Skylander Ideas: Skylanders Battles: A Standalone Battle Mode/PvP Game with DLC

Skylanders Ideas Series

Skylanders Battles: A Standalone Battle Mode/PVP Game

So, continuing on in our "Skylanders Ideas" series, this is another idea I pitched at E3.  Basically, since so much Trap Team info was off the table, we got to a point of just talking about the game and I was able to highlight some of my opinions, one of them being Battle Mode.

I never dreamed I would be releasing this video in the wake of news that Trap Team wouldn't have the usual Battle Mode setup, but I suppose it just makes this take on that much more significance.  I truly think this is the way to go with "Battle Mode."  I thought it shortly after Giants, this summer at E3, and still think it is the best option in light of the news...I don't think it was as well received as the "plain jane" variant proposal, but it didn't fall on deaf ears either.  At this point in time, I truly hope something similar is planned as PvP is a huge part of the Skylanders franchise and offers the most replay value imo.

The Original Issue

How to improve Battle Mode/PvP in Skylanders.

The Chatter

Most, or at least the majority of those voicing opinions on this matter have taken the mantra of "Online or Bust."  That is, players REALLY WANT Online PvP so they can play with friends, or just other Portal Masters when they pit Skylander against Skylander.  I am fully aware of that, but I take a slightly different approach, one that I believe has an even greater basis of support, but perhaps from the silent majority.

The New Issue: No PvP in Trap Team

The last month or so, almost every comment and message I have received was built around "What are you most excited for in Trap Team," or "Who do you think will be your favorite Skylander in Trap Team."  I actually began a list when I got the full size Trap Team poster at TRU and plan to actually line item them out.  However,  the last week or so that shifted to, "Holy Greebles!  What are your thoughts on there not being Battle Mode/PvP in Trap Team?"

I was kind of taken back when I saw that...

I've maintained a pretty solid "1P vs CPU" stance on Battle Mode, just like I've kept the same "LightCore Sermon" position (which is the next video in this series, lol).  In fact, one of the ideas I pitched at E3 this year was how to improve Battle Mode.  I want to make clear that I never suggest it be done away with completely, and I also need to stress my opinion could carry VERY little weight with the folks behind the game.  I'd actually err more on that side than thinking it was partially important, but who knows.  At this point in time I am left hoping that something similar to what I pitched actually becomes a reality, and hopefully before Christmas or late Spring.  Before I expand on that, let me address the question, "What are your thoughts about no battle mode in Trap Team?"

No Battle Mode in Trap Team: My Thoughts

In all honesty, I am pretty devastated.  As much as I wanted to see it change, Battle Mode is the #1 way my Nephew and I play Skylanders together.  We battle Kaos and sometimes play a random chapter, but for the most part when he is over and wants to play Skylanders it is always PvP.  Despite all the other options and Arena Challenges that have been added in, his #1 request is simply PvP.

I also know, despite how much the vocal fan base pushed for "online" battles, they never dreamed they'd have nothing in its place.

This is a big loss (assuming it is true...I've not seen anything to substantiate it, but haven't seen anyone rushing out to debunk it...I feel like if this was a rumor and NOT true, PR would be sending out word that people need to relax, Battle Mode is there with the Doom Challenge etc, and will be even better than last year etc).  For many, this was your replay value.  There are not as many "100%ers" as you would think.  For many gamers, just getting to the end and defeating Kaos constitutes completion.  Many don't feel the need to max out their Portal Master Rank, grind thru levels, look for missing items, or obtain 3 Stars for every chapter.  However, what kept them playing, and what was a huge part of the franchise for everyone else was Battle Mode.

Here is a rough timeline of events with my Nephew and I:

SSA: "I'm Terrafin and you are Slam Bam...Let's see who wins!"  Shortly after that, "Dude, let's set up and record a 32 Skylander Tournament!"

Giants: "Are the Giants Newlanders, or SSA Castaways better? Tournament time!"

SWAP Force: "Can anyone beat Star Strike?"  "Let's do a series where 1 Skylander takes on 8-10 others in a row!"

Battle Mode, namely PvP was my Nephew's FAVORITE part of the game.  I loved it too.  I'll recap this with how I opened it...I am pretty sad to see it go and can only hope that the folks behind the game have good reason for this and something that will blow us all away.

What I Pitched at E3: Stand Alone Battle Game with DLC Expanions

So, prior to the pretty tragic news of Trap Team not having Battle Mode, this is what I pitched at E3.

I suggest there be a Stand Alone Game, pricced something like $19.99-$29.99 that had cool arenas, all the characters, DLC expansion for future games, and some key upgrades...

1. Single Player Battle Mode with Adjustable Difficulty

I was totally honest with them...I can only play Battle Mode when my Nephew is here.  My other option is turning on another controller and either doing turn-based PvP where a single battle lasts 15 minutes, or just obliterate a pre-selected character to test out moves, complete quests, etc.

My suggest was to build this stand alone game on the Single Player dynamic.  I honestly think they expected to hear me say, "Online or die" based on their shock, but I truly believe all great games are built first and foremost around the single player experience.

Does anyone know how much content I would have on my channel if I could play 1P vs CPU in Skylanders Battle Mode?  I would literally take each character and run them thru the gauntlet against every other character.  I would record tournaments, I would upload Giant throwdowns, and 16 slot SWAP Force brackets.  It would be EPIC!

The current set up doesn't allow me to do that short of the RPG style battle which I don't think anyone would enjoy.

If you think, "Okay, that is good, but I'd kill the opponent..." Um, no.  Just like the game has Easy-Nightmare, I suggested this have similar difficulty modes ,or ranks like in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.  If you come in and Level 5 Ninjini obliterates you, you can turn down the difficulty, or practice till you beat her.  Once you can take her down, bump her up a level.  It is the fundamental of all fighting games imo...

2. Keep and Expand the Classic Local Player Battles

Just because I want to battle a CPU Skylader doesn't mean I want to forego battling my Nephew.  I suggested that mode be kept in tact, but expanded.

3: Local 4 Player Battles

This is the expansion on the 2P.  I know the argument I would get for pushing 1P vs CPU is, "But this is a family game...it is meant to be enjoyed by friends, or kids and their parents etc."  Boom....Trump Card!  I fully acknowledge that...My Nephew and I are proof of how well that works.  However, what do other fighting games offer?  4 Players able to engage locally.  So now, instead of it being Sibling vs Sibling, the parents can get in on the action.  You can have Father & Daughter vs Mother & Son.

I also stressed how it should allot for 2 friends to be able to come in and battle against 2 CPUs etc.  Whatever the format, 1P vs CPU, 1P vs 2P, 1P & 2P vs 3P & 4P, 1P vs CPU1, CPU2, and CPU 3, it needs to allot for everything from a sole, individual player to 4 congregated players.

I didn't go into this, bu that can be made even better by allowing 1P-2P-3P-4P to battle 4 CPUs.  The options are really limitless and the more immersive, the better.

4. Tournaments/Brackets

This is another no-brainer in a dedicated fighting game.  You need to be able to do more than just a solo battle.  You need to be able to create Tournaments and progress through each round.  This would be HUGE.

5. Other Modes

I didn't mention this, but things like having a King of the Hill, or Gauntlet type modes where you pit your favorite Skylander against the rest would be awesome.

6. In-Game Roster

 This was also not included in what I pitched, but I think the game would be well served to have  an archived record of your collection.  Basically meaning that when you put Terrafin and S3 Mega Ram Spyro on the portal, they are there on a roster for you to select from. Essentially, this would allow you to play as Terrafin and earn XP while going thru your roster of Skylanders to spice up the battles, or practice specific techniques.

I also think this aspect could be expanded to allow for those with a limited collection to battle Skylanders they don't own.  What I mean by this is that you have Mega Ram Spyro and Big Bang Trigger Happy.  We will say you don't have Star Strike.  The game would allow you to select to battle her as a CPU.  This would let you get a feel for old and new characters that might not be in your collection and ultimately encourage you to add them!  It is a win-win imo.

7. DLC

I know I am 95% of the time against DLC, but hear me out.  I want to pay the reasonable price for this stand alone game.  However I, you, and anyone else with any sense doesn't want to spring $30 for a new "Skylanders Battle:: ___ Edition" each year.  How do you rectify that? DLC.

When Skylanders 5 drops they can offer up the new character roster, new arenas, and honestly whatever other expansions they want.  Keep the price right (Say $10) and people will eat it up.  We are already buying the new Skylanders to use in the new game, so this would just add them to the Battle roster etc.

This DLC literally allows your initial purchase to be expanded on annually.  If they are loosing players, DLC can come along with new battle modes, etc.

8. Online

I am not about to poll people for what they want and not take it to heart.  While I would be ecstatic and content with what I have described above, I know an awful lot of you want online battle mode.  I have to admit, it would be cool.  Personally, I would rather have Single Player vs CPU first, but this is a step in the right direction from that foundation.

I honestly believe the biggest concern with "online" is keeping the environment kid friendly.  This is hard to do without nerfing interaction...ie no chat, no text, etc.

I think, for what it is worth, that quest is being made a little too difficult.  Nintendo has managed social gaming and online interactions quite well, and while it hasn't been perfect there are easy ways to make this function and not hold up a stellar addition to the franchise.

Mario Kart Wii didn't have voice chat, it didn't offer up a blank slate and keyboard, it had pre-selected messages like, "Great Race!" "Last One!," "Let's Race Bikes" etc...While it isn't super sleek or modern, it would work while something better could be hashed out.

Conclusion

I pitched this idea because I truly believe in it...I think it is 100% the way to go.  In light of the recent revelations that there won't be a a Battle Mode in Trap Team, I think it is seriously worth considering.  One thing I tried to convey while pitching this is that people would pay for the stand alone game if it was well executed, patched, updated, and included the DLC to update rosters etc.

I have no qualms continuing to pay $75 for the main entry.  You are getting a game, Portal, and 2-3 figures, or in the case of Trap Team 2 Figures and 2 Traps.  That is basically $25-$35 on the figures, and puts the game right in line with others at $49-59.

Make the stand alone battle game priced at $19.99, or $29.99 and then offer the annual $9.99 roster update (as opposed to a new game at $30 again), and offer up some other reasonably priced arenas, or misc. items for cheap and I think it is a no brainer.

The game can feature more content like the Bonus Mission Maps, or longer levels and then the battle mode can be built around a more robust and typical layout for a fighting game.

I think it would be the best course of action for the main game, battle mode, and franchise as a whole.  I am just one guy, but I have spent a lot of time playing Skylanders the last three years, feel I have a good feel for what the community wants, and have the unique vantage point of being an older, regular player while seeing first hand what my Nephew makes of things.  I think this is the way to go, especially with the sad news that the Battle Mode we have come to expect the first three installments has fallen to the wayside.

As always, let me know your thoughts.  Are you in the "Online" or bust camp?  Do you agree with me that the heart of the game should be built around the single player?  Would you purchase a well executed stand-alone, battle mode game for Skylanders?

Skylanders SWAP Force: Team Survival, Rival Survival, and Ring Out

Here is a little Skylanders SWAP Force Showcase where my Nephew and I took some time to see what all the Two Player Battle Modes had to offer.  In all the videos my Nephew (thewalkthruking) plays as Slam Bam and I play as Terrafin.  Both Skylanders are Series 2 and Fully Upgraded!

Here is a look at the action:

Team Survival:

Rival Survival:

Ring Out:

Skylanders SWAP Force Battle Mode Treacherous Beach

As promised in the Arkeyan Crossbow Unboxing and Introductory videos, my Nephew (thewalkthruking) and I recorded some PvP for everyone.  We used an assortment of characters, most hailing from Wave 3...Check it out for yourself!

Here is a list of the battles:

SWAP Force Arkeyan Crossbow Battle Pack

-Treacherous Beach

1: Thorn Horn Camo vs Grim Creeper – Thron Horn Camo (Wiisdom)

2: LC Wham-Shell vs LC Countdown – LC Wham-Shell  (Wiisdom)

3: LC Wham-Shell vs LC Countdown – LC Countdown (thewalkthruking)

4: LC Wham-Shell vs LC Countdown – LC Countdown (thewalkthruking)

5: Wind-Up vs Dune Bug – Wind-Up (Wiisdom)

6: Rattle Shake vs Quick Draw Rattle Shake – Rattle Shake (Wiisdom)

7: Spy Rise vs Qiuck Draw Rattle Shake – Spy Rise (Wiisdom)

8: Spy Rise vs Blast Zone – Blast Zone (thewalkthruking)

9: LC Countdown vs Blast Zone – Blast Zone (thewalkthruking)

10: Stink Bomb vs Rubble Rouser – Stink Bomb (Wiisdom)

11: Stink Bomb vs Spy Rise – Spy Rise (thewalkthruking)

12: Thorn Horn Camo vs Grim Creeper – Grim Creeper (thewalkthruking)

13: LC Countdown vs Grim Creeper – LC Countdown (Wiisdom)

14: LC Countdown vs Spy Rise – Spy Rise (thewalkthruking)

15: Stink Bomb vs Spy Rise – Spy Rise (thewalkthruking)

16: Blast Zone vs Spy Rise – Blast Zone (Wiisdom)

17: Blast Zone vs Dark Blast Zone – Blast Zone (Wiisdom)

Wiisdom = 9 Wins, thewalkthruking = 8 Wins

Special thanks to thewalkthruking for helping out for this video!

Happy Halloween 2013: Skylanders SWAP Force Undead Battle-A-Thon and Pumpkin Eye-Brawl

I gave my Nephew an early present Wednesday night, Pumpkin Eye-Brawl!

We unboxed him and added in a few things for good measure:

Unboxing Pumpkin Eye-Brawl with My Nephew, thewalkthruking

As promised in that video, we said once Halloween festivities wrapped up, we would try to record some Undead Battle action in Skylanders SWAP Force...As usual, we delivered:

Halloween 2013 Special Edition Skylanders SWAP Force Undead Arena Battles

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure Blind Draw Battle Mode Tournamentfeaturing The Original 32

Playlist Link: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWU7DXRZFRMu7sbfU3Try7spQyZNNB-Sg

One of the most popular requests I continually get on my Channel is to do any sort of Skylanders Battle Mode.  As most of you know, I tend to record late at night and solo...It is just a product of when I have free time...I work during the day, run errands after work, make supper, take care of what has to be done, and then when I do have free time, I enjoy playing games.

Not too many folks are around at 2-3 AM during the week to join me in Battle Mode.  To make up for it, I started the Skylanders Poll Battle Series.  While it isn't quite as action oriented, it is fun, and adds a unique element to the blog and the channel.

That said, sometimes I do get an opportunity to have someone over and record with...That is usually my Nephew (aka thewalkthruking) and that was the case this past weekend.

He stayed the night Friday (school here started up today, August 26th, 2013) and we put in some time playing Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure.  This was all his idea, but he decided that he wanted to do a "Blind Draw" (Pokemon Style, drawn from a cup) SSA Matchup.  He initially wanted to do ALL the Skylanders, but we need some workable number for a tournament...so we went with 32 and since he wanted the Castaways involved, we elected to go "old school" and utilize the Original 32 from SSA.

We recorded the 1st Round of 16 matches that night, and Saturday we finished up the bracket.  We both had a lot of fun.  That said, I'm use to box-stock Skylanders and many of these guys had been sitting dormant for a long time..Plus, we never really get to play Battle Mode much...needless to say there was a re-learning curve...The best path for Story Mode isn't always the best path for Battle Mode...that said, all the Skylanders were fully maxed out and we enjoyed going head-to-head.

We set the battles up as follows: No Items, No Arena Hazards, No Powerups....We wanted a true Player vs Player experience not skewed by add-ons.  Similarly, to keep it fair, each battle was randomly assigned a course by way of my Nephew closing his eyes and tilting the Nunchuck's Analog Stick left and right.

The only real disadvantage for me is that I let him select his character first...every time.  In the future we might set up teams, rotate, or let me pick the characters first, bahahahaha!

Anyway, to try and keep dropped frames a non-issue we recorded each match individually...Ironically only one match had any drops even worth noting.  Go figure.  That said, my issue is that they take a LONG time to edit...I combined Round 1 of Brackets 1 & 2 and the rendering took several hours...as such, I kind of modified the plan and broke it down into groups of 4 Battles...which is interestingly, what we had planned to do early on...then we changed course.  Again, go figure.

Without further ado, here is our Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure Original 32 Blind Draw Tournament!
*Please note, due to editing and other issues, the "Parts" I speak of may not match up to what you see below...When in doubt, go with the blog.  That said, the video titles and upload order (as well as the playlist) will set you in the right direction.

Skylanders Arena Rumble Battle Tournament, Blind Draw Part 1: Round 1, Brackets 1-2

Bracket 1-Round 1

Chop Chop (Wiisdom) vs Drobot (WTK)
Zook (Wiisdom) vs Slam Bam (WTK)
Double Trouble (Wiisdom) vs Cynder (WTK)
Gill Grunt (Wiisdom) vs Eruptor

Bracket 2-Round 1

Voodood (Wiisdom) vs Hex (WTK)
Camo (Wiisdom) vs Ghost Roaster (WTK)
Trigger Happy ( vs Stump Smash ()
Zap (WTK) vs Wrecking Ball (Wiisdom)

Skylanders Arena Rumble Battle Tournament, Blind Draw Part 2: Round 1, Bracket 3

Bracket 3-Round 1

Stealth Elf (WTK) vs Prism Break (Wiisdom)
Bash (WTK) vs Drill Sergeant (Wiisdom)
Sunburn (Wiisdom) vs Sonic Boom (WTK)
Warnado (WTK) vs Flameslinger (Wiisdom)

Skylanders Arena Rumble Battle Tournament, Blind Draw Part 3: Round 1, Bracket 4

Bracket 4-Round 1

Ignitor (WTK) vs Dino-Rang (Wiisdom)
Spyro (WTK) vs Whirlwind (Wiisdom)
Wham-Shell (Wiisdom) vs Lightning Rod (WTK)
Terrafin (WTK) vs Boomer (Wiisdom)

Skylanders Arena Rumble Battle Tournament, Blind Draw Part 4: Round 2, Brackets 1-2

Round 2 Matches, Brackets 1-2

Chop Chop (Wiisdom) vs Slam Bam (WTK)
Double Trouble (WTK) vs Gill Grunt (Wiisdom)
Voodood (Wiisdom) vs Ghost Roaster (WTK)
Stum Smash (Wiisdom) vs Zap (WTK)

Skylanders Arena Rumble Battle Tournament, Blind Draw Part 5: Round 2, Brackets 3-4

Round 2 Matches, Brackets 3-4

Stealth Elf (WTK) vs Bash (Wiisdom)

Sunburn (Wiisdom) vs Flameslinger (WTK)

Dino-Rang (Wiisdom) vs Spyro (WTK)

Wham-Shell (Wiisdom) vs Boomer (WTK)

Skylanders Arena Rumble Battle Tournament, Blind Draw Part 6: Quarterfinals

Quarterfinals

Slam Bam (WTK) vs Double Trouble (Wiisdom)

Voodood (WTK) vs Stump Smash (Wiisdom)

Stealth Elf (WTK) vs Sunburn (Wiisdom)

Spyro (WTK) vs Boomer (Wiisdom)

Skylanders Arena Rumble Battle Tournament, Blind Draw Part 7: 

Semifinals and Championship

Semifinal Matchups

Slam Bam (WTK) vs Stump Smash (Wiisdom)
Sunburn (Wiisdom) vs Spyro (WTK)

Championship Matchup

Stump Smash (Wiisdom) vs Spyro (WTK)

Bonus Matches

Dark Spyro (Wiisdom) vs Spyro (WTK)
Dark Spyro (WTK) vs Spyro (Wiisdom)

That wraps it up!  We hope that you enjoyed our SSA Throwback Tournament!  If time allows, we will continue to record Skylanders Battle Tournaments!

Skylanders Giants: My Plans

You know, the video below is pretty bad...It is too long and not to the point...In fact, I didn't even cover everything I wanted to...For the record I am dead-beat tired.  I'm battling my eyes closing as I type and flirting with stamping QWERTY into my forehead.

That said here is the video and below it is a run-down that I think is much more efficient than the vid, but I realize most people want a video more than they want to read...

Quick Synopsis 

I have pre-ordered the following: Walmart Exclusive GITD Starter Pack (3DS), Golden Dragonfire Battle Pack from GameStop, (2) Legendary Triple Packs (TRU Hot Toy List), and all 8 Light Core Single Pack Figures.

I am going to try to hit Walmart Saturday night (midnight) for a GITD Wii Starter Pack and I'll pick up whatever new releases float my boat.

Sunday I will likely go to Target to try and get Granite Crusher.

After leaving Target I'll hit up TRU for my pre-orders and to see if I can get anything I missed at Walmart including the TRU Exclusive L-Bouncer and L-Stealth Elf.

If I still have it in me I'll go to GameStop for my Golden Dragonfire Cannon Battle Pack.

Monday I will check and see if the Light Core Pre-Orders have shipped.

So yeah, there you have it...much quicker than the video, no?  Anyway, for those wanting more detail I took the top questions I've been getting lately and answered them below.  If you've got a follow up or different question feel free to ask!

Common Questions


Q: Are you going to do a playthrough of Giants?

A: Yes, it will be blind...I'll go thru right away and kind of take things as they come...I'll either go chapter to chapter, or work on completing an entire chapter (all goals/objectives) before advancing.

I plan to complete the game and go back for Nightmare Difficulty!  The only catch is I would like to have more of the "new" Skylanders when this goes down...I may drag it out if we are missing new figures or Giants etc.

Q: What do you plan to buy?

--The Game

A: Wii Starter Pack (Walmart Exclusive).  I was going to just get the Portal Owner's Pack, but after reading about Light Core figures not being bright and batteries in the portal going down fast, it makes sense to spring for the Starter Pack that includes the Portal, S2 Cynder, and Jet-Vac.  Did I mention that the Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Exclusive Starter Pack features GITD Cynder and a GITD Portal?  It is the way to go in the US imo....

B.  3DS Starter Pack (Walmart Exclusive).  I PRE-ORDERED this one.  Why?  New GITD Portal, GITD Cynder, and most importantly Punch Pop Fizz (similar to last year's 3DS Exclusive Dark Spyro).  If I can get it local I'll cancel my pre-order.

C.  Wii U Starter Pack.  This one will depend on how well I like the game and if I can justify picking it up...I'll likely be content with the Wii version, but we will monitor it...

--The Characters

A: All the Giants.  I'm not a huge fan of some of them aesthetically, but they are new and different. I hope they are fun.

B: All the new Skylanders.  I'm much more interested in "new" Skylanders than simple reposed figures.

C: All the Light Core Skylanders.  This is new and unique.  These are also PRE-ORDERED via Single Packs from TRU.

D: All the Legendaries.  I got used to them from last year (SSA) and happen to like the line-up.

E: I'll pick up some Series 2 Skylanders, but it will likely come down to if I like the Skylander, if their pose is cool, and how they are distributed etc.  Just as an example (this is not an actual pack), but say Dino-Rang and Warnado were in a Triple Pack with Hex I would get it...Logic there being I like 2 of them very well and it is cheaper to get the triple pack etc.  Again, please note that is not a Triple Pack...DR and Warnado aren't even being reproduced, lol.

F: The BattlePacks. This is new and unique...I'll give them a shot.  I have the GOLDEN DRAGONFIRE CANNON on PRE-ORDER from GameStop.

G: Any variants I find in stores.  There are ton of variants already known and more coming...I won't break the bank for any, but if I can get one for retail I'll go for it.

Q: Will you do unboxings?

A: Yes.  I will treat Giants stuff the same way I did Spyro's Adventure.

Q: What are you most looking forward to?

A: Nightmare Difficulty

Q: Who is your favorite Giant?

A: Going only off looks I'd say it is a toss up between Crusher and Eye Brawl.  I actually don't mind Tree Re x either.  Keep in mind, this could change once I know how they play etc.

Q: Who is your favorite new Skylander?

A: Going off looks only, Jet-Vac (definitely not the popular choice).  Again, once I factory in game play this could change.  Fright Rider looks cool too.

Q: Will you go for a complete collection?

A: Define complete.  I doubt it this time around.  There are just too many characters and variants etc.  I will definitely try to pick up my favorites and I might change my mind, but you can bank on me not paying over retail for anything.

Q: When will you start videos (unboxing and playthrough)?

A: Don't hold me to it, but this will likely start up on release day.

Q: Are you going to keep doing Battle Tournament Polls?

A: Yes, everyone seemed to like them...I'll start them up ASAP.

And now for some generic questions I've been getting or that are kind of relevant...

Q: Where have you been?

A: I have been ridiculously busy.  I honestly have not recorded anything major since June when I last recorded Mario Kart Wii, MP9, and had issues with Skyward Sword.

Q: What have you been playing?

A: Honestly just Wii Fit Plus and 3DS from time-to-time.

Q: Have you recorded anything since June?

A: Yes.  I do have some Super Smash Bros. Brawl stuff and a decent amount of Skylanders Battle Mode.  I might actually work on uploading some of it this weekend.

Q: Are you getting a Wii U?

A: Yes, Black Premium Bundle...even though I don't have a TV with HDMI inputs, lol.

Q: When will you upload Mario Kart Wii and Mario Party 9?

A: Soon on MKW.  I still have Parts 9-16 ready to upload...I'm not sure anyone ever guessed who I would be using, but I guess it doesn't really matter.  I might record the 150cc stuff during Giants or after the initial playthrough if I wait on some more releases or a new Wave for Nightmare.
Mario Party 9 will likely resume AFTER the initial Giants playthough and maybe after the Nightmare run.

Q: What's next?

A: Giants.  After that Mario Kart Wii, Mario Party 9, and then back to surprises.

Q: Will you get to upload regularly?

A: I hope so.  I had pegged this past weekend as when things would slow down for me and they really have...I'm still busy, but not near as much as I was the last 3-4 months.

Q: Will you blog more?

A: Yes.  I should get back to the usual once a week, if not more, post schedule.

Q: Anything else cool?

A: Why yes...I recorded my favorite Skylanders (looks and game play) several months ago.  As soon as I can find the videos I will upload them.  I held off because I didn't want to make anyone biased on the Battle Tournament Polls.

Conclusion

That is about it...I am super tired, but slightly more alert than when I started typing this.  *If* I can find my "Favorite Skylander" videos I will upload them tomorrow (Friday) and include them in a list form here on the blog.  I wanted to do that long ago, but held off to not contaminate the poll battles.

I am going to hit the hay (4:55 AM) and as mentioned, feel free to ask any other questions here on the blog.

-1ofWiisdom

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure Battle Mode Videos

I have had all of this stuff done for quite some time, but never really had the time to edit it or make compilation videos like I intended.  My computer had so much trouble making the Giants 3DS Unboxing, I knew I had to clear out some space.

So, before I moved or deleted any files, I decided to make the videos.  Most of these will just be simple battles...most are just toe-to-toe, but there are a handful where we took turns making attacks etc.

I think I had commentary for a few, but it is much easier to just go ahead and upload as is.

I also wanted to get the Sky Goals and Sky Gem Master vids up to showcase those seldom spoken activities...both are actually pretty fun in my opinion.

Nonetheless, I'll divide these up via Bold Headings and will add as time allows.

Sky Goals

Sky Gem Masters

Battle Mode: Miscellaneous Icicle Isle Matches

I think I was P2 in most of these recordings.  Also note the Portal issue with Ghost Roaster in Part 2.  I will try and outline the matches in each video.  Some feature rematches or the aforementioned RPG style battles.

Icicle Isle Part 1

Warnado vs Whirlwind, Warnado vs Whirlwind, Warnado vs Whirlwind, Ignitor vs Chop Chop, Flameslinger vs Ghost Roaster, Slam Bam vs Ghost Roaster, Slam Bam vs Ghost Roaster

Icicle Isle Part 2

Terrafin vs Wham-Shell, Whirlwind vs Sonic Boom, Flameslinger vs Ghost Roaster, Bash vs Drill Sergeant, Trigger Happy vs Prism Break, Camo vs Zook, Cynder vs Dino-Rang, Lightning Rod vs Hex

Icicle Isle Part 3

Lightning Rod vs Dino-Rang, Terrafin vs Ghost Roaster, Dino-Rang vs Zook, Ghost Roaster vs Zook, Terrafin vs Ghost Roaster, Sonic Boom vs Ghost Roaster

Skylanders Battle Tournament Vids (Mushroom Grove)

Brackets 1 and 4: Warnado vs Boomer, Slam Bam vs Chop Chop, Spyro vs Zap, Terrafin vs Wrecking Ball, Sunburn vs Eruptor, Double Trouble vs Voodood, Ignitor vs Stump Smash, Stealth Elf vs Drobot, Double Trouble vs Sunburn, Stealth Elf vs Ignitor, Stealth Elf vs Slam Bam, Stealth Elf vs Slam Bam

Brackets 2 and 3: Camo vs Whirlwind, Prism Break vs Sonic Boom, Cynder vs Hex, Flameslinger vs Ghost Roaster, Wham-Shell vs Dino-Rang, Bash vs Zook, Lightning Rod vs Gill Grunt, Trigger Happy vs Drill Sergeant, Camo vs Sonic Boom, Ghost Roaster vs Hex, Dino-Rang vs Zook, Lighting Rod vs Drill Sergeant, Camo vs Hex, Dino-Rang vs Lightning Rod, Dino-Rang vs Hex

Misc. Battle Mode Videos

Aqueduct: Ignitor vs Slam Bam
The Necropolis: Hex vs Warnado
Cube Dungeon: Eruptor vs Warnado
Mushroom Grove: Hex vs Bash
Necropolis: Terrafin vs Hex
Mushroom Grove: Eruptor vs Slam Bam

Terrafin vs Slam Bam

Just like the title says...all battles at Mushroom Grove.

Skylanders Battle Tournament

Well, here it is, the little "project" I have long teased about...A Skylanders Battle Tournament!!

Don't get too excited, I'm not sure how people will take this one...It could either bomb or turn out to be very popular.  I am obviously hoping for the later, but even if it isn't a smash hit, I think a few of you will enjoy it and I figure we will make the most of it and see it out to the very end.

Here is the video to explain things in more detail:

Skylanders Battle Tournament!

As you very well know, I can't record Single Player Battle Mode footage simply because there is no single player option...I'm not quite sure what the logic was in that...maybe it is too daunting, idk...I really hope that we see that addition for Giants.  Even if it isn't spot on, or at the level of say Super Smash Bros. Brawl, I would think as widely popular as it has been they might dial it in...As things currently sit, I and many others, seldom even get the chance to enjoy Battle Mode.

So with that in mind, this is the next best thing I could come up with, lol.  I really think if it is given a chance it could be pretty enjoyable, and possibly even become a regular series with different scenarios or weights (ie dragons, elemental grudge matches, home field for Earth etc).

The way these "battles" will work rely entirely on you!

If you recall the big poll I did for "Who is Your Favorite Skylander?" you might think this order looks familiar...it should, because I set up this 1-32 Bracket based entirely off of who you voted your favorites.

The bracket itself basically consists of 4 Tiers of 8 Skylanders that comprise the 32 player field.  They are broken down 1-Warnado, 2-Camo, 3-Wham-Shell, and 4-Sunburn.  Warnado will have the easiest time getting to the finals since the lowest seed after him is #8 Spyro.  Juxtaposed to that we have #4 Sunburn facing the biggest challenge to reach the finals since he has the #5 Ignitor lurking in the bracket below.

I will try to get a pic of the bracket up soon, but you can see it pretty well in the video.

Right now, I am thinking of running the polls for 2 Week Intervals.  If we decide to run longer, we will adjust on the fly.  You can find the 16 1st Round Polls on the Right Hand side of the Blog, just below the Twitter Feed.

I have the ordered 1-1, 1-4, 1-2, and then 1-3, to basically replicate the "bracket" layout.

All you need to do is vote for you favorite, or who you think would win...tell your friends...and monitor the results.  There are already some pretty interesting matchups between pretty even characters.

Things may have changed since the "Who is Your Favorite" poll, or certain people might feel #32 Boomer would decimate #1 Warnado and thus shake the bracket up with a big upset.

I wish I could record Battle Mode footage, but this is honestly the best concept I could come up with...I have had the idea for a LONG TIME, but wanted to get all the main video installments up before side tracking into this one...

Feel free to let me know what you think...whether you like it, or hate it...Also feel free, assuming you like it, to throw out ideas you'd like to see for "future tournaments" etc.  I will probably video the "results" and then announce the "next round matchups" etc.

Like I've said, this could be well received or not really taken seriously.  I can certainly see a lot of potential in it and hope you will enjoy it, vote, and spread the word...The more votes, the tighter the matchups...and that makes for much more interesting outcomes!

Will Warnado battle Camo for the Championship, or will upsets happen and we see Double Trouble vs Trigger Happy?  The only way to find out is to vote, spread the word, and follow along.  I am looking forward to the outcomes and will offer up my synopsis after each battle's results are announced.

So what are you waiting for?  Vote now, tell your friends, have some fun, and pull for your favorite Skylander to emerge victorious!

1ofWiisdom

Round 1 Results Video

Round 2 Matchup Video

Round 2 Poll Results

Round 2 Results Video

Round 3 Matchup Video

Round 3 Results

Round 4 Matchup Video

Round 4 Results

Championship Matchup

Championship Results

And there you have it!  #5 Ignitor led a fiery charge throughout the bracket and absolutely wreaked havoc on the Life Element Skylanders.  Stay tuned for more updates!

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure: Battle Mode: Arena Rumble Basic Controls

Spyro vs Trigger Happy at the Troll Factory

This is just a quick video that introduces you to gameplay in the Arena Rumble segment of Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure.  We covered the basic controls for the characters, highlighted the standard elements of the arena, and showcased the special features of the stage. 

I don't think anyone will be blown away by this gameplay, but the fact of the matter is you can have a lot of fun with some friends and all of this is in addition to the already stellar Adventure Mode.  Seeing how all of Battle Mode is really a bonus, you certainly can't complain. 

You can experiment and find out which characters perform best in certain stages and which elements fair the best against others.  I think many will enjoy the Arena Rumble feature!