Kids like toys. It's simple, holding a figure in your hand, making it do whatever you want it to do, but it's always been up to you to make them talk, make them move and make them play the games you want them to play. Activision and Disney are trying to change that.
In the world of gaming, beyond the cute peripherals and semi-reality devices, Activision was the first to find a way to bring real figures into a gaming world. "Skylanders" lets you take the dragon you hold in your hand and plop it into a virtual world by placing it on a physical pad. Near field communication made this happen, and now Disney is putting out their own version: "Disney Infinite."
Get ready for a whole new brand of toy. "Infinite's" Toy Box Mode is being built so you can throw your favorite figurines together in the same virtual space much like toys are meant to be used in the first place. Expect Disney to regularly release new sets, themes of particular movies and franchises. "Cars," "The Incredibles," "Pirates of the Carribean" and "Monsters University" are only the first of many to come.
And yet, as Activision paves the way forward and Disney looks back into their archives, seeking to appeal to every kid they can, the generations of gamers already out there might still be a valid audience, just not for Lightening McQueen or Spyro (okay, maybe some old farts love a little Spyro).
I'm talking about Legos and Barbie and Transformers and that one toy or brand you can't help but reference in those times when you think back. Basically, I'm talking about half the stuff that shows up Pixar's "Toy Story" films.
Traveller's Tales' upcoming Wii U exclusive, "Lego City Undercover," is already a small step in the right direction. Lego is putting download codes in the boxes for physical sets to have them pop up in the open-world game. Wouldn't that be a little easier if the game was set up for NFC communication, each new toy with a small, unobtrusive chip hidden below the surface? The Wii U gamepad is already built with NFC capabilities installed.
Traveller's Tales began production on "Lego City Undercover" long before they knew it was going to be a Wii U exclusive, so their oversight is forgivable. But the possibilities remain. Oh, the possibilities.
So, in the spirit of grown adults finding a new way to play with old toys, each of our writers are going to get all teary-eyed wondering what it would be like for their favorite toy to be given the "Skylanders" or "Disney Infinite" treatment.
Trevor Ruben: Hot Wheels
While I was really into trains back in the day it's cars, not locomotives, that have the most potential. I'm talking about "Hot Wheels." Each of those insane tiny vehicles has a unique look, and if ported into a game, could have just as unique a feel and maybe a track to go along with it. The thing is, as a kid, when you're playing around with a "Hot Wheels," running them up walls (which you should absolutely be able to do in-game), I think you're imagining what it would be like to hop into a life-sized version of the thing and drive it around like an absolute nut. This is why it can't be a "Forza" or a "Gran Turismo" or even a "Need for Speed." Nope, the Hot Wheels NFC game would absolutely have to be in the vein of a "Burnout or a "Rush," allowing for the most ridiculous possible scenarios. I know there have been a few "Hot Wheels" games already, aimed mostly as the younger audience (the product is as big as it has ever been), but with NFC, you're taking those little buggers from your hand and onto the road, just like you always imagined.
Michael Epstein: Pokemon
The "Pokemon" phenomenon didn't hit me too hard when I was young-I've been playing "Pokemon Conquest" on and off, and it's my first game since playing the original-but I imagine that could create a deadly NFC game-toy addiction for kids. There are so many Pokemon and, even if their abilities aren't different, they each have a distinctive look. Plus, like Disney characters, the series feeds off a large, zealous fan base. It seems like a lock.
Kamau High: GI Joe
GI Joe has a lock on my childhood. Epic battles involving Cobra Commander, Destro, Scarlett and Snake Eyes could go on for hours. If I could put the Joes into a virtual Mobile Command Center and have them face off against Cobra Commander on a Tactical Battle Platform all would be right with the world.
What franchise should get the "Infinity" treatment next?
