Skylanders Trap Team Research: Enigma Upgrade Paths and Attack Damage Numbers

Enigma Base Upgrades

Enigma Chief of Staff

Enigma Invisible Invader

Enigma Attack Damage Numbers

Deja Vu & Legendary Deja Vu Upgrade Paths & Attack Damage Numbers

So, this set of vids was actually recorded December 3rd, 2014...I honestly thought I had long since released them.  Nonethless, here they are and I suppose on the bright side they sync nicely with the recent release of Bades, Bushwhack, and Jawbreaker...all of which join Deja Vu with "Legendary Status" in Trap Team.

Deja Vu Base Upgrades

Legendary Deja Vu Remember to Live

Deja Vu Live to Remember

Deja Vu Attack Damage Numbers

(Click to Enlarge)

Skylanders Trap Team: Blastermind Unboxing, Introduction, and Upgrades

What: Blastermind, Magic Element, Trap Master
Where Did You Get It: Special Delivery
What Does It Cost: $14.99 plus tax
What is Included: Blastermind, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Blastermind

Magic Element, Trap Master

Card Stats
Power: 170/250
Armor: 60/250
Agility: 160/250
Luck: 150/250
Totals: 540/1000

Game Stats:
Health: 240
Armor: 30
Speed: 70
Critical Hit: 50
Elemental Power: 25
Totals: 415

Introduction #42: Blastermind

Blastermind Upgrades

-Coming Soon

Skylanders Trap Team Unboxing Cobra Cadabra

What: Cobra Cadabra

Where Did You Get It: Special Delivery

What Does It Cost: $9.99 plus tax

What is Included: Cobra Cadabra, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Cobra Cadabra

Cobra Cadabra

Magic Element, Newlander

Slogan: “Charmed and Ready!”

Card Stats

 Power: 60/250

Armor: 120/250

Agility: 70/250

Luck: 130/250

Totals: 380/1000

In-Game Stats

 Maximum Health: 290

Speed: 70

Armor: 36

Critical Hit: 40

Elemental Power: 25

Total: 482

Star Strike Upgrade Paths with Damage Numbers

Star Strike Base Upgrades

Star Strike Damage Numbers

^You Can Click the Spreadsheet to Make it Larger^

Star Strike Star Gazer Upgrade Path

Star Strike Cosmic Reflector Upgrade Path

Dune Bug Upgrade Paths with Damage Numbers

Dune Bug Base Upgrades

Dune Bug Damage Numbers

Dune Bug Scarab Sage Upgrade Path

Dune Bug Dune Mage Upgrade Path

Unboxing Trap Shadow Skylanders SWAP Force

What? Trap Shadow, Magic Element, SWAP Force Swapper, Sneak Ability
Where Did You Get It? Special Delivery
What Did It Cost? $14.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? Check TRU 3-13-2014
What is Included? Trap Shadow, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Trap Shadow

Trap Shadow
Magic Element, SF Swapper, Sneak Ability

Slogan: "Hide and Sleek!"

Card Stats
Power: 140/200
Armor: 180/200
Agility: 100/200
Luck: 80/200
Totals: 500/800

Magic Element Swappers

Sneak Ability Swappers

Magic Element SWAP Force

Toy Fair Exclusive Red Metallic Dune Bug

What:  Skylanders SWAP Force Exclusive Edition Toy Fair 2014 Dune Bug
Where Did You Get It: Special Delivery
What is Stock Like: Limited to Toy Fair 2014

Wow!  My Wednesday at the office just got a lot better...

FedEx swung by with the 2014 Toy Fair Exclusive Red Metallic Dune Bug!  The technical name is as listed out above "Exclusive Edition Toy Fair 2014 Dune Bug," but most will refer to him as Toy Fair Dune Bug, or Red Metallic Dune Bug etc.  The color looks great, but it is really one of those ones that needs to be seen in person...Judge for yourself:

Checking Out Toy Fair Exclusive red Metallic Dune Bug

The red coloring is definitely a metallic red...It is almost like an anodized finish, although I'm not sure how many of you deal with anodized aluminum fittings.  It is a deep, vibrant red...It is not maroon, yet I feel it is closer to that than "lipstick red."  You can get a decent feel for it via the pictures and video, but it really would have to be seen with your own eyes to accurately pick up on the color.

The entire figure is covered in the red paint...Tip of the top, staff, hands, all the way down to the base.

In game, he registers as:

It is important to remember, these were intended for promotional use...Something to entice folks to visit the Skylanders section at the Toy Fair and something "physical" to send home to always look back on and remember the display and series.

I know a lot of you have stated your allegiance to Dune Bug and think he is a great Skylander.  I won't lie...anytime that is the case (ie your favorite gets a variant of any sort), it is a great addition to your collection.  At the same time, I have to caution folks not to spend crazy money to acquire something...

Everyone knows how big a fan I am of Terrafin and Warnado.  There is a GITD Warnado that I've never seen, held, or thought of buying because of the crazy price.  My life has gone on just fine.  If Terrafin ever got a really cool variant I would love to find it, but if I came up empty I wouldn't think of spending a couple hundred to acquire it.  You have to be smart with your money and keep it all in perspective.

If you do pop for one that is sure to come up on ebay etc., I hope you get a fair deal.  He does look awesome and this is really the first time I have seen a metallic in person, let alone in red.  I don't think anyone would be disappointed in the alternative decoration here...it is very impressive.

Hopefully this post has helped to showcase Toy Fair Dune Bug for you.  If you are bummed out about how hard he will be to acquire I can offer good news that Nitro Freeze Blade is coming soon along with some special Easter themed Skylander singles that include Fryno, Punk Shock, and of course in-game variant Spring Time Trigger Happy!

Unboxing Dune Bug Skylanders SWAP Force Newlander

What? Dune Bug, Magic Element, SWAP Force Newlander
Where Did You Get It? Toys'R'Us
What Did It Cost? $10.99 plus tax (BOGO40%)
What Was Stock Like? Well Stocked!
What is Included? Dune Bug, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Dune Bug

Dune Bug
Magic Element, SF Newlander

Slogan: "Can't Beat the Beetle!"

Card Stats
Power: 60/200
Armor: 130/200
Agility: 40/200
Luck: 100/200
Totals: 330/800

Dune Bug, Front with Card

Dune Bug, Back with Card

SWAP Force Magic Element Newlanders

SWAP Force Magic Element Skylanders

Skylanders SWAP Force Unboxing Star Strike and LightCore Star Strike

What: Star Strike and LightCore Star Strike, Magic Element, SWAP Force Newlanders
Where Did You Get It? Toys'R'Us
What Did It Cost? Star Strike Single $10.99, LC $13.99 plus tax (BOGO40%)
What Was Stock Like? Well Stocked on the LC, Limited Stock on regular Star Strike's Single Pack
What is Included: LC Star Strike or Star Strike, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Star Strike

Unboxing LightCore Star Strike

Star Strike
Magic Element, SF Newlander

Slogan: "Shoot for the Stars!"

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

LightCore Star Strike
Magic Element, SF Newlander

Slogan: "Shoot for the Stars!"

Card Stats
Power: 90/200
Armor: 80/200
Agility: 80/200
Luck: 80/200
Totals: 330/800

LightCore Star Strike, Front

LightCore Star Strike, Back

LightCore Star Strike on the Portal, Frontal View

LightCore Star Strike on the Portal, Back Side View

Skylanders SWAP Force Unboxing Enchanted Hoot Loop, Walmart Exclusive

What: Enchanted Hoot Loop, Walmart Exclusive Magic Element, SWAP Force, Teleport
Where Did You Get It: Walmart...somehow
What Did It Cost: EHL was only $14.96 plus tax, the time investment was greater
What Was Stock Like: The employees sure didn't know

The least enchanting thing about Hoot Loop was was the experience getting him.  I cover it in pretty good detail in the video, but it was bad.  The first Walmart I went in (remember, most of you were out at midnight picking stuff off pegs and going through boxes), had nothing.  Well, I say nothing, they did have a little shelf top display, and I mean a literal sign...No signs of anything SWAP Force, it was all Giants.  

So did they sell out, or screw up?  I called this a few days prior in a video that I figured my local Walmarts would utterly botch this and I was 100% correct.  In fact, I think I underestimated how bad they would be...

This is nothing new in my area...it actually continues a trend of horrible experiences with the store.  Again, I have no personal qualms with their lower prices, but if you want to run a giant retail store you need to hire competent employees, or at least have someone to train them to get headed that direction.  Now this has nothing to do with someone not know who Enchanted Hoot Loop is, or not knowing when Trap Shadow will release, this is basic stuff.

If this was a game I could say Walmart didn't show up to play...However, I don't think they were in the stadium.  In fact, they weren't even trying to get tickets to attend the game they were to play in...They were at home, asleep, oblivious to their commitments.  And I fully expected that.

After a long time, and three stores, I found one that had one center aisle display out and an employee who told me anything not there would be in a box behind the counter.  Luckily, that was the case and I grabbed 2 EHLs to come home.

Despite the ordeal to acquire EHL, I remain just as excited for him as I do regular Hoot Loop.  He looks like a great character with Double Trouble like beam powers, hypnotic abilities, and some really neat teleportation abilities!

Enchanted Hoot Loop

Magic Element, SWAP Force, SWAP Power: Teleport

Slogan: "Let's Ruffle Some Feathers!"

Card Stats:

-Power: 100/200

-Armor: 100/200

-Agility: 60/200

-Luck: 200/200

-Totals: 460/800

Skylanders SWAP Force Unboxing Hoot Loop

What: Hoot Loop, SWAP Force, Magic Element, Teleport
Where Did You Get It? Target
What Did It Cost? $14.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like: Plenty at all stores

Hoot Loop is one of the SWAPPERS we have seen a lot of content on...And he has always impressed me and looked like a real "hoot" to play with.  He starts out with Dejaboom, think Double Trouble's primary attack, up top and basic teleport abilities for his legs.  He uprades both quite well and even has Hypnotic abilities...Yep, he is going to be awesome!

One interesting thing about this first round of Hoot Loop's is his catchphrase or slogan.  The correct one is, "Let's Ruffle Some Feathers!"  However, as many of you noted in the unboxing preview video I did, the packaging denotes "Whip Up a Storm!" which is Free Ranger's slogan!

This really does nothing for the value like a "chase" variant etc, but for some collectors it is a factory error and makes it desirable (as will having a corrected one coming up!).  The funny thing is, and I have to give credit to my Nephew for noticing this, is that the translation below is in fact correct!  Not in the sense it translates Free Ranger's "Whip Up a Storm!" but rather that it matches what would be Hoot Loop's "Let's Ruffle Some Feathers!"

The other thing of note is that at least at my local TRU almost all of their Hoot Loops are disassembled in the mint packaging!  I find this odd because I think he has been one of the toughest to unboxing, meaning he is really well packaged.  

Hoot Loop

Magic Element, SWAP Force, SWAP Power: Teleport

Slogan: "Let's Ruffle Some Feathers!"

Card Stats:

-Power: 100/200

-Armor: 100/200

-Agility: 60/200

-Luck: 200/200

-Totals: 460/800

Skylanders Swap Force: New Magic Element Character Leaked

If you read along here recently I mentioned a leaked Magic Element character in SwapForce...

Here it is:

This character was spotted on a hat listed on a European Amazon listing...Pop Fizz, Wrecking Ball, and Spyro were actually featured as well...I cropped the image down to focus on the new "mystery" Magic Skylander.

Given the hat and the surrounding characters you could likely conclude this character hails from the Magic Element...

The medallion on the cape's clasp kind of seals that hypothesis.

The gender is not 100%, but I am inclined to say female...Look how much the almond-like eyes resemble Stealth Elf.  Similarly, there appears to be the classic "wasp waist" you see with sketches to indicate a female...the detail on the cloak kind of goes along with that.

The status remains unknown and the item was yanked from listings...

Regardless of the unknowns, this character looks like a very sinister and imposing Skylander...just what the Magic Element needs imo!

As any more info comes out I will keep you posted!

You can keep up with all the Swap Force character developments here:
http://1ofwiisdom.blogspot.com/2013/02/skylanders-swap-force-character-list.html

Scarlet Ninjini Magically Appearing at Target May 19th, 2013

I have gotten reports and solid confirmation that the much anticipated Scarlet Ninjini will finally be making her debut at Target on Sunday, May 19th, 2013.

This follows suit with Jade Flaswhing and the earlier released Granite Crusher, but Scarlet will not be exclusive to Target.  In fact, my local GameStops (and those near the distribution center) had her on the shelves Thursday-Friday, May 9th-10th).

I again have to stress that the Target Exclusives can be hard to locate and find stocked at many stores and in many regions.  As I've said before, I saw Granite Crusher at my local store on release day and never again...Jade was only seen twice at my local Target.  I realize some folks have store that handle more inventory etc, but for everyone else (or those with scalpers) they are much harder to come by than say your in-game variant from Walmart or Legendaries at Toys'R'Us.

Bottom line, if you want her...I'd act fast.  She should be available at multiple outlets, but the dates are uncertain for Walmart, Amazon, etc...Given how the last few exclusives and in-game variants have been I would treat her as if she was a store exclusive and move fast.  If Target is your planned means of landing the magic ninja genie, I would go as early as possible.  Granite, Jade, Molten Hot Dog, etc have all been relatively tough to land.  They do get re-stocked eventually, but there are still plenty of people who have yet to land Granite that have been trying since launch!

I also hope you had enough faith in me to not go out on a limb and buy her from Amazon Germany...If that was the only option, I might have done it...No point paying extra freight and having to wait all that time (I know a few that ordered her and have STILL yet to get her in hand).

I will keep you posted on any other news breaks regarding Scarlet or the other yet to be released Skylanders.  Similarly, if a link goes up online I'll post it...That is your safest bet to avoid a potential disappointment at your local store...

Stay tuned and happy hunting!

Skylanders Giants Unboxing Ninjini

Skylanders Giants Unboxing Ninjini

What?  Ninjini, Magic Element Giant

Where Did You Get It?  GameStop.com

What Did It Cost?  $14.99 plus shipping

What is Included? Ninjini, Sticker Sheet, Web Code for Skylanders Universe

What Lights Up?  Her lower body illuminates a medium blue and her eyes light up white.  However, if you turn the lights out you will see that her face glows blue and her red hair shows up as well...Possibly the best light up effect in the game and no doubt one of the best hidden treats...You really can't see that the face and hair illuminate without turning the lights out!

What Was Stock Like?  She is in-and-out of stock on GameStop.com and Amazon regularly.  She is also showing up not only at brick-and-mortar GameStops, but Walmart, Walmart.com, Best Buy, and within a few weeks should be easy to find...I'd put her on the same time frame as Eye-Brawl and Thumpback.  She may have a wider audience though.  Nonetheless, hold out, be patient, and pay retail!

Quick Character Info:

Slogan: "Any Last Wishes?"

Card Stats:

Power/Strength: 100/1580
Defense/Armor: 100/150
Speed/Agility: 100/150
Luck: 150/150
Totals: 450/600

Skylanders Giants Ninjini Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Stats, Upgrades, Quests, and More

Conclusion

Skylanders Giants Unboxing Series 2 Spyro

Unboxing Skylanders Giants Series 2 Spyro

What?  Series 2 Spyro, Magic Element

Where Did You Get It?  GameStop.com

What Did It Cost?  $9.99 plus shipping

What is Included?  S2 Spyro, Sticker Sheet, Web Code for Skylanders Universe

What Was Stock Like?  In-and-out of stock on GS.com, but he is regularly stocking at brick-and-mortar GameStops and should be wide spread and much easier to find within a few weeks.

Quick Character Info:

Slogan: "All Fired Up!"

Card Stats:

Power/Strength: 75/1580
Defense/Armor: 60/150
Speed/Agility: 100/150
Luck: 65/150
Totals: 300/600

Series 2 Spyro Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Skylanders Giants Unboxing Series 2 Wrecking Ball

Skylanders Giants Unboxing Series 2 Wrecking Ball

What?  Series 2 Wrecking Ball, Magic Element

Where Did You Get It?  GameStop.com

What Did It Cost?  $9.99 plus shipping

What is Included?  S2 Wrecking Ball, Sticker Sheet, Web Code for Skylanders Universe

What Was Stock Like?  Not to hard to find online...Should be relatively easy to pick up at a brick-and-mortar GameStop and will likely be widespread and much easier to find within a week or two.

Quick Character Info:

Slogan: "Wreck-N-Roll!"

Card Stats:

Power/Strength: 85/1580
Defense/Armor: 50/150
Speed/Agility: 70/150
Luck: 80/150
Totals: 285/600

Series 2 Wrecking Ball Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Hot Toy Alert: Buy Ninjini at Toys'R'Us 2/27/2013

While shoveling infinite amounts of snow I had a Tweet from Philip notifying me that Ninjini would be hitting shelves at most Toys'R'Us stores tomorrow!

I just finished supper and refreshed my inbox to finally see the "Hot Toy Alert" check it out:

Several folks have already gotten their Ninjinis from Toys'R'Us.  This technically shouldn't happen, but it is what some stores do for known, or regular customers.  

There have been confirmed reports of stores having either A: No Clue about It, B: as few as 8, and C: As many as 30-40.

The Shipping Crate for Ninjini includes the following: 2 Ninjini, 2 Thumpback, 1 Eye-Brawl, and 1 Crusher.

So, if your store tells you that have X crates, simply multiply that by 2 and you'll know how many Ninjinis they should have on hand...

If you recall from my Weekly Update, my local TRU had FINALLY stocked the new Giants...With the release expected nation wide, I would think they have likely been sitting on Ninjini for awhile.  Scarlet Ninjini is also in the mix, but we still have no confirmation on when she will be released, or where...

What is really disturbing though is the PR stunt by Toys'R'Us at times square in new york city where they made sure to stress that the Ninjini figures they were giving out would not be available in stores for MONTHS.  That is pretty sad in all honesty.  It was a cool promotion for the handful of people that could show up in the early morning of a workday in one area, but stretching the truth like that was tasteless...

I say it all the time, but DO NOT BUY SKYLANDERS FROM ebay!  Unless you are paying less than retail, never do it...It fuels the people that clear shelves and make a living scalping things...

As for me and Ninjini...I am not sure.  I have just learned to be disappointed by anything that TRU sends out a "hot toy alert" for because they always seem to stretch things out (kind of like times square).  I have yet to hit the store on release day for any Skylanders related merchandise when they haven't been cleaned out and upon inquiring I find from employees they had very limited quantities.

I honestly might just wait for GameStop or Amazon.

Toys'R'Us is great when they have sales, but the rest of the time they just handle promotions poorly and tend to over hype things.  

If you do hit up your store tomorrow I would suggest you have them price match, although with Ninjini not out anywhere else, I'm not sure they will do it...There is no reason to charge an extra $1 over everyone else in the retail world.

As usual, if I venture out and land her I will post up...

That said, they still seem to have the Buy One Get One 40% Off, so you could at least take advantage of that one...it kind of offsets the $1 extra price point.

I've yet to hear of anyone confirming this, BUT there is also a small chance they will have other Wave 4 Skylanders like S2 Spyro, S2 Wrecking Ball, and maybe even L-LC Chill.  If we don't see Chill with this grouping, I think we will see her before Easter, kind of like Dragon's Peak last year.

Well...good luck!  Hopefully there is the stock to match the hype this time.  I wouldn't be shocked if a lot of the stock isn't held back until Sunday...the day AFTER the 40% Off Sale will end, lol. 

Blog Poll #15 Results: Magic Element Skylander Upgrade Paths

Blog Poll #15 "Which Upgrade Path Do You Prefer for (insert Magic Element Skylander here)?" has now wrapped up.

This was started as a request from Daphney on Twitter regarding Double Trouble, and I figured since it was going up, we just as well start this sequence for all characters.  I will be running 2 at a time (next up is Tech and Undead) and the order is determined by how you voted in the "What is Your Favorite Skylanders Element?" poll.  If you wondered, Daphney will go by your votes to pick her upgrade path for Double Trouble.

So, with that said, let's take a look at the results:

Double Trouble
-Channeler 48 Votes (64%)
-Conjuror 27 Votes (36%)

This was a pretty decisive win.  It looks like most of you prefer Double Trouble's Channeler Path.  I have not gotten him up to that point, but should soon.

Spyro
-Sheep Burner 42 Votes (67%)
-Blitz Spyro 20 Votes (32%)

This was another clear cut victory.  Those participating clearly prefer what upgrading the primary attack does over going with the secondary path.

Voodood
-Elementalist 35 Votes (72%)
-Marauder 13 Votes (27%)

Shazaam!  Huge win for Elementalist at a nearly 3:1 margin.  It also appears that Voodood is the least popular, or least owned Magic Element Skylander as this poll only accounted for 48 votes, roughly 2/3 of the top vote getter.

Wrecking Ball
-Total Tongue 33 Votes (55%)
-Ultimate Spinner 26 Votes (44%)

Now this was a race!  Wrecking Ball pulled in a few more votes than Voodood and had almost as many as Spyro, which means there are either a lot of Wrecking Ball fans, or he has been easy to obtain.  Total Tongue won out by a mere 7 votes.  I must confess, I have still used Wrecking Ball for a total of about 10 minutes.  I have heard that he upgrades well and reminds some people of Kirby, but I just haven't spent much time with him yet.  I can say that I would likely go with his Total Tongue as I feel his secondary attack was weak, just like Hex, and wouldn't care to upgrade it (unless of course the base ugprades changed my mind).

So there you go, you've picked out your favorite upgrade paths for the Magic Element Skylanders.  Interestingly, all 4 Magic Skylanders were deemed to upgrade the best via their Primary Attack's Upgrade Path.

Thanks to everyone who voted, this will now open up Blog Polls #18 and #19.