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Your children may be coming to you asking to buy them Disney Infinity for their gaming platforms at home. So parents, here is most of what you'll need to know about if you are considering purchasing Disney Infinity for your children, or even yourselves! 

What is Disney Infinity?

Disney Infinity is more than just another video game for your console. It's an interactive gaming system, similar to the concept of Skylanders Swap Force and Trap Force, that encourages kids to solve missions and problems, while also giving them choices and creative control in a “choose your own adventure” type format.

 

There is a Disney Infinity base (similar to the Skylanders portal) which is plugged directly into your preferred video game console through a USB attachment. When different themed characters (which are purchased separately) are placed on the base, the character is recognized and the player is able to utilize that specific figure in the game.

In order to get started with Disney Infinity, first you'll need to purchase the Disney Infinity Starter Kit. You can determine which kit you'll need based upon your preferred gaming system (Nintendo Wii, Xbox, and Playstation). The starter kit will include the video game disc, a play set piece, a power disc, as well as 3 character figures that include Mr. Incredible, Captain Jack Sparrow and Sulley. 

The game is rated E for everyone and it truly is a fun, family friendly game that has something for everyone.

Gaming Modes 

When the game is started, children can choose to play a more structured game by completing directed missions in a world of their choice featuring Monsters University, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Incredibles.

Or, children can choose Toy Box mode and play their own adventure game using anyone of their preferred character figures. 

It’s important to note that if a child decides to play in the Monsters University world, they can only play as a Monsters University character. So if you have 2 children who want to play simultaneously and you only have a starter kit, then you’ll need to purchase additional toy figures separately featuring characters from the same world. For example, for Monsters University, additional toys that can be purchased include Mike and Randy.

However, children can always play together in Toy Box mode. I liken Toy Box mode to a version of Minecraft, except that it's been "Disneyfied." Players have the ability to design their own virtual worlds by placing landscapes, obstacles, vehicles, and accessories where ever they want. In Toy Box mode, children can play as any character they would like, as long as they have purchased the toy for the portal. So if you only have the starter kit and 2 children want to play together, they can play as Mr. Incredible and Sulley in this mode. In addition, power discs can also be purchased separately which can add powers to characters, textures and gadgets in the Toy Box.

Character Figure Information

There are dozens of individual character figures available for purchase, as well as different extension games. Each character can unlock different virtual toys and adventures, so there is a lot of collectibility.

Characters currently include Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey, Wreck-It Ralph, Vanellope, Rapunzel, Phineas, Agent P, Anna, Elsa, Jack Skellington, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, The Lone Ranger, Tonto, Captain Jack Sparrow, Barbossa, Davy Jones, Sulley, Mike, Randy, Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible, Dash, Violet, Syndrome, Lightning McQueen, Holley, Francesco and Mater. Disney's Marvel's The Avengers character figures were recently revealed for product launch in Fall 2014.

When at the store, make sure to look for the kits that include different play set packs which frequently have 2 additional figures in the same box, with what also looks like a clear globe. These expansion sets add more themed, structured game play within new worlds, not included in the starter pack. These play sets currently include themes from the Lone Ranger, Toy Story, Wreck it Ralph and Cars. 

The individual character toys are about $12 each, I'd say it's generally worthy spending a little more money and buying the play set packs (Toy Story, Lone Ranger, Cars, etc.) For about $30 you will get 2 characters as well as an entire new gaming world. The character toys can also always be used in Toy Box mode, in my opinion, so there is value in spending $10-$12 more.  

The toys themselves don't articulate or having moving parts, so they are basic solid figures. While some children may enjoy using them with wooden blocks or construction bricks, in my opinion the toys have way more fun and value in virtual play.

Parents if your child is begging you to buy individual characters, for instance Rapunzel or Anna and Elsa toys from Disney’s Frozen, at this time, those specific toys are generally purchased individually and can only be used in Toy Box mode. 

When purchasing Disney Infinity, make sure you have enough controllers. We currently own an Xbox 360 with Kinect and are used to playing most games without controllers, so you may need to consider purchasing an additional controller for game play with 2 children. 

Aside from play on a video game console, Disney Infinity toys come with codes that allow them to also be utilized during game play on the computer as well as on a tablet. 

Where to Buy Disney Infinity?

Disney Infinity is available anywhere that toys are sold, generally in big box retailers in the technology aisles, specialty gaming stores, and online. Many characters and power discs are considered rare, therefore given their collectibility are harder to find than others. Also consider Ebay and other online auction sites if you are looking for something specific.

Reasons to Buy Disney Infinity?

Playing video games can be a lot of fun and also a challenge for children as it encourages them communicate with their peers, siblings and parents. Here are 5 different reasons to consider purchasing Disney Infinity for your family given that it helps promote imagination, communication, can be a good behavior incentive and appeals to players of all ages.