Funko Fusion Review: Mash-up Provides Universal Fun

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As a lifelong fan of pop culture and action games, Funko Fusion has certainly tickled my fancy. The game’s ability to seamlessly blend iconic films and television shows into a single, wacky adventure is nothing short of genius. I mean, who would have thought that I’d be solving murders in Sandford, Gloucestershire as Nicholas Angel and Danny Butterman? It’s like a dream come true for this old Hot Fuzz enthusiast!

1010 Games’ initial title is a daring blend of action games, showcasing numerous well-known personalities. Funko Fusion employs the visual aesthetic of Funko Pops and showcases an assortment of cherished characters from movies and TV shows (including some from Universal and Skydance, among others). Remarkably, it shares gameplay mechanics with the LEGO games by Traveller’s Tales, but emphasizes action more since numerous characters can be controlled like a conventional third-person shooter. The combinations aren’t always successful, but when they are, the outcome can bring great delight.

What makes Funko Fusion truly special is its faithful reproduction of popular movies and universes. I never thought I’d have the chance to play a Hot Fuzz video game, but within moments of starting Funko Fusion, I found myself in Sandford, Gloucestershire, investigating murders alongside Nicholas Angel and Danny Butterman. The adorable recreations of well-known scenes featuring Funkos are simply priceless, especially when they meet a violent end – something the game doesn’t hesitate to portray.

Though the core gameplay mechanics remain consistent across various worlds, featuring both ranged and melee attacks, each world tailors its unique aspects. For instance, in Scott Pilgrim, where combat predominantly involves boss fights, you collect special amps that can be utilized to conquer puzzles and adversaries. The balance between action and exploration also varies per world, ensuring a continually evolving and invigorating journey as you progress.

It’s important to mention that the quality of the game’s levels may not be consistently strong, and some areas might not resonate as much with players (for instance, I haven’t followed The Umbrella Academy). Initially, I found the first Scott Pilgrim level quite frustrating due to an abundance of enemies continuously spawning while I was trying to solve puzzles. However, later in that world, I encountered one of the most amusing boss fights, where I had to shove a vegan ex-boyfriend into buckets of fried chicken. The enjoyable moments definitely outweigh the less engaging ones, which border on being just okay rather than truly poor levels.

As a gamer, I’ve found that this game centers around a twisted version of the Funko mascot serving as the catalyst for all apocalyptic boss battles. Frankly, I feel like the game shines brightest when you can explore the meticulously crafted worlds without distractions, but thankfully, this narrative element remains in the shadows and doesn’t disrupt the experience. If you’re a Funko enthusiast, you might find it more appealing, but compared to the cultural iconicity of LEGO, it doesn’t quite capture my heart as effectively.

It’s important to mention that I ran into several glitches during gameplay (one even halted my advancement, forcing me to restart a level), and it currently doesn’t offer all its promised features at launch. For instance, online multiplayer won’t be available until an update in October. However, additional characters and costumes are planned, suggesting that there is a good support system in place. Despite the occasional rough edges and lack of polish, the game offers a well-designed and endearing experience overall.

Funko Fusion Review: Final Verdict

Funko Fusion keeps things interesting by showcasing numerous popular franchises and regularly introducing new mechanics. Although it shines brightest when offering fans the chance to appreciate minute details and nostalgic references from the originals, the gameplay is equally engaging. Some parts may be a bit rough around the edges, but every player is bound to discover their favorite adaptations, making it a satisfying experience for all entertainment enthusiasts.

SCORE: 8/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a score of 8 signifies “Great.” Although there are some small flaws, this rating indicates that the artwork achieves its purpose effectively and leaves a lasting impression.

Note: For our Funko Fusion review, we were given a digital PS5 version to play. This was reviewed on version 1.001.001.

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2024-09-12 16:11