Skylanders Giants Starter Kit - Nintendo Wii Review

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program Each time me and my son venture to Target, we pass by the video game aisle and see the big Skylanders display. And he is always curious about them but as a parent, I try to move as quick as I can away from the area. Mainly because he was into Pokemon and we purchased every DVD, stuff animal and cards and he suddenly felt it was not cool or he couldn't interact with the stuffed animals.

But he would see the Skylanders commercials and try to tell me about it but to tell you the truth, the "collect them all" aspect, kind of scared the heck out of me because they are not exactly cheap.

But through a lot of cajoling, it was time for my son to give "Skylanders Giants Starter Kit" a try and he absolutely loves it!

Let's take a look on what the Starter Kit is all about!

I. INSIDE THE BOX

Video Game

Portal

Jet-Vac (Air)

Cynder (Undead Series 2)

Tree Rex (Life)

Poster

Cards for each character and stickers with codes

II. WHAT IS SKYLANDERS?

Sylanders are legendary heroes and the champions in the world of Skylands. Their mission is to protect the Skylands and its magical Core of Light.

Each Skylander has a unique elemental ability...Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Life, Undead, Magic and Tech. And each has their positives and weaknesses. So, Fire is weak against Water, Earth is weak against Air, etc. So, it's good to alternate which Skylander to use in battle.

So, far there are two video games:

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (released in October 2011)

Skylanders: Giants (released in October 2012)

In 2012, the Skylanders was the third most profitable game in North America and Europe and over 30 million Skylander toys have been sold worldwide.

III. INSTALLATION AND GAMEPLAY

Portal connects to Wii through the USB. When you begin the game on story mode, you immediately can select which character you want to use by putting the Skylander on the portal.

This is very intriguing because certain Skylanders can perform certain tasks. For example, Jet-Vac has the ability to use a weapon that sucks things up or shoots, Cynder has the power to shoot a bolt or rush while Tree Rex is a giant that can lift heavy objects.

So, while on adventures, you are taught how to use the Wii controls and for certain tasks, my son was able to figure out which character to use.

And the adventures are not violent. It's more or less making your children decide which characters are best to use in different situations. They interact with other people and things from different lands and the game is really not violent.

The characters take on various monsters and like a Role Playing Game (RPG), they can level up their characters and have to watch its HP (life) and XP magic and by collecting treasure and other items, they can use the money to upgrade their character and make them stronger or have better elemental powers.

While the characters can die in the game, they can easily come back but after waiting a short time. So, fortunately, you with the Starter Kit, you have three Skylanders to use.

The game can be played up to 2-players, but it would have been amazing to have an online co-op mode.

Parents will probably learn from their children that throughout the game, there are videos that showcase other Skylanders and what they can do in battle. So, if your child is playing this game and ask if you can buy this character, don't be surprised. Especially when they see what these characters can do and what they look like (thanks to the poster that is included).

As for Skylanders, it's around the holidays, so I saw that some retail stores sell them for under $9 for one. But on Amazon, they average around $15, so you may want to do your research on pricing and where you can find the best prices for Skylanders. Also, the Skylanders can be used on the Wii, Xbox 360 or PS3 version of the game. But if you buy a kit which comes with game, for example, if you a buy a Wii version, that game can be used only on a Wii.

GRAPHICS/AQ:

While I only have the Wii version of this game, it's pretty much a given that the higher powered consoles such as the PS3, XB360, WiiU will have better picture quality. Not so sure about the 3DS but you do see some pixelation and banding on the Wii, but I doubt younger children will care. But on the Wii, graphics are good. But if you want better, PQ or AQ...you may want to go for the PS3, XB360 or WiiU version. The game is also available on the Nintendo 3DS.

CONTROLS:

My son had no problem using the Wiimote and the Wii Nunchuku. Movement is controlled through the Nunchaku and use of the Wiimote allows for interactivity. For example, shaking the Wiimote using Tree Rex allows him to pick up a rock and throw it. There are no difficult movements, so childre around 8 years old or older should have no problems.

JUDGMENT CALL:

I can see why "Skylanders" has become a popular series and the idea of allowing children to switch their characters anytime through battle by placing the Skylander on the portal is fantastic! So, for children, parents can purchase more Skylanders not only as collectible items for children (which will retain its resale value on Amazon or another auction site if your children is no longer interested in playing it in the next few months).

The Wii version is more interactive as children must use movement to use a Skylander as opposed by everything done on by a click on a button.

And the game is easy enough for children to pick up and play (my child usually gets so frustrated that he quits playing a game if it's too difficult, but he happens to love "Skylanders Giants" a lot!!!).

So, with the holiday season now here and if you are reading this review and wondering if it's worth buying, Considering that these Skylander toys are $15 each, you get three of them, plus the game and its portal for around $70. It is pricey and if your kids want to collect each Skylander, it will get even pricier. It's also important to note that older characters do not get the upgrades like these newer characters do. So, it's best to focus on the Skylander giants toys not last year's Skylander: Spyro's Adventures toys.

I know there are some parents who will look at the price of this game and debate with themselves if they should spend nearly $70-80 for this set. Games are expensive and for "Skylanders Giants Starter Kit", it's a different kind of game because the toys can easily be used in a video game for battle. There is really no other game like it right now.

But while I'm not going to tell you that it's worth your $70-$80 (since I'm fiscally conservative as it is), I will say that my son absolutely loved this game. It was the first real video game that is not Mario, Lego or Angry Birds related that he really enjoyed and the fact that the characters do not die completely and can come back, makes things much more appealing.

But it's the fact that they have control over the characters they can use during battle or during their adventures, that makes this game very appealing for children, boy or girl.

But it's important to let parents know that once you get into this game, expect your children to want to purchase more Skylanders. Especially since certain areas require certain characters (of different elements). So, the gameplay continues... at a cost.

Overall, "Skylanders Giants Starter Kit" is a fantastic innovative game for children. While children will love it, parents will know that the game is slightly expensive and unlike other games, this one is built around utilizing other characters to also interact with the game for extra gameplay and replayabilty.

If you are looking for a Christmas or birthday gift that will make them happy and they are really wanting this kit/video game. My son absolutely loves this game and it's a game that isn't too difficult where he wants to quit or start crying and I like that. And because it includes this cool looking portal, toys that can appear in a video game and he has control over which character to use at any given point of time during the game, the fact that he's enjoying it and having so much fun, makes it worthwhile to me as a parent.

So, while it is a great game...I know for many parents, it all comes down to cost and if you are budget conscious...this is game you probably don't want. But for those who are willing to give it a try, I can tell you that it's definitely worth it!

"Skylanders Giants Starter Kit" is definitely recommended!

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program I don't know about you, but my household became consumed with Skylanders in 2012. It was not just a game, it was an obsession AND a collection. To the tune of hundreds of dollars, we grabbed every character that became available (and that wasn't always easy as Activision didn't do a great job in the supply department). So I was both excited by the prospect of Skylanders Giants and fearful of the financial commitment necessary to supply a whole new chapter of adventures. Despite my love of the game, I wasn't sure I wanted to go down this route again. But when I had an opportunity to get an early copy of the Skylanders Giants Starter Kit, I simply couldn't resist. Let me just cut to the chase before providing a more detailed analysis. If you loved Skylanders, this provides more of the same with some cool new features. More of a continuation than a re-imagining, this won't disappoint fans of the original because it sticks closely to the winning formula that made the original game a cultural phenomenon. Having had the game for a little over a day, we have played it relentlessly and beyond all reason! The game in story mode seems too short, I'll be honest.

The initial offering of the game has been released in two versions:

(1) Skylanders Giants Starter Kit: This includes the game, a portal of power (not necessary to re-purchase, your portal from the original Skylanders works here as well), one new Giant figure Tree Rex (a life element), one regular size new figure Jet Vac (an air element), and one reposed figure Cynder (a death element). There is also the new character poster, the trading cards for the new figures, and some stickers.

(2) Skylanders Giants Portal Owner Pack: This includes the game and Tree Rex only and is designed for those that do not wish to purchase a second portal.

Gameplay: Skylanders Giants operates on the same story mode principles as the first game. You are still battling Kaos who is always good for some great villainous comedy! Vocal talent like Patrick Warburton returns and there are new voices like George Takei and Bobcat Goldthwait. The game, honestly, feels a little skimpy at 16 chapters as opposed to the original's 22 (before expansion packs). Running straight through, you could probably finish this game very quickly. There are, however, more collectibles (soul gems, hats, treasures) and more items to buy. Some of the challenges are a bit more difficult as are the Big Boss battles. But the addition of Giants to these confrontations is a nice boost of power.

Extras: There still exists a Battle mode for those that like to pit their characters against one another in different arenas of chance and skill. And the Heroic Challenges (one of my favorite aspects of the original Skylanders) has some great new twists and challenges.

Giants: The Giants certainly look cool. They are bigger (duh!) and Tree Rex is pretty awesome. They light up on the portal unlike previous characters and are able to smash through things, stomp around creating more havoc and opening up surprising new pathways, and performing other strength maneuvers that help you proceed. In many cases, they can do damage that you previously needed a bomb to accomplish. There will be a total of eight new Giants figures: Swarm, Crusher, Bouncer, Tree Rex (already available) AND Eye Brawl, Ninjini, Thumpback, and Hot Head (yet to be released).

Old Figurines: The new game recognizes all of the progress that you have already earned on your initial figures. I was afraid that they would feel obsolete, but they have also gotten an increase in levels. The initial Skylanders capped them at level ten, now they have been expanded to 15 levels (so you can progress them to new powers).

New Regular-sized Figurines: There are eight new character figures (Pop Fizz, Chill, Flashwing, Sprocket, Hot Dog, Shroom Boom, Jet Vac and Fright Rider) with a couple of new features as well as new reposed characters featured already in the first game (they are distinguished as Series 2 on packaging) that light up (like the Giants) with these same new features and a Smart Bomb attack mode.

I love Skylanders, it's just a fact. I might have hoped that this new incarnation might have taken a few more chances and varied the game play. I might also have hoped it was longer and more intricate. But it is solidly entertaining. Just be cautious, as in the original--the soul gems will convince your kids that they need more, more, and even more. While it doesn't look like the financial commitment will hit as deeply this time around, it is still a sizable investment for avid collectors or completists. KGHarris, 10/12.

Best Deals for Skylanders Giants Starter Kit - Nintendo Wii

I picked up the game with my five-year-old last week on launch day and we are thoroughly enjoying playing it. It's as much( or more) fun as the first and we love the new levels and characters we've played so far. I'm writing this because of the rampant misinformation in the game stores.

We bought the starter kit because the sales reps at 2 different Gamestops told us the old wireless portal had compatibility issues with the new game and figures. One guy said the Lightcore figures would not illuminate and the other guy affirmed it and added that you cannot play a legacy Skylander figure and a new giant on the old portal. I did some basic research without finding confirmation of this and figured for the small price difference and extra characters, I'd try the new Starter Kit. We currently own around 8 or 9 legacy figures and the old portal.

The Gamestop reps were wrong. I have tried both the new, wired portal, and the old, wireless portal. THERE ARE NO NEGATIVE DIFFERENCES IN NEW GAMEPLAY PERFORMANCE WITH THE OLD PORTAL AND THE NEW GAME. The Gamestop guys were wrong! The new portal, however, is hard-wired to the game system and uses no batteries vs the original which is wirelessly connected and requires 3 AAA batteries. Also the new portal stays illuminated always, even with the Wii turned off as well as the Lightcore character. The old portal seems to have more solid build quality and better detail too. Finally we had many problems switching characters during game play with the new, wired portal and we would get an alert to contact Activision for support. The old portal is not doing this.

Bottom line: If you have the legacy game, characters and portal buy the Portal Owners game, regardless of what the game store rep tells you, unless you want the added characters Jet-Vac and Cynder. Jet-Vac is pretty cool though! (2 extra characters= $15, neither is a Lightcore.) Please post questions below and I will do my best to answer> :)

Honest reviews on Skylanders Giants Starter Kit - Nintendo Wii

My kids love Skylanders and so do we!

I have a 5 and 6 year oldWhile, the game may not very educational, it is very fun (even for us grown-ups).

The quality of this game from figures to the actual game is amazing-

From a gaming point of view this game has so much room to grow that the kids have hours worth of play and still are excited about the game. We tried other games like pokemon and my 6 year old had a hard time navigating trough the game without me standing behind him the whole time.

Yes, it can be expensive.. but I am a firm believer that my kids have to work for what they getand with all the excitement even a year laterthis is the perfect encouragement.

I think the starter kit is the way to go-

1. the initial 15 dollars more will save you on batteries (new portal does not need them).

2. You get 2 extra Giant Figures that are prices anywhere from 14.9920 dollars-

Money making scheme or notKids love it-

I have to give kudos to the creators of Skylanders for coming out with a game

that cant be pirated (which is probably the reason for the cost)

that gives the kids hours worth of entertainment-

gives them something to look and touch.

and gives me a a tool encouragement for great behavior-

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Skylanders Giants Starter Kit - Nintendo Wii

I purchased the Wii version game for my son at Christmas, 2012.

We played this game together, and I purchased him a number of figures.

At some point in March, the game hung (stopped working) and was frozen, while making a tone.

Since that time, it has gotten more and more unstable.

So, I attempted to seek support from Activision.

First, the phone: After selecting your problem, they offer to let you listen to an explanation, and if it does not help, they say -we have disabled your ability to talk to a support agent. Goodbye. If you select a question not suggested in the list, you get the same result. You can try it yourself if you like. Call Activision support at (310) 255-2050 and let me know if you get something different.

Next, I try to post to the forums. Here's what I post:

"We've played this game since Christmas. In the beginning it was bug-free.

Then one day we got an absolute freeze with a tone. Coming back afterward ulimately involved a couple of plugin joysticks, just to get the thing to come off hard freeze and take wiimote inputs.

While it came back, it got more or less unstable. I deleted the profile, and that doesn't seem to have helped. In this latest retry, almost no Skylanders will come up.

The instructions for "Fix broken toy" haven't proven useable. I suppose it's a WII-only thing where the reset stuff appears in the minus button under management, rather than under game settings. Under this system you still have the issue where if a toy won't appear, you can't reset it."

The forum says that I am attempting to post spam.

Then I try to create a return.

I post much the same in the return form, and it won't allow me to confirm (the final step of the process).

I will be reporting these people to the consumer protection office of attorney general of my state (PA). I wish I could post screenshots of this nonsense, because I could never believe product support would purposely be this bad.