Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Wii Review) by Carl B.

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Toys for Bob
System: Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo 3DS, PC, Mobile
Release Date: October 16, 2011

October 31, 2011, by Carl B. - When Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure was first announced by Activision, fans of the classic Spyro series rejoiced – a new title was finally coming out. As information for the game poured in, those same fans grew weary to the point of disinterest. It was clear that Skylanders was no Spyro game. Instead, Activision and developer Toys for Bob created a brand new, toy-based IP that featured a minor cameo by Spyro the dragon. While those fans certainly have a right to be upset over where Activision took this title, the end product of Skylanders is something that was rather surprising: it's actually quite good.

The Wii version of Skylanders isn't gimped in comparison to the HD counterparts, which is a welcome relief for those that remember the early days of third party support on Wii. The only difference between the Wii version and the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game is the lack of HD; the game's reliance on an artistic style makes it one of the better looking Wii games. Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure is a very polished game.

Skylanders on Wii features a very different story than what was present in the 3DS version, which was written by the creative minds behind Toy Story. Skylanders breaks the fourth wall in that players themselves are called upon by the characters in the game to become Portal Masters and save the world from Kaos, an evil Portal Master. The story itself isn't the driving force behind the experience, but it is charming nonetheless.

This isn't a Spyro game. Not even in the slightest; Spyro is merely a minor character that players can take control of. While the Nintendo 3DS version of the game was a platformer -- and more closely resembling an actual Spyro game -- the console versions of Skylanders are mission based action titles.

There isn't even a jump button – in order to jump, players must walk across a blue crest on the ground that will shoot them in a pre-set direction.

Given these obvious faults, it wouldn't be fair to judge Skylanders as a Spyro the Dragon game, because it clearly is not one. Skylanders is an innovative new IP from Activision that I wouldn't mind seeing future installments of.

The game progresses in a linear fashion split into various chapters. Players take control of their Skylanders – more on that later – and explore large levels, completing various missions that lead to the eventual thwarting of Kaos' evil plans. Much like the 3DS version of Skylanders, level design is very good. Levels feel even better to play through thanks to an incredibly polished visual style.


Skylanders' main gimmick is quite innovative and I'm honestly surprised it hasn't been done to this degree before. Players are able to collect toy figurines of various Skylanders and use them in-game through the use of the "Portal of Power", a USB-controlled plastic portal platform that recognizes which toy has been placed upon it.

What's great is that each toy has its own element – including magic, water, and fire – and each toy has its own unique stats and attack moves. Defeat enemies and completing missions will give toys experience points, which can be saved and used in the other versions of the game, whether it's on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or Nintendo 3DS. It's a true multi-platform game.

The Portal of Power also enables true drop-in drop-out gameplay for the various toys. One toy must be placed on the Portal of Power at all times, and players are able to swap it out for another toy at any point. It's completely seamless and lets players experiment with the different gameplay styles of the toys.


There's one problem with Skylanders' toy mechanic, however: they're expensive. The starter pack, which includes the game, three Skylanders, and the Portal of Power, costs a whopping $69.99. Individual figurines cost $6.99.

The Verdict

Sound
11/15 - A simple soundtrack with few memorable tracks.

Graphics
17/20 - Very good art style with plenty of polish.

Appeal
20/25 - An adventure of decent length. There are plenty of toys to collect and play as, but they're expensive.

Gameplay
33/40 - Mission based levels with great design. Each toy features its own unique abilities.

Overall
81/100 - Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure on Wii is much better than the 3DS version, but it's still hard to recommend at a steep $69.99 price tag. The game itself is of high quality, with great level design, plenty of graphical polish, and an innovative toy mechanic. This is an IP that deserves a sequel down the road.