Jump to content

Skylanders: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
fixed typo and more content
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
Vandalism repair.
Line 30: Line 30:


On February 5, 2015, Activision announced that a fifth ''Skylanders'' game was in development. It is currently scheduled to be released in the fall. It was later listed on Amazon as 'Skylanders: Superchargers'. On June 3, 2015 Activision announced ''[[Skylanders: SuperChargers]]'' with a release on September 20, 2015 in North America.<ref>http://www.forbes.com/sites/andyrobertson/2015/06/03/skylanders-superchargers/2/</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Activision confirms Skylanders 5, Call of Duty 2015, "unannounced intitatives" during quarterly presentation|url=http://www.warpzoned.com/2015/02/activision-confirms-skylanders-5-call-of-duty-2015-unannounced-intitatives-during-quarterly-presentation/|website=Warp Zoned|accessdate=5 February 2015|date=5 February 2015}}</ref>
On February 5, 2015, Activision announced that a fifth ''Skylanders'' game was in development. It is currently scheduled to be released in the fall. It was later listed on Amazon as 'Skylanders: Superchargers'. On June 3, 2015 Activision announced ''[[Skylanders: SuperChargers]]'' with a release on September 20, 2015 in North America.<ref>http://www.forbes.com/sites/andyrobertson/2015/06/03/skylanders-superchargers/2/</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Activision confirms Skylanders 5, Call of Duty 2015, "unannounced intitatives" during quarterly presentation|url=http://www.warpzoned.com/2015/02/activision-confirms-skylanders-5-call-of-duty-2015-unannounced-intitatives-during-quarterly-presentation/|website=Warp Zoned|accessdate=5 February 2015|date=5 February 2015}}</ref>
Also, this is a secret but do not tell anyone but [[Activision]] is creating an online version of the game only as a giant racing server.


Some of the Skylanders available for play include [[Spyro the Dragon (character)|Spyro the Dragon]] and [[Characters of Spyro the Dragon#Cynder|Cynder]], both of which were included in ''[[Spyro (series)#The Legend of Spyro 2|The Legend of Spyro]]'' series. ''Skylanders'' is otherwise unrelated to the two previous ''Spyro'' series. However, Spyro has the same powers as the first games, losing his Legend of Spyro powers.
Some of the Skylanders available for play include [[Spyro the Dragon (character)|Spyro the Dragon]] and [[Characters of Spyro the Dragon#Cynder|Cynder]], both of which were included in ''[[Spyro (series)#The Legend of Spyro 2|The Legend of Spyro]]'' series. ''Skylanders'' is otherwise unrelated to the two previous ''Spyro'' series. However, Spyro has the same powers as the first games, losing his Legend of Spyro powers.

Revision as of 17:54, 26 July 2015

Skylanders
Genre(s)Role-playing Game, Action-Adventure, Platform, Toys to life[1]
Developer(s)Toys For Bob
Vicarious Visions
Frima Studio
n-Space
Beenox
Publisher(s)Activision
Neoplay (South America only)
Square Enix (Japan only)
Creator(s)Toys for Bob
First releaseSkylanders: Spyro's Adventure
October 11, 2011 (2011-10-11)
Latest releaseSkylanders: Trap Team
October 5, 2014 (2014-10-05)

Skylanders is a "toys to life"[2][3] video game series published by Activision. Games in the series are played by placing character figures on the "Portal of Power", a device that reads the figures' tags through NFC and "imports" the character represented by the figure into the game as a playable character. There are eight elemental categories to which a character, known as a Skylander, can belong: earth, air, fire, water, magic, life, tech, and undead. There are two new elements in Skylanders: Trap Team: Light and Dark.

In addition to the standard figures, there are variants (examples include "Dark Spyro" for Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure and "Punch Pop Fizz" for Skylanders: Giants, both exclusives for the Nintendo 3DS versions of the respective game), "legendary" variants (exclusive to Toys "R" Us in the US) and 'sidekick' Skylanders released.

The second game introduced the "Giants", series 2 versions of the returning characters (featuring a new exclusive upgrade called a Wow Pow Power as well as the ability to switch upgrade path), and "lightcore" figures (which light up while on the portal and have a light bomb attack when first entered into the game level).

The third game of the series, Swap Force, introduces the "Swap Force" figures with the ability to switch top and bottom halves, as well as returning characters featuring an additional Wow Pow ability.

Skylanders: Trap Team, the fourth game of the series, was officially announced on April 23, 2014, on the Skylanders Game Facebook page with a new official trailer, and it was released on October 5, 2014. This installment introduces the Trap Master Skylanders, characters who wield big weapons made of traptanium, and traps that allow capturing of enemies in the game and playing as them.[4]

On February 5, 2015, Activision announced that a fifth Skylanders game was in development. It is currently scheduled to be released in the fall. It was later listed on Amazon as 'Skylanders: Superchargers'. On June 3, 2015 Activision announced Skylanders: SuperChargers with a release on September 20, 2015 in North America.[5][6]

Some of the Skylanders available for play include Spyro the Dragon and Cynder, both of which were included in The Legend of Spyro series. Skylanders is otherwise unrelated to the two previous Spyro series. However, Spyro has the same powers as the first games, losing his Legend of Spyro powers.

The console versions of each game follow similar storylines, while the Nintendo 3DS versions follow stories different from those of the console versions. Also, Skylanders is the first video game series to use figures[citation needed].

Plot

The games setting is a place called Skylands, a realm filled with magic and floating islands. Using their magical powers and machinery, the Skylanders defended their world for generations from various threats. For generations, the Skylanders worked with the Portal Masters in keeping peace and balance in their world, battling the forces of darkness, and protecting the Core of Light. The Skylanders have an unbreakable bond with their Portal Masters. Though they are not servants, the Skylanders chose to serve their Portal Master and do so eagerly. Each Skylander is associated with one of the eight elements of Skylands: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Magic, Tech, Life, or Undead.

The main plot is the Skylanders going through levels to prevent Kaos, the series' main antagonist, from ruling over Skylands.

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure

Main article: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure

The Skylander adventure starts here. The evil tyrant Kaos is threatening to destroy Skylands. Only you can bring the Skylanders to life-unlocking their special powers and abilities-by placing them on the Portal of Power![7]

Skylanders: Giants

Main article: Skylanders: Giants

Thousands of years ago, the Giant Skylanders fought epic battles in Skylands, but were banished to Earth. With a new threat looming, it's time to bring them back to join forces with the Skylanders to defeat Kaos. Only you can put them on the Portal of Power to unleash their strength in the ultimate battle to save Skylands![8]

Skylanders: Swap Force

Main article: Skylanders: Swap Force

For generations, the Swap Force protected the volcano that replenishes Skylands’ magic. That is until an epic battle caught them in an eruption that blasted them apart, sent them to Earth and gave them the ability to swap powers. Only you can mix and match their tops and bottoms, put them on the new Portal of Power and save Skylands.[9]

Skylanders: Trap Team

Main article: Skylanders: Trap Team

"Kaos has blown up the walls of the feared Cloudcracker Prison, freeing the most notorious villains in Skylands. It's up to you and the Skylanders to find and capture them. Using Traptanium, a magic material that can harness the power of the Elements, you have the amazing ability to trap the villains and return them to Skylands to fight for you! Begin the ultimate adventure as you explore Skylands in search of the escaped villains you can catch KAOS TOO!"[10]

Characters

Main article: List of Skylanders characters

Games

Year Title Developer(s) Platform(s)
Console Computer Handheld Mobile
2011 Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure Toys for Bob, Vicarious Visions (3DS) PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Wii U Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X Nintendo 3DS
Skylanders: Spyro's Universe/Skylanders: Universe Frima Studio Web
2012 Skylanders: Cloud Patrol Vicarious Visions iOS, Android
Skylanders: Lost Islands Vicarious Visions iOS, Android
Skylanders: Battlegrounds Vicarious Visions iOS, Android
Skylanders: Giants Toys For Bob, Vicarious Visions (Wii U), n-Space (3DS) PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Wii U Nintendo 3DS
2013 Skylanders: Swap Force Vicarious Visions, n-Space (3DS), Beenox (Wii) PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii, Wii U Nintendo 3DS
2014 Skylanders: Trap Team Toys for Bob, Beenox (Wii U, PS4, XOne, 3DS), Vicarious Visions (iOS, Android, Fire OS) PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii, Wii U Nintendo 3DS iOS, Android, Fire OS[11]
2015 Skylanders: SuperChargers Vicarious Visions, Beenox (3DS, Wii) PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii, Wii U Nintendo 3DS iOS

Innovation

In 2011, Skylanders Spyro's Adventure was the second video game to introduce the "Toys to life" concept, after U.B. Funkeys in 2007.[12] With each new release, Activision added new innovations to the concept. With Giants, Lightcore figures were introduced. These toys light up when they are placed over the Portal of Power. With Swap Force, the new characters can separate their body and legs and mix with other characters to create unique combinations. With Trap Team, you can trap the villains of Skylands (including Kaos) and play as them to fight the forces of Evil and two new elements called Light (shaped like a sun) and its opposite, Dark (shaped like a crescent moon).

Reception

Aggregate review scores
As of 3 February 2015.
Game GameRankings Metacritic
Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (PC) 93.00%[13]
(3DS) 84.29%[14]
(X360) 80.95%[15]
(Wii) 80.18%[16]
(PS3) 79.23%[17] 		(3DS) 82/100[18]
(Wii) 81/100[19]
(X360) 78/100[20]
(PS3) 77/100[21]
Skylanders: Giants (X360) 81.64%[22]
(PS3) 79.69%[23]
(WiiU) 78.17%[24]
(Wii) 77.57%[25]
(3DS) 63.10%[26] 		(X360) 80/100[27]
(WiiU) 80/100[28]
(PS3) 78/100[29]
(Wii) 78/100[30]
(3DS) 59/100[31]
Skylanders: Swap Force (X360) 84.68%[32]
(PS3) 83.93%[33]
(WiiU) 88.44%[34]
(Wii) 88.00%[35]
(3DS) 72.79%[36]
(XONE) 80.00%[37]
(PS4) 79.67%[38] 		(X360) 83/100[39]
(WiiU) 89/100[40]
(PS3) 83/100[41]
(PS4) 79/100[42]
(3DS) 68/100[43]
Skylanders: Trap Team (iOS) 92.00%[44]
(WIIU) 84.00%[45]
(XONE) 79.74%[46]
(PS4) 77.59%[47] 		(iOS) 90/100[48]
(WIIU) 86/100[49]
(XONE) 78/100[50]
(PS4) 78/100[51]

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure received generally favorable reviews, many praising the technological use of the "Portal of Power". Although some reviewers criticized the absence of online multiplayer, the toys for the Skylanders were widely praised. Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure was nominated for two Toy Industry Association awards: "Game of the Year" and "Innovative Toy of the Year".[52]

Skylanders Giants was released to generally positive reviews. However, the reviews from GameRankings and Metacritic were slightly lower than that of the previous game on some platforms. Cheat Code Central gave the game 9.2/10 and commented that "it feels like someone finally got everything right when creating a sequel," and praising the ability to use the Skylanders toys from the first game in the second.

Skylanders: Swap Force was released to very positive reviews, with the reviews from GameRankings and Metacritic being the highest and most genuinely positive of the series so far across all platforms. Gaming website Quarter To Three gave both the Wii U and Xbox 360 a perfect score of 5/5. Video Game website Gaming Age gave the PlayStation 3 version the highest grade of an "A" and further commented that "Whether you’re a Skylanders fan or a gamer who’s looking for a charming and unique family-friendly game series to get into, Skylanders SWAP Force comes highly recommended."

Skylanders: Trap Team was released to positive reviews. However, the reviews from GameRankings and Metacritic were slightly lower than that of the previous game on most platforms with only the IOS/Tablet version receiving the highest score.

As of February 2015, the Skylanders series has crossed the threshold of $3 billion in sales, with 175 million toys sold since 2011, making the series one of the top 20 highest-selling video game franchises of all time.[53][54] As of 2015, over 250 million toys were sold.[55]

References

  1. ^ http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/herocomplex/la-et-hc-the-player-e3-toys-to-life-20150613-story.html#page=1
  2. ^ Martens, Todd. "Toys-to-life gaming at E3 is set to land big, but it's not all child's play". LA Times. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
  3. ^ Williams, Katie (May 4, 2015). "Toys-To-Life Are Gaming's Hottest-selling Accessory of 2015". IGN. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
  4. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8T78t9iRjs
  5. ^ http://www.forbes.com/sites/andyrobertson/2015/06/03/skylanders-superchargers/2/
  6. ^ "Activision confirms Skylanders 5, Call of Duty 2015, "unannounced intitatives" during quarterly presentation". Warp Zoned. February 5, 2015. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
  7. ^ http://www.skylanders.com/video-games/skylanders-spyros-adventure
  8. ^ http://www.skylanders.com/video-games/skylanders-giants
  9. ^ http://www.skylanders.com/video-games/skylanders-swap force
  10. ^ http://www.skylanders.com
  11. ^ http://www.insidemobileapps.com/2014/08/13/activision-announces-skylanders-trap-team-for-tablets/
  12. ^ "Mattel Knows How Today's Kids Play - from Imaginative, Unstructured Play to Get-up-and-Go, Active Play to Techno-Inspired, Interactive Play". BNET. February 8, 2007. Retrieved November 1, 2009.
  13. ^ "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure for PC". GameRankings. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  14. ^ "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure for 3DS". GameRankings. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  15. ^ "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure for Xbox 360". GameRankings. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  16. ^ "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure for Wii". GameRankings. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  17. ^ "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure for PlayStation 3". GameRankings. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  18. ^ "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure for 3DS". Metacritic. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  19. ^ "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure for Wii". Metacritic. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  20. ^ "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure for Xbox 360". Metacritic. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  21. ^ "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure for PlayStation 3". Metacritic. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  22. ^ "Skylanders Giants for Xbox 360". GameRankings. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  23. ^ "Skylanders Giants for PlayStation 3". GameRankings. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  24. ^ "Skylanders Giants for Wii U". GameRankings. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  25. ^ "Skylanders Giants for Wii". GameRankings. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  26. ^ "Skylanders Giants for 3DS". GameRankings. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  27. ^ "Skylanders Giants for Xbox 360". Metacritic. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  28. ^ "Skylanders Giants for Wii U". Metacritic. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  29. ^ "Skylanders Giants for PlayStation 3". Metacritic. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  30. ^ "Skylanders Giants for Wii". Metacritic. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  31. ^ "Skylanders Giants for 3DS". Metacritic. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  32. ^ "Skylanders Swap Force for Xbox 360". GameRankings. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  33. ^ "Skylanders Swap Force for PlayStation 3". GameRankings. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  34. ^ "Skylanders Swap Force for Wii U". GameRankings. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  35. ^ "Skylanders Swap Force for Wii". GameRankings. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  36. ^ "Skylanders Swap Force for 3DS". GameRankings. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  37. ^ "Skylanders Swap Force for XONE accessdate=25 April 2014". GameRankings. {{cite web}}: Missing pipe in: |title= (help)
  38. ^ "Skylanders Swap Force for PS4". GameRankings. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  39. ^ "Skylanders Swap Force for Xbox 360". Metacritic. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  40. ^ "Skylanders Swap Force for Wii U". Metacritic. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  41. ^ "Skylanders Swap Force for PlayStation 3". Metacritic. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  42. ^ "Skylanders Giants for PS4". Metacritic. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  43. ^ "Skylanders Swap Force for 3DS". Metacritic. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  44. ^ "Skylanders: Trap Team for iOS". GameRankings. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  45. ^ "Skylanders: Trap Team for Wii U". GameRankings. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  46. ^ "Skylanders: Trap Team for Xbox One". GameRankings. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  47. ^ "Skylanders: Trap Team for PlayStation 4". GameRankings. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  48. ^ "Skylanders: Trap Team for iOS Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  49. ^ "Skylanders: Trap Team for Wii U Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  50. ^ "Skylanders: Trap Team for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  51. ^ "Skylanders: Trap Team for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  52. ^ Appell, Adrienne. "Toy Industry Unveils Nominees for 2012 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards; Announces Inductees into Toy Industry Hall of Fame". Toy Industry Association.
  53. ^ Dyer, Mitch. "Skylanders in 'Top 20' Game Franchises Ever, 175 Million Toys Sold". IGN.
  54. ^ http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/02/05/skylanders-is-now-a-3-billion-franchise.aspx
  55. ^ Makuch, Eddie (June 3, 2015). "Skylanders Reaches 250 Million Toys Sold, New Game Announced". GameSpot. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Skylanders&oldid=673182934"