Skylanders: Spyros Adventure (3DS) Review

When it was announced that Sypro was getting a total reboot with Skylanders, diehard fans of the series hit the roof. It was so bad that the developers even received death threats. Sypro is serious business. However your fears should be put mostly to rest dear Spyro fans, especially if you plan on picking up the Nintendo 3DS version. The 3DS version, like all the others, comes with three toys and the Portal of Power to bring them all to life in the game. Yes, it comes with toys and you will need them to play. It’s a great idea though and one I am really enjoying.

While Spyro is in this game, he’s just one part of the game, thus his relegation to subtitle. The game is about the Skylanders (of which Spyro is one) protecting the Radiant Isles from the evil Hektor [You can tell he’s evil because it’s spelt with a K -Ed]. The story in the 3DS version of Skylanders is basically the same as the console version too, however it is stripped down, with barely any dialogue. Furthermore, the support characters you will meet online or in the console versions are no where to be seen.

Hang on, you mentioned something about toys before? Why yes I did! Each copy of Skylanders comes in a big box that contains not only the game (well duh) but also three toys, a Portal of Power, some web codes and trading cards. Its a real nice package all up. However, you can’t play game the without the entire set as you’ll need to place your toys on the Portal of Power to use them in game. The game uses the Nintendo 3DS’s infrared port to bring in two characters at a time. The characters are then stored in the game so you don’t need to keep the Portal on during gameplay, saving both on batteries and keeping your 3DS mobile. You can take your toys into another version of the game by chucking them onto another Tower of Power. For example, you could take your Spro over to help your 360 owning friend out, just remember to sync back with the toys before and after to update your progress.

There are 30 or more Skylanders to collect, all of which belong to different elements. You’ll need different elemental Skylanders to accomplish various tasks and certain characters will earn bonus EXP on certain days. Here comes bad news though, the toys are about $15AU each. There are at least bundles with three characters and even a set that adds new levels and weapons. It’s effectively real life downloadable content. All of this entirely optional and the three characters you get with the game will allow you to complete the game.

You know all about the toys and the portal now, so how is the actual game? Quite good actually! I’ve had quite the fun time with Skylanders and it’s definently the best 3D platformer on the system. The guys at Vicarious Visions have done a great job making a good battling system with platforming and a satisfying leveling mechanic for the characters. As your character levels up it gains more skills and attacks, as well as scrolls and hats. Yes, hats. Sadly with the 3DS version the hats don’t do anything except look awesome. While there’s no real ‘magic’ to the eight Skylanders toys I own (the characters are just locked on the game and the toy unlocks them) it is pretty cool to see them alive on your screen.

As for content there’s 5 worlds, 5 levels long each with a variety of challenges per level. Some levels need certain types of Skylanders to fufill certain obligations, like not collecting power ups or collect items around the level. You’ll definitely need to go back into levels multiple times. In between the normal levels there are these arena levels which are just ‘beat the crap out of as many things as possible’ and have multiple rounds. These levels also have certain tasks, you might complete 1 when you do the level, you might complete them all first try. There are tonnes of locked challenges which will push you maybe just a little, still, it’s not an overly hard game. Anyone above the age of 10 will probably be able to knock it off in an afternoon.

The game’s style flows on through to the graphics so while it’s not the technically advanced 3DS game the worlds and environments do look alive and even better in 3D. I hate to say they ‘pop’ but they really do. It’s not all perfect though, as sometimes some levels look like the textures have failed to load, they look so bland. The characters look great all the time and some of them are oh so cute.

There isn’t much voice acting in the game though, there’s the intro and ending as well as some talking from some of the characters but they’re much less vocal than I would have liked. The story line on the consoles is actually more of story, some of the character on there don’t show up on the 3DS version all all. I know it’s not always fair to compare against the console versions, but elements like the simplified stats system and poor Skylander information screens just felt lacking.

Vicarious Visions have done a great job with the Sypro’s first out on the Nintendo 3DS. Yes, it’s aimed for the younger crowd but if me, someone in their mid 20’s can enjoy it maybe you can to. Parents be warned though, while the toys are great they are also expensive and kinda addictive. I for one can’t wait for the next set to come out, I want some more levels!

I hope next year’s game has those advanced stats for the Skylanders and a more fleshed out story and presentation. The graphics could also do with some polish in places, but it doesn’t look bad. Spyro is back and I suggest you make the most of it.

Graphics 7.5

Great characters and world let down by occasionally bland looking environments. 3D Effect is great but doesnt add anything to the game apart aside from the effect.

Gameplay 8.5

Great concept with the toys and the actual game is good too. The 3DS has its first good original action platformer. Keep in mind that its aimed at kids though.

Sound 7.5

While the able soundtrack is upbeat and sometimes pretty epic, it can get repetitive. Lack of voicework is disappointing.

Tilt 8.0

The pack includes some toys, the Portal of Power and a bunch of cards and codes to unlock online. While the game isnt amazingly long, it does stand on its own content wise and you can obviously buy more figures to add more levels.

Value 8.5

Im loving the toy aspect and the actual game is fun to play. The characters are charming and interesting. Its made me feel like a 15 year old collecting Pokemon again. Although now I get weird looks in Toys R Us.