Who even is Fred Funko?
As a recovering Funko Pop collector, I was immediately curious when I had first heard word that the company was planning a video game. At this point you can literally find a Funko product for almost everything for pop culture. From movies to video games, there is certainly a Pop for everyone. With the game, Funko Fusion; developer and publisher 10:10 games have taken a similar approach and pulled from the many pop culture icons the company has license for and made a game that is in the same vein as the early Lego games.
MSRP: $49.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $29.99
Funko Fusion is a vibrant and chaotic action-adventure game that brings together beloved franchises like Jurassic World, Back to the Future, Masters of the Universe, and more into a single, playful universe. There is also hidden characters like the serial killer possessed doll Chucky and even the King of ‘finger-lickin’ good chicken; Colonel Sanders. The game offers a nostalgic trip for fans of these franchises, blending familiar characters and storylines into a fresh and exciting gameplay experience. Gameplay feels much like the Lego games formula for success as combat is simple yet effective and there is a reliance on puzzles in the world. Every character has a melee and ranged weapon, these effects change based on the world (He-Man has lasers but Shawn of the Dead has more traditional firearms) but function the same.
The game’s story revolves around a classic good-versus-evil battle between Freddy Funko and the evil Eddy Funko. Players can choose to start with different episodes, and as a child of the 80’s I opted to begin with Masters of the Universe i.e.. He-Man. The He-Man episode is packed with familiar characters and iconic scenes, making it a thrilling start to the game. Issues begin to pop up almost immediately as the overall control of each character feels very floaty, and this also is true of the combat. Not to mention that the combat can feel EXTREMLY overwhelming; for some reason Funko Fusion will literally PUMP areas full of enemies. I can’t tell you how many levels I barely finished or had to replay just because there was just entirely too much combat.
But it’s not all bad though from battling dinosaurs in Jurassic World to exploring the futuristic landscapes of Battlestar Galactica, Funko Fusion excels in creating diverse and immersive environments. Each episode offers a unique set of challenges and missions, requiring players to utilize different strategies and abilities to progress. The game’s colorful graphics and charming character designs add to its appeal, making it a visual delight for players of all ages.
One of the most exciting aspects of Funko Fusion is the online play feature. The game was supposed to launch with this feature but it was revealed that initially, the game will be available for single-player, but later updates will introduce online co-op play. The online play will be rolled out in phases, starting with the Jurassic World episode, followed by other episodes starting in late October 2024. This hurt my overall excitement for the game, I usually play these types of games with my wife, not to mention that the addition of another player would have helped with the ridiculous difficulty spike and overwhelming enemies.
Funko Fusion is a fun and nostalgic game that will appeal to fans of Funko Pop figurines and the franchises it represents. While it has its share of technical issues and repetitive gameplay, the colorful worlds, charming character designs, and humor make it an enjoyable experience. With the upcoming online play feature and regular updates, Funko Fusion has the potential to become even more engaging and entertaining in the future. The game’s ability to bring together different franchises into a single, cohesive universe is a testament to its creativity and charm. Whether you’re a fan of Scott Pilgram, Masters of the Universe, or any of the other franchises featured in the game, Funko Fusion offers a delightful and nostalgic journey that is sure to entertain and captivate players.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.