Activision’s toys-to-life series returns, this time introducing vehicles. Is this fifth iteration a worthwhile upgrade?
Skylander Superchargers is also released in an exclusive Dark Edition for collectors.
Looking back provides crucial perspective. Activision effectively pioneered the “toys-to-life” genre with the release of Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure in 2011, initiating a new type of game that has since evolved into a billion-dollar industry. Toys-to-life utilizes physical toys equipped with NFC chips that, when placed on a USB-connected portal (or other reader), unlock a virtual avatar of the toy within the game, allowing the player to control it. Initially, Activision approached Nintendo with the concept, leveraging their extensive library of figures, but the gaming giant declined. Subsequently, Activision developed the game centered around Spyro The Dragon, leading to the creation of the Skylanders: inhabitants of Skylands, fantasy figures possessing unique powers and elemental affinities that unlock different aspects of the game. The toys-to-life genre has experienced significant growth, and alongside Activision’s Skylanders series, which has generated approximately 20 billion SEK in revenue from games and accessories, we also have Disney Infinity and Nintendo’s amiibo. Warner Bros Interactive is also poised to enter the market with Lego Dimensions. Activision holds the distinction of being the longest-standing and arguably the largest player in the genre. Competition fosters innovation, driving continuous improvement and greater customer value. Can Skylanders Superchargers maintain its position and uphold the series’ standards? Let’s examine it.
The narrative in Skylanders games, while charming, has not historically been a central or particularly diverse element. While Disney has a vast catalog of stories and characters to draw upon for its playsets, Skylanders frequently returns to Skyland Academy and conflicts with Kaos. In this installment, Kaos appears to have gained a stronger foothold, having kidnapped Master Eon. Several worlds are in disarray, necessitating the intervention of a new generation of Skylanders and their vehicles. Skylanders Superchargers presents a compelling collection of figures and vehicles (rivaling Swap Force), although it could strain budgets. The starter pack includes two figures and a car, but a complete experience necessitates at least one figure and two additional vehicles: a water vehicle and an air vehicle. Technically, the game can be completed with just the starter pack, but significant content will be inaccessible without the appropriate vehicles. Therefore, players may feel compelled to expand their collection. The initial investment for Skylanders Superchargers on next-gen platforms is approximately 1100 SEK (and the experience on Nintendo Wii is not recommended). The list of desired figures and vehicles will likely grow until the release of the next installment. The Wii U edition of Skylanders Superchargers includes guest appearances from Nintendo characters, such as Donkey Kong (starter pack) and Bowser.
Nintendo figures make guest appearances in Skylanders Superchargers for Wii and Wii U.
This year’s focus emphasizes speed and action. The game retains the traditional platforming elements, where players control their Skylander in a 3D world with a fixed camera, discovering treasures, hidden bonuses, and collecting XP and gold from defeated enemies. As before, Skylanders figures improve with use, and all previous Skylanders figures are compatible (retaining their level, upgrades, etc.), effectively providing additional lives. A Nightmare difficulty level presents a significant challenge (and requires a substantial collection of figures), as Skylanders is generally balanced for younger players. The normal difficulty provides a suitable experience for most players.
As previously mentioned, gameplay is divided between platforming and vehicle segments. The car (included in the starter pack) offers high-speed traversal, jumps, and offensive capabilities. Water vehicles, such as Sea Shadow, allow movement through liquids and underwater exploration, enabling a side-scrolling underwater adventure mode. Air vehicles, ranging from attack planes like Slicer to the Stealth Stinger helicopter, offer unique handling characteristics (trading maneuverability for top speed). The vehicle sequences enhance the overall experience. Players can control vehicles from a traditional perspective, with R2 for acceleration and familiar simulator-style controls (invertible for experienced players). However, the isometric view for Skylanders presents a different control scheme where the vehicle moves relative to the controller, which may require adjustment for players accustomed to games like Super Cars 2 on Amiga 500. Each world and track features vehicle segments, making it essential to acquire one of each vehicle type.
Superchargers is action from start to finish.
Skylanders maintains a high level of visual polish. The environments resemble those seen in animated feature films, and the characters are well-designed and often humorous. Some dialogue may be excessive, and a fast-forward or skip function would be beneficial (a setting was present, but its functionality was inconsistent). The frame rate is solid and the level of detail is high. The game begins with a race through a light tunnel, and the first track takes place on the back of a dragon. This level of design, variation, and creativity sustains interest. The voice acting is well-executed, and a Swedish dub is available.
The adventure in Skylanders Superchargers is engaging, but players can also participate in mini-games and online races accessible from the Academy for variety. The game transforms into a Mario Kart-style experience, offering online competition against other players. Customization options include modifications (tires, engine, etc.) and upgrades for collected bonuses.
The vehicles feel like a natural extension of the Skylanders concept.
Vicarious Visions’ focus on speed and action accelerates the gameplay. However, this may prevent thorough exploration of tracks, which could frustrate completionists. Balancing the needs of new and returning players is crucial, and Skylanders Superchargers successfully evolves the concept while retaining its core appeal. Vicarious Visions deserves credit for this balance. The inclusion of Skystones, a card game reminiscent of Gwent from Witcher 3, offers a charming diversion. While Skystones is simpler, requiring players to track attack numbers and energy, it adds collection and strategic elements to the experience.
The question remains: which toys-to-life game should you choose? Collecting all figures across all games is impractical. However, toys-to-life games can coexist, appealing to different preferences, much like various car games or FIFA and PES. Disney’s Infinity figures may be visually appealing and more recognizable, but Skylanders offers a more seamless and varied adventure that does not rely on playsets. Infinity features a toy box mode for world-building, which Skylanders lacks. Conversely, Skylanders provides a superior co-op mode with shared vehicle control, also available online. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual interests. Both offer enjoyable experiences.
You can have much worse role models than Mario Kart.
Skylanders Superchargers represents an improvement over Skylanders: Trap Team in nearly every aspect. The compatibility with existing Skylanders figures is a welcome feature. The narrative and vehicle-driven action sequences are well-executed. While it requires an initial investment (that players may willingly expand), Skylanders Superchargers offers a worthwhile experience for gamers of all ages.
