Funko Fusion is a modern twist on the much-loved LEGO gaming franchise. This colourful affair is jam-packed with memorable characters and interesting worlds. Additionally, there are puzzles to complete, quests to undertake and plenty of baddies to defeat. However, there is also an array of bugs to deal with and plenty of repetitive action to endure. Moreover, there is currently no multiplayer mode, and this wasn’t acceptable. Yet, I can see the potential, and I’m going to forgive plenty of the shortcomings as my review unfolds.
This 3D adventure title was developed and published by 10:10 Games. In its current format, it can be enjoyed alone. However, there are plans to incorporate cooperative action to bring it in line with the LEGO franchise. This will be fantastic as the difficulty balance isn’t perfect for a younger audience. Yet, once things are sorted, this will be the ideal game for families to waste some time.
Funko Fusion delivers some amusing moments.
Like all great adventure games, Funko Fusion incorporates many minor subplots into its hearty storyline. This was great as there are 7 familiar tales to experience alongside the overarching story. You can spend time in Jurassic World or discover what hides in the murky waters of JAWS. Alternatively, maybe you wish to grab a blaster and enjoy Battlestar Galactica or rummage through the streets in Hot Fuzz.
No matter which story you pick, it doesn’t alter the main storyline. The classic tale of good vs evil and the rise of a fallen king won’t amaze you. Yet, I enjoyed the occasionally witty moments and the snippets of an evil lord gaining power. Though this plot lacks depth, it works well with the 7 unique chapters and the madness that unfolds.
A collectathon.
Funko Fusion blends hack-and-slash action with a desire to smash everything in sight. Your surroundings can be hit or shot to unleash vinyl. This in-game currency is spent on health boosts, character regeneration, and other elements. Accordingly, finding as much as possible is essential. Though I understood the necessity of this layer, it doesn’t feel as fluid or enjoyable as the LEGO experience. Unfortunately, it is a bit of a grind and gaining enough vinyl to unlock everything is a bit of a ballache.
Alongside this, you must find hidden objects, meat, fossils, characters, and silver crowns. Each of these items can be used at the central game hub. As such, searching every nook and cranny becomes a key part of the gameplay loop. Therefore, if you don’t enjoy collecting every minor item you stumble across, you will quickly become tired of what is required.
The same mission again?
The witty cutscenes and silly one-lines punctuate every chapter. However, this isn’t enough to distract you from the rehashed mission cycle. Every chapter utilises the same core mechanics and boss battle. This was unfortunate as this forces you into a casual gaming mindset. Though the quests were fun, it was disappointing to experience a rehashed version 7 times.
Where Funko Fusion excels, is its puzzle elements. These enjoyable moments demand an eye for detail and quick reactions. Additionally, you may need to unlock new items to proceed and this requires some exploration and a patient mindset. If the rest of the game incorporated this varied and challenging approach, the end product would have been much better.
Bugs.
Oh Funko Fusion, what have you done? This game is riddled with bugs. Minor bugs, annoying bugs, and game-breaking bugs flit around the place and ruin your fun. Luckily, the developer has released several patches to iron out these creases. Accordingly, I’m hopeful that these issues will be resolved and the game will improve as a consequence.
The game-breaking bugs leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Losing progress through no fault of my own was infuriating. Moreover, corrupted puzzles, frozen cutscenes, and no clear progression drove me to distraction. Yet, I have seen an improvement, so I am confident these early teething issues will fade away.
Funko Fusion is a colour explosion.
Despite the glitches, Funko Fusion is a much-loved project. The little details in each unique world will make fans smile and chuckle. Furthermore, the characters are remarkably well-designed and I loved the mannerisms and the likeness of each leading protagonist. The detail can also be enjoyed in the stage layout and the smooth animation.
Unfortunately, the camera angles were occasionally off and this made combat and exploration somewhat tricky. Had this been tweaked, it would have been much more enjoyable to play. Though I haven’t experienced the multiplayer elements, I can imagine a split-screen solution will be a viable option.
The audio was vibrant, exciting, and loud. Each chapter complemented its unique setting and there are some snippets of famous music to enjoy. The sound effects were good and I liked the zap of each blaster and the crude crash of each shotgun. What’s more, the occasional moan of odd characters and the OTT slapping noises will make you chuckle.
What do I need to do?
The control system is well-considered and easy to master. Consequently, learning the fundamentals was a cinch. Youngsters and adults will both enjoy the action, though younger gamers may need some assistance. My only complaint is the lack of guidance with missions and key objectives. Had the developers made things more obvious, or if a minimap had been included, then things would have been much clearer.
In theory, Funko Fusion has unlimited potential. The developer can add new chapters and create impressive side quests to keep people coming back for more. This idea creates a moreish layer that will intrigue Funko Pop fans. Moreover, the volume of collectables will appeal to completionists. As such, this has plenty of replay value and longevity.
Funko Fusion needs more time.
Unfortunately, I feel that Funko Fusion was a little rushed. The volume of bugs and the lack of cooperative action support this claim. However, this will be a great adventure title once the issues are ironed out. Yes, it is repetitive, but I’m not sure that matters. It will be the perfect family game that can be enjoyed casually. Accordingly, despite its issues, I like it and recommend buying it here! Can you overcome the evil king and save the day? Complete each chapter, collect the crowns, and make the king whole again.
