Funko Fusion is developed by 1010 Games, a new studio based in the UK. Combining the charm of collectible Funko Pop figures with familiar movie and TV franchises, it was highly anticipated due to its quirky premise.
When I first saw the trailer for Funko Fusion, I couldn’t believe it, John Carpenter’s The Thing recreated with Funko Pops? It seemed too bizarre, and honestly, I wasn’t sure how to feel. As a fan of the original film, my initial reaction was a mix of excitement and apprehension. Could a game based on these collectible figures really capture the essence of the iconic movie?
The game revolves around an evil being named Eddie, who is traveling between different Wonder Worlds, corrupting everything in his path while hunting down powerful crowns. Players must retrieve these crowns before Eddie does, much like stars in Super Mario 64 or moons in Super Mario Odyssey. The game features hub worlds themed after well-known franchises, and players explore levels within these worlds to achieve objectives and collect items. The overall tone is lighthearted, with slapstick humor and expressive body language replacing traditional dialogue, evoking nostalgia for early LEGO games.
Funko Fusion is a surprisingly fun and engaging experience that took me back to the golden days of classic LEGO titles before they ventured into the open-world format. The game is packed with collectibles, environments to smash, and an eclectic cast of characters from various intellectual properties. It offers an experience that’s both nostalgic and refreshing.
Though the story is simple, the real charm lies in how these famous movie moments are reimagined with Funko Pops. Much like the classic LEGO games, the characters don’t speak; instead, they communicate with mumbles and expressive body language. There are exceptions, such as text bubbles and the occasional famous line, like “I am Groot”, but the overall tone is goofy and slapstick, which really works in the game’s favor.
Funko Fusion delivers a satisfying blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. The main objectives revolve around collecting crowns, but side objectives like finding hidden chests and solving timed puzzles add depth. The dynamic combat system, featuring a third-person shooter mechanic, feels tighter and more responsive than expected for a game with such a playful art style.
The game offers plenty of wacky weapons from various franchises, from Mega Man’s buster to laser guns from Battlestar Galactica. Pair those with power-ups that boost your damage or stamina, and combat becomes even more chaotic and enjoyable. If you die, you’ll turn into a ghost Funko Pop and need to respawn at a box, but it comes at the cost of vinyl pieces, adding a bit of strategy to how you manage your resources.
Each level has a main objective that rewards you with a crown, but the real fun comes from exploring side objectives and uncovering hidden collectibles. Whether it’s finding hidden chests, flipping switches under a time limit, or smashing environmental objects to collect vinyl pieces (the game’s currency), there’s always something to keep you engaged. Collecting vinyl pieces reminded me of filling up the stud meter in the LEGO games, and I found it incredibly addictive.
Funko Fusion does a fantastic job of rewarding exploration, especially since many collectibles and objectives require revisiting levels. Much like LEGO games, certain abilities or items you unlock later in the game will allow you to access areas you couldn’t on your first run. For instance, you may need to revisit a Masters of the Universe level with Scott Pilgrim to use his guitar amp ability, or bring He-Man’s power sword to break through obstacles in other worlds.
This approach added layers to the gameplay, keeping it fresh even after replaying levels multiple times. Unlocking new characters with unique abilities gave me that familiar itch to go back and collect everything I missed, and the game’s level design made it worth the effort.
I was also caught off guard by how unexpectedly violent the game can be. When I entered the Thing hub world, I was curious how they would depict the movie’s notorious gore. To my surprise, characters were having their heads blown off and limbs torn apart, with blood and all! It was shocking but also oddly fitting within the game’s absurd tone.
What I appreciated most about Funko Fusion is how each world feels distinct. Yes, all the characters are Funko Pop toys, but when you place a Thing level next to a Masters of the Universe level, the difference is striking. The Thing leans into dark lighting and eerie atmosphere, while Masters of the Universe pops with bright, cartoonish colors. The iconic soundtracks further enhance the immersion. Hearing the haunting score from The Thing or transforming into He-Man to the show’s classic theme song made these moments memorable.
Even though some side objectives are repeated across levels, like flipping switches or destroying certain objects, each universe’s distinct aesthetics and structure prevent it from feeling repetitive. For example, the Scott Pilgrim levels focus on fast-paced boss rushes, while the Thing levels emphasize exploration and survival in the harsh Arctic environment. The diversity in pacing and objectives ensures the game doesn’t get stale.
I played Funko Fusion on the PS5, and while the game generally runs smoothly, there were some bugs. One minor frustration is that if you fail to complete a side objective within a level, your progress resets when you revisit. For instance, if you deposit most of the vinyl pieces required for a crown but don’t finish before leaving the level, you’ll need to start over next time. While this adds an extra layer of challenge, it can be annoying for those who prefer to chip away at objectives slowly.
I also ran into some technical issues, including bugs that forced me to reload checkpoints. At one point, I got stuck in the level geometry, and on another occasion, a crafting station refused to give me an essential item. These issues, while annoying, aren’t game-breaking and will likely be addressed in future patches.
Funko Fusion is an unexpectedly delightful game that combines quirky aesthetics, nostalgic references, and engaging gameplay. While it has a few technical hiccups and can be repetitive at times, the fun factor outweighs the flaws. Whether you’re a fan of the franchises or just looking for a lighthearted adventure, Funko Fusion is a refreshing trip down memory lane with enough new mechanics to keep things interesting. Whether you’re a fan of the franchises represented or just looking for a lighthearted adventure, Funko Fusion is worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for a break from more serious titles.
Funko Fusion
When the issues of a game are rolled and stomped by its greatness, then it’s something to invest on if you have some spare.
The Good
- Engaging gameplay
- Diverse worlds
- Rewarding exploration
- Playful aesthetics
The Bad
- Minor technical issues
- Repetitive elements
- Predictable narrative and generic plot
