Tag: Skylanders
News Activision CEO on the State of the Skylanders Series and Toys-to-Life
It's still kicking
At this point in time, it’s pretty safe to say that the toys-to-life craze that burst into relevance a few years ago has effectively imploded. Disney Infinity has been completely discontinued, the Skylanders series has reached a stagnation point, and other branches like LEGO Dimensions or even Nintendo’s own amiibo line have...
News There Won't Be a New Skylanders Game in 2017
Still, you can get Imaginators on Switch...
The Skylanders franchise kickstarted the toys-to-life craze, which prompted rivals to emerge. Disney Infinity started well but faded to cancellation, however, though LEGO Dimensions is still adding various waves to its original release. Nintendo's own amiibo range is an alternative take on the model, of...
News Nintendo Switch Version Of Skylanders Imaginators Doesn't Support Traps Or Vehicles
Drastic plastic
It's a sad fact that the Wii U era was packed with instances where Nintendo players missed out on content in third-party games, and it would appear that history is repeating itself - with Skylanders Imaginators, at least. As we all know, the concept behind Skylanders is that toys and items from older games are backwards-compatible...
Review Skylanders Imaginators (Wii U)
Use your imagination
With the demise of Disney Infinity you may think that toys to life games are on the way out. However, with the Skylanders Academy show on Netflix and another new game for fans, Activision are pressing ahead - for the time being, at least. Skylanders Imaginators is this year's game and it offers a substantial twist on what has...
News Skylanders Developer Vicarious Visions Is Now Working On Destiny
Backs up rumours of series cancellation
It has been confirmed thatSkylanders developer Vicarious Visions is helping Bungie with Destiny, adding credence to rumours that Activision is pulling the plug on its defining toys-to-life franchise following disappointing sales of the latest entry, Skylanders Imaginators. Vicarious Visions has worked on the...
Rumour The Skylanders Franchise Might Be Facing Cancellation
Liam Robertson weighs in on the topic
It seems that the writing's been on the wall for the toys-to-life market for a while now. The Disney Infinity franchise just got cancelled this summer, and the general sales in this industry have been steadily shrinking. Lego Dimensions and Skylanders have been holding the line thus far, but it seems that...
News Skylanders Creator App Turns Your Wii U Skylanders Into Physical Toys
Getting creative
Activision has just unveiled its Skylanders Creator app. This sucks characters from the console version of Imaginators and enables players to tweak and order 3D printed versions of their creations - as well as T-Shirts and Cards, too. The app is quite low-tech in its connectivity. Select transfer from the Wii U and it plays an...
News Crash, Cortex And Thumpin' Wumpa Islands Are All Headed To Wii U In Skylanders Imaginators
Hands-on at Gamescom 2016
At E3 Activision had announced that PlayStation owners would get a special Crash Bandicoot Starter Pack with characters and levels from the classic game in the forthcoming Skylanders Imaginators. At Gamescom 2016 we finally got to hear how Wii U (and Xbox) owners can get in on the Crash action. First off we have another...
News Crash Bandicoot's Nemesis Is Confirmed For Skylanders Imaginators
You can't keep a good doctor down
The big news regarding this year's Skylanders outing is that Crash Bandicoot is coming along for the ride, and thanks to GameStop's website we now know that his arch enemy Dr. Neo Cortex will also be immortalised in NFC-powered plastic. The image in question has been removed from GameStop's site, and shows the...
Hands On Skylanders Imaginators Brings Crash To Wii U For The First Time
Family Gamer TV's Andy Robertson gets back in touch with a gaming icon
Getting hands on with Skylanders Imaginators at E3 was something of a revelation. We had heard a lot about the character creator before the event but it wasn't until we tried it for ourselves that it became apparent just how in-depth and flexible this is. The interface works...
News Crash Bandicoot Will Be Playable in the Wii U Port of Skylanders Imaginators
It's been awhile, Crash
Crash Bandicoot is one of those characters that's always been seen as an unofficial "Mario" for PlayStation systems, though this has been something of a misconception. The character has actually belonged to Activision for some time now, and a few of his later titles even appeared on Nintendo systems. Obviously, the character...
Feature Skylanders Imaginators Embraces The Minecraft Generation By Turning Players Into Creators
Make your own Skylander
Last year the de-facto version of Skylanders Superchargers was on the Wii U and 3DS, no where else could you access the full set of characters - including crossover amiibo Skylanders for Bowser and Donkey Kong. At an event in London, Activision has just unveiled this year's game, dubbed Skylanders Imaginators. There's no...
News UK Toys-To-Life Market Slumps 12 Percent Year-On-Year
Revenue down despite the addition of Lego Dimensions
2015 was the biggest year yet for toys-to-life products in the UK, with £129m generated from such games and figurines. However, increased competition and flagging interest has forced some outlets to slash prices, so while these toys are still selling, the revenue generated by them has fallen by...
News Activision's 2015 Figures Show Slight Growth, But Skylanders And Guitar Hero Underperform
Skylanders faced "greater competition" in the Toys to Life genre
Things are on the up for what is arguably the world's biggest publisher of video games. Activision has reported its full-year earnings for 2015, and results show a slight increase in sales, operating income and net income. Revenues hit $4.6 billion, which is up from the $4.4 billion...
News Bowser And Donkey Kong Skylanders Superchargers amiibo Releasing In Cheaper Combo Packs
No need to shell out for the starter pack, collectors
Skylanders Superchargers was pretty unique on Nintendo formats as the starter pack launched with either Bowser or Donkey Kong, and the figures could be toggled between Skylanders and amiibo functionality by turning the base. The problem for serious amiibo collectors is that you have to purchase...
Weirdness Bowser Bummed by Skylanders amiibo Tie-in
GAME store has a cheeky time of it
Anatomically, Bowser's nose can be considered to have two primary purposes. First, it provides something to breathe through when he has a mouth full of hot, fiery death to spit. Second, its presence keeps him from looking like a total goober. Case in point, one GAME store seems to have come across a Hammer Slam...
Video Skylanders Superchargers Wii and Wii U Starter Packs Compared
Bowser and DK make their entrances
Ahead of reviews coming in for Skylanders Superchargers we have a look at how the toys stack up in the home. In particular how the Wii U and Wii starter packs compare to the other console versions. As you can see in these unboxing videos, the kids are more than a little impressed by Bowser and Donkey Kong packs...
News Skylander SuperChargers Racing On Wii And 3DS Will Offer Bespoke Tracks And Progression
Racing experience "unlike" anything you'll see on current-gen systems
Activision may have unveiled a lot of the Wii U version of Skylanders SuperChargers at Gamescom 2015, featuring heavily the platform-wide addition of its Kart Racing mode, but we are still light on details relating to the Wii and 3DS versions of the game. Talking to Vicarious...
News Online Multiplayer and Kart Racing Gameplay Unveiled for Skylanders SuperChargers
Bowsers and Donkey Kong go up a gear
While we had expected Activision to unveil the Wii and 3DS version of Skylanders SuperChargers at Gamescom, when doors open today what we'll see is something much more substantial. Not only have we a new online multiplayer kart racing game in all versions of Skylanders SuperChargers, but also online for the main...
Parent Trap Skylanders SuperChargers Dials Nintendo Love up to Eleven, Even on Wii
FGTV learns more about cross-platform compatibility for Wii U, Wii and 3DS
The natural way of things in the video game world is be to moved on to the next generation of console pretty quickly. The Wii has changed all that, for better or worse. Millions of families who don't consider themselves avid gamers still have that little white box tucked...
News Wii and Wii U Get Special Treatment for Skylanders SuperChargers Dark Editions
Not a dark day
Activision has recently announced the Skylanders SuperChargers Dark Edition packs at Comic-Con San Diego; t
Will the tie-in pay off for Nintendo and Activision?
While Skylanders SuperChargers isn't - according to our surveys - particularly high up the wishlists of active Nintendo Life readers, it could be a notable release for Wii U, in particular. During E3 Nintendo and Activision confirmed a smart and unique collaboration that brings Bowser and Donkey...
News Reggie Explains Why Donkey Kong And Bowser Were Chosen For Skylanders SuperChargers
As well as how the Activision partnership came to be
If you caught E3 earlier this week, you'd know that Nintendo has teamed up with Activision to create two new amiibo for the latest instalment to the Skylanders series: Skylanders SuperChargers. However, the announcement left some scratching their heads as to why Nintendo decided to use Donkey...
Publisher remaining tight-lipped about "complementary" versions
While there has been lots of noise and pizzazz around the Wii U version of Skylanders SuperChargers at E3, not so much attention has been spent on the Wii and 3DS versions. When Superchargers was announced it was clear that both Wii and 3DS were not the same as the other console...
Video Take Another Look at the Skylanders SuperChargers Bowser and Donkey Kong amiibo in Action
A behind-closed-doors preview
While it probably wasn't an announcement to prompt huge buzz in the E3 audience, Nintendo scored a commercial coup with the arrival of big N-themed Skylanders SuperChargers Starter Packs, featuring exclusive Bowser and Donkey Kong figures that also function as amiibo. Just yesterday we posted a gallery of the press...
Starter packs for both consoles getting hybrid figures
One of the shock announcements from Nintendo's Digital Event yesterday was the news that Skylanders Superchargers on Wii U would be getting two brand-new amiibo figures. Donkey Kong and Bowser are both joining the cast of Activision's forthcoming toys-to-life sequel, complete with special...
News Skylanders Superchargers Is Getting amiibo Characters
Donkey Kong and Bowser gatecrash Activision's Wii U title
It might sound like a sick joke, but amiibo support is coming to Skylanders Superchargers. The news was confirmed during Nintendo's Digital Event, and marks one of the most interesting crossovers of recent memory. Two amiibo figures will be available. "Turbocharged" Donkey Kong comes with a...
Wii promised a "complimentary" experience
Skylanders SuperChargers has been announced today and brings with it vehicle toys for special Skylanders to pilot and modify. It's a bold move that not only adds more value but changes how the game plays on the screen. There will be 20 vehicles to collect, each one with a special SuperCharger Skylander that...
Rumour Skylanders Superchargers Details Leak, Features A Focus On Vehicles
Amazon spills the beans ahead of June 3rd reveal
The next game in the Skylanders series has a focus on vehicles, it has been revealed. Skylanders Superchargers is the name, and this time around you'll be able pilot amazing vehicles in order to stop the evil forces of Kaos. According to an Amazon listing - which has now been removed - the Starter...
Review Skylanders Trap Team (Wii U)
Knaves in Toyland
As the original ’toys-to-life’ video game concept — inspiring both Disney’s Infinity and Nintendo’s upcoming amiibo line — Skylanders has an impressive legacy to live up to. The series’ first release, Spyro’s Adventure, took the world and characters from the classic Spyro the Dragon games and crafted an enjoyable...
Video Wii U Skylanders Trap Team Gets First Full Showing At EGX 2014
Gotta trap 'em all
At EGX this week there was one booth on the Nintendo stand with a constant crowd of kids. Unlike the other games on offer though, young players at the expo each contributed to a team effort to beat Skylanders Trap Team — a kind of communal “EGX Plays”. A lot of the excitement was around this being the first full public...
Awesome but strange
With the Skylanders series enjoying impressive levels of success over the past few years, publisher Activision is no doubt hoping for more of the same from Skylanders Trap Team. The franchise has often performed well on the Wii, particularly, and Nintendo would love to see the Wii U become one of the top-selling platforms, too...
Video We Go Hands-On With Skylanders Trap Team At E3 2014
Caught in a trap
Before E3 doors opened we had exclusive access to direct capture let's play with Skylanders Trap Team. At the expo the game shows off an array of new characters both trap-able villains and Trap Masters, as well as clarifying how multi-player modes will work. What really stands out past any of this novelty is the work of Toys For...
News Here's A First Look At Skylanders Trap Team Villain Buzzer Beak
Pecking order
If you're interested in all things Skylanders, then you'll be pleased to know that our friends over at Family Gamer TV have an exclusive reveal of a new Skylanders Trap Team villain Buzzer Beak and his related Air Trap. As you can see, he appears to be inspired from a variety of different animals, with the beak of a toucan and the...
News Final Skylanders SWAP Force Figure, Doom Stone, Makes Début At Toys "R" Us On 13th May
A solid finale
Portal Masters in the US should plan on clearing some space for a final addition to their Skylanders SWAP Force army, when the mighty Doom Stone arrives this week. From Tuesday, 13th May, Toys "R" Us stores nationwide will be the first to stock this glorious golem in limited quantities, which hopefully shouldn't result in too many...
News Activision Is Interested in Making a Skylanders Movie
File under "least surprising news of the day"
In an interview with Examiner, Activision CEO Eric Hirshberg said he's open to the idea of a film based on the popular Skylanders series. After the staggering success of The Lego Movie and the recent announcement of a Minecraft flick, Activision looks forward to jumping on the film adaptation bandwagon:
Video Behold The Difference Between Skylanders Trap Team On Wii And Wii U
Compare and contrast
With Skylanders Trap Team being developed by lead developer Toys for Bob on the Wii and Beenox on the Wii U, choosing the best platform to play it on just got a little harder. Stepping into the breach with more Skylanders Trap Team videos are Family Gamer TV. Here, they compare the visual fidelity of different generations of...
News Skylanders Trap Team Is Coming To Wii, Wii U And 3DS This Year
Series creator Toys for Bob is handling the Wii and Wii U versions
Skylanders has had a strong relationship with Nintendo platforms from the word go. In many ways its success was in part from capitalising from the high Wii install base in its target demographic. With both Giants and Swap Force selling well on Wii, Wii U and 3DS, all eyes were on...
News Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure Could Have Been a Nintendo Exclusive
Developer predicts decision will "haunt them for the rest of their days"
The Skylanders series, developed by Toys for Bob and published by Activision, is currently a phenomenon in the gaming industry, generating huge revenue through both software and the many, many accompanying toys. The combination of a game and toys that directly interact has...
Rumour Next Skylanders Title Will Feature Vehicles
Mega Bloks toy preview spills the beans
Activision's Skylanders series is one of gaming's most profitable franchises, thanks to its successful formula of fusing interactive entertainment with expensive plastic toys that kids just can't seem to get enough of. The issue for Activision is that it has to come up with ways to keep this concept fresh...
News Wii U Skylanders Bundle Deal Heading to GameStop This Weekend
A tempter for U.S. shoppers
With the festive shopping season now gone, retailers begin the challenging task of making us all spend even more money, after so many splashed the cash at the end of 2013. GameStop has sounded the New Year retail desperation klaxon with its first run of promotions for 2014, while also declaring this to be the "Year of...
News Toys "R" Us Confirms Exclusive Range of Skylanders SWAP Force Characters
Legendary Grim Creeper has a cool name
When you combine a video game with toys that bring characters to life, you get monster profits. You also get plenty of promotions from one of the world's most recognisable toy store brands, and Toys "R" Us is continuing its record of promoting and gaining exclusives for the Skylanders series with some special...
Hands On Skylanders: SWAP Force
We visit Vicarious Visions HQ to check out Skylanders: SWAP Force
It’s difficult to believe that the Skylanders franchise — a series that has sold millions of copies worldwide and has spawned a multitude of sequels and spin-offs — is only just turning two years old. Since the 2011 release of the series debut, Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure,...
News 2013 Skylanders Champion Walks Away With All 56 Swap Force Figures
Quite a prize
At an event in London’s Olympic Park, James Tubb (9) was crowned Official Skylanders Champion. He not only wins the crown but also every Swap Force figure. Nice haul! The Official Skylanders championships started out in various UK regions in GAME stores. Each of these qualifier events called Skylanders fans to come into the store...
Video This Exclusive Skylanders Swap Force Footage Shows More Characters in Action
Family Gamer takes a look
Skylanders Swap Force is getting closer, and it seemed that Activision’s retail partners had pretty much let the cat out of the bag on most characters. However, at Gamescom in Cologne we discovered there were still a few surprises. Very kindly, Activision gave us an exclusive first look at a new Skylanders Swap Force...
News Retailer Listings and Comic-Con Reveal New Figures for Skylanders Swap Force
Prepare your bank accounts
Skylanders Swap Force, the latest entry in the hugely successful toy-based Activision series, is getting ever closer to its October release on Wii U, Wii, 3DS and other consoles. As it approaches we can look forward to details on what new figures will be available and in what waves, though it seems that a combination of...
First Impressions Skylanders Swap Force
Family Gamer's Andy Robertson goes hands-on at E3
The head to head nature of Skylanders Swap Force and Disney Infinity meant that E3 was always going to be a show down. With Disney buying up an impressive amount of floor space and advertising, Activision responded with more information, novelty and freebies than we’ve seen for previous Skylanders...
Video Exclusive Bronze Hot Dog Skylander Toy Revealed at E3
Hot stuff
Activision has a habit of releasing special edition Skylanders toys at big events, and E3 is no exception. Our friends over at Family Gamer TV have been given early access to a figure which is exclusive to this week's big gaming event, and you can see the unboxing below. The figure is a special edition bronze version of Hot Dog, in case...
News Wireless Wii Portal Inspires Skylanders Chess Invention
There's a use for those old Portals of Power after all
As you will have no doubt read, Skylanders Swap Force will require a new Portal and Starter Pack this year. Family Gamer TV owner and occasional Nintendo Life contributor Andy Robertson asked his kids what they should do with their old Portal of Power, and they came up with a version of Chess...
Activision's latest money-spinner takes shape
As we wrote earlier this week, Activision has announced the next game in the Skylanders series: Swap Force. At the New York event we had a chance to see some early levels of gameplay. What was immediately obvious was the higher fidelity of visuals this time round. With new developer Vicarious Visions...