darkSpyro

Bonus mission explanation.

I would like to know if quests are returning.
I really enjoyed doing them, in Giants.

Skylanders have their own quests again.

So... the interview material we have is as follows:

Do you guys have a preference, what's most important on this list? Should we make this one whole video with a Table of Contest... We prefer not to have 1 million video 1 minute videos, but to stick everything in one video, sort of like Toys for Bob HQ Trip! It was 40 minutes long but it was organized.

Lost Islands
Stats
Transfer Money
Bonus Mission explanation
Legendary Treasures that give you stat boosts
How skylanders rest
Survival Modes / Battle Modes
Lightcore talk
Quests
Rare Variants showing up in Game talk
Which player gets to play a swap force zone with two players?
Popthorn talk
Random toy talk

From what I have seen, it seems a lot of people are worried about how stats will work and what carries over from Giants to SF.

From this topic, I've seen only one person who is worried about the stats more. But some users are probably wondering about the same thing.

Quote: Aura24

From this topic, I've seen only one person who is worried about the stats more. But some users are probably wondering about the same thing.

Generally speaking in the short time I've been hanging around here I've seen quite a few people express concern over the stat system as it's one of the only things we haven't had any info on yet - we've seen most of the characters and core gameplay in action.

Really? Great!
And, what about SSA and SG characters? Will they have new quests, just the old ones, or the new and the old ones?
Thanks!

Quote: Friendzie

Quote: Aura24

From this topic, I've seen only one person who is worried about the stats more. But some users are probably wondering about the same thing.

Generally speaking in the short time I've been hanging around here I've seen quite a few people express concern over the stat system as it's one of the only things we haven't had any info on yet - we've seen most of the characters and core gameplay in action.

GM78 and myself have been vocal, but I know others are wondering especially as evidence keeps coming in to challenge our notion of the upgrade process. Pretty gameplay is good and all, but let's face it...most of everyone's time playing this game was on grinding (if you were tasking yourself with total upgrades). If they've taken that away with heroics, and not replaced it--they better have something of better value. I think they need to make it a "little" easier, and a bit more variety infused to upgrade skylanders. Again, all we know right now is that Legendary Treasures in Woodburrow is how stat upgrades are happening. THAT IS IT. I really hope that isn't it.

I'm really interested in how upgraded characters START in the game. Since they don't recognize heroics, I'm not sure how that's happening---or are they calculating stats based on heroics completed in previous game (although they are not supporting heroics here)...

Alas, here we are less than three weeks still wondering. I'd rather have this info than knowing the character names and upgrades honestly--save all that when I get the game, so I can be totally immersed.

Drek95: I do know Heroics are out and Quests are in. Not sure if they are using previous game quests, new ones, etc.

Like I keep saying, Skylanders kind of suck because they walk too slow. To make them awesome, upgrade each one's Speed stat to max. However, if their speed won't even reach 60, they will forever suck, because they will move to slow... ALL OF THEM!

Seeing Hot Dog's stat screen, his Speed stat was 43, and the bar was 3/4 of the way full. It really worries me.

If the scant 20 bonus missions do indeed upgrade a Skylanders Speed, Armor, Critical Hit, and Elemental Power, then how does that 20 break down? 5 Speed, 5 Armor, 5 Critical Hit, and 5 Elemental Power missions each?

Let's say each only gives the same amount as Giants and the first game. 5 Speed missions would only give any Skylander +20 Speed, which would suck hardcore, because lets say to fill up Hot Dog's bar it took that +20 Speed. He would only have 63 Speed, while in Giants, his speed was probably somewhere around 90. 60 Speed for ANY Skylander is waaaaaaaaay too slow.

However, I am still confused on the matter, because they refuse to give us info that could be considered crucial.

Quote: ninja9351

Quote: ZapNorris

So how many soul gems are there?

Should be 48.

In Cascade Glade alone there are three.

Interview is saving now, it's 14 minutes long, most of it hasn't been asked before (to our knowledge). The video also features never before seen game footage, as well as some repeated stuff. In the beginning there is a timeline of events for those that can't want to watch the whole thing. Stay Tuned.

Can't wait to hear Popthorn talk

Quote: ZapNorris

Can't wait to hear Popthorn talk

I'm sorry if Pop thorn was vague, it isn't much about gameplay for him (we don't hear voice yet) it's mainly talking about him, Guha explains him.

I mean you guys talking about popthorn

Quote: ZapNorris

I mean you guys talking about popthorn

Oh, haha, I read what you said wrong.

Well here it is, Most of this stuff is new I believe! (currently still processing)



Interview Timeline.
Skylanders Swap Force in Lost Islands 0:33ish
Transfering Money 1:23ish
How Swap Force Skylanders Rest 2:07ish
Co-Op Swap Force Zones 2:56ish
Survival & Battle Modes 4:05ish
Lightcores 5:53ish
Quests 6:25ish
Rare Variants 7:14ish
Increase Stats and Portal Master Rank 7:45ish
Pop Thorn Tower of Time 9:52ish
Non Lightcore Grim Creeper & Star Strike 11:27ish
Toy Creation 12:59ish
The worlds best interview ending 14:01ish

Awesome video thanks for answering the questions

So his spines home in! Awesome!!!

o.O pumpkin eye brawl has a possibility as varient in swapforce
YES!!!!!!!

Wow! Thanks, Skylander Dad!
Pop Thorn must look awesome in his normal non-bloated form!
I didn't get the bloating, releasing air, part, but I will watch the video again!
And, Guha is really a funny and gentle person. The end made me laugh a lot!

Quote: GameMaster78

Like I keep saying, Skylanders kind of suck because they walk too slow. To make them awesome, upgrade each one's Speed stat to max. However, if their speed won't even reach 60, they will forever suck, because they will move to slow... ALL OF THEM!

Seeing Hot Dog's stat screen, his Speed stat was 43, and the bar was 3/4 of the way full. It really worries me.

If the scant 20 bonus missions do indeed upgrade a Skylanders Speed, Armor, Critical Hit, and Elemental Power, then how does that 20 break down? 5 Speed, 5 Armor, 5 Critical Hit, and 5 Elemental Power missions each?

Let's say each only gives the same amount as Giants and the first game. 5 Speed missions would only give any Skylander +20 Speed, which would suck hardcore, because lets say to fill up Hot Dog's bar it took that +20 Speed. He would only have 63 Speed, while in Giants, his speed was probably somewhere around 90. 60 Speed for ANY Skylander is waaaaaaaaay too slow.

However, I am still confused on the matter, because they refuse to give us info that could be considered crucial.

Mabey they did it different in Swap force.
For example: Your Hot Dog got 43 speed. He could be as fast like a Hot Dog in Giants with 75 Speed.

Well, all the vids we posted so far is the "meat" of what we have for those just concerned with new stuff! For our fans that like the videos we do, we've still got more VV vids coming in the next few days.

Great! Can't wait!

Each time I'm watching skylander dad's video, I'm like... Wow... The game is so different!!! But X10000 better!!! Thanks Skylander dad for all those videos!!!

Quote: LloydDXZX

Each time I'm watching skylander dad's video, I'm like... Wow... The game is so different!!! But X10000 better!!! Thanks Skylander dad for all those videos!!!

No problem.. It felt good to bring forward all this new information!

Quote: skylanderkids

Quote: LloydDXZX

Each time I'm watching skylander dad's video, I'm like... Wow... The game is so different!!! But X10000 better!!! Thanks Skylander dad for all those videos!!!

No problem.. It felt good to bring forward all this new information!

Cool...so if I'm understanding all of this....doing "stuff" in the game gives you stars in the game to unlock stuff...some of which includes pedestals for you to increase your skylanders. I didn't hear anything else to increase your skylanders outside of bonus missions, legendary treasure, pedestals, and the fact you have to earn stars to get the pedistals. My understanding though is that this "stars" system is a GAME FILE mechanic and NOT saved to the skylander.

Let me know if this matches your explanation.

Well, it doesn't sound like we'll be grinding this time...outside of quests maybe. However, basically what I'm hearing is that in order to fully upgrade skylanders you REALLY have to 100% the game ... sorta.

I think the idea of pedestals to place objects to upgrade Skylanders is a BAD IDEA. It means your Skylanders from this game are no better than Infinity characters, in that they don't permanently upgrade. They only have upgrades based on what you place on the pedestals for this game.

I really don't like that idea. It means your Skylanders aren't unique when it comes to stats. It almost removes the small RPG elements of the game.

^ I agree. There is another game that makes you do that but I can't put my finger on it.

Quote: GameMaster78

I think the idea of pedestals to place objects to upgrade Skylanders is a BAD IDEA. It means your Skylanders from this game are no better than Infinity characters, in that they don't permanently upgrade. They only have upgrades based on what you place on the pedestals for this game.

I really don't like that idea. It means your Skylanders aren't unique when it comes to stats. It almost removes the small RPG elements of the game.

When I heard the pedestal game a few months back, I started to get a little bad feeling. Sounds like they're moving away from what made them great imo. I'm not sure if it's a problem with the data on RFID chip or simply that they want to change direction.

It's very possible they are seeing a scalability problem with the sheer number of characters so they wanted a clean break. Not sure.

Quote: GameMaster78

I think the idea of pedestals to place objects to upgrade Skylanders is a BAD IDEA. It means your Skylanders from this game are no better than Infinity characters, in that they don't permanently upgrade. They only have upgrades based on what you place on the pedestals for this game.

I really don't like that idea. It means your Skylanders aren't unique when it comes to stats. It almost removes the small RPG elements of the game.

Um, I think that the pedastles are like luckotron wheels.

Those boosted the game, not skylanders. there is a difference.

Quote: ninja9351

Quote: GameMaster78

I think the idea of pedestals to place objects to upgrade Skylanders is a BAD IDEA. It means your Skylanders from this game are no better than Infinity characters, in that they don't permanently upgrade. They only have upgrades based on what you place on the pedestals for this game.

I really don't like that idea. It means your Skylanders aren't unique when it comes to stats. It almost removes the small RPG elements of the game.

Um, I think that the pedastles are like luckotron wheels.

This was my thought as well based on how it was explained...and that sounds fine to me.

The lack of new heroic challenges is really upsetting, as it was a staple for my replay value. Your work for pedestal stat boosts doesn't carry over to another person's house. It really demeans the individuality of each figure for me. Love everything else though! <3

So is it still worth it to complete every heroic challenge and quest for all older skylanders, or is it just a waste of time now?

Who knows. It is kinda disappointing.

Buy the game anyways, or don't buy it because of one altered feature?

It's interesting and frustrating that he didn't totally answer the couple of questions about how to increase stats on the Skylander itself. What he talked about sounded like just hats and luck-o-tron wheels and other file-only bonuses which have been only a small part of overall stat growth in the past games. If he's saying that's the only way to grow stats in this game, that's kind of annoying. I wonder if he is not understanding your question for some reason.

Quote: Dsi568

So is it still worth it to complete every heroic challenge and quest for all older skylanders, or is it just a waste of time now?

Look, if you're not having fun upgrading your Skylanders and you don't plan on playing Giants ever again, then it's absolutely a waste of time regardless of how Swap Force works. Don't do it just because you feel obligated. We can probably expect that no matter how the new game works, all our Skylanders will need work to be fully powered again.

HEROIC CHALLENGES ARE GOOT.

Quote: X-Treme

HEROIC CHALLENGES ARE GOOT.

I kind of WANT them to get rid of heroic challenges because they do get boring, but I also want something to replace them with that gets saved to the Skylander.

Like I indicated, I wanted a more fun and interesting way of upgrading skylanders if they were going to nix Heroics, but introducing a game file mechanic that doesn't save to the skylander itself waters down the entire upgrade experience. It's bad enough they rework numbers of skylanders so they don't feel totally upgraded on a new game, but now with swap force I'm not entirely sure if it even matters.

If that's the case, I'm kinda wondering why stats even matter at all. I'm guessing the 20 bonus missions will save to the skylander, but now I'm even doubting that. What if you only need to do the bonus mission once with ANY skylander? They've taken a 200 hour + grind away from me and made it really a 10-15 hour game. I really hope they have something up their sleeve. If not, they've seriously mis-stepped here, in my opinion. If they are going to do that, they need to think about making skylanders an open world experience instead of a linear story with chapters.

Any chance you'll release a video that confirms once and for all whether the new Darklanders are improved in any way? As Guha once implied they were pretty much cosmetic changes, but not confirmed.

Hello all, Long time reader of the forums but first time poster.
I believe that the upgrades for the pedestals will be like the "Power ups" you got in Giants from doing the Brocks arena challenges, or buy from Auric's store. Slight upgrades like how you could pick up boulders faster as a giant or do more damage to a certain type of enemy.

Yeah, except they're equippable. You choose which ones you want to use.

^ And apparently there's skylander statistic modifications here that doesn't rely on any skylander specific work to make it happen.

I really don't see how the pedestal system isn't the same system as the heroics but with way less effort. If you did all the Heroics with all your Skylanders the stat differences were the same at the end since there were finite gains you could get from heroics and you knew what you were going to get. Each Skylander would make the same gains in Armor, Crit, Speed and Elemental Power. The only difference were the starting stats and Hats. With the Pedestal system (at least it's sounding like this) it seems like it's the same system with less work lol. As in I don't have to do it with each Skylander, which for me , is a huge perk.

At least with the pedastals you don't have to buy all skylanders to unlock all heroics.

Oh they equip to each individual skylander? Well that's kind of a bummer...

Quote: diddy50

Oh they equip to each individual skylander? Well that's kind of a bummer...

That's not the way I heard it. It sounds like it's your gamer tag which would make it universal throughout your whole profile. That would give you have overall progression that would apply to all of you Skylanders. Making newer Skylanders you acquire start out stronger than they normally would depending on what you have active on your pedestals.

Quote: THGold

At least with the pedastals you don't have to buy all skylanders to unlock all heroics.

No one has answered my DLC question. I'm not sure we know the answer of it they use the characters to unlock SOMETHING--clearly it's not heroics this time

Quote: THGold

At least with the pedastals you don't have to buy all skylanders to unlock all heroics.

No one has answered my DLC question. I'm not sure we know the answer of it they use the characters to unlock SOMETHING--clearly it's not heroics this time

I'm not sure how Guha can say he doesn't want a bank because he wants us to explore and use our skylanders, but put in a self-defeating mechanism for doing just this with this pedestal concept. Apparently I need to get my MBA and become CEO so it can become clearer for me

I guess we'll find out soon enough how "intrusive" the pedestal is to the skylander build concept that is a critical RPG component of the game architecture. It's really the only true complaint I have about the game thus far...everything else is miles away better than Giants.

It sounds like with this new pedestal system you have the choice to unlock them as you earn stars/ranks within your profile. You're still grinding just not on each individual Skylander.