darkSpyro

I'm really hoping they make far fewer variants when it comes to Swap Force, I'm sure there will be more than ever though. I was thinking about this earlier and for Giants we have

Standalone Packaged Variants (32)

GitD Fright Rider
GitD Sonic Boom
Punch Pop Fizz
Legendary Stealth Elf
Legendary Chill
Legendary Bouncer
Legendary 3-Pack
Jade Flashwing
Polar Whirlwind
Gold Flameslinger
Molten Hot Dog
Granite Crusher
Scarlet Ninjini
Gnarly Tree Rex
Pumpkin Eye Brawl
Gold Dragonfire Cannon
Employee Prim Break
Toy Fair Chop Chop
E3 Hot Dog
Gamescomm Hot Dog
Special Edition Gill Grunt
Stone Zook
Stone Whirlwind
Glitter Sprocket
Glitter Sonic Boom
Glitter Hot Head
Flocked Prism Break
Flocked Stump Smash
Flocked Eruptor
Purple Eye Brawl
Purple Wrecking Ball
Purple Lightning Rod

Non Standalone Variants (2)

Royal Double Trouble
GitD Cynder

That's 34 variants, that means on average every 10 days we got a new variant for giants. I believe we have 89 different packaged Skylander configurations (not including chase variants in 3-packs) between variants, 3 packs, battle packs, etc. If this kind of variant production keeps up there will be well over 100 different packaged Skylander configurations, this is far too many for a yearly franchise. Thought?

Personally I have never been lucky finding any of the ultra rare variants but I have tried to keep up on the store exclusive ones. That hasn't been easy for me either as I didn't get into Giants until around February when I was able to pick up a Starter for $25. At that point I missed out on most of the Legendary figures, Jade, Granite. This time around with Swap Force I am going to be right on top of it. I plan on getting all exclusives first and I hope I will find an Ultra Rare one along the way this time. I think Activision is really trying to milk a stone at this point by trying to keep the Skylanders name out there until next month with some of their questionable releases recently. I am actually really glad they brought out a single Gnarley figure as I don't own a Wii nor did I want to buy the bundle, but I think Pumpkin Eye-Brawl is kinda pushing it. One thing that I do hate though is the store exclusive pack-ins for the starters packs. GITD Cynder and Royal Double Trouble. I really like those figures and I broke down and bought them but I didn't appreciate having to buy multiple copies of the same game or buying the IOS game that never got supported properly.

I'm not a collector (as I have stated before, Pokemon drained it out of me from overexposure), so i don't mind if they're are a ton of variants.
I'd love for lots of in-game variants (or Alts, or whatever), especially if they improve the color scheme.

Yeah i vote for the in-game variants also.

seriously, there's in-game variants and figure variants. what do you mean???

In-Game Variants are= the figures that are painted different then the standards, they look that way in the game.....Example: Scarlet Ninjini, Gnarly Tree Rex, Punch Pop Fizz, Polor Whirlwind are In-Game Variants.
Chase Variants are= the figures that are painted different then the standards, but look like the standards in the game.....Example: Glow in The Dark Cynder, blurple Eye-Brawl-Lighting Rod-Wrecking Ball, White Flocked Eruptor-Stump Smash-Prism Break are Chase Variants.

Quote: minecrafter

seriously, there's in-game variants and figure variants. what do you mean???

There are two types of variants that are spread across three categories:

The first kind of variants are both in-game variant and figure variant that are all commonly available for a limited time. Some are available as store exclusives or limited engagement across all stores. In-game variants are different both in how they look as a toy and that is reflected in game. Examples of this include Target exclusive Granite Crusher and Scarlet Ninjini. Figure variants look different on the outside, but simply look like the regular character in game. Examples of this type include Wal Mart exclusive GITD Sonic Boom, Wal Mart exclusive GITD Cynder and Amazon exclusive Golden Flameslinger.

The second kind of variant are chase variants which are very difficult to find. They never show up unique in game, but have a unique look to the toy. Examples includes the white flocked, rock, blurples and glitter chase variants. Show exclusives are part of this category and include bronze Hot Dog, Pearl hex, Purple Metallic Cynder, Metallic Spyro, etc.

To the OP: in my mind, I feel they were at the cusp of acceptable in Giants and I feel they are going to WAAAAYYY overdo it in Swap Force, which will help contribute to some issues for them. I can accept 6 or fewer in game variants but no more. I'm out of the chase variants business in Swap Force so they can have at it. I have a feeling we will be looking at over 80+ toys for Swap Force alone this time.

I suspect there'll be another 3 chase figures per wave, sadly and another 3-4 from various convention type stuff.

As for In-Game Variants, I'd prefer there aren't that many.

This what I'd like: 5 Legendaries (1 triple, 1 single, 1 Swapper), 1 variant swapper, 1 variant LC, 1 variant newlander, 1 variant repose. Total of 9 variants.

However, I suspect there'll be closer to 20 (Likely 6-7 Legendaries, 1 varaint LC, 6-8 variant swappers, 5-8 variant corelanders)

I'd vote for fewer variants, because the number of characters is already out of control, even without the variants.
However, it isn't a democracy, and I expect Activision will issue LOTS of variants for Swap Force, simply because they can, and because the retail stores and collectors love them.

I don't want a lot of in-game variants as I could see myself wanting to get them all if the game offers some reward for doing so, kind of like how the 3DS version actually lists the legendary versions as characters you need for 100% completion. If they're just cosmetic on the figure itself, I don't mind if they have a lot of them because I won't even give them a second thought.

I want fewer variants, but want to see them all look different in-game. With exception to a glow-in-the-dark Fright Rider (and the Blue Bash/Red Drill Sergeant which are both still in boxes), I've only bought in-game variants. Missing Royal Double Trouble, mind you, but that's because he didn't get released here and I'm not paying eBay prices for him.

I'd like less in-game variants because its just a pain upgrading them. With LightCores and reposes we already have enough oppurtunity to "replay" the characters. It's going to be very difficult motivating myself to upgrade my Lava Barf and Volcanic Eruptors- I've already done him three times over! And don't get me started on Spyro... It seems the characters they give variants to are always the ones I like playing the LEAST...

Plus, here in Aus some of them are really frustrating to get, like, I gave up on finding Legendary Trigger when he wasn't here until August, I think it was, and have been importing most of them for the last year and a half... I think, also, that there was one variant (not Gnarly/Royal) that you needed to buy a Starter to get. Plus, with the track record where I live, I wouldn't be surprised if I never saw Polar on a store shelf. And like Canada, Europe and NZ you're forced to import Royal if you want him...

We also have no Darkstarter for Wii U, which is the version I wanted(was planning to buy loose regular versions, now I may as well buy the game twice, Darkstarter on 360, with how much I would need to either spend or wait for on the loose Darks)...

I don't care about non-ingame variants, because I don't even bother collecting them any more. For all I care Activision can make one of each of them. But for collectors' sake, I think it would be... kind if they made less of them <.< We already have something like 40(I think you forgot the SSA ones)...

I don't own any of the rare glitter / flocked / stone chase variants, so Activision can continue to pump out dozens of those and it doesn't affect me. Unless I stumble upon one at Wal-Mart, that's simply a tier of hardcore collecting I refuse to get into.

Regarding in-game variants, I'd also prefer less just on a pure money-spending basis. But since we're bound to get them anyway, my only wish is that store exclusives hang around longer than a week. Molten Hot Dog, Polar Whirlwind, Jade Flashwing and others were impossible to track down if you didn't hit the store the week they were announced (once Target came to Canada, Jade Flashwing was available for like a weekend). It would be nice for stores to always stock their exclusive figure.

Less in-game variants, but way, way more "special" figures. Then maybe our family would actually find one for a change, heh.

^that, less in-game variants, more "common"figure variants

Hoping? Less. Expecting? More. A lot more.

Quote: defpally

Hoping? Less. Expecting? More. A lot more.

I sense a turning of the tide, unfortunately. "I've got a bad feeling about this."

The rares generate a lot of attention. Every time one sells for an astronomical price, that is advertising for the game.

If the rares could keep staff and collectors, and scalpers from grabbing the in-game variants or low production ones I'm all for more!

I just won't let the boys know about them (evil laugh)


This makes me wonder about distribution of Skylanders.

In my home area we tend to have way too many Whirlwinds. sometimes whole sections of just whirlwind. I went about 20 miles out of my way (near work) on the hunt for a rare one, and only found every possible standard version of Shroombloom. It was funny. 20x6 row of them, maybe 2-3 others. At least the other section they had the Skylanders in had some variety.

I don't think the retailers get a choice, but if you are sending these things out, you should pack a variety.

I've been seeing a few of the series one pop up at the Walmarts I hunt. Check the end-caps, and possibly toy aisles. Target often has some figure's mixed in with the non-game toys.

Quote: Arc of Archives

I think, also, that there was one variant (not Gnarly/Royal) that you needed to buy a Starter to get.

I would say you're talking about Punch Pop Fizz, I had to buy the 3DS starter (when I don't have a 3DS) to get him. At least I found one with GITD Cynder, my only chase (non-in-game) variant, until I got Pumpkin Eye Brawl yesterday. But Pumpkin isn't that hard to get.

More!

Quote: CRBeau1

The rares generate a lot of attention. Every time one sells for an astronomical price, that is advertising for the game.

If the rares could keep staff and collectors, and scalpers from grabbing the in-game variants or low production ones I'm all for more!

I just won't let the boys know about them (evil laugh)


This makes me wonder about distribution of Skylanders.

In my home area we tend to have way too many Whirlwinds. sometimes whole sections of just whirlwind. I went about 20 miles out of my way (near work) on the hunt for a rare one, and only found every possible standard version of Shroombloom. It was funny. 20x6 row of them, maybe 2-3 others. At least the other section they had the Skylanders in had some variety.

I don't think the retailers get a choice, but if you are sending these things out, you should pack a variety.

I've been seeing a few of the series one pop up at the Walmarts I hunt. Check the end-caps, and possibly toy aisles. Target often has some figure's mixed in with the non-game toys.

Bahamut and I and others have lamented on the entire distribution topic--it's there if you look for it. Bottom line is Giants was better than the first game but they still have room for improvement. I hope they continue to improve on this, so we only see what buyers want.

If they put more, don't put another one like this plz activision...

http://images10.newegg.com/Pro...-996-062-02.jpg

Quote: niceguy1

Quote: Arc of Archives

I think, also, that there was one variant (not Gnarly/Royal) that you needed to buy a Starter to get.

I would say you're talking about Punch Pop Fizz, I had to buy the 3DS starter (when I don't have a 3DS) to get him. At least I found one with GITD Cynder, my only chase (non-in-game) variant, until I got Pumpkin Eye Brawl yesterday. But Pumpkin isn't that hard to get.

GitD Cynder is not a chase variant.

Quote: IWHBYD

Quote: niceguy1

Quote: Arc of Archives

I think, also, that there was one variant (not Gnarly/Royal) that you needed to buy a Starter to get.

I would say you're talking about Punch Pop Fizz, I had to buy the 3DS starter (when I don't have a 3DS) to get him. At least I found one with GITD Cynder, my only chase (non-in-game) variant, until I got Pumpkin Eye Brawl yesterday. But Pumpkin isn't that hard to get.

GitD Cynder is not a chase variant.

He is when using the definition that I and many others on here use, to mean variants who don't appear in game. The only other terms I can think of - like "non-in-game variant" - are too awkward. I know the purists will say that it means rare ones, that "chase" is because you have to chase after them to find them, but I find that's too specific to have it's own term, especially when "As opposed to in-game" is far more in need of a term.

Quote: niceguy1

Quote: IWHBYD

Quote: niceguy1

I would say you're talking about Punch Pop Fizz, I had to buy the 3DS starter (when I don't have a 3DS) to get him. At least I found one with GITD Cynder, my only chase (non-in-game) variant, until I got Pumpkin Eye Brawl yesterday. But Pumpkin isn't that hard to get.

GitD Cynder is not a chase variant.

He is when using the definition that I and many others on here use, to mean variants who don't appear in game. The only other terms I can think of - like "non-in-game variant" - are too awkward. I know the purists will say that it means rare ones, that "chase" is because you have to chase after them to find them, but I find that's too specific to have it's own term, especially when "As opposed to in-game" is far more in need of a term.

You may call them that but not many people do. Like it or not it is a very inaccurate term to use for them. Chase variants have been around for a long time, long before Skylanders and toy collectors know what a chase variant is. Here is a good explanation that is talking about sports chase figures.

Chase - A chase is a version of the regular figure that has been modified intentionally in some way by the company. This modification could be a different jersey, a different uniform or team, a hat rather than a batting helmet, leaving the helmet off entirely, or other differences. The chase version of a figure may or may not be pictured on the packaging. The key is that a chase is an intentional variation of the regular figure. The term “chase” comes from the fact that it is produced in smaller quantities than the regular figure and collectors are expected to chase it down at the stores to get it. McFarlane has created many chase figures. Upper Deck has planned variations in the works for their new All-star Vinyls but those will be given separate catalog numbers; time will tell if they are considered chases or just separate regular releases of the same player.

Skylanders does have alot of variant categories that you could attach to the figures but chase variant is the one category that is really set in stone in its definition.

Variants: Gnarly Tree Rex, Scarlet Ninjini (Available at multiple retailers, common for at least a short time)
Store Exclusive Variants: Polar Whirlwind, Molten Hot Dog (Available at a single retailer, common for at least a short time)
Convention Exclusive Variants: E3 Hot Dog, Toy Fair Chop Chop (Generally given away as free promo items)
Employee Exclusive Variants:Holiday Prism Break (Given away to employees of the company)

Chase Variants: Glitter Sprocket, Stone Zook (Randomly packed in regular boxes, very rare)

Quote: IWHBYD

Quote: niceguy1

Quote: IWHBYD

GitD Cynder is not a chase variant.

He is when using the definition that I and many others on here use, to mean variants who don't appear in game. The only other terms I can think of - like "non-in-game variant" - are too awkward. I know the purists will say that it means rare ones, that "chase" is because you have to chase after them to find them, but I find that's too specific to have it's own term, especially when "As opposed to in-game" is far more in need of a term.

You may call them that but not many people do.

Actually, on here yes, many do. That's why I adopted the term under that definition. As I said, I do understand what it's supposed to mean, but with Skylanders, on these forums, many are using it like I do. And there are multiple ways to categorize Skylanders, your categories are just more specific than what I'm trying to mean here. In this conversation I was just trying to differentiate between whether a variant appears like that or not, that's it. Where the variant comes from (Store exclusive, Event giveaway, etc.) doesn't have any impact whatsoever on the topic at hand, or rather the point I was making, only whether the variant appears in the game.

Just like with people. You could categorize by country (Canadian, American, German, Brazilian, Australian, etc), by continent (North America, Europe, etc), whatever. I'm just going for two, like Eastern Hemisphere and Western Hemisphere.

And other collecting communities don't matter much, I'm only talking Skylanders, and I'm only talking about on these forums. Similarly I've heard it said that we're using "variants" wrong, I read someone say that in collecting terms that Variant means an unintentional difference, like blue lips Chill (which is funny, because your definition says the exact opposite, meaning we're using it right), the rarest of rare error items. Suffice it to say, we speak our own language, we shouldn't try to change that with the rules of others, we aren't going to change anything.

Less.

Quote: niceguy1

Quote: IWHBYD

Quote: niceguy1

He is when using the definition that I and many others on here use, to mean variants who don't appear in game. The only other terms I can think of - like "non-in-game variant" - are too awkward. I know the purists will say that it means rare ones, that "chase" is because you have to chase after them to find them, but I find that's too specific to have it's own term, especially when "As opposed to in-game" is far more in need of a term.

You may call them that but not many people do.

Actually, on here yes, many do. That's why I adopted the term under that definition. As I said, I do understand what it's supposed to mean, but with Skylanders, on these forums, many are using it like I do. And there are multiple ways to categorize Skylanders, your categories are just more specific than what I'm trying to mean here. In this conversation I was just trying to differentiate between whether a variant appears like that or not, that's it. Where the variant comes from (Store exclusive, Event giveaway, etc.) doesn't have any impact whatsoever on the topic at hand, or rather the point I was making, only whether the variant appears in the game.

Just like with people. You could categorize by country (Canadian, American, German, Brazilian, Australian, etc), by continent (North America, Europe, etc), whatever. I'm just going for two, like Eastern Hemisphere and Western Hemisphere.

And other collecting communities don't matter much, I'm only talking Skylanders, and I'm only talking about on these forums. Similarly I've heard it said that we're using "variants" wrong, I read someone say that in collecting terms that Variant means an unintentional difference, like blue lips Chill (which is funny, because your definition says the exact opposite, meaning we're using it right), the rarest of rare error items. Suffice it to say, we speak our own language, we shouldn't try to change that with the rules of others, we aren't going to change anything.

Whatever you say, you misusing the term causes confusion though.

Well I'll stop using it when I have a better one. I clarify what I mean, so there should be no confusion. And as I said, many people understand it that way anyway.

I really just want to know if there's going to be a retailer exclusive in the starters so that I can get my preorders settled.

-Grishnaar

Less.

Same amount just more in the wild and better handling of those said items. I still wish you could get a chance at one with each skylander you bought by registering him/her online. For those without a toy they could fill out a survey with a chance to win also.

Quote: LloydDXZX

If they put more, don't put another one like this plz activision...

http://images10.newegg.com/Pro...-996-062-02.jpg

I can honestly state that this is the first of the fugly variants.

Absolutely less

more in game variants as then is there is loads of swapping variants ( we have five comfirmed at the moment) (2 darks 2 legandary and nitro) so you could have more in game variants

No variants please!

Less rare variants, more in-game variants.

I don't wanna go to 10 stores a day hunting for one figure, and/or drop a pile of cash for one on eBay.

I've decided not to buy them all anymore. Not even sure if I'll buy the reposes anymore. Definitely not multiples of a figure. I now fully support more variants so we have more to choose from. Giants got me over my collecting addiction.