Disney Infinity 2 looks marvelous (because it has Marvel characters in it)

As its subtitle so ably implies, Disney Infinitys next chapter adds Marvels iconic roster of day-savers and do-gooders to the toys-meets-videogames mix. Like last years debut entry--which tossed its hat into the ring built by Activisions Skylanders series--Disney Infinity 2.0 allows players to embark on story-driven, standalone adventures dubbed Play Sets, as well as make their own magic in the games creativity-encouraging Toy Box mode.

While slapping a shiny coat of spandex on the previous entrys presentation and gameplay mechanics might be enough to get Marvel fans capes all aflutter, Disney Infinitys follow-up isnt a mere rehash of its predecessor with a pretty new superhero paintjob. Hitting like a Hulk Smash this fall, the sequel--which also marks the series next-gen debut--wont just include tweaks and enhancements to the original formula, but also a utility belt full of fresh features and entirely new game-evolving elements.

At a teaser-filled reveal event for Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes, characters ranging from Rocket Raccoon to Spider-Man were hinted at as future inclusions; officially, however, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, Captain America, Hulk, and Hawkeye were announced. The former three Avengers will be bundled with a new Disney Infinity starter pack, complete with a Marvel-themed Play Set for the trio to be unleashed in.

Penned by legendary comic book scribe Brian Michael Bendis, the campaign will unfold in Marvels Manhattan, which is in the process of freezing over thanks to an army of Frost Giants summoned by Loki. While this original Avengers tale will--like previous story-focused sets--provide 4-6 hours of play time, its world is four times larger than that of the Incredibles Metroville, previously the largest Disney Infinity Play Set universe. Of course, these Marvel characters, settings, and stories barely scratch the super-heroic surface; as with the first Disney Infinity, Marvel Super Heroes will be continually supported by new figures, Play Sets, and Power Discs.

As in Disney Infinity, Power Discs will play a major role in Marvel Super Heroes. 80 new discs--the first 40 of which will land at launch--add items, vehicles, stat bonuses, and sky and terrain changes just as they did in the first game.

The circular and hexagonal wafers, however, will add some new tricks specific to the crime-fighting characters. In addition to slick rides--like Lola, Agent Coulsons corvette--the new discs introduce team-ups and costumes; the former allows players to summon AI-controlled partners, like, say Iron Patriot, for a short period of time, while the latter outfits their favorite heroes and heroines in alternate digs; during our demo, for example, we got to see Tony Starks alter ego sport his Mach VII armor.

While the first Disney Infinity let players wield Captain Jack Sparrows sword and brandish a firearm as the Lone Ranger, most of the combat fell squarely in the playful shenanigan category. And while it was fun playing pranks from behind Sulleys toilet paper gun, were pretty sure no one wants to see Thor trade his hammer for a clip full of Charmin.

Thankfully, Marvel Super Heroes is forgoing the innocent hijinks in favor of the sort of adrenaline-amping action youd expect from a dedicated superhero game; from buckling the blacktop as Hulk to pin-balling Captain Americas shield off the skulls of henchmen, players can expect to unleash all the characters signature powers and gadgets. Marvel Super Heroes also introduces more destructible environments, a double-jump move, and the ability to take to the skies as characters that possess the gift of flight.

For those who dont care to create their own mini-games or craft unique worlds, but still want to let loose in the DIY Toy Box, Marvel Super Heroes has your back. New structured, standalone games join the mode, letting players enjoy the Toy Box without hurting their brains.

When placed on the Disney Infinity base, new pyramid-shaped Toy Box Game discs will trigger these dedicated gaming experiences. Containing about five hours of play, these franchise-themed games fall somewhere between the deeper Play Sets and the much lighter challenges offered in the Toy Box. The first pair to be revealed includes a dungeon crawler-style experience and a tower defense-type game set in Asgard. Weve also got our fingers tightly crossed for a Whac-A-Mole clone that sees Hulk smashing the noggins of his foes.

Disney Interactive has apparently paid close attention to Disney Infinity fans complaints, requests, and suggestions, as a number of Marvel Super Heroes features seem focused on fixing the flaws and filling the voids of the first game. In addition to adding more ready-to-play content to the Toy Box, itll now be easier for budding designers to create within the mold-able world. New creation tools--including one the developers dub the brush system--are more intuitive and streamlined than the previous games, allowing players to place things, like entire cities and race tracks, with the press of a button. New customizable interiors have also been added; these personalized spaces, which can be outfitted with Marvel-ous furnishings like a Captain America coffee table, finally take Toy Box creations indoors.

Best of all, though, is the fact that the new starter pack will include characters from the same universe; because all three are Avengers, players neednt purchase another character--as they had to with Disney Infinity--to enjoy Play Set co-op with a friend or family member.

Disney Interactive and their friends at Marvel are certainly looking to the future, promising more Power Discs, collectible figures, and Play Sets in the months to come. Theyre not, however, abandoning the faithful mouse ear-wearing fans that picked up the first Disney Infinity. While the new Marvel sculpts cant be used in the original game, all previously released characters and discs are forward-compatible, meaning they can be used in Marvel Super Heroes Toy box but not vice versa--so yes, Princess Elsa can pilot a mini Hellicarrier. All unlocked toys and character stats can also be carried over to the sequel.

Of course, the future of Disney Infinity isnt restricted to Marvels comic book pages or silver screen blockbusters. Agent Coulsons crew is obviously the focus of Marvel Super Heroes, but Disney Interactive prez Jimmy Pitaro promises that the franchise is far from done with Disney-themed characters and Play Sets. Additionally, while showing a slide of a lightsaber-wielding Rapunzel, Pitaro flashed a playful smile and assured there is years of fun ahead for the series. Such a tease.

That's what we know so far, but we're sure there's plenty of content coming within the next few months. What characters do you expect to see added to the game? Let us know in the comments!

And if you're looking for more of Walt's characters, check out the 50 references you missed in Epic Mickey and the Disney games you forgot existed.