Lego Dimensions

The toys-to-life genre isn't an inexpensive one for fans. In addition to starter kits that cost more than the average game, each figure or expansion kit hits the wallet for at least $10. The latest entrant in the genre, Lego Dimensions, is going to be a hard one to resist purely on the basis of fan service.

I got my first experience with the game today, and I was impressed at how well developer Traveller's Tales has integrated the physical toys with the classic Lego gameplay. Unlike Skylanders and Disney Infinity, Lego Dimensions makes use of the gateway as more than a way to get the toys into the games.

Seven spots exist on the base for characters or vehicles. Just like in any standalone Lego title, you can swap among the characters on screen. Any of the multiverse heroes, like Batman, Gandalf, Scooby Doo, The Doctor, and Chell from Portal can take control of any vehicle.

Two of my major concerns were assuaged during my demo. The vehicles can all change forms to solve puzzles or compete in races. While players are free to transform them during play, it isn't necessary. Going into the vehicle customization screen allows you to pick which unlocked form to use, writing the details (including chosen upgrades) onto the base piece. It's a painless process, but it means your vehicle on the base might not match what you see on screen.

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• Three additional level packs with at launch (with a minifig, vehicle, and level add-on), with another three to come later - $29.99
• Three team packs in 2015 (with two minifigs and vehicles), with a third announced for 2016 - $24.99
• Eighteen fun packs in 2015 (one minifig and vehicle), with six more announced for 2016 - $15.99

I'm bullish on Lego Dimensions, as it doesn't just mimic the genre entrants that came before. It's a different approach for a slightly older audience, and that means that collectors and fans of the included classic franchises are a prime target for prying the wallet open wide enough to make this a success.

Lego Dimensions is coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Wii U, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 on September 27.

Note: This story originally included PC on the platform list. That is inaccurate, and has been corrected. We apologize for the error. We've also updated the terminology and exact number of level packs available at launch and coming later.