darkSpyro

What happened to the whole thing of listening to the consumers when it came to the 3DS starter pack? Granted it is awesome that they are putting totally different figures in from the console releases but why did they have to include the two Swappers in with the Target exclusive pack? That certainly isn't what the consumer would want. Either way at the end of the day you will probably end up with some doubles. Unless of course you avoid Nitro Magna Charge, but I had planned on getting him. I just don't know why maybe a 3rd option couldn't have been made available for people getting the 3Ds version. I guess ultimately the issue for me is trying to decide how to tackle launch day the most cost effective way. Trying to grab everything I can, at the best possible price with the least amount of doubles. I have the PS3 Dark set paid off at Gamestop, I have a $150 gift card at Toys R Us and around $300 in cash that I can use. I am hoping that TRU has another sale this year like some of you have spoke about as I definitely want any Legendaries they may be offering. But my initial plan was to get the 3DS starter there as I preordered it when they were offering the additional free figure but now I don't know if I am even going to go that route.

Console starters sell more.
And would you rather have the console players not be able to get the final swappers for the full collection?
That is selfish (fyi Rshake and Franger are in singles as well)

Maybe they will make Blast zone and wash buckler singles for you guys

There is nothing selfish about asking for a third option for the Target double packs. What if an exclusive Windup figure only came in a double pack that would ask you to make a multiple figure purchase? I bet you would be singing a different tune.

Quote: TheGooch

There is nothing selfish about asking for a third option for the Target double packs. What if an exclusive Windup figure only came in a double pack that would ask you to make a multiple figure purchase? I bet you would be singing a different tune.

I would still buy it
Multiple chars aren't that bad.
Expecially for swappers (allows many combos of the paths)

Quote: TheGooch

There is nothing selfish about asking for a third option for the Target double packs. What if an exclusive Windup figure only came in a double pack that would ask you to make a multiple figure purchase? I bet you would be singing a different tune.

Or just don't buy it and send your personal message to Activision that way.

Point to the whole discussion was that a big deal was made that the 3DS version made it so if you bought multiple system starter packs you wouldn't end up with double figures which is great. The issue I have then is why they put exclusive figures in double packs of another figure that can be purchased in a starter pack. If they really wanted to avoid the multiple figure problem like they said they do it seems like they could have packaged Nitro with a wave 2 figure perhaps?

Activison is still trying to see if how much money they can make with the Skylanders series. The Magic Triple Pack at Walmart will be bought by unknowing parents of children who collect-them-all, and collectors will buy everything to keep in every type of packaging they offer. Smart move for them, but makes those of us who only want one of each regular figure have to pay attention. At least you don't have to buy an entire console and starter pack to get a specific figure this time. I'm looking at you Gnarly Tree Rex, and S1 Green Gil Grunt. At least, not yet...

P.S. Before anyone jumps on me by pointing out that Gnarly was released as a single, I am aware of that. Unfortunately, no one knew that would happen when the bundle was released.

P.P.S. It is sad that I feel it necessary to add that to my post, but that is how this forum rolls.

Quote: GhostRoaster

Quote: TheGooch

There is nothing selfish about asking for a third option for the Target double packs. What if an exclusive Windup figure only came in a double pack that would ask you to make a multiple figure purchase? I bet you would be singing a different tune.

Or just don't buy it and send your personal message to Activision that way.

I hardly think I am the only one the feels this way. I am sure there are a lot of people that plan on getting the 3DS version and also want Nitro.

Quote: wreckingballbob

Can't you just say angry instead?

I don't like that word.

I think you can manage. It isn't swearing. I don't like your constant crying that nobody (meaning Americans) cares about what other countries get for figures. You got Bash S2 in a triple, you got single Punch Pop Fizz, we got Gnarly and Drobot S2. I guess ultimately none of us will ever be happy.

Agreed. I'm seriously considering not even getting the 3DS version now because I don't want doubles. They could have packaged Nitro with ANYTHING but decided to put him with the two 3DS swappers.

Okay then.


Yeah I think it is just for money that they put him in two packs.

They should of put A different variants in the other pack.

Quote: TheGooch

Quote: GhostRoaster

Quote: TheGooch

There is nothing selfish about asking for a third option for the Target double packs. What if an exclusive Windup figure only came in a double pack that would ask you to make a multiple figure purchase? I bet you would be singing a different tune.

Or just don't buy it and send your personal message to Activision that way.

I hardly think I am the only one the feels this way. I am sure there are a lot of people that plan on getting the 3DS version and also want Nitro.

Well then, I guess you're going to have a double. I'd personally use it as an experiment to test alternate paths. Look at the bright side. Or sell it on eBay.

Oh lookie. Fanboys coming out of the woodwork to defend every dumb decision Acti makes, as usual. Face it, it was a stupid decision to pack a variant with the 3DS starter characters. They could have picked ANY swapper to pack Nitro with and they picked those two. Hell, they could have made Free Ranger and Rattle Shake a variant too to at least justify it a little better, but nope. If anything, they've lost a 3DS sale from me at least because I don't need or want a double and I'm not interested in the variant Eruptor like I am Nitro. It's either that or be forced to hunt on Ebay for an overpriced unpackaged Nitro which I refuse to do.

I don't see anyone defending Activision...in fact I'm pretty much one of the top critics here. It matters not to me because I'm not doing variants. What you guys are going through + the crazy lines in stores + constant staying in touch with this community to find every character out there is too much for me, so I'm no longer playing. So trust me--been there FELT that.

By the way, I'm a fan, but not a fanboy. Watch yourself

You can choose to like or dislike what they've done. Continue this complaint-fest for pages, it will matter not. It is what it is. I hope the venting is cathartic, but the best message to send to Activision for poor decisions is to impact them financially. That's exactly what I'm doing.

And as defpally has said, this little swell of attitude has a following here. Join us and together we will rule the Skylands as rebellious portal masters (say that in your best Vader voice).

O.P. has a point. It is rather annoying that the Target Nitro packs are coupled with the 3DS starters...lol what's even more ridiculous is that Free Ranger also has a Legendary....talk about your triple dip. They should have expanded the release wave to include more swappers so the Target packs could included another swapper that wasn't in any starter. But then not everyone might be close to a Target/Tesco, yada yada yada. Ehh we're just stuck with it...it sucks but there it is. Personally I wish they just release a version of the game with no Skylanders. Just the game and the Portal at a reduced rate.

I guess they should've included the same characters as the console starter pack...lol. It seems by trying to improve the situation Activision has made it worse. Kinda ironic I think.

I personally think one of the Dig/sneak characters that aren't coming should've been included.

Quote: GhostRoaster

I guess they should've included the same characters as the console starter pack...lol. It seems by trying to improve the situation Activision has made it worse. Kinda ironic I think.

I personally think one of the Dig/sneak characters that aren't coming should've been included.

Well they had it perfect with SSA 3DS. Stealth Elf (who was available as a single), Ignitor (who was also available as a single but not til way later) and Dark Spyro who was the exclusive. No doubles with the console version. I'm thinking this 3DS could have been Volcanic Eruptor, Grilla Drilla (a wave 2) and Trap Shadow (a presumably later wave fig). Plus this combo would have two exclusive movement type that aren't available as singles. It meets marketing standards and satisfies the fan.

^True, they were wanting a hit and followed the rules...now they think we'll buy any sloppy thirds. Want to tell them no thank you! GREAT--do not buy. Maybe they'll get the message that this kind of tactic is not cool.

(In reality, the complaints will be a drop in the ocean, and will accomplish little--but at least you held your ground.)

Yeah they totally know now they have a product most people want anyway. It would be ideal if they went the consumer friendly route but it's not realistic nowadays.

^We are the consumers, and I think it's reasonable / realistic to want it this way as a consumer. I'm not sure how you bridge the gap from them knowing vs. them doing.

Quote: GhostRoaster

^We are the consumers, and I think it's reasonable / realistic to want it this way as a consumer. I'm not sure how you bridge the gap from them knowing vs. them doing.

Consumer market trends for collectibles usually make you double dip. I would prefer it the other way but the sad part is we will usually cave because we want what we want. If every member of these boards didn't order any version of the game they'd (Activision) never even notice. The strange part about this is this could back fire on them. Previously if I wanted Skylanders I could only get in the 3DS version I had to pick it up or wait a while. With the exception of the Volcanic Eruptor (most people aren't exactly pining for another version of Eruptor) variant I can pick up the other 2 swappers individually, one even has a Legendary version. In fact, speaking for myself, I will wait until the 3DS is discounted (heavily) before I pick it up since I will have picked Legendary Free Ranger and a Rattle Shake. So again we might just get the last laugh...unless you really want the 3DS now.

Quote: Couragefan09

Face it, it was a stupid decision to pack a variant with the 3DS starter characters.

Considering how many folks plan to buy both the 3DS starter and the double pack (and possible both double packs), I'd say it was far from a stupid decision on Activision's part. You have to consider their goal. It isn't to win friends and influence people, it's to make money.

If their goal was the former, I'd agree - stupid decision. If their goal is the latter - and I think we can all agree it is the latter - then the decision is far from stupid.

I'm not necessarily going to get aggravated about it, although as someone who is getting both the console (Dark Edition) and the 3DS versions, it would have been nice for an option even to buy the character solo. I'd probably trade in or sell the other one. Maybe put it towards a regular starter pack.

Quote: GhostRoaster

Well then, I guess you're going to have a double. I'd personally use it as an experiment to test alternate paths. Look at the bright side. Or sell it on eBay.

This is a very good point. You are going to end up with an extra figure that many console owners do not have. Unlike last year where you end up with two extra figures that is only valid for people that bought the Portal Owners. I'm sure you can likely find someone to take that extra dupe off your hands.

But, I do get it - I too wish they had a third option. We need to remember though that the 3DS sells in much smaller numbers than the console versions. Target wants to make sure you spend more than just that one figure to get the exclusive they are no doubt paying a lot to have.

The three packs are also of similar mindset, all of them seen so far are two repose and one newlander. It seems to be a common theme that they want you buy some lesser desired figures in order to get access to the more coveted variants when you buy a three pack. I'm wondering how much of this they plan to do in the future. This may be their plan to get people onto getting more than just the new guys and variants.

Well I do agree that the target exclusive pairing is stupid because free ranger and rattle shake is coming out single anyways so why pair them with nitro? Be better if it was with another variant or a non starter figure. But they are going to do what they are going to do. My irritant is the Dark edition. That was a last minute idea to throw everyone's game off. I know I'm not the only one who had the idea in the beginning to buy a console starter and a 3ds starter so we can get all the figures and play the game in two forms. Now that they toss in the dark edition, we either have to buy 3 starters or figure out which is more important in a collecting sense. But like I said, they are going to do what they are going to do. Deep down, they are only going to listen to the consumer to a certain degree. Also, am I the only one irritated that they are putting out a crap ton of figures this time around? And I don't mean regulars. The swaps are 15 a pop and 16 plus of them. It was different with giant. There were only 11 or so of them if you count variants. To me, that's more irritating.

They can bring in new figures all day long...it was the useless reposes that irritated me. Variants--either you do them or you don't.

As others have stated, the "Don't need em all" fan club is up and running. Feel free to join.

they might do single packs for them

I don't think there's anything much that peeves me off by Activision. Can't we all just look on the bright of things?

I think i know what people are getting at, People are trying to get 1 of each figure but you are saying in order to purchase a new figure you have to get doubles, i expect activision to bring out single packs of every swap force skylander, my plan is to get dark edition, My brother will get the 3ds edition and i will purchase all swap force skylanders including a wash buckler and blast zone, personally i think they should bring out more than those 2 double packs, maybe like double packs based on movement types (Blast zone and boom jet, Freeze blade and magna charge) I dont mind if i get double of a swaplander, that just means i can upgrade its other path and use it for battle arena. im going to get a double pack free ranger nitro magna charge on the day, since my bro is getting the 3ds pack, he will be getting another free ranger. I would buy the ps3 starter pack just for the starters if they dont come out in singles, but i dont think activision is too dumb to make that happen.

Quote: GhostRoaster

I guess you're going to have a double. I'd personally use it as an experiment to test alternate paths. Look at the bright side. Or sell it on eBay.

Quote: TheShadowDragon

I don't think there's anything much that peeves me off by Activision. Can't we all just look on the bright of things?

Exactly.

This is what I was saying, Gooch. I just said it with more ... enthusiasm.
I am entirely unconcerned with your past charitable activities. Listing them out for us was unnecessary and not particularly relevant. Since you brought them up (in excessive detail), let me be among those who thank you.

There was no insinuation in my previous post that you didn't contribute to charity. What I DID insinuate is that if you're "pissed" about the contents of character packs and "pissed" about how Activision's choice of character packs is influencing how many Skylanders you'll be able to afford with your multi-hundred dollar disposable budget .... then MAYBE you should consider donating that money instead (regardless of how much you do or do not already donate). Seriously. You won't have to worry about Skylanders at all if you do that. I hate to sound like a bleeding heart, but there really are people who are living on the street tonight, and people who have no idea where their next meal will come from. Keep some perspective, man.
The only way that you can influence Activision at all is to not purchase their products. That's really the only thing that gets the attention of a publicly-traded corporation. If their quarterly business reports look bad, investors will sell and/or shy away. If that happens, then the corporation will bend to the will of the consumer's voice more easily.

In summary, don't like it, then don't buy it. If that's too constipating for you, then give yourself a break and donate the money you were planning to spend on Skylanders. I have no idea how you can consider that "verbal feces". But I will say that if anyone would know what verbal feces actually looks like, it would probably be you.

Quote: Couragefan09

Oh lookie. Fanboys coming out of the woodwork to defend every dumb decision Acti makes, as usual. Face it, it was a stupid decision to pack a variant with the 3DS starter characters. They could have picked ANY swapper to pack Nitro with and they picked those two. Hell, they could have made Free Ranger and Rattle Shake a variant too to at least justify it a little better, but nope. If anything, they've lost a 3DS sale from me at least because I don't need or want a double and I'm not interested in the variant Eruptor like I am Nitro. It's either that or be forced to hunt on Ebay for an overpriced unpackaged Nitro which I refuse to do.

What yourself ... guy who has "fan" in his Username. I'm no fanboy, and I'm certainly critical of Activision's decisions at times. I ain't defending Activision here. I am, however, pointing out that, for better or worse, complaining about how Activision decided to package Nitro Magna Charge is moot, and pointless. As hard as it seems for many in this forum/community to grasp, we really do actually represent a minority of Activision's market. MOST people do NOT buy both the console starter pack and the 3DS starter pack. Only Skylanders junkies and addicts like us would even consider doing that, for the most part. I agree that Activision should have chosen a different Skylander to pair with Nitro Magna Charge (and I've stated as much in another thread here recently) ... but the fact is they didn't. As many of the silly little avatars say on this forum: "Deal With It".

Seriously, if you don't want to buy Nitro Magna Charge, then don't. It's OK. It will still be sold out in a matter of weeks (or days, possibly), whether you choose to purchase it or not.

Well, I'm glad we at least agree that it was a stupid decision. I'm not a guy though, and having 'fan' in my name has nothing to do with anything either, the name doesn't even pertain to Skylanders.

Here is what I believe is a logical explanation as to why.

First off, people have options when it comes to Rattle and Free. Buy them single packs, but them in a starter pack, or buy them with a store exclusive and save a couple of dollars.

Some people don't have a 3DS, nor do they buy the game just because it contains an exclusive alter ego each year. So, the best option, in my eyes, is to get these with Nitro and save a couple of dollars.

Or, one could get a Free Ranger single, and a Nitro 2 pack with Rattle.

Ehh they had it right the first time. Again, I think double, triple and quadruple dipping is part of their business model at this point. We shall find a way to endure. Now the real group that's screwed are the handheld only players. Unless they plan on releasing Wash and Blast individually, they are screwed.

Quote: Couragefan09

Well, I'm glad we at least agree that it was a stupid decision. I'm not a guy though, and having 'fan' in my name has nothing to do with anything either, the name doesn't even pertain to Skylanders.

Sorry to offend; didn't realize you are a lady. The internet tends to mask such things.

I was just finding it comical that someone who puts "fan" in his/her username would have the gall to label someone as a "fanboy", regardless of the reason that s/he might have "fan" in his/her username.

Guys, come on.. There may still be hope for this thread yet. People are agitated that they may end up with doubles because of potential poor planning on Activisions part. I don't think this is the place to continue with this sort of arguing...

What happens on another website shouldn't be brought to this one as it has no relevance here. That is a forum designed for trading figures--this one is not. Let. It. Go.

Y'all both just need to go to your corners and then duke this out privately. Seriously. While some people here may get some sort of enjoyment out of watching two grown men fight over plastic figures, others do not appreciate this mess cluttering the forums. Not trying to be Jr-Mod over here, just expressing my opinion on the matter.

inb4 ty LV for adding another pointless post to this thread:

I have to say it ticks me off too the way they did the packaging of Nitro Magna Charge.. I'm pinching pennies here to make sure I have enough for Swap Force to get everything I want and still have something left over for my other frivolous wants for the next two weeks... Has it made me reconsider getting the 3ds pack? No, not in the slightest... I may however just push getting it back a few days instead of on launch. My double Rattle Shake can go to my little sister who has been pestering me for him since she saw him.. problem solved in my book.

You're all good in my book, Red Panda.
I have no desire to duke it out with anyone, here or elsewhere.
With no offense intended toward you, this thread never had any hope, right from the start.
It was a troll topic, created by a really bad troll, the Gooch, to complain and whine and seek pity and empathy.
None of that is relevant to SwapForce.
As stated previously, if the Gooch needs a shoulder to cry on, he should find a place that isn't here to do that. And, more importantly, he shouldn't need a shoulder to cry on in the first place.
Oh no ... duplicated figurines!! What has the world come to??!?

If people's sensitivities would prefer a more restrained approach on my part, then fine, I'll say this instead:

If you don't want a duplicated figurine ...
don't buy them, or
sell the extra one, or
donate the extra one to someone who doesn't have a hundreds of dollars to spend on SwapForce toys, or
team-up with someone who would like to split the cost of the double-pack, or
make a YouTube video that demonstrates your creativity or skill at blowing-up your extra Skylander ... you could become famous.

This isn't a troll topic
Just someone stating their opinion

Quote: awesomerockets

This isn't a troll topic
Just someone stating their opinion

It is a troll topic.
It is also some stating his opinion.

Please do not act like the two must be mutually exclusive.

Quote: BahamutBreaker

Quote: awesomerockets

This isn't a troll topic
Just someone stating their opinion

It is a troll topic.
It is also some stating his opinion.

Please do not act like the two must be mutually exclusive.

I now regret posting in this topic...
I hate topics like this because someone just tries to share an idea or an opinion and he gets flamed for it. I am never posting here again.

Quote: BahamutBreaker

Quote: awesomerockets

This isn't a troll topic
Just someone stating their opinion

It is a troll topic.
It is also some stating his opinion.

Please do not act like the two must be mutually exclusive.

lol there are troll posts in almost every topic here so let's not mince words. I also share in the o.p.'s frustration a little and I'm not trolling. Nor do I fell he was trolling when he made this topic. We can simply agree to disagree. The o.p. made some valid points as did some peeps stating they didn't have any real issue with it. Most do agree that the starter selections could have been handled better though.

OP - I do agree with you - although, since they're exclusive bundles, I probably would have picked them up and the single packs of whatever they were bundled with... But it's a bit silly to bundle starter pack figures in with an exclusive that's only in that bundle. There's no reason they couldn't have bundled a non-starter figure in with it.

3DS-only owners got cheated with SSA, as the three starters from the console were never made available by themselves, while all the 3DS figures were (although Dark Spyro with limited distribution).

3DS-only owners got a little cheated with Giants, since Jet-Vac still hasn't gotten a single-pack US release.

3DS-only owners are getting cheated again with SWAP Force, with this double pack...

Not a huge deal to me, since I'm in for a pound at this point with Skylanders anyway... but I do feel for some folks.

That's fine, Tigorus. I have no beef with you or what you've stated (or anything that most people have stated in this thread, for that matter).
I just want to point out that the original title of the OP in this thread was something like, "Pissed at Activision".
That's a troll topic. Period. If you feel the need to disagree with that, so be it.
It looks more innocuous now that the title has been edited.

Breaker loves calling everyone a troll. He never looks at himself in the mirror. I made a thread hoping for on-topic discussion on something I found issue with and like every place he graces he has to add his negative attitude and worthless opinions. I didn't start looking for pity. While I may have X.xx amount of dollars at Swap Force's launch that doesn't leave me much in two weeks when wave 2 comes out. So in reality every purchase matters. I love how Breaker has to resort to threats after the same crap he lays on others is pointed in his direction. How dare I question his pristine reputation? Get over it, you attempt to drag me through the mud every chance you get for the sole reason of pleasuring yourself.

Is anyone actually a 3DS-only Skylanders fanatic?

That's an honest question. I mean, I'm sure there's one or two out there ... but you don't really find many people that have a huge Skylanders collection who ONLY play Skylanders on the 3DS.

The assertion that hypothetical "3DS-only" fans "got cheated" is a non-starter, in my opinion, and a bit ridiculous, too.

Quote: BahamutBreaker

That's fine, Tigorus. I have no beef with you or what you've stated (or anything that most people have stated in this thread, for that matter).
I just want to point out that the original title of the OP in this thread was something like, "Pissed at Activision".
That's a troll topic. Period. If you feel the need to disagree with that, so be it.
It looks more innocuous now that the title has been edited.

I edited the topics title out of respect for another users request. I know respect is a foreign concept for you but since you need to look up the definition of "troll" you can look up respect while you are at it.

Quote: BahamutBreaker

Is anyone actually a 3DS-only Skylanders fanatic?

That's an honest question. I mean, I'm sure there's one or two out there ... but you don't really find many people that have a huge Skylanders collection who ONLY play Skylanders on the 3DS.

The assertion that hypothetical "3DS-only" fans "got cheated" is a non-starter, in my opinion, and a bit ridiculous, too.

While I'll give you that 3DS only players are in the minority, I'm sure they do exist. I'm going to hold off on picking up the 3DS version myself because there's no real reason for me to push getting it now since I can get all the Skylanders the 3DS version comes with day one (except Volcanic Eruptor but big whoop). I would almost propose a different question at this point: Historically how many people have bought the 3DS for the game and how many of bought the 3DS for the figures??? That's a much more interesting question, for me at any rate.

I can say, I've bought it for the game. Both SSA and Giants were better games on the 3DS, IMHO.

Quote: UncleBob

I can say, I've bought it for the game. Both SSA and Giants were better games on the 3DS, IMHO.

Ugh I hated how rushed the SSA one felt. I heard Giants was a little better. I like exploring levels looking for hidden stuff way more than running from ominous floating heads. From what I've heard there's no rush in Swap Force 3DS so it gives me something to look forward to.

Honestly I'm still not understanding what you're wanting...

The 3DS version comes with different skylanders than the other one... Which is really helpful to those who buy it for more than just one system.


but in some aspects, the 3DS version can be considered it's own 'sub game' considering it's not just some watered down version of the console games, but it's an entire new adventure. They package the addition skylanders as an extra bonus for buying the new adventure.

So really the 3DS version is more of a separate game and buying it and a console version, is like buying 2 different games since they are different in Storyline, and even gameplay.