Remember the days when LEGO games ruled the family-friendly gaming world? From Star Wars to Marvel, those games gave us an endless stream of quirky adventures. Fast forward to today, and we’ve got Funko Fusion, a game that trades LEGO bricks for Funko Pop! figures. On paper, this seems like a match made in heaven—beloved franchises and cute, collectible characters all wrapped up in a vibrant co-op experience.
There’s charm, nostalgia, and plenty of fan service, but Funko Fusion struggles to deliver an experience as polished or engaging as the LEGO games that clearly inspired it.
At first look, the idea of combining Funko Pop! figures with a video game seems brilliant. After all, these vinyl figurines are iconic, spanning countless pop culture franchises. The developers at 10:10 Games had access to properties like Jurassic Park, The Umbrella Academy, Battlestar Galactica, and Hot Fuzz. But here’s the problem: the franchise selection feels oddly niche. While LEGO brought in universally loved worlds like Star Wars and Harry Potter, Funko Fusion opts for more cult-classic franchises, which might alienate casual players.
Don’t get me wrong—wandering through a dino-filled jungle straight out of Jurassic Park or soaking up the British wit of Hot Fuzz is fun for fans. But if you’re not deeply invested in these worlds, the game struggles to hold your attention.
The core gameplay revolves around exploring themed levels, solving light puzzles, and brawling with waves of enemies. It’s straightforward and initially enjoyable, especially with friends in co-op mode. The vibrant, colorful visuals and cheeky character animations inject personality into every level. But after a few hours, the cracks start to show.
For one, the missions quickly become repetitive. Escort this character, collect that item, fight enemies in a small arena—rinse and repeat. There’s also a lot of backtracking. Unlocking new characters grants access to previously blocked areas, but returning to old levels for minor secrets gets tiresome fast.
Compared to the seamless, puzzle-filled progression of the LEGO games, Funko Fusion feels clunkier and less rewarding
Despite its flaws, Funko Fusion isn’t without merit. Its attention to detail in recreating each franchise’s vibe is commendable. From the eerie sci-fi corridors of Battlestar Galactica to the chaotic charm of The Umbrella Academy, each world feels authentic. The game also has a whimsical tone, with plenty of visual gags and Easter eggs to keep fans smiling.
However, there are glaring issues that hold the game back. The limited roster of franchises feels like a missed opportunity. With so many Funko Pop! figures out there, why not tap into more universally loved franchises? The backtracking-heavy design and shallow combat loop don’t help either.
Ultimately, Funko Fusion feels like it was made more for Funko collectors than gamers. If you have shelves lined with these figures and adore the featured franchises, you’ll likely find enough here to enjoy. But for anyone else, the lack of variety and depth makes it hard to recommend, especially when LEGO games still do this kind of thing better.
Funko Fusion: I wanted to love Funko Fusion. The idea of bringing Funko Pop! figures to life in a playful, interactive world had so much potential. But while there are glimpses of greatness, the repetitive gameplay, limited franchise appeal, and clunky design keep it from reaching the heights of its LEGO predecessors. – Tom Henry
If you’re a die-hard Funko fan, give it a shot. Otherwise, this is one you can safely skip.
