The story of Toy Story 3 follows Andy as he prepares to leave for college, leaving his toys behind. Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the toys find themselves in a daycare called Sunnyside, run by a teddy bear named Lotso. However, things take a dark turn when it becomes apparent that not everything is as sunny as it seems.
The gameplay of Toy Story 3 features two main modes: Story Mode and Toy Box Mode. In Story Mode, players control Woody, Jessie, and Buzz as they retell the events of the movie to their new friends. This mode includes levels such as a wild west adventure, a stealth level where the toys escape from Sunnyside, and a haunted bakery. Players can also collect secret cards hidden throughout each level, which unlock bonuses.
Toy Box Mode offers a deeper experience, allowing players to build a town for Mayor Hamm using money earned by completing missions. These missions can range from rescuing cows to racing in giant stunt tracks or catching bank robbers. Money can be used to buy new toys, such as racers or Bullseye the horse, and redecorate the town with items found in toy capsules.
Players can also give citizens new hairstyles, clothes, or hats using special missions involving a ViewMaster-style toy. The ultimate goal is to build the perfect town for Mayor Hamm, while exploring the world of Woody's Roundup as Woody, Buzz, or Jessie.