Thursday, 25 Jul 2024

21 Things You Need To Know About Skylanders: SuperChargers

The toys-to-life category has become a major success in the gaming industry, with over $4 billion in sales since its introduction. Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure, released in 2011, was the runaway hit that started it all. Despite facing competition from Disney and Nintendo, Activision and Skylanders continue to dominate the category, with over $3 billion in sales and more than 250 million action figures sold to date. This article will provide you with 21 essential things to know about Skylanders: SuperChargers and its new direction.

When is it coming?

Skylanders: SuperChargers is scheduled for release on September 20 in North America.

What systems will it be on?

The game will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, Wii, 3DS, and iOS platforms.

Who is developing it?

Vicarious Visions, the team behind Skylanders: Swap Force, is responsible for developing the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, and iOS versions. Beenox is handling the Wii and 3DS versions.

What Comes in the Starter Pack?

The Starter Pack includes the game disc, a new Portal of Power, a land-based vehicle named Hot Streak, a fire-elemental character named Spitfire, and a redesigned version of Stealth Elf called Super Shot Stealth Elf.

Skylanders: SuperChargers Starter Pack

The New Portal of Power

The Portal of Power has been redesigned to accommodate the larger vehicles in Skylanders: SuperChargers. The new Portal offers more space for figure placements and includes a slot for the traps from the previous game, Skylanders: Trap Team. However, it does not have the voice or light functionality of the previous Portal.

The Introduction of Vehicles Means Fewer Characters

Unlike previous Skylanders games, which introduced dozens of new characters with each release, Skylanders: SuperChargers features a reduced roster. Activision is releasing 20 new characters and 20 unique vehicles. This change allows for more detailed and creative designs for both the characters and vehicles.

Each New Character is Paired with a Signature Car

Every new character in Skylanders: SuperChargers has a signature vehicle. The vehicles are designed to resemble their pilots and have playable functions. The attention to detail in the designs and functionality of the vehicles sets them apart from previous Skylanders toys, which were primarily collectible statues.

All 300+ Action Figures Work in the Game

All Skylanders characters released from Spyro’s Adventure to Trap Team are compatible with Skylanders: SuperChargers. Each character can ride in any vehicle, allowing for a wide variety of gameplay combinations. Vicarious Visions has even added new vehicle-based animations for all of the characters.

Car Functionality

Players can use vehicles to explore levels and the hub world. Vehicle sequences are initiated by entering portals that are marked with the specific vehicle type required. Some vehicle sequences are critical to the game’s progression, while others offer secrets and bonuses. Land-based vehicles are used in critical-path missions, meaning the game’s Starter Pack contains everything needed to complete the game.

Skylanders: SuperChargers Gameplay

What “SuperCharged” Means

When a pilot enters their signature car, both the pilot and the car become SuperCharged. This status provides a damage boost and other benefits. SuperCharged characters retain the damage boost for a set amount of time in the next on-foot section of the game.

Influencing Flight

Skylanders: SuperChargers introduces flight sequences inspired by Nintendo’s Star Fox series. These sequences feature aircraft that follow predetermined paths, allowing players to target and defeat enemies while avoiding obstacles. The flight sequences are visually stunning and add a new level of dynamic gameplay to the series.

Above and Below the Water

In addition to flight, SuperChargers includes underwater sequences. Players can pilot submarines that can submerge beneath the water’s surface to explore underwater areas and collect Gearbits. The submarine sequences offer a different gameplay experience from the racing and flight sequences, providing a variety of gameplay options.

All Vehicles Can Be Upgraded With Mods

Gearbits earned during gameplay can be used as currency to purchase mods for vehicles. Each vehicle has unique upgradeable parts, such as engines, tires, body armor, and suspension. Players can also find instant mods hidden throughout stages and at the end of vehicle sequences.

Classic Characters Reimagined

Some popular characters from previous Skylanders games return in Skylanders: SuperChargers with new superhero-like guises and new abilities. For example, Super Shot Stealth Elf has a rail gun, a poisonous attack, and a stealth attack. Jet-Vac, now known as Hurricane Jet-Vac, can perform a hurricane hover attack and use a dash kick. Trigger Happy, now called Double Dare Trigger Happy, wields a new flamethrower-like weapon.

Kaos Is Once Again the Big Bad

Kaos, the main antagonist in the Skylanders series, returns as the primary villain in Skylanders: SuperChargers. His new weapon, the Doomstation of Ultimate Doomstruction, poses a threat to Skylands and its inhabitants. The game’s story unfolds through over 40 minutes of cinematics.

Plenty of Story to Watch

Skylanders: SuperChargers offers an engaging story that is told through a series of cinematic cutscenes, providing a rich and immersive narrative experience.

Familiar Staples

Collectible hats, Skystone cards, lock-picking minigames, and laser and block puzzles, which have been staple features in previous Skylanders games, make a return in Skylanders: SuperChargers.

Cooperative Play May Take a Hit

While SuperChargers allows for cooperative play during on-foot sequences, the game does not allow for two vehicles to be onscreen simultaneously. This means that the second player must take a backseat role as a weapons operator rather than a vehicle pilot. This departure from previous titles may affect the cooperative vehicle experience.

No Level Cap Increase

Skylanders: SuperChargers does not raise the level cap beyond 20, which may discourage players from using old characters that have already reached the maximum level. This decision by Activision suggests a focus on utilizing new characters and encouraging diversity in gameplay.

A Digital Version

For players who prefer a digital experience, Activision is releasing a digital version of Skylanders: SuperChargers for all platforms. This version includes digital instant versions of Spitfire and Hot Streak for immediate gameplay.

FAQs

Q: Is there traditional car-versus-car racing in the game?
Activision has not provided details about traditional car-versus-car racing but has hinted at upcoming announcements regarding this feature.

Q: Are there plans for a legacy line of characters?
Activision has suggested the possibility of a legacy line similar to the Eon’s Elite line releasing in the future.

Q: Will there be a cooperative vehicle experience?
SuperChargers offers cooperative play for on-foot sequences but limits vehicle gameplay to one player controlling the vehicle and the second player operating the weapons.

Conclusion

Skylanders: SuperChargers takes the toys-to-life category in a new direction by introducing vehicles and expanding the gameplay experience. With its engaging story, visually stunning gameplay sequences, and a reduced but diverse roster of characters and vehicles, SuperChargers offers a fresh and exciting addition to the Skylanders franchise. Whether soaring through the skies or diving into the depths, players can expect hours of thrilling gameplay and imaginative adventures. For more information about Skylanders: SuperChargers, visit the official Wqaindia website.