LOS ANGELES — Disney is launching a line of toys that combines high-tech wearable gadgets and old-school superhero role-playing to keep kids moving while engrossing them in subplots from “The Avengers,” “Star Wars” and “Frozen.”
It’s Disney’s most ambitious game concept meshing real objects and virtual worlds since August 2013, when the family entertainment giant released its Disney Infinity video game that featured figurines and digital characters from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Toy Story” and other franchises.
The new line, called “Disney’s Playmation,” hits stores in October with the release of a forearm attachment for kids and adults called a “repulsor” that puts the player in the role of Marvel superhero Iron Man.
The product line unveiled last week in Los Angeles.
The onboard voice of J.A.R.V.I.S. — Iron Man’s computing system — guides children aged 6 and older through the first series of 25 missions, where they must use their imaginations to navigate terrains, then use the repulsor to fire missiles, shoot beams and raise shields. Players must physically jump or hide to dodge incoming attacks to progress and earn points.
Two sensor-laden base stations called “power activators” serve as stands for figurines, which pop off when they’ve suffered too much damage. The first so-called “smart figures” are miniature versions of Captain America and villain Iron Skull.
Infrared and other sensors inside the armband and base stations help determine whether shots hit the target and whether players dodged or hid successfully. If players fail to dodge well, a buzz inside the armband represents getting hit.
For now, up to two players can go on missions together or play against each other. Adding further players to the system is being planned for the future.
The suggested retail price for the initial package is $120. Another package going on sale in November features Hulk hands — where the action focuses on air-punching and throwing imaginary objects.
“Star Wars” themed packages will roll out in 2016, after “Star Wars: Episode 7 — The Force Awakens” debuts in December. “Frozen” packages will go on sale in 2017.
Jim Silver, the CEO and editor of toy review website said the product was a “breakthrough” because of the way it integrated technology and classic play patterns. He said there was nothing like it, noting that wearables typically have focused just on fitness.
