Toy Story 3: The Video Game is a video game based on the film version of Toy Story 3. It is published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by Avalanche Software. The game was released in North America on June 15, 2010. This is the first game based on a film by Pixar Animation Studios to be published entirely by Disney Interactive Studios since A Bug's Life. Past Disney/Pixar movie games have been made in conjunction with Activision first, then THQ. Toy Story 3: The Video Game is the sequel to the second game that was based on the second film in the franchise. Most of the voice cast from the film returned to reprise their characters in the game with the exception of Tom Hanks (Woody) and Tim Allen (Buzz), respectively ( Jim Hanks returned to voice Woody from the previous game and Stephen Stanton voiced Buzz).
The game also contains content exclusive to the PlayStation 3 version. According to IGN, the game became available for the PlayStation 2 on October 12, 2010.
Gameplay[ | ]
Toy Story 3: The Video Game is a platformer, with players able to play as either Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, or Jessie. Woody can use his pull string to swing across certain areas, Buzz can fling other characters over long distances, and Jessie is the most agile and can balance on small platforms. Certain levels require players to switch between them to clear the levels. There are two main modes, Story and Toybox. Story mode consists of nine levels and follows the events of the movie (as well as the opening video game sequence from Toy Story 2). In Toybox mode, players can create and customize levels and fill it with inhabitants and missions. By completing various objectives within this world, players can earn money to unlock new objects and expand their city. Some of these objects are reported to include characters from other Disney/Pixar franchises.
An exclusive version of the game for Xbox, Wii, and PS3 was sold at Walmart that includes four additional Theme Packs for Toy Box Mode. The Theme Packs include Sports, Knights, Cutesy, and Military. Players can use the Theme Packs to decorate buildings and dress townspeople and aliens in different ways after spending 500 coins on each pack in the Al's Toy Barn area of the game. The Walmart exclusive version also features a reflective foil background on the front of the case, rather than the standard black.
PlayStation 3 Exclusive Content[ | ]
The PlayStation 3 version of the game features exclusive content such as the ability to play as Emperor Zurg in addition to Buzz, Woody and Jessie, complete with his own full set of unique missions. Players can drive around in Zurg's custom vehicle as well as blast at enemies using his trigun, his main objective is to eliminate Buzz Lightyear though players are free to do whatever else they'd like. In addition the game will also feature compatibility with the PlayStation Move motion controller and there are also downloadable mini-games designed specifically for the Move and can be downloaded for free from the PlayStation Store in Autumn/Fall 2010.
Reception[ | ]
Toy Story 3: The Video Game received generally positive reviews. IGN scored PS3 and Xbox 360 versions 8.0, while scoring the Wii version a 7.5. The Official Nintendo Magazine scored the Wii and DS versions 80% saying that it was one of its kind but had horrendous voice acting which contrasts with IGN's review, who said the voice acting was "superb". Nintendo Power gave the Wii version a 7.5, calling it "surprisingly fun", while GameInformer had given the PS3 and 360 versions an 8, and the Wii version a 6/10,being the game's lowest score. GI criticized the Wii version for its graphical downgrade and "neutered Toy Box mode" (vs. PS3 and 360 version) where in this version "the missions are too repetitive, customization is barren, and its only 1-player, leaving in its place an eternal slog of fetching items." It is not confirmed exactly why the game is different on Wii.