Disney Infinity is an action-adventure game similar to Skylanders , where physical figurines are used to interact with the game. The main difference in approach is that Infinity focuses more on character creation and experimentation with different elements. The starter version of the game comes with the infinity base and three figurines (Sulley, Mr. Incredible, and Jack Sparrow). The base consists of two spots to place figurines that are then imported into the game as playable characters. It also has a hexagonal spot to place up to three power discs. These add enhancements to the game such as changes in terrain, background, new vehicles or weapons. Red ability discs are placed underneath a character on the base as perks, with a maximum of two per character and four in total. Orange toy discs add gadgets and vehicles. Purple customization discs alter the environment and sky. For orange and purple discs, only a maximum of three is allowed. Discs are sold separately in series, blind packages, and through specific promotions and retailers. The same goes for figurines and Play Sets.
Characters and environments are based on Disney and Pixar franchises such as Pirates of the Caribbean , The Incredibles series , Cars , and Toy Story . The game can be played in a Play Set and a Toy Box mode. Play Sets are campaigns based around a certain franchise with a number of objectives. Each Play Set is a self-contained world and only characters tied to that specific franchise can be used. Play Sets can be played in split-screen with two players working together. During these campaigns objects and vehicles can be unlocked for the Toy Box mode. Almost every character shares actions such as attacks and double jumps, but each character also has an ability unique to the figurine.
The Toy Box mode removes most restrictions and allows players to create a custom game in an open world environment. Every character, weapon, gadget, vehicle, or environment can be mixed. The tools tied to the mode are introduced through a number of in-game tutorials. Multiplayer is also available here and characters can be leveled up and "spins" are earned by going through certain Play Sets.
The Wii version only has multiplayer in the Toy Box, not in the Play Sets (both offline and online). The Wii U version uses the GamePad to access mission logs, packs, and tools in Play Sets, and to access toys in the Toy Box mode. The PC version is free, but does not support physical figurines. These are downloaded as DLC instead.
Disney Infinity was released on 23 August 2013 for the Wii console.