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Activision and developer Vicarious Vision have unveiled the next innovation in the Skylanders series, and it looks like you’ll be racing around on land, sea, and air in the newest title set to arrive this Fall, Skylanders SuperChargers.
Pretty excited, I have to be honest. I love the Skylanders games, in no short way since I’m a toy collector already and the little figures are super cool, but also because of the neat stuff that gets dreamt up to keep each volume in the series fresh and fun to play. And the vehicle thing… I’m really digging the vehicle thing.
At the helm of powerful, tricked-out land, sea and sky vehicles, Portal Masters can engage in a high-octane action-adventure videogame like never before. Kids can speed across Skylands’ roads in vehicular combat, race down roaring rapids and engage in aerial dogfights as they barrel-roll through enemy swarms for the first time. Developed by Vicarious Visions, Skylanders SuperChargers offers a rich story-driven gameplay experience, filled with vehicle-based and on-foot adventures, combat, puzzles, mini games, activities and platforming, set within a variety of all-new compelling environments.
“We created the toys-to-life category and have continued to lead it by bringing new innovations and new magic to the genre with each and every game. First we brought action figures to life, and now we’re bringing vehicles to life with Skylanders SuperChargers,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing, Inc. “We love making these games because in order to do it well, you have to constantly tap into your inner kid. What kid hasn’t imagined epic vehicles with amazing powers and dreamed about the adventures they could have with them? Skylanders SuperChargers makes those dreams real.”
Ooh me!! …ahem. The new team will, as you can see above, be called the SuperChargers, and they’ll have access to a host of vehicles and special abilities that’ll come along with them. In all, there’ll be 20 new characters and 20 vehicles hitting for that game, which is pretty massive as far as new character inclusions. On top of that, you’ll also be able to use all 300+ currently available Skylanders figures in the game, and use them with the vehicles. So Thumpback can get down on a sweet ride if you really want him to (how would he fit?).
All the vehicles will be customizable in the game as well (and feature moving parts on the actual toy too), and pairing a Skylander with his or her signature ride will unlock a “SuperCharged combination”. Basically, that means that you can get an exclusive modification by pairing them, that’ll “rev up” their performance in Skylands.
As for the narrative, it’ll be just as light-hearted and cartoony as ever as series villain Kaos once again takes the center stage to unveil his “Doomstation of Ultimate Doomstruction” weapon. That’s a mouthful, and that’s just what the thing can do to the actual sky- take a mouthful out of it. Yes, Kaos’ plan is the actually eat the sky… you can’t say the little guy isn’t original.
And also once again, Toys R Us is going to be your headquarters for all things Skylands, as the toy-selling mega-chain will be supporting the heck out of SuperChargers.
“Since first partnering with Activision to bring the original Skylanders® Spyro’s Adventure to our stores, we have believed whole-heartedly in the magic and innovation of this brand, as well as the company’s ability to reimagine and redefine play experiences with the toys-to-life concept,” said Richard Barry, Global Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys”R”Us, Inc. “With each new introduction, Activision never disappoints its highly loyal fans of the franchise, and we are thrilled to continue to offer the broadest assortment of all Skylanders® merchandise, including the newly introduced Skylanders SuperChargers.”
Can’t wait? You’ll be able to pre-order the starter pack (which comes with a brand new portal, two new figures, and a vehicle) as of today at Toys R Us, and other retail locations, for $74.99 USD. Skylanders SuperChargers is set to hit in a few months, on September 20th in the US (the 24th in Australia/New Zealand and on the 25th in Europe). You’ll be able to grab a copy for the Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3, 3DS (which will presumably once again be a different game than the console versions), and the Wii U.
As with last year’s edition too, the complete game (starter pack and all) will be available for the iPad as well. So if you prefer your console-quality Skylands adventuring on the go, that’s a good bet.
