Skylanders Trap Team Research: Fling Kong Upgrades and Attack Damage

Fling Kong Base Upgrades

Fling Kong Disc Jockey Upgrade Path

Fling Kong Carpet Captain Upgrade Path

Fling Kong Attack Damage Numbers

Skylanders Trap Team Research: Gusto Upgrades and Attack Damage Numbers

I have never really heard much chatter about Gusto, aside from people saying they don’t like him…I have used him a lot in my blind playthrough and actually really like him.  Then again, I tend to be both a boomerang and weather fan, so maybe that has something to do with it.

Box Stock

Gusto’s primary attack, Traptanium Boomerang, is straight forward and simple.  It deals 80-120 2-3x.  If you tap the primary attack button while it is out, the boomerang will return quicker.  Inhaler is his secondary attack.  It allows you to inhale enemies (16-24 damage) and then spit them out.  Your impact exhale does one instance of 64-96 and if you hold it down, you can deal 16-24 multiple times over about 8 seconds, which is also how long you can hold inhale.  They combine for a good tandem in my opinion and each one has pretty good range.

Base Upgrades

 The Breath of Life seems more like a Soul Gem to me.  It allows you to inhale enemies AND gain HP.  However, it is the amount of HP you gain that strikes me as “soul gem” territory.  I expected 3-8 to the range, and was shocked to see +20!  That means 5 enemies can regen 100 Health!  Nothing to argue about with this being our first base upgrade!  Twistin’ in the Wind is Gusto’s tertiary attack.  You can press, or hold the button and do 2 or 3 counts of 33-49 respectively.  This is a cool move just because of how fun it looks.  Electro-Rang is up next and it really delivers.  This is a progressive, charged attack.  You have three tiers of damage based on the hold time: 1 Second=104-156, 2 Seconds=136-204, and 3 Seconds=200-300!  That is a lot of damage!  Plus, if you have to stop short of a full 3 seconds, you’ll still deal damage greater than the original 80-120.  Lots of Lungpower is hard to document as I saw no change in the inhale damage, exhale damage, or duration of inhale and exhale.  That said, I assume you can simply hold more enemies, which might come in handy when you spit them out.

Air Ace

Gusto’s Air Ace Upgrade Path addresses the Traptanium Boomerang.  Boom-erang is a three-fold enhancement!  The regular boomerang throw goes from 80-120 to 100-150.  The Electro-Rang also sees increases across all three tiers: 1 Second=130-195, 2 Seconds=170-255, 3 Seconds=250-375.  Lastly, and not advertised or mentioned is the fact that our tertiary attack, Twistin’ In the Wind, will now deal 66-99!  This is a really big deal because the 33-49 doesn’t even change on Dizzy Destroyer, a path dedicated to the tertiary attack!  Next up we have Rang Me Like a Hurricane.  Anytime the boomerang hits an enemy, it will spawn a mini hurricane that lasts about 8 seconds and does 15-22 damage.  Boomerang Buddies finishes the path off and allows you to have up to 3 orbiting Boomerangs that act as a shield.  They deal 10-15 damage and run for 25 seconds each if they take no damage.  If you have  3 active and trigger a 4^th, the previous three will shoot out in all directions.  Sadly, there is no “boom” factor, but they will still do the same 10-15 as when they orbit you.

Dizzy Destroyer

This path focuses entirely on the tertiary attack Twistin’ In the Wind.  Spin Like the Wind takes the short life cycle of Twistin ‘ in the Wind and ups it to 8 seconds.  Furthermore, when you hit enemies, you now spawn mini hurricanes.  Just like in Air Ace they seem to last about 8 seconds and deal 15-22 damage.  They move very quickly, but also erratically.  Shocking Twist lets you shock enemies.  Shockingly (pun not intended) this seems to not register any additional damage, but looks to slow enemies down a little bit.  Oddly enough, the base attack is still doing 33-49 like when we first got it.  Lightning Ball is really the highlight of this path.  You now instantaneously turn into the Lightning Ball and have a run time of 11 seconds.  In this state you can move very fast!  You do the same 33-49 damage, but the lightning ball will trigger electrocution and hurricanes as you roll thru enemies.

Soul Gem

Boomerang’s 4 Breakfast seemed like it would favor Air Ace, but that was not the case.  Both paths do the same damage with this Soul Gem.  In order to execute it you need to throw the boomerang and then inhale it.  You will know this happens when you don’t see your boomerang and Gusto’s belly is swollen.  Upon exhale, the boomerang registers a hit of 160-240 and then lets you hold exhale for a familiar 8 seconds, but at a greater damage rate of 64-96!

Gusto Attack Damage (Click to Enlarge)

Conclusion

I am not quite sure why more people don’t seem to talk about Gusto, but I suppose that is the fate of a few characters each game.  Dizzy Destroyer is unique and a lot of fun.  You can obliterate groups of weaker enemies and seriously weaken heavier hitting foes.  Once your times is up, you just head back into it.  There is no reason to NOT be in Lightning Ball if you select this path.  The only exception would be if you are critically low on health and need to regen some HP via Inhale.  This is the path for you if you like speed, simplicity, and/or don’t see yourself using the boomerang or inhale much.  Air Ace is the path to take if you are a boomerang fan, or enjoy the spectacle that is inhaling and spitting out your opponents.  I personally prefer Air Ace and not just because I like the boomerang.  Air Ace offers nice damage, a defensive ability, and actually increases the tertiary attack’s damage numbers!  It is mind boggling that Dizzy Destroyer maintains the same 33-49 the entire path for the one attack it is focused on!  I think Lightning Ball is great, but wouldn’t you like it better if you were doing 60-90 damage?  I also find it somewhat odd that the electrocution doesn’t do damage over time to enemies.  I see a lot of potential for Dizzy Destroyer and feel like it was cut short on that front.  I will continue to maintain that you can wreck a lot of enemies with Lightning Ball, but for something the encourages you to use 1 attack exclusively, I would have expected something more in terms of a damage count exceeding the debut numbers in our base upgrades.  That said, I would overall recommend Air Ace, but if you love the look of Lightning Ball, or just don’t like the primary/secondary (or feel that they are good as is), then you will not be disappointed with Dizzy Destroyer.  I can’t stress enough I like the path, but I find it very odd that the 33-49 perpetuated thru all the upgrades and electrocution was so lackluster.  As nit-picky as that sounds, I played around with both Gusto’s after the upgrades and took Dizzy Destroyer up a few levels just rolling thru enemies, lol.  I’d l just prefer to do so at a higher damage number.

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)

Scratch Upgrade Paths with Damage Numbers Skylanders SWAP Force

Scratch Base Upgrades

Scratch Attack Damage Numbers

Scratch Ruby Upgrade Path

Scratch Sapphire Upgrade Path

What can I say here, Scratch is formidable box stock, turns into a legit beat with base upgrades, and either path is just icing on the cake.

I think most people would benefit from the Ruby Path, especially newcomers to the series.  You bump up the Critical Hit Chance, have a nice claw-roll combo on the primary side, and the Ruby Mask impacts a larger area.

That said, I personally prefer Sapphire.  Why?  I am not big on the "increase Critical Hit" upgrades and I am HUGE on Speed, or Armor.  Sapphire Slash is a cool, air based attack, but honestly I think the base upgraded tertiary still takes the cake.  Sapphire Mask slows enemies and while I'd rather have the increased damage of the Ruby Mask, it plays in well with your speed increase and vortex abilities.

Bottom line with Scratch, you really can't go wrong with either path...I think for the vast majority Ruby will be preferred.  Keep the aesthetics in mind too when making your choice.

Pop Thorn Upgrade Paths with Damage Numbers

Base Upgrades

Pop Thorn Attack Damage Numbers

Tough and Puffed Upgrade Path

Controlled Breather Upgrade Path

For most players, especially rookies, I would suggest Tuff and Puffed.  I think most prefer the roll attacks you get with Rollerpuff and Prickly Body is a huge asset to counter mobs of enemies as it seeks out who hits you and delivers big hit points.

I myself perfer Controlled Breather.  Aero Trampoline is very hard hitting amplified and the biggest deal to me is Scattered Winds.  I'm a big fan of his gusts (ie while Popped), so this path makes sense to me.

If you also prefer his gusts and the speed Pop Thorn has while popped, take Controlled Breather.  If you prefer his Puff state and spike attacks take Tough and Puffed.

Boom Jet Upgrade Paths with Damage Numbers

Alright, here is the final of the four "test subjects."  Boom Jet was actually the very first SWAP Force Upgrade video I recorded...

I have to stress that outside of Boom Jet, Free Ranger, Trap Shadow, and Freeze Blade all Swappers will follow the 5 Video format.  My first recording with Boom Jet obviously features the Base Upgrades, Storm Bomber up top, and Sky Writer down below...The 2nd Boom Jet took the correct format so I have stand alone Base Upgrade, Squad Leader, and Ace Gunner Upgrade videos...

Once again, past these 4 character everyone will follow the selected 5 video format and I won't have to talk about it anymore...I just have to cover it at the start to avoid people assuming I didn't cover base upgrades or certain paths since they won't have stand alone videos...I do that because not many people read video descriptions...

Anyway, one of the real perks is getting to highlight and document each and every upgrade...And in the case of Boom Jet, that turned out to be a REALLY BIG DEAL...I will tell you why below!

Boom Jet Base Upgrades

Boom Jet Damage Numbers

Boom Jet Base Upgrades with Storm Bomber and Sky Writer

Boom Jet Squad Leader Upgrade Path

Boom Jet Ace Gunner Upgrade Path

Now, if you noticed there was a special note on the Damage Numbers Spreadsheet...

It pertains to Boom Jet's Bottom End Soul Gem, Mach 2.

My first recording featured the Sky Writer Path...Mach 2 granted +7 Speed and looked to deal 32 damage at the beginning of the dash...

Much to my surprise (and shock in all honesty) Ace Gunner did not follow suit.  There is nothing in Ace Gunner to make Mach 2 special or stand out...It should be exactly the same as Sky Writer.  However, I saw 150 as the damage number and assumed it was some freak combo...That was incorrect.  150 is the actual damage number put out by Mach 2 when you are down Ace Gunner.

I am not sure if Sky Writer has it too low, or Ace Gunner has it too high, but there is a HUGE DISCREPANCY between the two paths and their respective Soul Gem.

I thought it might be tied in specifically to the Wii U version of the game so I tested it out on Xbox One while the videos uploaded...Again to my surprise I found the results exactly the same!  Sky Writer saw Mach 2 put out 32 damage and Ace Gunner saw Mach 2 put out 150.

Again, I don't know which number should be correct, or why they are not uniform, but I would strong suggest you check it out for yourself and take advantage of Ace Gunner's unseen benefit!

I know many of you just sport 1 figure (unless Boom Jet is a favorite) so you might be oblivious to the discrepancy.  I searched the net for this and came up with nothing, so as far as I know this is the first report on the incident.  For what it is worth the stats and other upgrades matched up perfectly between the Wii U and XB1 versions of the game.

This again showcases how nice it is to have the Training Ground and how it gives me the chance to document all the damage numbers one-by-one.  Will we see more changes like this?  Stay tuned!

If you have a different version of the game (Wii, 360, PS3/PS4) and can test this out let me know what you observed...Given both the Wii U and XB1 have the 32 vs 150 I am inclined to believe that is not just an anomaly for one version of the game.

Unboxing Scratch Skylanders SWAP Force

What? Scratch, Air Element, SWAP Force Newlander

Where Did You Get It? Walmart

What Did It Cost? $9.96 plus tax

What Was Stock Like? Last one, extremely well hidden, buried under disney infinity figures

What is Included? Scratch, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Scratch

Pics and Video Coming Soon

Scratch

Air Element, SF Newlander

Slogan: "The Luck of the Claw!"

Card Stats

Power: 110/200

Armor: 65/200

Agility: 100/200

Luck: 65/200

Totals: 340/800

Unboxing Turbo Jet-Vac

What? Turbo Jet-Vac, Air Element, Series 2 Skylander
Where Did You Get It? Walmart
What Did It Cost? $9.96 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? Last one, hidden in a pile of disney infinity figures
What is Included? Turbo Jet-Vac, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Turbo Jet-Vac

Turbo Jet-Vac
Air Element, Series 2 Skylander

Slogan: "Hawk and Awe!"

Card Stats
Power: 80/200
Armor: 60/200
Agility: 80/200
Luck: 100/200
Totals: 320/800

Skylanders SWAP Force Unboxing Series 3 Horn Blast Whirlwind

What? Horn Blast Whirlwind, Air Element, Series 3 Skylander
Where Did You Get It? Toys'R'Us
What Did It Cost? $10.99 plus tax, BOGO40%
What Was Stock Like? Very Limited
What is Included? Horn Blast Whirlwind, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Horn Blast Whirlwind

Horn Blast Whirlwind
Air Element, Series 3 Skylander

Slogan: "Twists of Fury!"

Card Stats
Power: 75/200
Armor: 40/200
Agility: 65/200
Luck: 150200
Totals: 330/800

Skylanders SWAP Force Unboxing LightCore Warnado

What: LightCore Warnado
Where Did You Get It? Toys'R'Us
What Did It Cost? $13.99 plus tax (BOGO40%)
What Was Stock Like? Well Stocked!
What is Included: Warnado, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing LightCore Warnado

Warnado
Air Element, SSA Original, Absent in Giants, LC in SF

Slogan: "For the Wind"

Card Stats
Power: 60/200
Armor: 130/200
Agility: 100/200
Luck: 45/200
Totals: 335/800

On the Portal, Front Side View:

On the Portal, Backside View:

Skylanders SWAP Force Unboxing Boom Jet

What: Boom Jet, Air Element, SWAP Force, Rocket
Where Did You Get It? Toys'R'Us
What Did It Cost? $16.99 plus tax (BOGO40%)
What Was Stock Like? Very Limited. I've seen 1 on the shelf.
What is Included: Boom Jet, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Boom Jet

Boom Jet 

Air Element, SWAP Force, Rocket

Slogan: "Bombs Away!"

Card Stats:

Power: 180/200

Armor: 80/200

Agility: 120/200

Luck: 90/200

Totals: 470/800

Boom Jet's Packaging

Boom Jet, Front

Boom Jet, Rear

Rocket SWAP Force as of Wave 2 (October 2013)

Air Element SWAP Force as of Wave 2 (October 2013)

Skylanders SWAP Force Unboxing Legendary Free Ranger

What: Toys'R'Us Exclusive Legendary Free Ranger, Air Element, SWAP Force, Spin
Where Did You Get It: Toys'R'Us
What Did It Cost: $16.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like: Very well stocked!

Unboxing TRU Exclusive Legendary Free Ranger

Legendary Free Ranger
Air Element, SWAP Force, Spin

Slogan: "Whip Up a Storm!"

Card Stats:
Power: 115/200
Armor:150/200
Agility: 110/200
Luck: 100/200
Totals: 475/800

Card Stats vs Free Ranger

Agility: 105:110, +5 Legendary
Luck: 90:100, +10 Legendary
Overall: 460:475, +15 Legendary

Skylanders Giants Unboxing Lightning Rod

Skylanders Giants Unboxing Series 2 Lightning Rod

What?  Lightning Rod, Series 2, Air Element Skylander

Where Did You Get It?  Amazon.com

What Did It Cost?  $9.99 plus tax (Free Shipping)

What Is Included?  Lightning Rod, Sticker Sheet, Web Code for Skylanders Universe

What Was Stock Like?  I have NEVER seen a Lightning Rod single pack locally.  I saw his Triple Pack last Thursday and broke the news on that.   Online he was available on Walmart.com for probably 10-14 days, but I held out thinking I'd find him locally.  As of right now they've yet to restock and Amazon.com looks to be your best bet.

Quick Character Info

Slogan: "One Strike and You're Out!"

Stats:

Power/Strength: 75/150
Defense/Armor: 65/150
Speed/Agility: 70/150
Luck: 75/150
Totals: 285/600

Conclusion:

Series 2 Lightning Rod is proving to be tough to find at the moment.  I think in a few weeks or as shipments hit and demand slows he should be "more" available.  That said, while I was initially not impressed with his repose, once I had it in hand and unboxed I have to say it is very well done.  The finite details are what set it apart from others and make it a true stand out compared to the Series 1 offering.  The facial details is fantastic, the flowing (or static electrified) hair is a nice touch and the cuff bracelet details are top notch.  Couple those qualities with better paint and you have the makings of a great repose!  Now we just need to hope his WowPow is as impressive!

Skylanders Giants Unboxing LightCore Jet-Vac

Unboxing LightCore Jet-Vac

What?  LightCore Jet-Vac

Where Did You Get It?  Toys'R'Us.com via pre-order

What Did It Cost?  $11.99 plus tax, free shipping

What Is Included?  LC Jet-Vac, Stat Card, Sticker, and Webcode for Skylanders Universe

What Was Stock Like?  I honestly saw my first LC Jet-Vac this past week when I landed the Sproket and Flashwing Triple Packs.  Toys'R'Us had a few of them, GameStop had 2, Walmart had one that was hidden, and Target had none.  Online he is easy to locate, but still tough to find "in stock."  That said, I honestly feel like stock for LC Jet-Vac, Sprocket, and Flashwing etc will slowly build up over the next few weeks prior to Black Friday.  So if you want him, stay diligent and I bet you will land him!

What Lights Up?  The Air Medallion/buckle lights up and radiates out back thru the clear canister.  You also see a very nice light in his gun.  The video shows the lights well, but not their color.  The light is so bright it kind of washes out the true blue color of both lights.  If you want an accurate feel for the shade of blue simply look at my hands when the lights are out.  I said it several times, but this is one LightCore that will definitely look great in person and really casts a lot of light!

Quick Character Info:

Jet-Vac

Slogan:  "Hawk and Awe!"

Card Stats:

Power/Strength: 65/150
Defense/Armor: 50/150
Agility: 80/150
Luck: 90/150
Totals: 285/600

VS Regular Jet-Vac's Card Stats:
+5 Strength, +10 Agility, and +10 Luck

VS Legendary Jet-Vac's Card Stats:
+5 Strength, +5 Luck

Skylanders Giants Unboxing Swarm

Unboxing Swarm

What?  Swarm, Air Element Giant

Where Did You Get It?  GameStop.com

What Did It Cost?  $14.99 plus tax

What Is Included?  Swarm, Stat Card, Sticker, and Web Code

What Lights Up?  Eyes and Blade/Stinger on upward Fist

What Was the Stock Like?  So far I have yet to run into a store that did not have Swarm.  I'd still be leary of post-Black Friday, but as of now nothing too alarming.  Interesting note is that GameStop.com where I sourced him on release day has been out of stock for awhile...but brick and mortar stores have plenty.

Quick Character Info:

Swarm, Air Element Giant

Slogan: "Bring the Sting!"

Card Stats:

Strength: 110/150
Defense: 150/150
Agility: 80/150
Luck: 50/150

Conclusion

Swarm is a nice addition to the air element.  I had kind of wanted to see a wasp/hornet/bee added to the line-up, but thought it would be as a regular Skylander.  Nonetheless, Swarm fits the bill with his back story and his upgrades look like they could really deliver.  His Heroic Challenge is kind of a pain, but it isn't something a few tries won't take care of...Stay tuned to see Swarm progress in the blind playthrough.

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure Part 100: Warnado's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 100 of our Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure Playthrough features the introduction and Heroic Challenge of Warnado, the final Air Element Skylander:

More to come shortly...

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure Unboxing Triple Pack H: Camo, Ignitor, Warnado

Having waited on the Amazon.com pre-order, I had a hard time passing up the instant gratitude of ordering the Camo, Ignitor, Warnado Triple Pack from GameStop.com I pulled the trigger and got it in Thursday, May 3rd, 2012.  Here is the unboxing:

I have to say, it is only fitting I got "notice of pending shipment" from Amazon the next day, but hey, what can you do?  Wham-Shell is all I lack at this point and I am hoping Amazon gets him out pretty soon.  In the mean time I will definitely enjoy having Camo and Warnado around.

As many of you know, I have been waiting for Warnado to come out since debut week.  I picked up those large posters they had at the game demo during launch week and nailed Warnado down as a potential favorite...I can finally see if he delivers.

This video will cover the background story on the Skylanders, their card stats, their in-game stats, and even their upgrade paths.

To recap the basics, and most asked parts, here you go:

Where Did You Get It?
-GameStop.com

How Much Did You Pay?
-$19.99

How Long Did It Take to Get It?
-3 Days

Which Shipping Method Did you Pick?
-Standard, I'm cheap.

Will you record gameplay of Camo and Warnado?
-Uh, yes.  I hope to have their Heroic Challenges up by early Monday morning.

Is Your Collection Complete?
-No, I still lack Wham-Shell.

Has Amaon Shipped Your Pre-Order Yet?
-No, I have a "soon to ship" notice on Camo and Warnado ( I wanted two Warnados, one for each path) and the other Camo and Warnado will be going to my friend.  I have no notice on Wham-Shell, but despite breaking the shipment up, both are slated for the sweet, "Super Saver Shipping" which is FREE.

All that aside, here is what you probably really want to see in text format if you are reading, the stats:

Camo "Fruit Punch"
#7 in Skylanders Overall Rankings

In-Game
-Health: 300/600
-Speed: 50/98
-Armor: 34/64
-Critical Hit: 30/80
-Elemental Power: 25/100

Card
-Strength: 70
-Agility: 45
-Defense: 70
-Luck: 70

Ignitor "Slash and Burn"
#30 in Skylanders Overall Rankings

In-Game
-Health: 240/480
-Speed: 43/91
-Armor: 12/82
-Critical Hit: 30/80
-Elemental Power: 25/100

Card
-Strength: 100
-Agility: 40
-Defense: 65
-Luck: 50

Warnado "For the Wind"
#5 in Skylanders Overall Rankings

In-Game
-Health: 310/620
-Speed: 35/83
-Armor: 30/100
-Critical Hit: 10/60
-Elemental Power: 25/100

Card
-Strenght: 50
-Agility: 70
-Defense: 90
-Luck: 45

Conclusion

It is now 4 AM.  The unboxing has just uploaded and is almost fully processed on YouTube.  I am going to get some sleep, but will try to try out Camo and Warnado tonight...if all goes well their Heroic Challenges should be up before sun rise on Monday, lol.

The "Skylanders Overall Rankings" are determined by in-game power stats and health totals.  You can find the complete breakdown by selecting the "Skylanders Overall Rankings" tab on the right hand side bar.

This brings the count to 31/32...all that is missing is Wham-Shell.

Keep in mind that Wave 5 consists of the following:

Triple Pack H
-Camo, Ignitor, and Warnado

Single Packs
-Camo
-Ignitor
-Warnado
-Wham-Shell

Good luck tracking them down!  Walmart is your best bet locally...they have the best price and seem to always have the most regular delivery.  If your store is raided by a scalper, you might have to resort to buying online.  I would suggest Amazon or GameStop.

Hope you enjoy the video and find it helpful!

-1ofWiisdom

Blog Poll #22 Results: Air Element Upgrade Paths

Blog Poll #22 asked "Which Upgrade Path Do You Prefer for Air Element Skylanders?"  It didn't run as long as some of the others, but nonetheless we had a nice sampling and I offer my thanks to those of you who voted.

Let's take a look at the results:

Let's analyze things by votes.  I have to say I am surprised Whirlwind had more votes than Sonic Boom, but both were ahead of Lightning Rod, who not many of us have yet, and Warnado who is yet to be released.

The trend was once again upgrade the primary attack.  Sonic Boom's was listed with Siren Griffin last, but it didn't fool anyone.  The results for the Air Element were overwhelmingly in favor of going down the primary attack upgrade path.

I will say that I am looking forward to Warnado and I hope he doesn't disappoint.  I always look at turtles as underdogs and am into weather so a Turtle/Tornado is pretty awesome.  I think, provide he is at least solid, he could easily be my favorite Air Element Skylander, and quite possibly one of my Top 3.

I have yet to play as Lightning Rod, but as of 3 AM or so this morning (4/2) I made the order on TRU.com and have him and Zook headed this way.  Not really sure what to do with that Cynder, but I guess I'll hang onto her in case I can trade for a Wave 5 release or something.

Thanks to everyone who voted!

Blog Poll #9 Results: Who is Your Favorite Air Element Skylander?

Well, Poll #9 "Who is Your Favorite Air Element Skylander?" has officially closed.  We had 107 which should make for a nice sampling...thanks to all who voted!

It is interesting to note, as pointed out in the recap of Blog Poll #8, that there were 7 fewer votes here than for the "Water Element" Poll.  I think this is solely due to the fact we only have 2 Air Element Skyanders.  I hate running polls with results that could be skewed, but I'll likely go back later when we have access to all 32, cough 37, Skylanders.  Just take solstice in the fact that I am an individual and enthusiast...it doesn't tick me off as much to see someone like myself run a poll as it does to see the official Skylanders facebook or Twitter set up grudge matches between characters that aren't out yet, lol.  Like I've said, my best advice for the polls is to go with the Soul Gem previews.

All that aside, let's get down to business:

1. Sonic Boom 42 Votes (39%)
2. Warnado 27 Votes (25%)
3. Lightning Rod 23 Votes (21%)
4. Whirlwind 15 Votes (14%)

Okay, so the top honors go to Sonic Boom.  Is anyone surprised? I have to say, Sonic Boom has a been great for me.  Her roar attack is great as it somehow gets "pedestal enemies" making life much easier (provided you are going for the enemy goals etc).  The damage she does just getting the primary attack maxed out BEFORE even choosing an ugprade path is amazing.  And, not to take anything away, but she is by far the most readily available of the 4 Air Element Skylanders.

Warnado came in second place with a very solid 1/4 of the vote...and he isn't even out yet!  I have to say that I, like many of you must agree, think Warnado looks like an awesome character...plus I have a soft spot for turtles turned heroes, lol.  He looks cool and the fact you've got the "underdog" turtle if you will combined with wicked weather elements makes for a very sweet combination.  Once I play Warnado, he could easily bump Sonic Boom on my personal list.

Lightning Rod, who just looks awesome, came in third place with a pretty respectable 23 votes, just 4 behind his fellow late release companion, Warnado.  The only real feedback comment wise I remember on Lightning Rod was someone griping about his look etc.  I've been saying this since before Wave 3 came out, but the "remaining" Skylanders I was most excited about were: Slam Bam, Warnado, Lightning Rod, and Camo in that order.  The votes could easily shift between Sonic Boom, Warnado, and Lightning Rod once folks have them and they are fully upgraded.

Whirlwind brought up the rear...which kind of surprised me.  Granted, in my personal ranks I would have her here too, but the feedback on YouTube and in emails has been overwhelmingly pro-Whirlwind.  I was sort of surprised to see her get beat out by BOTH unreleased Air Element Skylanders.  She isn't a horrible character, but in my opinion doesn't compete with Sonic Boom and I'm 95% sure I will like playing Warnado and Lightning Rod better, which must be a sentiment I share with voters.  I have heard that fully upgraded she has a "great" secondary path, but this stuff is all really subjective, as indicated by the votes.
The only other thing I can say in her defense is that she WAS an EXCLUSIVE.  I had a heck of a time finding Drill Sergeant, like a few of you, but it seemed far more people had trouble with tracking down Whirlwind...I even know several people who payed north of $50 just to get her.  And then of course, activision rescinded the exclusive label, and threw her AND Drill Sergeant in a Triple Pack with Wave 3's Double Trouble (and yes, I am still livid about this...scroll down on the blog for a post dedicated to this cowardly act by activision!).

But hey, all that aside, you made the calls and cast your votes...Sonic Boom was the clear winner this round (I may run these same polls late in the summer now that I think about it...just to compare).  Thanks to everyone who votes and with this post I will open up Blog Poll #11: "Who is Your Favorite Fire Element Skylander?"