As we detailed in a previous post, Disney is betting big on Disney Infinity — their version of Activision's outrageously popular Skylanders concept. However, while Skylanders uses unique creations as playable characters, Disney Infinity uses iconic characters from Disney's library.

While developer Avalanche Studios has promised more play sets are in the works (including one based on Cars), the proper Disney Infinity game will launch a three play set starter pack that includes Monsters University, The Incredibles, and Pirates of the Caribbean. And today we have a closer look at the Pirates of the Caribbean play set in action.

Anyone that picks up Disney Infinity on August 18th will get a Captain Jack Sparrow, a Captain Barbossa, and Davy Jones figurine. Placing either of those characters on the Infinity Base (alongside the world disc) makes them playable in Infinity's Play Set and Toy Box modes.

Play Set mode is basically Infinity's version of a Pirates of the Caribbean game. The locales will be familiar to fans of the films, and players will encounter some recognizable faces, like Gibbs and Calypso, along the way.

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Toy Box mode, on the other hand, is Disney Infinity's mix-and-match mode. Players can put any character they like into an intractable sand box to complete unique missions, or simply to roam around the landscape. In Toy Box mode, the likes of Captain Jack can rub elbows with Mr. Incredible.

Here's a little more information about what Disney Infinity's Pirates of the Caribbean play set adds to the experience:

  • Combat and Customization: Players will be able to explore new lands while battling via water and land to become the king of the sea. Additionally, players can customize their ship, by choosing everything from the overall décor of the vessel to the cannons on board.
  • Play Set: The Pirates of the Caribbean play set adds its own specialized game play mechanics and pieces to the Disney Infinity world such as unique weaponry that when activated in Toy Box mode allows players to create all-new combat challenges, build and customize worlds and much more.
  • Toy Box mode: The pirate trio of Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbossa and Davy Jones are able to interact with all of the previously revealed Disney Infinity characters from The Incredibles, Monsters University and Cars to create new and exciting adventures on the high seas and beyond.

As the trailer below illustrates, there's plenty of swashbuckling and adventuring to be had in the Pirates play set. And presumably when players complete actions in Play Set mode, they will be able to bring specific Pirates of the Caribbean themed objects into Toy Box mode.

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Again, the Pirates of the Caribbean interactive figures ship with the Disney Infinity starter pack, which also includes The Incredibles and Monsters University. Fans of Cars, however, will have to purchase that pack separately.

While the comparisons between Disney Infinity and Skylanders are there, it's clear that Disney is still trying to create something unique. And if Avalanche Studios continues to introduce new play sets featuring fan-favorite Disney characters (and Disney-owned properties like Star Wars and Marvel), the "mouse house" is poised to make a lot of money.

What do you think of the Pirates of the Caribbean play set for Disney Infinity? Which of the three starter pack play sets are you most interested in playing with?

Disney Infinity releases August 18, 2013 for the Wii, Xbox 360, Wii U, PS3, 3DS, and PC.