LO2 - Comparing reviews

Disney Infinity

I have looked at two reviews for the game Disney Infinity; a print-based review and a video review. There are a few differences in the ways the reviews describe certain aspects of the game.

Genre

In terms of genre, both reviews describe the game as being very diverse. The print review says the main Toy Box setting has "elements linked within the sandbox environment" and the video review states that the game allows you to "not only build worlds, but design your own games". Both reviews agree that with all the different Play Sets there are many, many different genres including combat, racing, sandbox, puzzle and platform packed into the one game.

Target Audience

The print review highlights more on the target audience than the video review does, stating that "Kids love Disney - usually because their parents do too". It writes that the main audience is children, but adults and Disney fans will also be "wrestling your kids for the controller". The video review states that the game "lets you go on new adventures with toys you already own", suggesting that the target audience is children.

Narrative/Storyline

The print review mentions that each Play Set "brings with it a roughly eight-hour game taking place in the associated character's world", whereas the video review says "each Play Set offers around three to four hours of story-based missions". This is quite a large time difference, suggesting that the two reviewers were of different gaming skill.

Characters

Disney Infinity displays "all your favourite Disney franchises under a single roof" as stated in the print review, and the video review states the fact that you're playing as "a toy version" of Disney characters: "he's a vinyl figure embarking on a big adventure". The video review also hints upon the lack of classic characters, saying the game "focusses on Disney's recent successes... there's no Snow White, or Donald Duck." The print review also mentions that concept art for certain enemies from Pirates of the Caribbean that never hit the big screen was used for Infinity.

Gameplay

The video reviewer states that the starter pack is generous, but also says "there are concerns about how much content is available before additional purchases are required". The game opens up new Play Sets with the certain Play Set piece and characters, so you need to keep buying more. The print reviewer talks a lot about the Toy Box, stating about it that "kids were having so much fun experimenting". The game is entertaining and funny, and "doesn't really make sense" according to the video review,which also states that "it's anarchic fun". However, this review also mentions that "building isn't always easy... it's fiddly to line up pieces." In general, the video review states much more about gameplay details than the print review.

Platform

The available platforms have expanded since the print review was published, as it's now available for iPad as well as the ones listed in the review: PC, PS3, 3DS, Xbox 360, Wii and Wii U. The video review doesn't mention much about platforms, but from personal experience, you can use the same figures on different platforms.

Personal Reccommendation

Both reviews see it favourably, the print review stating "Infinity seems to boast a more involved execution than Skylanders" and the video review saying "it's a great primer for kids embarking on a life playing games." The video review finishes by rating the game a good score of 8.7.