Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure

While the game itself is an exceptionally well-done combination of video game, collectible action figures, and online community, at $69.99, the basic game is pretty pricy and the “collectible” aspect can run into some serious money.

Published: 05/03/2012

by Allen Rausch

By Activision for Xbox 360, PS3, DS, PC and Wii; $69.99 (Starter Pack) $19.99 (Adventure Packs); Rated E10+, ages 8 and up

Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure is the kind of product that will get a parent’s shields up for the same reason it gets kids excited. While the game itself is an exceptionally well-done combination of video game, collectible action figures, and online community, at $69.99, the basic game is pretty pricy and the “collectible” aspect can run into some serious money.

The Starter Pack comes with the game, three Skylanders action figures and the “Portal of Power,” a USB device that can be hooked up to a game console or a PC. When you place figures on the Portal, they then appears in the video game.

The game itself is a delightful adventure where players cooperatively battle against an evil but bumbling wizard to defend Skyland. The game also has a mode that lets Skylanders battle each other or compete in well-designed mini-games. Even better, any rewards or powers or achievements a character gets in the game are actually saved in the figure. Take a Skylander to a friend’s house or play against others online and each Skylander action figure eventually becomes unique.

To continue your adventure, $19.99 “Adventure Packs” are available with new figures and new areas in the game world to explore. The number of “Adventure Packs” you eventually cave in and purchase is up to you (The basic game can be completed with the three characters in the Starter Pack.), but you will get your money’s worth out of Skylanders. It’s a great game and your kids will love it.

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