Skylanders Trap Team Research: Thunderbolt Upgrades and Attack Damage Numbers

Thunderbolt Base Upgrades

Thunderbolt Power Conductor Upgrade Path

Thunderbolt I of the Storm Upgrade Path

Thunderbolt Attack Damage

(Click to Enlarge)

SkylanderClub.com Link (Click)

Skylanders Trap Team Wave 4 Unboxings

Well, Wave 4 came with a bang!  I got a surprise delivery on St. Patrick's Day (made it one of the best in my opinion) and the insanity began: Thunderbolt, Shortcut, Rocky Roll, High Five, Bat Spin, Echo, and the Easter Skylanders (Easter Bunny Earth Trap, Power Punch Pet Vac, and of course Eggsellent Weeruptor).  I got their unboxings cranked out and began work on the Introductions and Upgrades...

Then, Mario Party 10 hit with a new line of Super Mario Amiibo AND I was able to land Blackout and Spotlight.  Needless to say, things have been VERY busy.  As such, I am going to just compile all the recent Skylander Unboxing vids here for your convenience.  You can also find stand alone posts on the Skylander Club Forum, or by taking the link at the top of each description box.

I hope to eventually update them with my usual format (FAQ and Card Stats etc).  For now, I'm quite busy and content running thru Introductions and Upgrades for all thsese great new Skylanders!

Skylanders Trap Team Unboxing Blackout

Skylanders Trap Team Unboxing Spotlight

Skylanders Trap Team Unboxing Thunderbolt

Skylanders Trap Team Unboxing Shortcut

Skylanders Trap Team Unboxing Rocky Roll

Skylanders Trap Team Unboxing Bat Spin

Skylanders Trap Team Unboxing High Five

Skylanders Trap Team Unboxing Echo

Skylanders Trap Team Unboxing Power Punch Pet Vac

Skylanders Trap Team Unboxing Eggsellent Weeruptor

Skylanders Trap Team Unboxing Easter Bunny Earth  Trap

Wildfire & Dark Wildfire Upgrade Paths

Wildfire Base Upgrades

Wildfire Shield Slasher Upgrade Path

Dark Wildfire Chain Champion

Wildfire Attack Damage Numbers

(Click to Enlarge)

Wildfire is one of those rare characters where one path really seems to be superior to the other.  That is so much so the case with Shield Slasher over Chain Champion, that I think I will reset my Dark Wildfire and take him down Shield Slasher as well.

Shield Slasher is portrayed as a trio of combo moves.  You get a bash, spin, and slam.  However, each one of these upgrades also increases the damage numbers associated with the base Traptanium Shield Bash!  It takes the already potent Shield Bash and elevates it to juggernaut numbers.

Chain Champion is unique, but it begs to question why you would want to "pull in" 5 enemies at the same time that you'll have to work hard to kill with your Shield Bash limited to 1 upgrade "Hotter Heat Shield."  The attack damage increase across this path is so small compared to Extra Chains in the base upgrade tier that you have to question if it is worth taking regardless of your tactics.  Your "wider" area is also taken back some due to the constraint of "only 5 enemies."  But again, why bring in 5 enemies the Chains won't kill on the way only to get overwhelmed by them?  It isn't an issue on easy difficulty settings, but I can imagine it wouldn't be pretty in Nightmare Mode.

It is certainly plausible that you could fend enemies off with Hotter Heat Shield, but comparing it to Shield Slasher will leave you disappointed.  Plus, when you take Shield Slasher you can still pull in 3 enemies if that is your cup of tea, and make quicker work of them.  Blazing Breath (Fire Roar) is cool, but the unidirectional line of fire and inability to move coupled with the slow attack time makes it more of a hindrance than benefit (I still think it is cool though, and really would have liked to see the Soul Gem make use of a final enhancement).

Oh, and speaking of the Soul Gem, it is unique, but not practical.  If you happen to incidentally delve into it you can unleash some significant damage, but it is really more of a "look what Wildfire CAN do" as opposed to, "I'm going to burn thru this field of enemies."  Oh, and just in case you needed more reason to take Shield Slasher, it also grants higher damage to the Soul Gem abilities.

Yep, pretty one sided.  My official endorsement for players of all skill levels is Shield Slasher.  Chain Champion isn't bad, but it is well short of what you get with Shield Slasher.

Skylanders Giants Playthrough

Skylanders Giants Blind Playthrough

Video Playlist Below

Direct Link to YouTube Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWU7DXRZFRMvaM5ShyAkX0D5vlJaUcRgs

*Please Note, Due to Load Times on 100+ Videos, it is easier to just take the above link.*

Well here it is on Halloween.  10 days ago at this time I was trying to piece a strategy together to pick up Skylanders and land the characters I was hoping for (Granite Crusher, Legendary Bouncer etc).  I've been really busy, but have managed to get a few unboxings uploaded.

That said, I have already started recording the Giants Playthrough.  As of typing this, I have Part 11 editing and am about to start uploading all the other parts (just edited Parts 3-10 this evening/tonight).

I warned early on that the playthrough's first few videos could be somewhat meandering...as fate would have it that is exactly what happened.  Right after the opening cut scene we were thrust into Chapter 1...After wrapping up Ch. 1 we found ourselves in Chapter 2.  This made things a bit more complicated than I had intended and kind of altered my plans.

With that under my belt, I have kind of found a point of equilibrium here.  After the chaos that was the initial recordings, I spent the next few videos just trying to address what characters work, how they show up in the game, what their stats are compared to their counterparts, Wow Pow, LightCore, etc.

Luckily, in Part 6 we kind of got the ball rolling and I think the meandering and rambling will kind of stay in the past.

The plan right now is to take things just like we did in Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure, which is just how they come.  If I go in tonight and record Chapter 3 and 4 and then run to the store and find Sprocket, Flashwing, and Hot Head I will introduce them all, take on their heroic challenges, and then proceed to Chapter 5.  It isn't the way I'd like to do it, but it is the only way to really keep a continuous story line in my opinion.

For people following the playthrough, I want you to see a new character (Sprocket) etc get introduced.  I don't want you to have to watch the next Chapter and wonder why you didn't know I had gotten Sprocket or Hot Head etc.

This keeps things on par with a true blind playthrough.  I don't know what is coming next and neither do you...it makes things more interesting.  I'll probably complete all the levels and then go back to pick up missed items, but this strategy may vary...

Similarly, if anyone is directly opposed to "taking things as they come," fear not!  My ultimate plan is to beat the game and then record a walkthrough in Nightmare Mode.  Since you have to defeat Kaos to unlock Nightmare Mode, I figured the best thing to do was make this one fun and free-styled and kind of stick to business on the other...Hopefully everyone will like it.

Nonetheless, enough rambling...Let's get started with the playthrough!

 I will basically embed the vids here on the blog (they will almost all link to this post), and I will have a bit more detail here than in the description.

Stay tuned as I will post the videos here...I'll also put a priority on answering questions posted here on the blog over YouTube, Twitter, Google +, and Facebook.

Skylanders Giants: Part 1

Skylanders Giants: Part 2

Skylanders Giants: Part 3

Skylanders Giants: Part 4

Skylanders Giants: Part 5

Skylanders Giants: Part 6

Skylanders Giants: Part 7

Skylanders Giants: Part 8 

Skylanders Giants: Part 9

Skylanders Giants: Part 10

Skylanders Giants: Part 11

Skylanders Giants: Part 12

Skylanders Giants: Part 13

Skylanders Giants: Part 14

Skylanders Giants: Part 15

Skylanders Giants: Part 16

Skylanders Giants: Part 17

Skylanders Giants: Part 18

Skylanders Giants: Part 19

Skylanders Giants: Part 20

Skylanders Giants: Part 21

Skylanders Giants: Part 22

Skylanders Giants: Part 23

Skylanders Giants: Part 24

Skylanders Giants Part 25

Skylanders Giants Part 26: Stump Smash Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Stump Smash

Life Element, Series 2 Repose

Slogan: “Drop the Hammer!”

In-Game Stats:

-Max Health 340

-Speed 43

-Armor 30

-Critical Hit 20

-Elemental Power 25

Heroic Challenge “Mission Achomplished”

+3 Armor

Skylanders Giants Part 27: Gill Grunt Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Gill Grunt

Water Element, Series 2 Repose

Slogan: “Fin for the win!”

In-Game Stats:

-Max Health 270

-Speed 35

-Armor 6

-Critical Hit 50

-Elemental Power 25

Heroic Challenge “Jailbreak!”

+3 Armor

Skylanders Giants Part 28: Flashwing Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Flashwing

Earth Element, New Skylander

Slogan: “Blinded by the Light!”

In-Game Stats:

-Max Health 260

-Speed 43

-Armor 24

-Critical Hit 10

-Elemental Power 25

Heroic Challenge:  “Flame Pirates on Ice”

+5 Elemental Power

Part 29 Double Trouble Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Magic Element, Series 2 Repose

Slogan “Boom-Shakalaka!”

In-Game Stats:

-Max Health 250

-Speed 35

-Armor 18

-Critical Hit 50

-Elemental Power 25

Heroic Challenge “You Break It, You Buy It”

+5 Critical Hit

WARNING This is Tough.

Part 30 LightCore Jet-Vac Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Air Element, New Skylander, LC

Slogan “Hawk and Awe!”

In-Game Stats:

-Max Health 240

-Speed 50

-Armor 12

-Critical Hit 20

-Elemental Power 25

Heroic Challenge “Nort’s Winter Classic”

+3 Armor

Part 31 What We Missed in Chapters 1-4

What We Missed in Chapters 1-4

Part 32 Chapter 5 Glacier Gully, Part 1 of 3

Part 33 Chapter 5 Glacier Gully, Part 2 of 3

Part 34 Chapter 5 Glacier Gully, Part 3 of 3

Part 35 Trigger Happy's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 36 Whirlwind's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 37 LightCore Drobot's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 38 LightCore Eruptor's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 39 Slam Bam's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 40 Terrafin's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 41 Hot Head's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 42 Chapter 6 The Secret Vault of Secrets, Part 1 of 3

Part 43 Chapter 6 The Secret Vault of Secrets, Part 2 of 3

Part 44 Chapter 6 The Secret Vault of Secrets, Part 3 of 3

Part 45 Chapter 7 Wilikin Village, Part 1 of 3

Part 46 Chapter 7 Wilikin Village, Part 2 of 3

Part 47 Chapter 7 Wilikin Village, Part 3 of 3

Part 48 Chapter 8 Troll Home Security, Part 1 of 2

Part 49 Troll Home Security, Part 2 of 2

Part 50 What We Missed in Chapters 5-8

Part 51 Chapter 9 Kaos' Castle, Part 1 of 3

Part 52 Chapter 9 Kaos' Castle, Part 2 of 3

Part 53 Chapter 9 Kaos' Castle, Part 3 of 3

Part 54 Chapter 10: Aerial Attack!, Part 1 of 2

Part 55 Chapter 10: Aerial Attack!, Part 2 of 2

Part 56 Chapter 11: Drill-X's Big Rig, Part 1 of 3

Part 57 Chapter 11: Drill-X's Big Rig, Part 2 of 3

Part 58 Chapter 11: Drill-X's Big Rig, Part 3 of 3

Drill-X's Big Rig Boss Fight Song

It's the End of the Track Skylander!

This drill-bot is on the scene!

I'll knock you forward and back

with a robo attack

'cause you're messing with the wrong machine!

Hold on, time out, Skylander.

There's something up with my drill!

But you better watch out,

you'll be down for the count

when I show you my smashing skills!

What did you do, Skylander!?

You've just won the final round!

I can't keep the beat

and I'm feeling defeat,

and my systems are all shutting down...

Part 59 Chapter 12: Molekin Mountain, Part 1 of 2

Part 60 Chapter 12: Molekin Mountain, Part 2 of 2

Part 61 What We Missed in Chapters 9-12

Part 62 Legendary Stealth Elf's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 63 Drill Sergeant's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 64 Bash's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 65 Hex's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 66 Chapter 13 The Oracle, Part 1 of 5

Part 67 Chapter 13 The Oracle, Part 2 of 5

Part 68 Chapter 13 The Oracle, Part 3 of 5

Part 69 Chapter 13 The Oracle, Part 4 of 5

Part 70 Chapter 13 The Oracle, Part 5 of 5

Part 71 Chapter 14 Autogyro Adventure, Part 1 of 3

Part 72 Chapter 14 Autogyro Adventure, Part 2 of 3

Part 73 Chapter 14 Autogyro Adventure, Part 3 of 3

Part 74 Chapter 15 The Lost City of Arkus, Part 1 of 3

Part 75 Chapter 15 The Lost City of Arkus, Part 2 of 3

Part 76 Chapter 15 The Lost City of Arkus, Part 3 of 3

Part 77 What We Missed in Chapter 15: The Lost City of Arkus

Part 78 Flameslinger's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 79 Zap's Introduction and Heroic Challenge Plus Scorpion Striker Unlocks

Part 80 Hot Dog's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 81 Cynder's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 82 Stealth Elf's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 83 Eruptor's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 84 Prism Break's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 85 Lightning Rod's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 86 LightCore Shroomboom's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 87 Thumpback's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 88 Eye-Brawl's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 89 Chapter 16 Bringing Order to Kaos, Part 1 of 3

Part 90 Chapter 16 Bringing Order to Kaos, Part 2 of 3

Part 91 Chapter 16 Bringing Order to Kaos, Part 3 of 3

Part 92 Hatterson and Other Misc. Stuff

Part 93 Chapter 16 Bringing Order to Kaos, Part 1 of 2 (Giants Only)

Part 94 Chapter 16 Bringing Order to Kaos, Part 2 of 2 (Giants Only)

Part 95 Chapter 17 Empire of Ice

Part 96 Chapter 18 Pirate Seas

Part 97 Chapter 19 Darklight Crypt, Part 1 of 2

Part 98 Chapter 19 Darklight Crypt, Part 2 of 2

Part 99 Chapter 20 Dragon's Peak, Part 1 of 2

Part 100 Chapter 20 Dragon's Peak, Part 2 of 2

Part 101 S2 Wrecking Ball Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 102 S2 Spyro Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 103 Ninjini Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 104 Legendary LightCore Chill Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 105 Walmart Exclusive Molten Hot Dog Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 106 Target Exclusive Jade Flashwing Introduction and Heroic Challenge