Funko Pop is quite a phenomenon. People everywhere buy these little toys with an almost endearing disproportion, even in a world where people can throw money at various things (which is not this region of the world). There are gatherings, collector's exhibitions, and other things about these big-headed little friends. Do you have a favourite popular game/series/franchise? Fuse them into some, well, Funko Fusion.
There's a guaranteed chance that Funko Pop figures will be available to decorate your room. Of course, like every possible popular flick that appears in the world, someone thinks, "What if we made a game out of it?"—which in gaming history isn't exactly the most popular idea.
Want to check out a real game? Read our review of Split Fiction!
What is Funko Fusion?
The game is a quick money grab, which is essentially what Funko Pop itself is. Graphically, the game has artifacts and bugs, items randomly float, movement is often very clunky, combat is overly empty, and the controls are functional. As for the story, it won't be winning any TGA awards for good narration or storytelling. Evil purple monsters with an evil copy of Freddy Funko, with the highly creative name Eddy Funko, are trying to take over and mercilessly rule the Wonder Worlds (i.e., all the worlds where Funko Pop has sunk its claws and emptied the pockets of tortured fans).
A handful of interconnected worlds and adventures in the game are similar to LEGO games, which depict various popular worlds in their own way. You won't encounter ultra-famous things but rather niche worlds like Scott Pilgrim, He-Man (if you know the He-Man universe, don't forget to schedule a spine check for lumbar issues), Battlestar Galactica, Jurassic World, Hot Fuzz, and a few other series/franchises that were extremely popular in their time.
All the worlds are an excuse to walk through this marketing-driven game that showcases all the Funko Pops you haven't bought yet or reminds you that the hole in your wallet hasn't grown since your last visit to the local shop with these big-headed figures.
Is There A Story?
The centre of all events in the game is the Funko Pop factory, where you'll spend most of your time since it serves as a hub from which you embark on all other adventures. The game's emptiness and lack of creativity are at an enviable level. Funko Fusion has somehow managed to skip the essential elements of the popular franchises it promotes here, often omitting why the world you entered is interesting or specific. Each level is almost identical in function: you search for some key items, collect them while being constantly swarmed by unlimited enemies, get a "Funkey," and move on to the next, exceptionally similarly designed level.
Everything in the design of this game feels somewhat rushed, from the level design and item placement that lacks any logic to "puzzles" that are supposed to be brain food but are only there to potentially prolong the game to the action, which is the emptiest possible third-person action.
Funk Fusion In Conclusion
Funko Fusion had the potential to be a delightful celebration of the Funko Pop phenomenon and the various franchises it represents. This potential may give you hope for a game that truly captures the essence of Funko Pop and its beloved franchises. However, it falls short in almost every aspect, delivering an experience that feels more like a rushed cash grab than a thoughtfully crafted game. Artifacts and bugs plague the graphics, the gameplay is repetitive and uninspired, and the story is shallow, offering nothing memorable or engaging.
The levels are formulaic, with slight variation or creativity, and the puzzles and combat feel like afterthoughts designed to pad out the game's length rather than provide meaningful challenges. The game's hub world, the Funko Pop factory, serves as a central point for exploration but ultimately feels hollow and devoid of charm.
While the game attempts to capture the magic of niche franchises like Scott Pilgrim, He-Man, and Battlestar Galactica, it fails to justify their unique appeal. Instead, it reduces these worlds to bland, cookie-cutter environments lacking the source material's depth and personality. The game's marketing-driven approach is evident, as it feels more like a walking advertisement for Funko Pop merchandise than a genuine attempt to create an enjoyable gaming experience.
Rating: 5/10
The game earns a 5/10 due to its lack of creativity, repetitive gameplay, and rushed design. Despite these shortcomings, it has the potential to appeal to Funko Pop fans, acknowledging their love for the brand and its unique appeal.
Recommended Age: 8+
While the game's simple mechanics and colourful, family-friendly visuals make it suitable for kids aged 8 and up, its repetitive nature may lead to a loss of interest over time.