Considering the continued success of the Skylanders and Disney Infinity figures and games along with the ongoing unquenchable demand for Amiibo, it really wasn’t all that surprising when Lego announced it would be joining the toys-to-life party with Lego Dimensions. With that initial reveal out of the way, we are now getting more details about how exactly the game will play and set itself apart from the competition, aside from the franchise’s trademark brand of all ages humor.
First, and most important, Lego is leveraging its ability to bring in content and characters from a broad variety of existing franchises, fourteen to be precise. Lego Dimensions will feature some of the company’s own IP, like Ninjago, The Lego Movie, and Lego Chima, along with licensed characters, locations, and objects from Midway Games, Ghostbusters, Portal, Jurassic World, Back to the Future, The Simpsons, The Wizard of Oz, The Lord of the Rings, DC Comics, Doctor Who, and Scooby Doo. Considering the number of properties, it will come as little surprise to learn there are fourteen worlds in the game.
As for how the game actually plays, it’s looking like those familiar with the current Lego game formula should feel right at home. Each character will have signature attacks and moves that will be required to overcome particular puzzles, enemies, and other challenges. The same can also be said for vehicles, which each will be able to be rebuilt into three forms. So, like in previous games, you will need to swap out characters and vehicles to overcome each level’s challenges. Collecting studs and reconstructing parts of the world will also be returning. Lego Dimensions will separate itself from its peers by doing interesting things with the Gateway; instead of just using it to switch characters in and out, the developers plan to incorporate it in more creative ways. An example is given from a boss fight with the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz, who will cast freezing spells on you character, and the only way to free them is to move their character to a different slot on the Gateway.
It’s also worth pointing out that the the main game can be beaten with the $99.99 Starter Pack, which includes the game, Batman, the Batmobile, Wyldstyle, and Gandalf, along with the Lego Gateway used to bring the characters into the game. Buying and scanning in other characters and vehicles will allow access to new things, but won’t be vital to experiencing the main quest. This additional content will be made available through different types of packs. Level Packs will retail for $29.99 and come with a figure, vehicle, and weapon, along with unlocking a new level. Team Packs come with two figures and two vehicles/weapons and will cost $24.99. Finally, there will be Fun Packs, which cost $14.99 and include a figure and vehicle or weapon.
Lego Dimensions will comping out on Wii U on September 27 in North America and September 29 in Europe, so stay on the lookout for more info, especially with E3 right around the corner.
Source: Nintendo Everything