Without a doubt, most fans of classic Cartoon Network shows are aware of FusionFall. The MMORPG was first released in 2009 and provided players with a way to interact with their favorite characters while experiencing gameplay mechanics ahead of their time. With the advent of classic horror games like Dead Space and Alone In The Dark getting modern reboots, it makes sense for FusionFall developers Cartoon Network and Grigon Entertainment to give the game another chance at success.
Although it has been 14 years since FusionFall was released, the iconic game is still remembered by fans. The MMORPG featured over 50 characters from the Cartoon Network animated pantheon, many with their own distinct worlds, enemies, weapons, and equipment. As part of gameplay, players created an avatar who was then sent on a mission to defeat the warped "fusion" versions of the characters to thwart an invasion from Lore Fuse. The game spent a short period as a subscription-based game with seasonal content, using many of the gameplay mechanics seen in modern RPGs. As more gamers engage with MMORPGs, FusionFal could be a smash hit for players looking for great gameplay with a dose of nostalgia.
FusionFall's Gameplay Formula May Have Inspired Titles Like Disney Dreamlight Valley
While games like Hogwarts Legacy and Disney Dreamlight Valley have achieved great popularity and success because of their connection to famous IP, FusionFall introduced the formula almost a decade before their development. In a time when video games were typically developed without outside IP, Cartoon Network spearheaded the building of an MMORPG using various animated characters from past and current franchises. From iconic franchises like The Powerpuff Girls to The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, many Cartoon Network characters were involved in the storyline of FusionFall.
Like the gameplay formula used by Disney Dreamlight Valley, FusionFall introduced an open world where players could create their characters and use a ranged or melee play style to battle and complete tasks. Players are guided by mentor characters - including Ben Tennyson, Dexter, Edd, and Mojo Jojo, who give out awards based on completing certain quests. There is a chance that the "Friendship Item" game mechanic in Dreamlight Valley may have been inspired by FusionFall, as many characters award equipment, clothing, and accessories themed around the franchise they are from. FusionFall's masterful use of animated characters within combat and the main storyline fits right into modern video game culture.
A FusionFall Remake Could Find Success Through Monetization And The Need For Nostalgia
Like many MMORPGs and multiplayer video games developed in past years, FusionFall was shut down in 2013 due to a lack of players, decreased financial earnings, and a lack of direction for the game's future. For many reasons, FusionFall may find more success if a modern remake of the MMORPG was released at this point in video game history. One reason is that many people seek nostalgic experiences that connect with their childhood or favorite games. FusionFall's use of Cartoon Network characters perfectly combines those two winning factors. The rapid development of fan-made FusionFall remakes indicates a potential audience for the game in 2023.
In addition, modern MMORPGs have found ways to monetize multiplayer games while allowing them to be free to play successfully. For example, The Elder Scrolls: Online uses a membership system similar to FusionFall but requires players to purchase the base game - with the option of extended DLCs. Other MMORPGs, like Sea of Thieves, use a "season pass" monetization method that allows players to receive additional rewards and content for a price. FusionFall could also capitalize on gaming across multiple platforms, releasing the game for modern consoles and PC. Despite the game's initial downfall, FusionFall has all the trappings of a successful modern MMORPG and deserves a remake.