Wikipedia

Skylanders

Skylandersis atoys-to-lifeaction-adventurevideo game franchise published byActivision.[1][2]Skylandersgames are played by placing a character's figure on the "Portal of Power", a device that reads its tag usingNFCand "imports" them into the game as a playable character, leveling them up and saving its progress on the figure to potentially be used on a different game (or even console) with all its saved stats. Skylander figures are sold separately from the game itself unless you buy the starter pack. Typically, the starter pack for each game contains two or more Skylanders, a Portal of Power, the game disc and sometimes something else to show off the game's newest feature.

Skylanders
Genre(s)Platform,role-playing
Developer(s)
Creator(s)Toys for Bob
Composer(s)Lorne Balfe
Platform(s)Android,iOS,Microsoft Windows,Nintendo 3DS,macOS,PlayStation 3,PlayStation 4,Wii,Wii U,Nintendo Switch,Xbox 360,Xbox One
First releaseSpyro's Adventure
October 13, 2011
Latest releaseRing of Heroes
December 12, 2018

Plot

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The games take place in Skylands, a realm offloating islandslocated at the center of the universe that is often threatened by evil forces who seek to rule it and gain access to all worlds.[3]For generations, a band of heroes known as the Skylanders have worked with the Portal Masters to defend Skylands from evil and protect the Core of Light. The player, who is considered to be a Portal Master, commands the Skylanders to stop Kaos and other evil threats. Each Skylander is associated with one of ten elements:Earth,Air,Fire,Water,Magic,Tech,Life,Undead,Light,andDark.The console versions of each game follow identical storylines, while theNintendo 3DSversions have different stories.

Games

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Release timeline
2011Spyro's Adventure
Universe
2012Cloud Patrol
Lost Islands
Battlegrounds
Giants
2013Swap Force
2014Trap Team
2015SuperChargers
2016Battlecast
Imaginators
Creator
2017
2018Ring Of Heroes

Spyro's Adventure(2011)

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Main article:Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure

Spyro's Adventureis the first game in the series and features 32 Skylanders, four for each of the eight elements. The Skylanders seek to restore the Core of Light, which Kaos destroyed, by collecting the Eternal Sources of each element and other components.

Giants(2012)

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Main article:Skylanders: Giants

Giantsis the second installment in the series and a direct sequel toSpyro's Adventure.It introduces a new team of Skylanders called theGiants,who were canonically the first Skylanders assembled to stop the Arkeyans' reign and are strong enough to lift, throw, and destroy trees and rocks. They must stop Kaos after he reactivates the Arkeyan Conquertron and attempts to take over Skylands by resurrecting the Arkeyans.

Swap Force(2013)

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Main article:Skylanders: Swap Force

Swap Forceis the third installment in the franchise and takes place in another part of Skylands called the Cloudbreak Islands. It introduces a new group of Skylanders called the Swap Force, who have the ability to swap their top and bottom halves and abilities. Together, the Swap Force and the Skylanders fight to prevent Kaos and his mother from ruining the performance on Mount Cloudbreak.

Trap Team(2014)

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Main article:Skylanders: Trap Team

Trap Teamis the fourth installment in the franchise. It introduces two new elements, the Light and Dark elements, as well as the Trap Masters and the Trap mechanic. This mechanic allows players to trap special in-game enemies in element-specific Elemental Traps, which are shards of Traptanium. The trapped enemies can then be summoned as playable characters for a limited time, but can be used freely in the main hub. The Skylanders and the Trap Masters fight to stop Kaos and the Doom Raiders.

SuperChargers(2015)

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Main article:Skylanders: SuperChargers

SuperChargersis the fifth installment in the series. It introduces a new group of Skylanders called the SuperChargers, who pilot special vehicles of the Land, Sky and Sea. The Skylanders must stop Kaos, who has used The Darkness's power to create The Sky Eater, and The Darkness, which has its own plans. SuperChargers also featured a multiplayer racing game mode, very similar to theMario Kartgames. This racing game mode, however, is near impossible to play with other players (in 2024) TheNintendoconsole versions featureDonkey KongandBowseras Turbo Charge Donkey Kong and Hammer Slam Bowser, along with their respective vehicles, the Barrel Blaster and Clown Cruiser. These figures and vehicles can only be scanned and used in-game on Skylanders: SuperChargers (Racing) and Skylanders: Imaginators on Nintendo hardware. The characters, but not their vehicles, also functioned asamiibofigures. The Wii and 3DS versions of the game, titledSkylanders: SuperChargers Racing,focus on racing and feature the SuperChargers competing in a race sponsored by Pandergast to win a snow globe which will grant one wish.SuperChargerswas the last game to be released on tablets.

Imaginators(2016)

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Main article:Skylanders: Imaginators

Imaginatorsis the sixth installment in the series, which was developed byToys for Bob.[4]It was released on October 13, 2016, in Australia and New Zealand, on October 14, 2016, in Europe and on October 16, 2016, in North America.[5]It was the only game in the series released for theNintendo Switch.It allows players to create and customize their own Skylanders called Imaginators and train them under the Senseis. The Skylanders must stop Kaos, who is using mind magic to create Doomlanders with help from an ancient Brain.Crash BandicootandDoctor Neo Cortexmake guest appearances as playable characters, marking their first appearance in a video game sinceCrash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 2in 2010.[6]Their figures were initially exclusive to thePlayStation 3andPlayStation 4starter packs, but were later released as a stand-alone double pack.

Spin-offs

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In 2011, Activision releasedSkylanders Universe,an online browser-based multiplayer game that allowed players to interact in Skylands, play minigames, customize their own island, and log their Skylanders collection. Players could connect their portals to their computer to summon their Skylanders, like in the core series. The service has since been discontinued.

Activision released spin-off games on mobile devices,[7]includingCloud Patrol,Battlegrounds,Lost Islands,Collection Vault,mobile ports ofTrap TeamandSuperChargers,Battlecast,andRing of Heroes.

Development

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Launching Skylanders cost Activision $100 million or more, roughly as much as making, manufacturing and marketing a title such as Call of Duty.[8]

Version differences

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As theSkylandersfranchise has been released on numerous platforms, with various versions developed by different developers, there are significant differences between them.

The most notable differences are found in theNintendo 3DSversions, which have unique stories and gameplay more focused on platforming. Additionally, they use a separate, smaller portal that communicates via the console'sinfrared.In the first two games, players had to "load" two figures, and were able to swap between them at any time using thetouch screenuntil a new Skylander is loaded to replace them. Beginning withSwap Force,every figure scanned is permanently saved into the game. InTrap Team,villains are captured using the touch screen instead of using real-life traps, which the 3DS portal does not support.

The first two games were developed with theNintendo Wiiin mind, with the HD versions being ports with slightly enhanced graphics. In contrast, starting withSwap Force,the games were developed for the HD consoles, with the Wii version having heavily downgraded graphics. In addition,Superchargerson Wii and 3DS was a distinct game titledSuperchargers Racing,which only included the racing portions.Imaginatorsskipped these two consoles entirely.

While portals are typically interchangeable between platforms, theXbox 360andXbox Oneversions of the game require their own portal respectively due to restrictions imposed by Microsoft.

TheNintendo Switchversion ofImaginatorsdoes not use the Portal of Power; instead, the figures are scanned using theNFCon thegame controller.Similar to the 3DS versions of the previous games, scanned figures are saved and can be switched through a menu. Traps are not supported, and Vehicles only unlock Imaginite Chests.

Music

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Lorne Balfecomposed the soundtracks for the games, whileHans Zimmercomposed part of Spyro’s Adventure’s main theme.[9]Imaginatorsdoes not use an original soundtrack, instead using music from previous games.

Media

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Novels

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Cavan Scottwrote a series of books, beginning withSkylanders: The Machine of Doom,which takes place before the events ofSpyro's Adventure.He would later write theSkylanders: The Mask of Powerseries, which also serves as a prequel toSpyro's Adventure.Another series,Skylanders:Book of Elements,focuses on two elements in each installment, with Shubrik Bros. Creative writing the first and Barry Hutchson writing the second.

Art Books

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Two art books,Strata: The Art of Skylanders: Swap ForceandClutch: The Art of Skylanders: Superchargers,were produced by Vicarious Visions. As employee exclusives, the only way to obtain them is through online sellers or charity events.

IDW Publishing

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IDW Publishingcreated a comic series associated with theSkylandersfranchise which takes place in between games.[10]The series was reportedly cancelled to avoid conflicting withSkylanders Academy,which used a different canon.

TV series

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Main article:Skylanders Academy

In 2016, it was announced thatActivision Blizzard Studioswould produce an animated television series based onSkylanders.[11]The first season debuted onNetflixon October 28, 2016, the second season on October 6, 2017, and the third and final season premiered on September 28, 2018.[12][13]On April 30, 2019, it was announced thatSkylanders Academywas cancelled.[14]

Possible film

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Activision has commented on the possibility of a movie based onSkylanders.[15]On May 6, 2014,ActivisionCEO Eric Hirshberg announced that the Activision team had an interest in "jumping on the film adaptation bandwagon" and adaptingSkylandersinto a film.[16]

Future

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Following the release ofImaginators,the franchise went into hiatus, with speculations surrounding a seventh console installment. Nevertheless, future projects within theSkylandersuniverse were limited to the recent mobile game titledRing of Heroesuntil its closure in 2022. The studios worked on other unrelated games until Activision Blizzard was acquired byMicrosoftin January 2022. Activision CEO Bobby Kotick stated that Microsoft had interest in reviving some of the old studios' hit franchises, includingGuitar HeroandSkylanders.[17]

Reception

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Aggregate review scores
Game Metacritic
Spyro's Adventure 3DS: 82/100[18]
WII: 81/100[19]
X360: 78/100[20]
PS3: 77/100[21]
Giants X360: 80/100[22]
WIIU: 80/100[23]
WII: 78/100[24]
PS3: 77/100[25]
3DS: 59/100[26]
Swap Force WIIU: 89/100[27]
X360: 83/100[28]
PS3: 83/100[29]
PS4: 79/100[30]
3DS: 68/100[31]
Trap Team iOS: 90/100[32]
WIIU: 86/100[33]
XONE: 78/100[34]
PS4: 78/100[35]
SuperChargers iOS: 88/100[36]
WIIU: 87/100[37]
PS4: 81/100[38]
XONE: 76/100[39]
Imaginators PS4: 79/100[40]
XONE: 78/100[41]
WIIU: 77/100[42]
NS: 72/100[43]

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventurereceived "generally favorable" reviews according toreview aggregatorMetacritic,with many praising the technological use of the "Portal of Power".[18][19][20][21]Although some reviewers criticized the absence of online multiplayer, the toys for the Skylanders were widely praised.GameSpotgave it a 7.5 out of 10, praising its family-friendly gameplay and role-playing-style character progression, but criticized the lack of online multiplayer, the cost of buying a complete set of figures, the arbitrary inclusion of Spyro, and the unreliability of the Portal of Power peripheral.[44]Nintendo World Reportgave the game a 9 out of 10, praising theWiiversion for its gameplay and production values, and theNintendo 3DSversion for its accessibility to younger gamers and overall design.[45]Destructoidgave the game an 8 out of 10 saying, "It's not the most complex game on the market, but the innovative gadgetry and authentic thoughtfulness on the part of the developer stands out in a market so used to churning out the same old crap."[46]Giant BombreviewerJeff Gerstmanngave the game four out of five stars, stating "Skylandersis probably aimed at kids, but whatever. I am a legal adult...and I think it's still pretty cool. "[47]Skylanders: Spyro's Adventurewas nominated for two Toy Industry Association awards: "Game of the Year" and "Innovative Toy of the Year."[48]

Skylanders: Giantsreceived "generally favorable" reviews on most platforms according to Metacritic;[22][23][24][25]the Nintendo 3DS version received "mixed or average" reviews.[26]However, the reviews in general were slightly lower than that of the previous game, especially for the Nintendo 3DS version, which received the lowest Metacritic score in the series.IGNgave the game an 8 out of 10 score, calling it a "...a more polished but by-the-numbers sequel that’s really fun to play".[49]PlayStation Lifestyle,however, gave the game a lower score with a 70/100, saying, "The reality is thatSkylanders: Giantsis age-appropriate fun that harkens back to the delight you had collectingPokémoncards or mashing your way through a dungeon crawler. If you've got little ones, then you already know the verdict here. "[50]

Skylanders: Swap Forcereceived "generally favorable" reviews for most platforms according to Metacritic;[28][27][29][30]the Nintendo 3DS version received "mixed or average" reviews.[31]The Metacritic scores for the game were the highest and most positive of the series on most platforms. Gaming websiteQuarter to Threegave both theWii UandXbox 360a perfect score of 5/5.[51][52]Video game websiteGaming Agegave thePlayStation 3version 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."[53]

Skylanders: Trap Teamreceived "generally favorable" reviews for most platforms according to Metacritic;[33][34][35][32]theiOSversion received "universal acclaim". However, the scores from Metacritic were slightly lower than that of the previous game on most platforms with the iOS version receiving the highest Metacritic score in the series.

Skylanders: SuperChargersreceived "generally favorable" reviews according to Metacritic.[37][38][39][36]The scores from Metacritic had some scores that were higher than the previous game, such as the Wii U andPlayStation 4versions, but some were lower than the previous game, such as the iOS andXbox Oneversions. The game was also nominated for two awards: Best Family Game atThe Game Awards 2015and Favorite Video Game at the2016 Kids' Choice Awards.[54][55]Despite its positive reception,Activisionreported in February 2016 that the game did not meet sales expectations.[56]

Skylanders: Imaginatorsreceived "generally favorable" reviews for most platforms according to Metacritic;[41][40][42]the Nintendo Switch version received "mixed or average" reviews.[43]Compared to the previous game, the game received lower scores on most platforms except the Xbox One version. Despite the generally positive reception, the game sold only 66,000 copies during its launch month.[57]

As of February 2015, theSkylandersseries 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.[58][59]As of June 2015, over 250 million toys were sold.[60]As of 2016, over 300 million toys have been sold and the franchise has become the 11th biggest console franchise of all time.[61]

References

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