skylandersimaginators
Latest
'Skylanders' learns what Amiibo knew all along: Drop the portal
The paradigm for toys-to-life games is well-established: one part kid-friendly video game, one part expensive, collectible figurines -- and a tethered NFC "portal" that ties them together. When Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure introduced this model in 2011, it sparked a new genre in gaming -- bringing about the rise and fall of Disney Infinity, the nostalgic brand licensing of LEGO Dimensions and even inspired Nintendo to launch its own line of NFC gaming collectibles. In fact, with the exception of Nintendo, all of these brands followed Skylanders' tethered-portal model. On the Nintendo Switch, however, the game that started it all is taking the Amiibo approach.
3D print your own 'Skylanders' hero with the Creator app
With Disney Infinity on its way out, it's down to Skylanders and Lego Dimensions to maintain the toys-to-life dream. Skylanders is the oldest of the two and this year, its new gimmick is the ability to create custom "Imaginator" heroes. Which sounds great, except there's an obvious problem -- the point of the franchise is to collect physical figurines too. How is that possible with player-created characters? Well, today Activision Blizzard has the answer: Creator, a mobile app which lets you order 3D-printed versions. They'll be available in "limited quantities," however, so you'll need act fast if you want to immortalise your handiwork.
'Skylanders Imaginators' lets you create your own heroes
Just because Disney is calling it quits on Infinity doesn't mean that the era of collectible-driven video games is over. Activision has unveiled Skylanders Imaginators, and its centerpiece is the ability to create your own hero using a wide array of body parts and gear. At last, you're no longer limited to whatever the developers can dream up. You won't get a real-world figurine that matches your exact character, unfortunately, but there will be "Creation Crystals" you can buy to bring your champion to other consoles.
