Resistance is Futile

Even when they were first released, I was quite interested in the figures for the Disney's Infinity game. I had no real interest in the game itself. My kids are all grown and it looks like it is geared to that 9 to 14 age group. But the figures...well, I just enjoyed the look of them. It's a good style, similar to others that I tend to gravitate towards, from a cartooning perspective. It also does a fantastic job bringing all these different "Disney worlds" into one unifying design, while keeping the feel of the character.

Up till now, I have resisted purchasing any of these figures. I rationalize it by thinking that at that price point I could by an action figure and the Infinity figures aren't articulated and are basically little statues. Even though the reality of the situation is when I do buy a "action figure" it gets put up on a shelf in my room and never moves anyway. It's a lie I tell myself that has worked up until now. The
closest I came to breaking down and getting one was the Lone Ranger set. Not because the movie was all that great (although not the best, I did enjoy it for what it was), but because of my fondness for the character and the style. But I resisted, saving my pennies for other pop culture stuff to spend my money on. Until now...

In a move that was inevitable now that Disney owns Marvel Comics, the new Infinity 2.0 game and figures have hit the market. I had seen them coming, but hoped I could resist. To no avail. So It would seem I may have something new to collect. The new line of Marvel Super-heroes for Disney's Infinity are really neat, and nice to look at. I knew they were going to be a problem when I saw the first photos start popping up months ago on various web sites, but getting a good look at them in the stores sealed the deal. Of course, to get Thor, Iron Man & The Black Widow figures you need to buy the games "starter set", so maybe I will give it a try after all. Or at the very least  I will have something cool to bring out when my niece and nephew come to visit.

Below are some shots of the Groot figure based on the character from this summers "Guardians of the Galaxy" that I picked up as my inaugural figure. Enjoy!

"I am Groot"- Groot

Groot figure from Disney Infinity 2.0 

Front of packaging

Back of packaging

DC Universe Online

Well, I have been playing DC Universe for a little over a week now, and I have to say, I like it! So far so good, Sony! I have a few issues with the control system, but I guess that is what you get when you design a MMO for both the PC and a console. Hopefully they will get that all sorted out. In my opinion, I don't think console players are the type to play MMO's over the long hall like hardcore PC gamers, but we will have to wait and see I guess.

As for the over all look of the game, I am liking what I see so far. One issue right out of the gate is the character creation area. It is a little basic and you don't really get a good selection of uniforms and emblems, but from what I can tell so far you get more and more as rewards and as drops in game. So the more you play the more you can customize your uniform, and there seem to be really cool reward ones as part of the end game content. The staring area is well set up and navigates you through the area while acting as a tutorial for you to master your new superpowers. The environment is very cool to look at, and you really have the feeling of being in a large city in the quest areas. Some of the other areas seem a little dull and could use more NPC's (like pedestrians walking around on business and traffic, stuff like that.) The graphics are pretty good as well. The game looks good on my desktop, and it is a couple of years old, so even people without top of the line computers could still enjoy this game.

As for what the whole point of this game is. Does it make you feel like a superhero (or villain)? So far for me, yes. whether flying over the city or jumping from rooftop to rooftop, it does give you the feel of being a hero. If you are the type of player that enjoys a little quiet solitary game play, the quests and quest chains are easy to solo. Perhaps higher levels require more team play. As for PvP in game, spotting enemy players is a little difficult. Unlike other MMO's hero's and villains are all in the same city's and start to run across each other almost right away.

All in all, not a bad start for DC Universe Online. If it will keep my attention for years remains to be seen.