darkSpyro

I've been wanting to create this topic for a while.
This is not a topic to discuss game ideas or future titles so I'm not that sure it belongs here.

I feel like there are a number of things which all Skylanders games should always have to be called that way.
Here is my personal list:

- at least 20/18 new Skylanders (2 per classic Element and 2 or 1 for Light and Dark);
- at least one new character inside the Starter Pack;
- familiar settings and characters which fit the lore (doesn't have to be a good story);
- a good balance between hack-and-slash and puzzles;
- at least 18 or 20 levels;
- at least 2 Expansion Packs (whether they are brand new or work from past games);
- an upgrade/level up system;
- some form of multiplayer;
- some form of Element related features;
- at least one extra mode;
- recognizable legacy features (bases, backgrounds, cards, Legendary Treasures, Winged Zaphires, Soul Gems...)
- full forward compatibility for all the figures or at least the characters.

That's it for me.
Everything else whether it is appreciated (great story, more characters, amazing new gimmick) or unwanted (reposes, variants, forced gimmick) it's simply unrequired to make up a Skylanders title.
If too many things from that list are missing... Then I'm afraid but that game will probably turn out to be a miss for me.

Feel free to post your own lists and remember: we are not simply talking about what you would like but which part of that you think is a must in a game from this series.

Essential things:

- All figures compatible with new games

- Relase of new toys, any number above 15 seems legit to me.

- Gameplay made up of combat, exploring and a bit of platforming. I won't miss puzzles if they ever get cancelled.

- RPG elements involved in character development

- Variety in Skylanders designs and skills

- The classic Good VS Evil story arch.

- Improvement of technical features with each release.

- Unique gameplay for each of the skylanders (edit 1)

Things that should become part of the skylanders lore:

- Online should stay

- Online PvP

- Free big open world: it would be cool to fly from island to the other through skylands.

- Crazy Kaos doom challenge: it would be cool to have even more tons of enemies against your skylander.

- Online co op kaos doom challenges

- Higher difficulty settings

- More adult and darker approach

- No more basic tutorials. they constantly interrupt the game and break the inmersion

- More undead and snow levels

- Return of on foot playable villains

- No compulsory gimmick

- Make figures with movable parts and action buttons: I would have loved to have a knight light toy with pop up or flapping wings action.

I see we basically share the same ideas.

Oh, and thanks for also remembering me about full forward compatibility!
I'll add it to my list.

Basically, everything that was in SSA
- a good roster
- older characters playable in new games! (That's very important)
- unique gameplay for each of the characters
- at least 20 chapters
- a rising difficulty
- upgrades
- stuff to do after the story, so you're busy until Wave 3
- personalized quests like heroics and ranks (Buzz' quests also count)
- PvP (in cases like Superchargers it's okay if it's not included, but Trap Team was a huge mistake)
- unique level designs with different ideas (SSC did best here)
- rememberable NPCs
- a good story
- a lot of stuff based around the Elements (that's a reason why I love SSA so much, the story was based around the Elements and I love movies/games/books etc. that include Elements (usually it's only Fire, Water, Air & Earth) it's also one of the main reasons why I love Skylanders)

SSC had a good story and great level designs, though I do wish they did more. It also has personalized quests that remind me of heroics and even ranks. The lack of Elements is just sad (gates) at least they made a vehicle elemental gate.

Quote: Deja Vu

Basically, everything that was in SSA
- a good roster
- older characters playable in new games! (That's very important)
- unique gameplay for each of the characters
- at least 20 chapters
- a rising difficulty
- upgrades
- stuff to do after the story, so you're busy until Wave 3
- personalized quests like heroics and ranks (Buzz' quests also count)
- PvP (in cases like Superchargers it's okay if it's not included, but Trap Team was a huge mistake)
- unique level designs with different ideas (SSC did best here)
- rememberable NPCs
- a good story
- a lot of stuff based around the Elements (that's a reason why I love SSA so much, the story was based around the Elements and I love movies/games/books etc. that include Elements (usually it's only Fire, Water, Air & Earth) it's also one of the main reasons why I love Skylanders)

SSC had a good story and great level designs, though I do wish they did more. It also has personalized quests that remind me of heroics and even ranks. The lack of Elements is just sad (gates) at least they made a vehicle elemental gate.

I forgot to add to my list "unique gameplay" for each of the skylanders. That's soooooo true.

-No Gimmick, however use of old gimmicks are included but for fun reasons.
-Online PVP
-SSC level design
-Trap Team enemy placement (unlike SSC where there were hardly any enemies in each level)

Quote: Drek95

I've been wanting to create this topic for a while.
This is not a topic to discuss game ideas or future titles so I'm not that sure it belongs here.

I feel like there are a number of things which all Skylanders games should always have to be called that way.
Here is my personal list:

- at least 20/18 new Skylanders (2 per classic Element and 2 or 1 for Light and Dark);
- at least one new character inside the Starter Pack;
- familiar settings and characters which fit the lore (doesn't have to be a good story);
- a good balance between hack-and-slash and puzzles;
- at least 18 or 20 levels;
- at least 2 Expansion Packs (whether they are brand new or work from past games);
- an upgrade/level up system;
- some form of multiplayer;
- some for of Element related features;
- at least one extra mode;
- recognizable legacy features (bases, backgrounds, cards, Legendary Treasures, Winged Zaphires, Soul Gems...)
- full forward compatibility for all the figures.

That's it for me.
Everything else whether it is appreciated (great story, more characters, amazing new gimmick) or unwanted (reposes, variants, forced gimmick) it's simply unrequired to make up a Skylanders title.
If too many things from that list are missing... Then I'm afraid but that game will probably turn out to be a miss for me.

Feel free to post your own lists and remember: we are not simply talking about what you would like but which part of that you think is a must in a game from this series.

You got all I require . The only thing I'd want to add is stat manipulation . It's not a deal breaker but I think the game should eventually implement it in the next couple of years. .

Not in the form of hats or portal master power universal increases.

I want everyone's spyro to be able to be slightly different , I want everyone's gill grunt to be able to be slightly different .

adding some kind of random stat increase with each level increase seems like the best option. Choosing seems kind of pointless seeing as everyone one would just max out speed or crits.

It would need practically the same as you all say:

• Good number of new characters.
  
• COMPLETE compatibility with ALL past toys.
  
• A good gimmick, that don't feel forced.
  
• Good Multiplayer modes.
  
• Some optional modes besides the main game.
  
• All the traditional gameplay.
  
• A good price.
  

As optional:

• Great soundtrack.
  
• Great graphics.
  
• Great story.
  
• Online options.
  
• Cards, stickers and everything.
  
• No more reposes. If they need, at least do revamps.
  

Unique new characters
Full compatibility with older figures
Magic Items being Magic Items ( including level items as bombs )
Expansion Packs adding new levels to play, usually with unique gameplay gimmicks
Gameplay balancing hack & slash combat, exploration, platforming and puzzles
A hub that's fun to explore & run around in
extra modes like the arena or Kaos Doom Challenge or racing ( though I don't like the racing much as a side mode )
Element gates ( including dual element gates like in SF )
New gimmick that isn't forced, while also featuring something special for previous gimmicklanders ( SF did this remember? )
figures come with a card & sticker ( though I only really care about the cards tbh ), and NOT Battlecast cards
BOOM! and Ka-Blam! ( yeah, I consider Flynn and Tessa integral )
Story Scrolls that flesh out the lore & world of Skylands
Story Scrolls, NEW Hats, Winged Sapphires, Legendary Treasures and Soul Gems in set locations
RPG like leveling system & currency based upgrade system
a well designed portal that WORKS ( sorry Superchargers, but your portal is terrible )
a story that doesn't require reading the comics and/or other expanded universe materials
Auric's shop
heroic challenges/bonus missions/daily quests

things that I think could improve the series without new gimmicks:

level cap increase to 25 or 30
keep the path switching ability from Superchargers
Portal Master rank combining elements of SF, TT & Superchargers for leveling it & what you unlock ( unlocks should be powers imo )
option to turn off tutorials
option to completely remove cutscenes & dialogue from level replays ( solves the annoyance of waiting until it lets you skip )
new big bad, like Malefor or a completely new character ( or just for laughs, bring back Ripto lol ). Keep Kaos as an NPC for a few games
no more reposes. Total revamps like the Superchargers are okay though ( that said, I'd still prefer most if not all new characters )

Just take SSA, Giants, SF or TT and do that again. Aside from minor small things like being able to jump, there wasn't a whole lot different from game to game that made me love the series any differently than the prior one. They had it all really which is why I became such a fan.

IMO should be titled "What's an ideal Skylanders game for you?"

Anyway...

20 new characters and 8 reimagined ones.
Definitely go with reimagined Skylanders instead of just reselling us old figures with one new upgrade to purchase.
Playable villains (whether through them getting their own figures or bringing back trap compatibility).
Return of Arena and Heroic Challenges.
Online compatibility remains.
(If they decide to bring in more,) Package the Skymiibos with the new character.
Return randomized collectibles for hats and trinkets, but keep Legendary Treasures and Soul Gems confined to a level.
Return PvP, or at least introduce a similar mode to it.
Remember how Buzz had actual conversations with the Skylanders in this game? Expand on that with other NPCs.
Introduce 4-player co-op.
Keep the levels at Superchargers' length, not too short and not too long. (Without racing sections though obviously)
Make the vehicles function like the ones in Lego Dimensions.
Gorgon Skylander.
Only Eon's Elites for Air, Fire, Light, and Dark elements, to compensate for them lacking an Elite this game.
Element-exclusive gameplay powers (Like swimming for Water, digging for Earth, growing plants for Life, etc.).
Keep daily quests.
Bring in some kind of metagame.

And that's everything I can think of...

Oh, wait, most importantly:

DO NOT MAKE SPORTS THE GIMMICK.

Sports... Sports... SPORTS!?!?!? I will hunt you down if that's the next gimmick :{

Things that would be very nice to have:

• Starter Pack has NO REPOSES and at least a full gimmick set
  
• Keep doing the Eon's Elite until the entire first 32 are done. NO MORE/LESS THAN THAT
  
• All previous Adventure/Expansion/Battle/Action work in a UNLOCKING way
  
• Open world
  
• Turning off tutorials
  
• Traps still have same usage
  
• BRING BACK CARDS
  
• More postgame stuff
  

Things that should REMAIN:

• Good characters introduced
  
• Some bonus for owning a lot (like the elemental power, and preferably not an achievement)
  
• All figures function
  
• Online
  
• Difficulty levels
  
• Upgrading
  
• Leveling up (keep it at 20, nice level there)
  
• Good Soundtrack
  

Quote: AdamGregory03

IMO should be titled "What's an ideal Skylanders game for you?"

Anyway...

20 new characters and 8 reimagined ones.
Definitely go with reimagined Skylanders instead of just reselling us old figures with one new upgrade to purchase.
Playable villains (whether through them getting their own figures or bringing back trap compatibility).
Return of Arena and Heroic Challenges.
Online compatibility remains.
(If they decide to bring in more,) Package the Skymiibos with the new character.
Return randomized collectibles for hats and trinkets, but keep Legendary Treasures and Soul Gems confined to a level.
Return PvP, or at least introduce a similar mode to it.
Remember how Buzz had actual conversations with the Skylanders in this game? Expand on that with other NPCs.
Introduce 4-player co-op.
Keep the levels at Superchargers' length, not too short and not too long. (Without racing sections though obviously)
Make the vehicles function like the ones in Lego Dimensions.
Gorgon Skylander.
Only Eon's Elites for Air, Fire, Light, and Dark elements, to compensate for them lacking an Elite this game.
Element-exclusive gameplay powers (Like swimming for Water, digging for Earth, growing plants for Life, etc.).
Keep daily quests.
Bring in some kind of metagame.

And that's everything I can think of...

Oh, wait, most importantly:

DO NOT MAKE SPORTS THE GIMMICK.

I'm not that convinced about the title myself but your suggestion doesn't express what I was trying to convey.

It's not a topic about how you would like future games to be.

The point of the topic is looking back at the four games and simply decide the things which should remain in every new chapter from now on.
All the rest, whether is bad or good, it's still not something necessary to make a proper Skylanders title.

Quote: Drek95

I'm not that convinced about the title myself but your suggestion doesn't express what I was trying to convey.

It's not a topic about how you would like future games to be.

The point of the topic is looking back at the four games and simply decide the things which should remain in every new chapter from now on.
All the rest, whether is bad or good, it's still not something necessary to make a proper Skylanders title.

Oh okay, yeah, I thought this was just another "Durr what should be in Sky6" topic.

No, no, pretty sure we already have enough of those around.

A game that uses figures to interact with a video game

Quote: Bionichute

A game that uses figures to interact with a video game

That's a Toys to Life game.
Just like Infinity or Dimensions.

The first post should makes things clearer.

Between 10-20 new characters every game, each should have a unique appearance and weapons as well as a fun personality.
Try no to introduce to many things at one time.
Have a 'no cutscene' option in the main/pause menu.
Then there is the usual, good storyline, awesome NPCs, fair price etc.

Quote: Drek95

Quote: Bionichute

A game that uses figures to interact with a video game

That's a Toys to Life game.
Just like Infinity or Dimensions.

The first post should makes things clearer.

Well, that's what a Skylanders game is to me, and that's the question you posed.

Quote: weebbby

Things that would be very nice to have:

• Starter Pack has NO REPOSES and at least a full gimmick set
  
• Keep doing the Eon's Elite until the entire first 32 are done. NO MORE/LESS THAN THAT
  
• All previous Adventure/Expansion/Battle/Action work in a UNLOCKING way
  
• Open world
  
• Turning off tutorials
  
• Traps still have same usage
  
• BRING BACK CARDS
  
• More postgame stuff
  

Things that should REMAIN:

• Good characters introduced
  
• Some bonus for owning a lot (like the elemental power, and preferably not an achievement)
  
• All figures function
  
• Online
  
• Difficulty levels
  
• Upgrading
  
• Leveling up (keep it at 20, nice level there)
  
• Good Soundtrack
  

I'm pretty sure they will give all the SSA characters an Eon's Elite.

Quote: Bionichute

Quote: Drek95

Quote: Bionichute

A game that uses figures to interact with a video game

That's a Toys to Life game.
Just like Infinity or Dimensions.

The first post should makes things clearer.

Well, that's what a Skylanders game is to me, and that's the question you posed.

Well... There was a bit more to that but if you simply feel like that's the only requirement for a proper Skylanders game then I'm no one to judge.

Well, I figured I'd give a response that the topic has asked for: For me, it's more about the characters than the game itself. Not just the Skylanders and villains, but the NPCs too. Even though there are some I dislike more than others for whatever reason, I can't bring myself to hate a single character in these games. Not even Headwick.

And another thing is, Infinity and Dimensions surely have an advantage with using popular characters that they know people will want to buy, but the problem with that is eventually, you run out of characters to use. All the characters in Skylanders (aside from Spyro and Cynder of course) are original. Like, what other game lets you play as an artichoke with a tomato bazooka, or a rat that swings around a boulder that's just as big as him?

Every time a new character is revealed/leaked, we're always guessing how they're going to play or what their abilities are going to be until we see some gameplay of them. Not the case with those other games, because we'd already have a general idea of how they'd play.

So, to me, as long as there are good characters, I'll be happy.

But all that stuff I mentioned in my previous post would be pretty good too.

I don't know how to explain what makes it Skylanders for me. I just gotta be able to see that authentic Skylanders feel when its shown.

Quote: AdamGregory03

Well, I figured I'd give a response that the topic has asked for: For me, it's more about the characters than the game itself. Not just the Skylanders and villains, but the NPCs too. Even though there are some I dislike more than others for whatever reason, I can't bring myself to hate a single character in these games. Not even Headwick.

And another thing is, Infinity and Dimensions surely have an advantage with using popular characters that they know people will want to buy, but the problem with that is eventually, you run out of characters to use. All the characters in Skylanders (aside from Spyro and Cynder of course) are original. Like, what other game lets you play as an artichoke with a tomato bazooka, or a rat that swings around a boulder that's just as big as him?

Every time a new character is revealed/leaked, we're always guessing how they're going to play or what their abilities are going to be until we see some gameplay of them. Not the case with those other games, because we'd already have a general idea of how they'd play.

So, to me, as long as there are good characters, I'll be happy.

But all that stuff I mentioned in my previous post would be pretty good too.

I agree in some parts with you. Yeah, the greatest advantage of Skylanders against other Toys-to-Life series is the original characters. But the thing of running out of ideas is not always true. Like, there will be more Disney/Marvel/Lucasfilm properties created trough the time (and we have plenty of then right now), and Lego will have more characters created/licensed (and we have plenty not used by now). So, it depends of the companies represented in the games.

Quote: AdamGregory03

Well, I figured I'd give a response that the topic has asked for: For me, it's more about the characters than the game itself. Not just the Skylanders and villains, but the NPCs too. Even though there are some I dislike more than others for whatever reason, I can't bring myself to hate a single character in these games. Not even Headwick.

And another thing is, Infinity and Dimensions surely have an advantage with using popular characters that they know people will want to buy, but the problem with that is eventually, you run out of characters to use. All the characters in Skylanders (aside from Spyro and Cynder of course) are original. Like, what other game lets you play as an artichoke with a tomato bazooka, or a rat that swings around a boulder that's just as big as him?

Every time a new character is revealed/leaked, we're always guessing how they're going to play or what their abilities are going to be until we see some gameplay of them. Not the case with those other games, because we'd already have a general idea of how they'd play.

So, to me, as long as there are good characters, I'll be happy.

But all that stuff I mentioned in my previous post would be pretty good too.

At first I thought I would have been fine with any game as long as it would have had new characters to play with and forward compatibility... But SWAP Force made me understand there needs to be a good balance between toys and in-game content both in terms of quality and quantity.

Skylanders is more than just a videogame where toys come to life: it has it's own gameplay, mechanics and specific "language".

Couldn't agree more about what you said about playable characters though.
It's like you literally read my mind.

Yeah, Disney, Nintendo and LEGO can keep coming up with new characters but they will stil be nothing compared to a brand new never seen before original creature with its own personality, moveset and upgrades, toy-wise.
SuperChargers didn't really had much to reveal in terms of characters but it was still fun to speculate and try to catch new characters each time it was possible (anyone remember Smash Hit's mystery? ).

Pikachu is a great character but you'd obviously totally expect his moveset.
Looking at Blackout, would you expect him to be able to create blackholes, use a saw attack, shoot dark orbs, teleport and create gravity anomalies around him...?

I wouldn't.

Quote: Drek95

Quote: AdamGregory03

Well, I figured I'd give a response that the topic has asked for: For me, it's more about the characters than the game itself. Not just the Skylanders and villains, but the NPCs too. Even though there are some I dislike more than others for whatever reason, I can't bring myself to hate a single character in these games. Not even Headwick.

And another thing is, Infinity and Dimensions surely have an advantage with using popular characters that they know people will want to buy, but the problem with that is eventually, you run out of characters to use. All the characters in Skylanders (aside from Spyro and Cynder of course) are original. Like, what other game lets you play as an artichoke with a tomato bazooka, or a rat that swings around a boulder that's just as big as him?

Every time a new character is revealed/leaked, we're always guessing how they're going to play or what their abilities are going to be until we see some gameplay of them. Not the case with those other games, because we'd already have a general idea of how they'd play.

So, to me, as long as there are good characters, I'll be happy.

But all that stuff I mentioned in my previous post would be pretty good too.

At first I thought I would have been fine with any game as long as it would have had new characters to play with and forward compatibility... But SWAP Force made me understand there needs to be a good balance between toys and in-game content both in terms of quality and quantity.

Skylanders is more than just a videogame where toys come to life: it has it's own gameplay, mechanics and specific "language".

Couldn't agree more about what you said about playable characters though.
It's like you literally read my mind.

Yeah, Disney, Nintendo and LEGO can keep coming up with new characters but they will stil be nothing compared to a brand new never seen before original creature with its own personality, moveset and upgrades, toy-wise.
SuperChargers didn't really had much to reveal in terms of characters but it was still fun to speculate and try to catch new characters each time it was possible (anyone remember Smash Hit's mystery? ).

Pikachu is a great character but you'd obviously totally expect his moveset.
Looking at Blackout, would you expect him to be able to create blackholes, use a saw attack, shoot dark orbs, teleport and create gravity anomalies around him...?

I wouldn't.

Not to mention Pokemon don't get their own, unique movesets. Instead they learn moves that can also be used my other Pokemon. For example Charizard and Houndoom both learn fire type attacks because they are fire type Pokemon.

Granted some have signature moves like Lucario with Aura Sphere, but it's not a move ONLY Lucario can know. a multitude of other Pokemon can learn it.

Yeah, and maybe Pikachu wasn't the best example from that point of view.

Just take Buzz: you'd expect him to shoot his laser, be really fast and athletic and possibly use other futuristic weapons.

Now tell me how much actual moves you would guess only from Pop Thorn or Fist Bump's designs for example.
I'd guess thorn shooting and fist slamming but wouldn't expect the inflate/deflate mechanic nor the ability to create and control cracks.

Here we go. Great question by the way, thanks Drek.
The game needs to remain child friendly. I think that it needs to keep its kid feel. It has been suggested above that it could get darker, but there are enough games that have that feel that heading that way with this one seems wrong.
I agree with the upgrade/level idea whole heartedly, I finished trap team with my wife this weekend and by putting fling kong on for treasure chests he had all his upgrades by level 3.
I like the puzzles. It forces you to use your mind and think several move ahead. Though there are some that should be backed off a bit for expediency (in Trap Team).
I like the idea of more characters, but maybe only 1 for each element. It seems as if the remakes are going to supplant the originals in actual game play time due to necessity, and then who cares about forward compatibility.
I enjoy PvP. Either arena style or racing with the new game. I should be able to school my children from time to time.
An open world concept sound interesting and I would love it as would my kids (a la infinity), but I think a younger audience than me at "forty whatever" would get frustrated by the confused direction.
Lastly, I think the play options that existed in Swap Force should be maintained. There is a ton to do in that game after you complete the adventure.
The only caviat to any of this is that I have yet to play SuperChargers. It is a Christmas gift for the family.
Thanks again Drek

No problem, happy someone is still finding this topic to be useful!

Those are all great points and while I'd prefer at least 2 characters per Element (except maybe Light and Dark) I could accept a game with just 10 new Skylanders.

The reason why I dislike that choice in SuperChargers is that I hate how they decided to replace 10 others potentially new Skylanders with 8 revamps and 2 console exclusive figures; that and the fact I have the suspicion vehicles replaced characters as well.

10 new Skylanders is fine as long as it's really just 10 new Skylanders.
Would help focus much more on the game to make it a fantastic experience.

Perfect Skylanders game.

- Uses the same graphics as VV's Skylanders game (higher texture quality)
- Online campaign
- Online PVP
- Permanent stat boosts gained from Bonus Missions/Heroic Challenges
- 6 Adventure Packs annually, released in October, December, February, April, June, August which means there is replayability leading up to the release of each new game
- At least 16 new figures a year
- 8 Returning favorites a year, be it Series 2/3/4 or Series 5
- Skylanders Tutor in every game, allowing the changing of upgrade paths
- Exploration always valued
- Soul Gems, Treasure Chests, Legendary Treasure, Winged Sapphires, and Hats in preset locations and well hidden
- Every future game valuing one's collection by adding in Elemental Gates, Dual Elemental Gates, Giant areas (Feat of Strength), Swap Zones, Traptanium Crystals, and Vehicle areas, plus whatever new gameplay style is introduced per game
- Beefed up speed on all Skylanders (nobody likes a slow moving Skylander)
- Bonus Missions and or Heroic Challeneges
- Survival Mode (VV's wave/multiplier version not Brock's Survival Arenas)
- Score Mode
- Time Attack
- Nightmare selectable from the start ala VV's Skylander games
- Lengthy campaign
- All past location items unlock their respective level in each new game (to add to longevity)

Quote: Wally-Gang

It seems as if the remakes are going to supplant the originals in actual game play time due to necessity, and then who cares about forward compatibility.

Have to disagree just with that. Many people care about forward compatibility.

Quote: Crash10

Quote: Wally-Gang

It seems as if the remakes are going to supplant the originals in actual game play time due to necessity, and then who cares about forward compatibility.

Have to disagree just with that. Many people care about forward compatibility.

I think you misunderstand my point. Example of what I mean: you get a new stealth elf with this game. Her gameplay is significantly different from earlier versions. The new one "supercharges" the helicopter which has been released for sale already (wave 1 I think), and sooner or later you need a sky vehicle anyway. With all this going for the new one, how likely are you to play with the Series 1? In this case forward compatibility is not that important.

Quote: Wally-Gang

Quote: Crash10

Quote: Wally-Gang

It seems as if the remakes are going to supplant the originals in actual game play time due to necessity, and then who cares about forward compatibility.

Have to disagree just with that. Many people care about forward compatibility.

I think you misunderstand my point. Example of what I mean: you get a new stealth elf with this game. Her gameplay is significantly different from earlier versions. The new one "supercharges" the helicopter which has been released for sale already (wave 1 I think), and sooner or later you need a sky vehicle anyway. With all this going for the new one, how likely are you to play with the Series 1? In this case forward compatibility is not that important.

I think that forward compatibility is not important in case a figure has a Series 2 or something. But, in case of the revamps, it's important. Maybe I prefer the Stealth Elf's classic gameplay instead of Super Shot gameplay. Just an example. And there are many figures that don't receive new figures. So, in this case, it's important too.

Wait a second though.
Even if a character receives a S2/3/4/5 with a simple Wow Pow it wouldn't still justify dropping the support of his/her older versions.

If they ever try to convince us "we have to buy that specific version of a Skylander to play it in the new game" then I might think about leaving the series.
But I thing we are getting worried about nothing: I didntinctly remember them discussing the likely possibility of using Cloud functionalities to solve memory issues.

That way they could introduce even 100 brand new characters per game and still not impact the overall content in terms of weight.

Quote: Drek95

Wait a second though.
Even if a character receives a S2/3/4/5 with a simple Wow Pow it wouldn't still justify dropping the support of his/her older versions.

If they ever try to convince us "we have to buy that specific version of a Skylander to play it in the new game" then I might think about leaving the series.
But I thing we are getting worried about nothing: I didntinctly remember them discussing the likely possibility of using Cloud functionalities to solve memory issues.

That way they could introduce even 100 brand new characters per game and still not impact the overall content in terms of weight.

I agree, but that was not my point. The new stealth elf is superior to all previous versions for this game based on the parameters of this game. Of course you should be able to play any older versions as long as you are on board with the idea that some things will not work in the same way as with the new one. For the 10 remade characters the appeal will be to use the new ones vs. an older version with "limited" skills. In this instance a better route might have been vehicles that react to the older versions of the same character and no new re-vamps. Just me thinking out loud.
By the way, I forgot to mention that I cannot wait to play triple power Dino-Rang. Oh yeah!

Oh, in that case yes.
It would give people more freedom to choose the moveset for their favorite characters.

Though I would still prefer if they stopped here with revamps.
They can keep doing S2/3 but should come up with new Skylanders if they find any good new gameplay idea.

^ right on. And thanks again, love sharing and discussing the "philosophy of Skylandering".

You're welcome!
It's interesting to see how we basically think the same in terms of basic and fundamental features.

This means Skylanders has been able to create a strong identity around itself: it's no more a game where you put your toys on a platform to play as thousands of crazy characters, it's something deeper.

Anyone remember when a kid in a commercial just slams down ONE character and starts playing AS THAT CHARACTER totally immersed? I miss that. last two games have involved more plastic on portal. need to go back to the basic premise, BUT expand the gameplay that made this franchise awesome with new features IN THE GAME.

-More chapters and extra challenges for us OCD players to stay busy after beating the game.
-Bring back PvP!!!!!!!
-Enhancing your characters. Upgrades of course, but more stat boosts. Heroic challenges were too time consuming, but Swap Force's charms were attached to the console and took away from the fun of investing in your characters and kicking but in PvP. And hats were too numerous and most didn't give such noticeable boosts.
-Custom figures would be cool, like a dragon that you design online and and purchase to be mailed. It would be cool to choose from different wing styles, heads, bodies, paint color schemes, weapons, elements, attacks/paths, etc.