Summary
- Release Year: 2013
- Genres: Adventure, Platform
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One
- Developers: Beenox, n-Space, Vicarious Visions
- Publishers: Activision
Skylanders: Swap Force (2013)
Skylanders: Swap Force is a platformer video game developed by Vicarious Visions and published by Activision. It is the third main game in the Skylanders video game and toy franchise, following 2012’s Skylanders: Giants, which was a direct sequel to 2011’s Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure (the spin-off of The Legend of Spyro series). It is the first Skylanders game to be released in North America before other regions, unlike the previous two games where Australia got the installments first. It is also the first Skylanders game not to be owned by Vivendi.
The game was released on October 13, 2013, for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. A Nintendo 3DS version was also released on October 22, 2013.
Gameplay
Skylanders: Swap Force is a platformer game in which players control a team of three Skylanders to explore a variety of levels and defeat enemies. The game features a new Swap Force mechanic, which allows players to swap the top and bottom halves of two different Skylanders to create a new character with unique abilities. For example, players can combine the top half of Stealth Elf with the bottom half of Jet-Vac to create a new character that can fly and shoot arrows.
The game also features a new hub world called Skylands Academy, which serves as a central location for players to access the game’s different levels and activities. Skylands Academy is home to a variety of characters, including Master Eon, who provides players with quests and tutorials.
Characters
Skylanders: Swap Force features a cast of 16 new Skylanders, each with their own unique abilities. The game also features a number of returning Skylanders from previous games, including Spyro, Gill Grunt, and Trigger Happy.
The new Skylanders in Swap Force are:
- Blast Zone (Fire/Magic)
- Dino-Rang (Earth/Life)
- Flip Wreck (Water/Undead)
- Freeze Blade (Ice/Tech)
- Hoot Loop (Air/Life)
- Jawbreaker (Earth/Undead)
- Night Shift (Dark/Magic)
- Pop Fizz (Water/Tech)
- Roller Brawl (Fire/Undead)
- Shroomboom (Life/Tech)
- Sky-Byte (Air/Magic)
- Stink Bomb (Life/Undead)
- Terrafin (Earth/Water)
- Trigger Snappy (Water/Life)
- Wash Buckler (Water/Tech)
- Wind-Up (Air/Tech)
Story
The story of Skylanders: Swap Force takes place after the events of Skylanders: Giants. Kaos, the main antagonist of the series, has escaped from Cloudcracker Prison and is once again threatening to take over Skylands. Master Eon calls upon the Skylanders to stop Kaos and his evil forces.
The Skylanders travel to Skylands Academy, where they meet the Swap Force, a new team of Skylanders who have the ability to swap their top and bottom halves. The Skylanders and the Swap Force team up to defeat Kaos and his minions and save Skylands once again.
Reception
Skylanders: Swap Force received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its innovative Swap Force mechanic, its charming characters, and its beautiful world. However, the game was also criticized for its repetitive gameplay and its lack of challenge.
Overall
Skylanders: Swap Force is a solid platformer that’s perfect for fans of the series and newcomers alike. The new Swap Force mechanic adds a lot of depth and strategy to the gameplay, and the game’s charming characters and beautiful world make it a joy to play. However, the game’s repetitive gameplay and lack of challenge may put off some players.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
