter pack sales and an estimated $500 million in revenue. The game's follow-up, Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition, launched with a Marvel-boosted line-up in mid-September. In its financial statement, Disney said the sequel's shorter window ahead of the fiscal results "partially offset" the Interactive division's Q4 profit of $18 million, which was still up from the previous year's figure of $16 million.
New Nintendo eShop releases: It's raining nintendogs + cats
Among all the big games Nintendo chucks at the Q4 window is the weekly eShop cluster grenade, ready to spread just about everything across your Wii U and 3DS. This week there's plenty of stuff to pick and mix, from platform-puzzler The Swapper where you can create clones of yourself and swap (ah!) between them, to the GBA Super Mario Advance remake of Super Mario Bros. 2 which also features a Mario Bros. remake. Or you could garden-gander at Shigeru Miyamoto's Pikmin Short Movies animations on 3DS and Wii U, and then try out the new Pikmin 3 demo. If you'd prefer something spikier and scarf-ier, there are Sonic Boom demos for both 3DS and Wii U ahead of next week's retail releases. Keeping the animal theme but travelling back in time, out of nowhere there are eShop versions of the three-year-old nintendogs + cats 3DS games, complete with a free theme when you buy one of them. A bit out of the blue, yes. On the other hand... d'awwww. It's one of those weeks where it might be easier to digest a full list of new releases, so it's handy you'll find one of those below the break. Bargain hunters, we refer you to Nintendo's press release for a list of this week's sales and permanent price reductions.
PSN Store Update: Digital Pros and CoDs
We're knee-deep in silly season, so it was already a stuffed-enough PlayStation Store update. Factor in that we've just had the first Tuesday of November and therefore the PlayStation Plus slew of games, well, we've got a fair bit to get through here. First off, there are the retail releases that get their downloadable accompaniments. That's MotoGP 14 (PS4 $60, PS3 $40 and Vita $30), The Wolf Among Us ($25 on PS4 and Vita), the standalone Toy Box download for Disney Infinity 2.0 ($20 on PS4 and PS3 for a limited time, regular price $30), Rocksmith 2014 ($60 on PS4), and finally the small matter of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare ($60 on PS4 and PS3.) If you've got $100 to burn, you qualify to be a Digital Pro thanks to CoD: Advanced Warfare - Digital Pro Edition. Earning this prestigious title comes with the added benefits of the season pass, a bonus multiplayer map and other in-game goodies.
Destiny retains UK No.1 against Disney Infinity 2.0, Hyrule Warriors
Destiny "comfortably" held on to top spot in the UK, says data compilers Chart Track, despite new releases Disney Infinity 2.0 and Hyrule Warriors charging into second and third. Sales of the space-roaming shooter had a typical second week dip, going down by 78 percent, but it was enough for Bungie's guardians of the galaxy to see off Marvel's guardians of the toy box. While it didn't take top spot, Disney Infinity 2.0 sold 32 percent better than the first entry did in its debut week in the UK. Similarly Hyrule Warriors, Nintendo's link to the Dynasty Warriors, notched one of the best UK charts debuts for a Wii U game, only bested by the likes of Mario Kart 8 and Pikmin 3. In other Nintenews, 3DS nostalgia-fest Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call fell short of the top ten, placing 17th in its first week. For the full UK top ten (and customary music video), head below the break.
Disney Infinity 2.0 Marvel Super Heroes review: Super friends
Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes is adorable. From the plucky way characters stride toward danger, to the fantastic, real-world figures that power their adventures, it's hard not to be enamored with the sequel. Each time I plop a new figure on the base and a hero emerges from its magical Disney dust (made up of money and acquisitions), I revert back to that little Canadian kid from the early 90s, spellbound by Saturday morning cartoons.
Disney Infinity's Toy Box 2.0 offered as standalone download
When Disney formally unveiled Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes in April, the publisher announced that the power discs and base from the first game would be compatible with the one slated to arrive next week. Instead of buying a starter pack for Disney Infinity 2.0 with a new base, returning players will have the option to download the new game's Toy Box mode separately starting on November 4. The Toy Box mode has improved since the first game, offering options for procedurally generated content and themed templates. Priced at $19.99, the standalone Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0 game will be available for PS4, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii U players. The developer opted for a November release date to time the digital launch with its physical 2.0 Edition Play Sets as well as the game's Disney Originals series. North American players that download Toy Box 2.0 will receive both the Stitch's Tropical Rescue and Brave Forest Siege game discs for free, with details on the limited-time offer on the way from Disney Interactive as November approaches. Disney Infinity 2.0 launches September 23 for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U. [Image: Disney Interactive]
Disney Infinity 2.0 channels Ninja Theory's combat expertise
Disney Infinity 2.0 is all about merging different universes, a philosophy that apparently also applies to its development team. Polygon reports that during Giant Bomb's panel at PAX Prime, Infinity 2.0 Executive Producer John Vignocchi revealed that Ninja Theory was brought on in February due to the studio's talent with combat, most recently on display in DmC: Devil May Cry and Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. Vignocchi clarified that Ninja Theory developed Infinity 2.0's sand tornado-summoning Princess Jasmine, but also helped with Loki, the Green Goblin and Ronan the Accuser. Ninja Theory is of course still working on Hellblade, a new IP announced at Gamescom that the studio hopes will capitalize on its core strengths. Last year's DmC stands as Ninja Theory's most recent release (on consoles), which managed to ship one million copies to retailers. [Image: Disney]
Marvel meets mayhem in Disney Infinity 2.0's Toy Box trailer
Marvel's superheroes invade Disney Infinity's sandbox-styled Toy Box mode in the latest trailer for Disney Infinity 2.0, showcasing the game's expanded options for user-generated content. Toy Box 2.0 allows players to create detailed interior areas and minigames that take advantage of character-specific abilities. Of course, if you just want to see Thor pilot a Tron light cycle, that's also an option. A Toy Box-focused Combo Pack will be available when Disney Infinity 2.0 premieres on September 23 for the PlayStation 3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Wii U. [Image: Disney]
Disney Infinity 2.0's Toy Box pack stars Stitch, Merida
Following the recent news about Disney Infinity 2.0's Toy Box, Disney Interactive revealed a combo pack for the game that's centered on the mode. The Toy Box Combo Pack will be a new way to buy the game without all those pesky Marvel Super Heroes, as it stars Merida (Disney's Brave) and Stitch (Lilo and Stitch). The Toy Box Combo Pack will include a copy of the game, the Disney Infinity 2.0 base, one poster, figures for both Merida and Stitch as well as two Toy Box game discs: "Stitch's Tropical Rescue" and "Brave Forest Siege." The starter pack will launch November 4 in North America and November 7 in the UK. Disney Infinity 2.0 will launch September 23 for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U. [Image: Disney Interactive]
Disney Infinity 2.0's evolved Toy Box mode detailed
Disney Interactive has announced a slate of additions and improvements it has in store for the playground-styled Toy Box mode in Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes, noting that it will emphasize ease-of-use and creativity-driven options in the upcoming sequel. As previously teased at E3 2014, Disney Infinity 2.0's Toy Box mode will offer options for procedurally generated content, allowing players to automatically fill out minor details in their worlds while focusing their creative efforts elsewhere. Creators can use the game's suite of Toy Box Tools to automatically populate their worlds with NPCs, structures, and entire themed arrangements at their discretion. Disney Infinity 2.0 will also offer a collection of themed templates, letting players kickstart their sandbox worlds with pre-made racetracks and combat arenas. Other new features include customizable interior layouts, an overhauled tutorial structure, and structural mechanics for player-created minigames. Disney Infinity 2.0 launches on September 23 for the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PS4, and Wii U. [Video: Disney Interactive]
Donald Duck joins Disney Infinity 2.0 cast this Fall
Following last year's addition of Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey, Disney has opted to deliver another of the company's "fab five" to Disney Infinity 2.0: Donald Duck. "Donald Duck delivers his signature catch-phrases, fiery temper and special abilities like tossing objects, sweeping up enemies with a broom and becoming a feathered fury to the new Toy Box mode where families will be able to use hundreds of Disney and Marvel themed items, locations, props, vehicles and characters to create one-of-a-kind adventures," reads Disney's official description of the iconic duck. Additionally, the developers claim that Donald will debut alongside the "All for One" Power Disc which allows the character to transform into his French revolution-era garb from the 2004 film Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers. No date has been revealed for Donald's Disney Infinity 2.0 debut, though Disney claims he will appear at some point this Fall. The All for One Power Disc will likewise appear this Fall, though it will be exclusive to blind Power Disc packs purchased in retail stores. [Image: Disney]
Disney Infinity 2.0 is a whole new world with Aladdin, Jasmine
Disney Infinity 2.0 will include playable Aladdin and Princess Jasmine characters, Disney Interactive announced. Aladdin will have his magic lamp and scimitar on hand to defeat baddies, including familiar Agrabah guards from the Aladdin series of films. The acrobatic Jasmine will have the power to summon sandy cyclone winds. Aladdin and Jasmine will be accompanied by four power discs, one of which, named "Rags to Riches," transforms Aladdin into his more royal persona, Prince Ali. Another power disc gives the characters the ability to fly around the toy box on Aladdin's magic carpet. The final two discs affect the landscape of the toy box: The Sands of Agrabah and Jasmine's Palace View. Aladdin's figure will arrive this fall, whereas Jasmine's is slated to launch in early 2015. Disney Infinity 2.0 will launch September 23. [Image: Disney Interactive]
Loki, Green Goblin are Disney Infinity 2.0 Marvel super villains
Oh sure, playing with superhero action figures is plenty fun and we fully endorse it, but what good is a plastic hero without a plastic villain to whack against them every once in awhile? While it's true that this often results in damaged toys, Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes is removing that particular risk by making Loki, Green Goblin and Ronan the Accuser playable, thus allowing them to trade virtual blows with Marvel heroes in-game. The baddies are bit underrepresented for now, especially with all five of the Guardians of the Galaxy set to lend a hand (or branch, or paw) in the fight against evil, but when has being outnumbered ever stopped a comic book supervillain? Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Villains Heroes will be available for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U and PC on September 23. [Image: Disney]
Disney Infinity 2.0 hits North America on September 23.0
Update: Disney Interactive confirmed the game's release dates for Europe. It will hit the continent's mainland on September 18 before arriving in the UK on September 19. The Marvel-stuffed Disney Infinity 2.0 is officially hitting North America's store shelves on September 23, a date that's been rumored for a while. We've confirmed with Disney the release date applies to the PS4, Xbox One. Wii U, Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the sequel. Disney also confirmed the pre-order program GameStop's been advertising, which bundles in an extra $14-value Disney Infinity 2.0 figure, is available at "top retailers nationwide." We reached out to Disney to find out the figures are available in the promo - UK retailer GAME says players can choose between Nick Fury, Hawkeye and Iron Fist.
Guardians of the Galaxy converge in Disney Infinity 2.0
The Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel's oddball ensemble leaping from comics to film on August 1, are visiting earth in the form of tiny figures. Disney Interactive is preparing a cosmic Play Set for the upcoming launch of Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes, rooted in the likenesses of Groot (the tree), Gamora (the assassin), Drax (the Destroyer), Rocket Raccoon (you know) and Star-Lord. (Star-Lord, man. Legendary outlaw?) The five space criminals on the cusp of heroism are playable in their own story, joined by a handful of crossover characters from other sets. Iron Man swings by to help out in the battle against Ronan the Accuser, while Nova jets in from the Spider-Man Play Set. Oh, and switch "swings" with "jets" there. Now it's wordplay.
Hulk smash Disney Infinity: Marvel 2.0 on PS4, PS3
The Sony-specific Collector's Edition of Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes 2.0 features all of the Avengers characters available at launch – Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow – plus Hulk, a figure that won't be for sale separately until later on. And the Collector's Edition comes with a huge display featuring the Frost Beast and spaces for all of the characters. And it glows. The Collector's Edition will be available for PS3 and PS4 this fall. Additionally, a bundle featuring the Marvel Super Heroes 2.0 Starter Pack (which includes Thor, Black Widow and Iron Man), and a 12GB PS3 will launch in the fall for $250. While the collector's display looks large, it probably won't require any assembly – the Avengers usually have that covered.
Pre-order Disney Infinity Marvel Super Heroes, get a free hero at select retailers
There are a lot of character figurines for Disney Infinity, and we imagine it will be the same story with Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes. At least Infinity fans can save some cash by picking up Marvel Super Heroes through the right store: In exchange for pre-ordering the $74.99 Starter Pack, select retailers in both the UK and the US are offering one free Super Marvel Heroes figurine to help grow hero-filled collections. While GAME's listing states that customers can choose between Nick Fury, Hawkeye or Iron Fist as their freebie, GameStop's offer references a "14.99 value" rather than specific characters. We contacted GameStop to ask which heroes would be offered as a pre-order bonus, but that has yet to be announced. Still, if you already plan on adding Marvel to your virtual Disney sandbox, a mystery freebie probably won't hurt you. Besides, what if it's an Avenger? You're not going to be the one that splits up the Avengers, are you? [Image: Disney]
Disney Infinity Toy Box Summit to challenge creators in August
For many of us, imagined adventures with toys are short-lived and typically concluded with 20-minute, WWE-esque brawls between TMNT's Raphael, G.I. Joe and Fashion Model Barbie. The more creative types among us have a knack for crafting tales from a box of ho-hum, mismatched toys, and we imagine they're the sort of people Disney will bring to its Toy Box Summit. Hosted by Disney Infinity developer Avalanche Software, the Toy Box Summit will run August 15-17 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and host a competition between the highest-rated content makers from Infinity's create-an-adventure Toy Box mode. The best work showcased at the Summit will be "leveraged" during the launch of Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes. Those that aren't directly invited aren't totally shut out from the event though – Disney will also run a video contest challenging fans to showcase their favorite Disney movie through Infinity's Toy Box mode. Contest Fan Kits will be distributed to participants, and though it's unclear how entrants obtain them, they will include "approved music, graphics, and game capture tutorials." Three winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip to join the Toy Box Summit, with 10 runners up getting a consolatory Captain America figurine for Marvel Super Heroes. Interested directors will submit videos to the Disney Infinity website, but the site's related post for the Toy Box Summit states that more will be revealed about the competition "in the coming weeks." In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt to brainstorm pitches for your envisioned hybrid of Disney characters with the WWE universe. [Image: Disney]
Beyond Infinity: Disney Infinity 2.0's mechanical evolution
Disney Interactive Studios isn't content to stick with what works after the success of last year's figure-driven action game Disney Infinity. The studio will overhaul its gameplay mechanics in the upcoming Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes, improving on its established formula in several key areas. The changes are necessary to accommodate 2.0's new playable cast. When Marvel Super Heroes launches later this year, players will have a wide variety of playstyles at their disposal as they take control of Spider-Man, Captain America, and other famous characters with distinctive movesets.
