What I Would Like to See in Skylanders 6

So...heavily requested video and a MASSIVE time constraint.  Basically we will have official news on the real Skylanders 6 here in a few hours.  Do I know some things already?  Yes.  Have I seen some things that people weren't supposed to see yet? Yes.  Can you find that same info on the net...most certainly.  However, out of respect to the people behind the game I won't be posting or discussing any of that here...These are my legitimate "wants" for Skylanders 6.

That said...check back later today as I'll likely have a slew of info up on the next installment! You can also check my site here AND the Skylander Club Forum (http://www.skylanderclub.com) for more info throughout the day (keep in mind I work a real job and this is a side-hobby).

Anyway here is the video...

What I Would Like to See in Skylanders 6

Is it long...yeah, but what did you expect?  I have to crank this stuff out late at night (4 AM now) and I am working with a really badly stubbed toe (good news, I don't think I broke it, haha).

So here are some bullet points, obviously the video will expand on these:

SSA Format 

-Elemental Areas are Meaningful

-Elemental Levels

-Central Focus on Levels and Boss Battles

-Save Points

-Maintain Training Ground

--Enemy Spawn Button/Simulator

Character Release

-Include Battlecat Card

-1 of Whatever Required available AT LAUNCH

-All Undead Characters available BEFORE Halloween

-Modest Line-up (16-24 maximum)

-Series 2 for Core Skylanders

--Warnado, Dino-Rang, Sunburn, Ghost Roaster/Chopper, Blades, Scorp, Star Strike etc.

-SuperCharger Treatment for any Returning Character

--Ie if we get another Spyro, give him a whole new move set etc.

-If Triple Packs really exist, make them just as available as Singles to help folks save money

-Hidden Chase Variants-Up End Consumer's Chance of Landing Specials

-Legendary, Nitro, Dark, etc all need Stat Boosts

-$9.99 target price, $12.99 max for "Gimmick-Landers"

-Maintain Eon's Elite $19.99 with frequent sales

-LightCore WITH full upgrade tree AND user activated flash bomb

Complete Set Bonus (Not in Video--See, Another Perk to Reading!)

-If you have ALL of a certain character, you should get an accolade, special hat, or stat boost...just a nice token of appreciation.  So S1 Terrafin, S2 Terrafin, S3 Terrafin, and SuperCharged Terrafin = Accolades.

--I think this could also apply to full sets of Legendary or Dark Skylanders.

Additional Game Modes

Battle Mode

--Must Have It.  If not "in game" than stand alone entry

---Update Character Roster and add new arenas

----Seasonal Updates

--Single Player vs AI, Local, and Online

---Expanding past 2 Skylanders would be a future goal

---Imagine an online 4v4, or pitting the SSA Life vs SSA Undead..EPICNESS!!!!

Heroics or Quests

--Expand on Character's Lore

--Allow users to spend time and train/upgrade (statistically enhance) their favorite Skylanders

Adventure Packs

-Would Love to Play the Levels Again!  What a surprise it would be! HD Darklight Crypt!!

Worries

-Traps and Vehicles...Any function?

-Removing established features...never makes people happy

Future Expansion

Battle Mode

--Ultimate Replay Value...Incentive for older characters

---Frequent Updates and DLC for new characters and arenas 

Battlecast

--If the game takes off, it needs to be updated regularly by adding in new characters

---It would be okay to do so slowly as to not overwhelm players/collectors

PC Presence

--Battlecast needs to be on PC; tons of kids online (see Minecraft servers)

--Skylanders: Spyro's Universe

---I would love to see this, or something similar relaunched.  Endless possibilities.  It was a TON of FUN for anyone who missed out...and I had a killer Skylands if you wondered ;)

Conclusion

I could seriously go on...for hours.  This is kind of a rushed video despite having been thinking about it for a while now...I added a few points of interest here that were not covered in the video.  That said, let me know your thoughts and I will catch you back for insights on the REAL Skylanders 6!!

Skylanders Giants Unboxing Crusher

Unboxing Crusher

What? Crusher, Earth Element Giant

Where Did You Get It?  GameStop.com

What Did it Cost?  $14.99 plus tax and shipping

What is Included?  Crusher, Stat Card, Sticker, and Webcode

What Lights Up?  Eyes and 3 Crystals at top of Armor Band

What Was the Stock Like?  I was so burned out calling local Walmarts to check midnight release status, I surfed over to GameStop.com and found that Wave 1 was up for order!  Not knowing what to expect in terms of stock or turnout I decided to take advantage of things and order in a few characters.  That said, I have yet to walk into a store without the current slate of Giants (aside from Granite Crusher and Hot Head). I have noticed that online several retailers have lost stock of the Giants...And I did notice they were selling down quick.  I imagine they are the items most people will target.  That said, I don't think you'll really have trouble landing a run-of-the-mill Crusher if you act before Black Friday.

Quick Character Info:

Crusher Earth Element Giant

Slogan: "It's Crush Hour!"

Card Stats:

-Strenght: 140/150
-Defense: 140/150
-Agility: 50/150
-Luck: 60/150

Conclusion

I also spent a little extra time in this unboxing as I had a lot of people asking about what lights up, how loose the hammer is, and if their figure is broken etc.  I can say once again that both Crusher and Granite Crusher lit up great on my battery-powered, wirless Wii Portal from SSA.

The only thing that lights up is the eyes (blue on both) and the top three crystals over the shoulder (blue on Granite Crusher and Green on Crusher).

This one, just like LC Prism Break, was a bit long, but mainly due to the unknowns and so much info needing to be covered.  I also recorded it right after LCPB and didn't know how the camera would pick up the lighting etc.  It seems to do a good job so future unboxings will include the light show, but much quicker and without sticking 4+ Characters on the portal, lol...that was very bright in person btw.

And once more, the hammer on Crusher seems lower and tighter (ie better secured) than the hammer on Granite Crusher.  I don't think either is a big deal unless your kids (or you, haha) use the toys "actively" in battle...I'd just try and pick them up by the base to prevent any issue...I'm sure a little glue can help out if things happen to break.

Skylanders Giants Unboxing LightCore Prism Break

Unboxing LightCore Prism Break

What?  LightCore Prism Break

Where Did You Get It?  Toys'R'Us

What Did It Cost?  $11.99 plus tax

What is Included?  LC Prism Break, Stat Card, Sticker, and Web Code

What Lights Up?  On my LC Prism Break it is both arms.

What Was the Stock Like?  Plentiful.  It seems most people go for Giants, new Skylanders, and Series 2 Skylanders over the LightCore.  I think this is in part to a lot of people simply not knowing what they are just yet.  I'll keep my eyes on things.

Quick Character Info: LightCore Prism Break

Slogan: "The Beam is Supreme!"

Card Stats:
-Strength: 95/150
-Defense: 100/150
-Agility: 10/150
-Luck: 75/150

And just fyi for those wondering, Granite Crusher has the EXACT SAME card stats...I'll compare their in-game stats once I've gotten to play.

Conclusion

This video was a little long, but it is only because it is the first LightCore I have unboxed and I wanted to cover a few extra things...I plan to fully explain the difference in a gameplay video to help folks out.

Basically, what I have found is that my wireless Wii portal from Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure is plenty strong to fully light up the figures.

At the time of recording I didn't know what the camera would see, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well it showed the light-up features.  In future unboxings (past Crusher), I will just quickly show it with the lights on and off.

More Information:

LightCore figures work in both games...however, that needs to be clarified.  LightCore Prism Break will only have his "Flash Bomb Effect" in Giants.  That said, he will serve as a playable character in Spyro's Adventure, but will lack the aforementioned "Flash Bomb."  While that may not suit some, it can help you save by not having to buy a Series 1 if you are content with that.

The other thing to note is that LightCore figures DO NOT have the "Wow Pow" powers like their Series 2 counterparts.

If all of that is confusing, don't worry...I'll reiterate it in the gameplay vids.

Skylanders Base 32 Gameplay Rankings

Ahoy, counterpart to the "Aesthetics Rankings" video here...

As the title implies, this is just my opinion on how the characters rate in terms of gameplay in Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure.  I am honestly weighing this 99% on how they perform in the chapters, not necessarily in Battle Mode.  This, just as the aesthetics were, remains very subjective.  Where I think Wham-Shell is a weak character, you may think he is the best.

I get asked quite a bit who I like to play with etc, and this is pretty much a definitive list on the subject.  Note that these are not necessarily my favorites, but rather the characters that I feel mesh best with my play style and get me through the levels the easiest.

This video was also recorded way back in June and just like with the "Aesthetics" I held off uploading it until post Battle Tournament time....Sadly, I couldn't find the videos, but managed to track them down tonight and add the slides.

Skylanders Base 32 Gameplay Rankings

To save time, or for those of you that like to read, here they are in text/list format:

1. Terrafin
2. Stealth Elf
3. Slam Bam
4. Lightning Rod
5. Double Trouble
6. Igntior
7. Flameslinger
8. Zap
9. Dino-Rang
10. Prism Break
11. Bash
12. Zook
13. Sonic Boom
14. Boomer
15. Drill Sergeant
16. Ghost Roaster
17. Spyro
18. Sunburn
19. Warnado
20. Trigger Happy
21. Camo
22. Whirlwind
23. Drobot
24. Voodood
25. Chop Chop
26. Wrecking Ball
27. Cynder
28. Stump Smash
29. Hex
30. Gill Grunt
31. Eruptor
32. Wham-Shell

Feel free to chime in with what your thoughts are!

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.

Weekly Update: Mid July 2012

Hey Everyone,

It is almost 4 AM...I had planned to be doing this blog post around 11 PM.  I'm very tired...like I have been all day.  That said, I think I am going to push it back till tomorrow (well tonight).

I've got a video uploading, updated the Giants Info earlier, and have added Metal Mario to the Mario Tennis Open QR Code Post...That should help you out a bit.  I do have some cool stuff to post, and pics from a few weeks.  Stay tuned for that and more later tonight!

Alright, so this update is a bit over due...I have been out-of-town quite a bit here lately and time hasn't exactly been on my side.  Nonetheless, there is a lot going on, so let's get it covered.

Nintendo 3DS

Street Passin'

If you read the intro, you know I have been out-of-town quite a bit the last few weeks.  Anyone care to guess how many StreetPass Tags I picked up?  Anyone?  Don't think too hard...

The answer is...ZERO!

I honestly just don't get it.  Around my home town I don't pick up any (aside from friends) and any time I run errands I have the 3DS on in Sleep Mode just in case.  That said, when I go out-of-town for work or vacation and wind up somewhere with 2-10x the population of my immediate area I kind of expect big things...or at least like 5 tags over the trip etc.  But I continually come up empty.  At the hotels I even walk the halls in the morning and carry it to the lobbies hoping to pick up tags, but it works to no avail.

All of those "accomplishments" like 10 StreetPass Tags kind of seem daunting under this scenario...Think how I, and those in similar positions, feel about the "100 StreetPass Tags in one day" thing!?  I honestly feel like I'd have to hit a convention of 3DS Owners, LA, NYC, or Tokoyo to pull this one off.

And that is a great segway for this...

Find Mii II


A few of you will recall how excited I was to finally beat Find Mii.  Keep in mind, this takes a lot longer when you deal with Wandering Heroes who are Level 1 or Level 2 at best.  I can't imagine getting tags from real people and breezing through it in a few attempts.  I basically miss out on the accolades when you need the "Light Blue" to break the shield and "White" to light the room.  I'm tempted to get to those points, drive to GameStop, reset their demo 3DS, and build a Mii with the needed description.

Anyway, I was finally able (thanks largely to my friend's tags always being Level 7) to get through Find Mii for the second time!  This is as many as you have to play to get all the hats.  Granted you can replay it as much as you want, and I think there are accomplishments for this (beat FM 5 times etc), but for the time being all I am concerned with is the hats.

And here is the grand prize after the 2nd time through:

Pretty sweet imo...This basically replicates the Ultimate Ghost!  Here are some other end slides for those interested:

As you know, it is hard to get good shots of the 3DS Screen...There were all taken with my Galaxy S III.

The real treat here is getting to advance to Find Mii 2:

It is quite a bit more complex than Find Mii, but I won't go into it too much.  I will share this hilarious screen shot though:

So yeah, apparently if I was to breed with another Royal Mii this would be the offspring on either side...The Prince on the Left and the Princess on the Right.  I suppose the facial hair makes the Princess unique among her peers, lol.

That is about where I left off...took out a few monsters and picked my first path in FMII...I'm looking forward to seeing how it ends.

Nintendo 3DS News

And, this is kind of why I had planned to do the blog Thursday night (July 19th), but we are now one month away from...

New Super Mario Bros. 2!!  This game looks awesome!  I'm a big fan of the Koopalings having grown up with them and still considering Super Mario World one, if not the, greatest game of all time.  It looks like cons will be king in this one and there seem to be a few new tricks.  I am looking forward to it and plan to pick it up release week if not the release date....which is August 19th, 2012.

That same day the 3DS XL launches.  It will have a screen that is 90% bigger and for folks with larger hands, like myself, it will probably be more comfortable to hold and subsequently play for long periods of time.

I would also bank on a package deal at most retailers that week.

I would really like to have the XL, but can't really justify spending the "coin" just to be more comfortable and I don't want to trade in my now discontinued AquaBlue 3DS.  Plus, with the Wii U and its' incredible line-up of games launching late this year I really can't justify it.

That said, if you have held out on a 3DS this is your time to go for it.  The XL will play great, be easier on the eyes, and just with NSMB2, MK7, and SM3DL you have three great games to get you going.  Plus, there are even more on the horizon...

Mario Tennis Open

And speaking of the 3DS and great games, Mario Tennis Open offers a lot of gameplay options.  The addition of add-on characters via QR Codes is pretty cool and something I'd love to see continue, provided them being FREE.  The big release this week was the long awaited Metal Mario!  I have updated the blog post to include his QR Code.  If you just got the game and are looking for some cool add-ons, look no further:

http://www.1ofwiisdom.blogspot.com/2012/06/mario-tennis-open-special-qr-code-yoshi.html

Skylanders Updates

Alright, this is probably what most of you were waiting for...lots going on here.  I have the fresh batteries in the portal to wrap up all the Heroic Challenges for the full cast...which will be important and useful for GIANTS!

Skylanders Giants

A little more info on the new installment has leaked and I updated the blog post to reflect that:
http://www.1ofwiisdom.blogspot.com/2012/06/skylanders-giants-information.html

I did swing by GameStop this past week and asked about the "pre-order all character" rumor that has been going around.  The manager said that it wasn't happening and if it was, no one had told them.  He did say he heard something about 3 coming with the pre-order...which I don't know if he means the 3 you'd get anyway, or 3 additional etc.

Skylanders Sidekicks

The time window to land Skylander Sidekicks here in the US is July 8th, 2012 - November 2nd, 2012.  I actually found the specially marked mutipack and picked up two of them...You have to send in the order form inside, UPC, and $2 to get one...And your first choice isn't guaranteed...It is a bit of a strange system, but I'm hopeful that the early submitals will get what we want.  Nonetheless, I shot a video of the package, the order form, and all the info you'd hopefully want to know which you can find here:
http://www.1ofwiisdom.blogspot.com/2012/07/skylanders-sidekicks.html

I really don't think the sidekicks will do much more than follow you around, but I will hold out hope they at least pick up items or something.  A hilarious action after defeating enemies or a stage would be a perk...but I really think they'll just kind of be a bonus visual.

If I get one back I will video the unboxing and then gameplay for everyone's records.

I had intended to get the "Classic Multipack" at the grocery store, but accidentally grabbed another "Flavor Mix Multipack" instead...Target didn't have the special Classic Mix...here is what I spotted:

Skylanders Battle Tournament

This is going over pretty well...I skimmed the comments last night while half-asleep and there seems to be a bit of confusion as to how it works...

There was a poll asking "Who is Your Favorite Skylander" a while back.  Warnado was #1 and Boomer was #32.  I used this ranking system for this particular bracket.  So 1 vs 32, 2 vs 31, 3 vs 30, 4 vs 29 etc.  The rest panned out in the fashion where 1 has the easiest path (ranking wise) and 4 has the hardest path (ranking wise)...Just like a basketball playoff etc.

The "Battles" are actually ran by the poll.  You vote for who you think would win...which is usually going to be your favorite, USUALLY.  Let's face it, if someone likes Gill Grunt the best, they will think he is going to win every match and can vote so.  If they aren't as diehard they may think he'll be x, y, and z but has no chance against q, w, and r etc.

I think most people get that....

#1 Warnado is currently getting slaughtered by #16 Slam Bam...which based on that difference, which was huge, it seems people understand we are voting for who you think would win.  Granted, a lot of people that really like Warnado will think he could win etc.

I like Warnado way more than Boomer overall, but I honestly think Boomer would take him down in a battle...

That said, things are going fine and there only seem to be a few confused.

And the other issue of "is the poll who determines who wins, or do you play offline" is, as you should know after the above, all based on the poll.  The reason it isn't based on me running the battles is because there is no single player option...which is why I am doing the "Battle Tournament" via the poll.  It is pretty simple really, but I think if you have any questions you can find the answers here:
http://www.1ofwiisdom.blogspot.com/2012/06/skylanders-battle-tournament.html

That said, in the next 'results' and 'Round 3' videos I will begin each with clarifications to help those uncertain etc.

Skylanders Hunting

As forewarned, despite having the base collection...I still look, mainly for variants.  I have yet to see a Crystal or Glow-in-the-Dark in person.  I am kind of thinking we might see a translucent Whilrwind or something on down the road though, so I will continue to look...Plus I just like to see how things are shaking up.

I have a backlog of pics here, but this is what I found most interesting....

Here is my local Target this week:

I hope you like Hex or Wrecking Ball because that is all they have.  I also want you to look at the size of the display...There are 12 Racks (and the Exclusive Whirlwind sign).

Now look at what I found on the road...This is a Target I went to on a trip:

Talk about a stark comparison!  22 Racks for Singles, 2 for Stylus packs, and 8 for Triple Packs or Adventure Packs!  They had pretty much everything but Wave 5 Singles.

A small store near me had a nice selection, but no Wham-Shell:

As mentioned I have a few more pics, but nothing too crazy.  I do want to post this one though..it is the special sign for TRDS:

And yes, all they had was Wrecking Ball and Boomer, lol.

I still think we  will/should see a Translucent Whirlwind for Target...although I still think Translucent Green would be killer for Stump Smash!

Current Projects

There is quite a bit going on...and I haven't had much time to work on any of it :(

The Mario Kart Wii playthrough hasn't been touched since the start of June...that said, I still recorded a ton of it, just haven't edited past Part 4.  I may work on that this coming week.

I have a quick playthrough going on with that one, but it hasn't been touched since mid-June.

The same goes for my big "mystery game."  I've said it before, but I had major audio issues with this one...And sadly they have continued when I did try to record twice recently...I'll have to see how it pans out.

Once MKW and the partner playthrough wrap-up I may just come clean about this one and see if folks want to see it despite the massive audio/video issues, which I hope don't continue.

Currently Playing

Wii Fit Plus
Mario Kart Wii
Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure
Mystery Game 1
Mystery Game 2
Professor Layton and the Curious Village (DS)
Mario Tennis Open (3DS)
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (3DS-Fired it up on a recent trip)

Currently Listening

Auto Audio (In the Car): Pearl Jam, Theory of a Deadman
Home Audio (At Home): Seven Mary Three, Taylor Swift

Other Stuff

I'm anxiously awaiting a chance to pre-order the Wii U...I figure it will be insanely popular and hard to come by without doing so...

I would like to pre-order Giants IF there is going to be something special...otherwise I'd just assume pick it up as the games rarely go out of stock.

Any news on pre-ordering figures I will jump on...those, unlike the game, will probably be quite the pain.

I recorded two random unboxings (OREO Cookie Jar because I thought it was cool, and a the Samsung Galaxy S III because I had several people ask for it).  If you go back I actually do this type of stuff from time-to-time, lol...so it isn't anything brand new.  I think I even did a Rayovac Lithium Ion Battery Charger...which is still serving me well!

The Galaxy S III has been an awesome phone!  I got it July 4th and it did an amazing job recording fireworks.  The camera is also great.  Huge screen, incredible resolution, and it has yet to drop a call etc...which I still consider important in a phone.

I really want to get Mario Kart Wii and its "partner" playthrough done asap so I can attempt to record and upload the Mystery Game, which will likely be pretty long...All in time for Giants.  If the Mystery Game doesn't pan out I will be going back a few years for the next playthrough...It is a great game and I have it on the agenda...Most have probably never played it.

Conclusion

Well, I finally got an update post done...feels good, even though it is 4 AM Saturday morning.  You should start to see a few more Mario Kart Wii vids soon...and I have Part 1 of the partner playthrough ready to edit  (like it has been for 6 weeks or so, lol)...I might get it up too...

Hope everyone enjoyed the update.  And don't forget to check out the Skylanders Sidekicks, Skylanders Battle Tournament, Skylanders Giants Info, and Mario Tennis Open QR Code posts!

Have a good weekend!

1ofWiisdom

Skylanders Sidekicks

Back when the Sidekicks were first announced I would get a ton of questions on them...then it kind of slacked off...Now it is picking up again, and for good reason...You can send in to get them NOW!

The video should cover the basics and let you see the packaging, order form, and walk you through the process, as well as allow you to enjoy me griping about what you are surely concerned about...having to rank them and not being guaranteed you'll land your number one:

So here is the low-down:

Activision and Frito-Lay teamed up (once again) to promote Skylanders and Frito products.  The catch this time is you have to buy a specially marked Frito-Lay multipack (Classic Mix or Flavor Mix).  These retail for roughly $6.99 where I am at...

Inside the specially marked package you will find a special order form.  You need to fill it out, send $2 check or money order to the address shown, and then patiently wait 8-10 weeks to see which Sidekick shows up.

I say that in all seriousness.  They stress in several places how quantities are limited and you are not guaranteed to get your first pick...fantastic.  The issue here is there is a 4 per household limit.  So say your daughter wants Whisper Elf and your son wants Terrabite.  You send in both order forms with them ranked accordingly...you might get 2 Gil Runts.

Now say you intercept the package, don't tell the kids, and send off again...What if you get 2 Trigger Snappys this time?  Now do you have to involve in-laws or other relatives to land what your kids actually wanted?  Or do you resort to craigslist to try and trade them?

It is a total crap shoot, and no one wants to gamble on something like this.  Most people will either want the entire set or just x, y, or z.  I might submit for Terrabite tomorrow and only find that 10 weeks later I got Gil Runt because they didn't have Terrabit in-stock, or worse yet, they were all shipped out.

There is just a big unknown element here and it will not do anyone a favor...collector, casual fan, or parents.

I understand not getting your #1 choice come November, but I really hope right now (within a few weeks of the promotion's launch) that we could not find that to be an issue.  Nonetheless, that is the biggest drawback.       No one wants to spend $2 for something they don't want...and collectors will be livid if they get 3 of the 4 and a duplicate etc.  There are just a lot of variables and no real solution in sight.

As for what the Sidekicks do, I think it is nothing...They basically seem to just follow you around and just kind of "be there."  I don't think they'll do damage, but I'm hoping they might pick up food, items, etc for you, but there is a very real chance they will just kind of serve as your coat tail.

Still, fans and collectors alike will want to try and land the set or at least their favorite Sidekick!

As I learn more I will keep you updated.

Good luck!

Review of Translucent Red Drill Sergeant

Well, I took a little road trip tonight and came up with the Walmart Exclusive Translucent Red Drill Sergeant (TRDS in my own little world).  Let's take a look at the review:

Here are the basics:
-Drill Sergeant (Tech Element)
-Variant Form: Translucent Red
-Where Can You Get a TRDS?: Walmart...It is an exclusive
-How Much: $8.96
-Buy Online?: No.  Get it at your local Walmart...DO NOT buy from ebay scalpers
-Does TRDS Show Up translucent red in the game?: No, he will look like regular old Drill Sergeant.
-Any thing special?: TRDS starts at Level 5 and has 2100 Coins

Not much else to say...Personally  I don't think the "translucent red" looks too great...It is neat, but there are times it looks like a pale strawberry jello...TBB (translucent blue Bash) on the other hand looks great in person.

Also note that if you want to keep TRDS packaged, but would like to cash in on the Level 5 and $2100 you can play him on the portal with no issue...best of both worlds...enjoy in game and keep mint for display and future value!

As of right now (July 7th, 2012) we really don't know if TRDS will be flooding Walmarts across the country and spilling into grocery aisles, or if he will be somewhat limited.  A lot of people claim they see "50" at their local store, but the most I've seen in a picture is 12-18ish...not 50.  That said, I wouldn't be surprised it this is just another way to get $9 out of you, but if you are a collector, variant hunter, or more importantly just a Drill Sergeant fan this is worth the $8.96 asking price.

Also note that Drill Sergeant was released as a Gold Variant as well...that one will no doubt be more valuable, but this is at least a widely available variant and a nice addition to your collection.

I try to rotate him around to showcase the color changes in the video...some people will like the coloring, I felt it would have been better suited if it were a shade or two darker with a bit more gloss...

Nonetheless, if you are interested you should be able to find TRDS at a Walmart near you.

I will try to check back in my local stores and monitor sock from time-to-time...I'll also keep up online...I'll include updates in the weekly blog posts.  As of now, the store I got mine from received 12-18 last week and had 3 tonight...They have only had 1 shipment.

Stay tuned for more updates and good luck landing your TRDS!

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!

Blog Poll #29 Results: What Do You Do with Your Skylanders Packaging?

Blog Poll #29 "What Do You Do with Your Skylander Packaging" wrapped up this past weekend and the results were about what I expected.  This was mainly just an item of curiosity for myself and I figured a few others were likely interested.  We had 130 Votes and the results broke down as follows:

The Poll wouldn't fit in the screen grab, so I just mixed it...Here is the exact outcome:

-Open Them All, Throw It Away 87 Votes (66%)
-Open Them All, Keep Packaging 26 Votes (20%)
-Open and Discard all but Variants 13 Votes (10%)
-Don't Open Any 3 Votes (2%)
-One Open, One Sealed 1 Vote (0%)

So to put this one to rest amongst viewers and readers...The overwhelming majority of you open all your Skylanders and toss the packaging never to see it again and you do so without hesitation.  You bought it, plan to use it, and have no need for the extra rubbish in your life.

1/5th of you open them as above, but hang on to the packaging...I figure this is the practical collectors amongst us.  You bought it, want to enjoy it and use it, but you realize that years from now, when reunited with the original blister pack, it will likely have more value (assuming they have any value).  I currently fall in this boat, but have seriously considered tossing the packaging.  I have several sacks full of them at this point and I have never opened one up to enjoy the packaging...The sad thing is they really take up a lot of room by the time you accumulate the base 32 and Legendaries.  I'm still debating but odds are they will get trashed.

A dead-even 10% of you open everything but the variants...I also fall into this mix, but mainly just put this up to give the option to voters.  I have no plans of opening any of the variants I have been lucky enough to find...I figure having the regular version open is good enough, AND if I do decide to toss the regular packaging, it helps me feel better about keeping these around sealed.

3 of you simply don't open any...You are probably the thrifty diehard...Rather than buy 2 (one open, one sealed) you simply take advantage of the portal reading thru the plastic and have the best of both worlds...minus the web code cards etc.  Not at all a bad strategy if these ever have value, or you need to sell in the near future.

And 1 of us actually takes it to the extreme of having one open and one sealed.  This is probably a fantasy for most of us with a collector's tinge, but the cost and or space is likely prohibitive.  Fun and well prepared for years down the road...not bad if you can finance it.

Thanks to everyone who voted...I think stuff like this is interesting and hope you do too.

I will have a "big" poll coming soon...You do not want to miss it...Stay tuned!

Weekly Update 6/21/2012 and Translucent Red Drill Sergeant

Hey Everyone,

My apologies for not getting to update this much lately...it seemed like the last two weeks were just chock full of thunderstorms.  It was one year ago that I got the new computer...I like to think I'm doing it a favor not running it with the ridiculous lightning we have had lately.  That said, the storm pattern passes and it is just  hott...yeah, hot with two "t"s hott.  Really, it is that bad.

But hey, summer is officially here so what can you really expect...

Anyway, where to begin?

Skylanders Update

Ok, I have a few pics from my scrounging around.  I will try to add them soon.  I have not found anything new in stores, but did tonight...

You can read about it here {Yeah, right here, lol}

Translucent Red Drill Sergeant

Yep, you read right...And oh how I heartily laugh at the impecable timing.  I just recorded a video for Blue Bash and casually mentioned we might see a translucent red or green (I still think that would be killer with Stump Smash or Zook), and then as I am waiting for the video to render I come across the SkylandersGame  Retweet of a portal master who found a Translucent Red Drill Sergeant.  I know I'll get grilled in the video for it...somehow people that comment seem to not read descriptions or blogs, or do and then just arm themselves with ammunition to add to their "all knowing" state...fabulous.

That said, check it out:

Note the "Only at Walmart" sticker.  You all know how I feel about the "Only at Walmart" Drill Sergeant and "Only at Target" Whirlwind issue.  You have to assume, especially given Blue Bash being a TRU Exclusive, that it only makes sense Whirlwind would get a translucent version.

I have to say, I am not a fan of how they crank out multiple versions of the same Skylanders.  We already had a Gold Drill Sergeant...I'd much rather have had a translucent red Ignitor or some other character that doesn't already have a variant, but oh well.  The red does not look good in the pic, it looks pale.  That said, Translucent Blue Bash looked pale to me in pics, but looks awesome in person...I'll give the color the benefit of the doubt.

The biggest news with the unveiling of Translucent Red Drill Sergeant is simply speculation.  That's right...SPECULATION.  I just said it seems likely we see a translucent Whirlwind for Target.  What about doing Translucent Green?  Maybe a Translucent Orange Drobot?  Yeah, the options are endless, and so are the potential release dates.  This goes along with what I said all along about looking for Crystal/Glow-in-the-Darks....it makes you keep checking stock and hunting....just staying connected to the ritual in case you get lucky.  This is a nice nod for collectors, but I do wish we had a wider variety of "variants" as opposed to certain Skylanders getting multiple forms etc.

Skylanders Playthrough

Last night (June 21st, 2012) I recorded the Legendary Skylanders Upgrades and Gameplay in Quicksilver Vault.  I also took care of the "You didn't do the Golden Yamato Blast" crowd by doing it several times at the ruins and in the level.  That is really, for what it is worth, the end of the main uploads to the blind playthrough.  All I can really upload now is just taking multiples down their other path and then comparing the two...which I may very well do.

Skylanders Blog Posts

Within the week you should see two new posts: My Favorite Skylanders and My Upgrade Path Suggestions.  Both will be pretty simple, but will give you an idea of who I like and why, as well as some insights on upgrade paths if you are debating what to choose.

Skylanders Project

I do have one more thing planned.  I will have to see how people respond to it, but if it goes over well I will see it out to the end...I think a lot of you will enjoy it, despite being less than perfect.  More to come very soon!

Next Project

As most of you know, I have recorded quite a bit of the Mario Kart Wii Playthrough.  I even have a few of the videos ready to upload.  You should see them before too long.

That said, I have 2 other games going simultaneously.  One I started to take a break from MKW...I had horrible audio lag on the game end that really screwed up the recording...It is the worst I've ever had.  That said, it will make the commentary not sync at all.  Furthermore, to "re-do" that portion, I kind of have to start over...That isn't horrible since it happened early on, BUT it would also make this segment more of a rehash as opposed to totally blind, which I like.

With that in mind, last night, kind of out of the blue, I just decided to start recording something else...it should go quick and I might alternate uploading Mario Kart Wii and this particular title.  All I will say is it is on the Wii, pretty new, and will probably either be loved or hated...Feel free to comment with your guesses, lol.

Currently Playing

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Wii)
Mario Kart Wii
Mystery Game 1
Mystery Game 2

Mario Tennis Open (3DS)
Professor Layton and the Curious Village (DS-3DS)

Currently Listening

Auto Audio: Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots
Home Audio: Train, Taylor Swift

More to Come

There is actually quite a bit of  news to post up, but I am going to wait.

I do want to remind you to check out the Mario Tennis Open QR Code Post I made and the Skylanders: Giants Post I created just earlier this week.

Also, the most recent blog poll closes today.  It is of course just asking what you do with your Skylanders Packaging.  With it expiring, you know I will posting something new...but what?  This may very well tie in with something posted above...

Stay tuned!

1ofWiisdom

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure Translucent Blue Bash

Checkmate Raincheck, Checkmate!

Many of you will recall my scenario with Translucent Blue Bash, which I have dubbed TBB for short.  I don't like the "show up early to a store Sunday morning, stand in line 2 hours, get in, and maybe land an item...and then possibly get back to your vehicle without having to fend of enraged lunatics" concept, so I just go with the flow.

As it was, "the flow" brought me to TRU about 20 minutes after the last TBB left the shelf.  Turns out my store had 12...but they were allocated 15 rainchecks.  Yeah, naturally I inquired about that and sure enough, I got one of the last rainchecks.

Instead of hearing, "We will call you when it comes in, should be 2 weeks max," I got this line, "We really don't know anything definitive aside from to check back in June since that is the estimated delivery date."

Wait...what?  June?  Keep in mind, this went down early April.  There was no guarantee you'd get your raincheck filled and two months wait time seemed a bit extreme.  Nonetheless, I held on to the little raincheck and despite ridicule, held on on to the hope it would get filled.

Well I ran into TRU early this month and was told they knew nothing.  I had an associate nice enough to run the ticket and they found a store with 12 on the floor.  Everyone in the immediate vicinity was all ears at this point...20 mins later and one manager making their way to the phone at a distant and mythical TRU branch and we all found there were none on hand.  I was told they would do their best to hold one for the raincheck when and if they ever came in...

This Sunday the TRU ad boasted the return of TBB.  I was thinking, "Sweet, I'll pick it up...I bet they must have decided to crank them out like LTH (Legendary Trigger Happy).  Come to find out, that is currently not the case.  I walked in, didn't see any, and was then told they sold the last TBB yesterday (who hasn't heard that one a million times with Skylanders, lol).

I brought up the raincheck and associate and boom...

The associate who said they would make sure to hold one for my raincheck did just that...Pretty cool.  That is going above and beyond the call of duty imo, but I sure appreciate it.

I don't know if TBB has seen his run (roughly 27 per store), or if in a few weeks everyone will trip over them like LTH.  I really hope it is the former as I'd like to see the real variants remain limited.

Fittingly I mentioned the prospect of having Translucent Red or Translucent Green Skylanders surface soon...Little did I know I would find Translucent Red Drill Sergeant (TRDS) in a Tweet while I had the video uploading to YouTube.  I have more info on that and the picture in the Weekly Update Blog Post.

That said, enjoy the video...TBB is really a deep, dark blue in person and looks great!

Here is the basic info from the video:

What: Translucent Blue Bash, TRU Exclusive
Where Did You Get It?: Toys'R'Us
How Much Was It?: $9.99 + Tax
How Many Were There?: None, I had a rain check from April
Should I Get A Blue Bash? If you find one, yes...otherwise, don't worry about it.
Is he Blue in the Game? No.
What is Special About TBB? TBB is a rare variant.  He starts out at Level 5 and with 2,100 cash.

I tried to give you the run down on TBB, and then wanted to stress to act quick if you have a rain check, or go ahead and hit the store if you haven't been.  I know many of you have completed your collection, or just lack a few and have given up on TRU...they are now worth checking out once more on the off chance you can land a TBB.

Like I say though, don't stress if you can't find one...I figure most people get them to sell them...and please, don't buy them from scalpers.  I don't have but 3 variants now, and I am getting by just fine without Silver Eruptor and Gold Drill Sergeant etc.  Treat them as special finds...if you waltz in a store and see one, get it and enjoy it.  Otherwise, just save the money.

For those of you with kids continuing on about the "Level 5 with 2100 Coins" bit, just tell them to take Bash through Quicksilver Vault...he should come out with a nice chunk of change and roughly Level 5...realistically  he should best both of those.

Good luck!

Skylanders: Giants Information, Characters, Powers, Compatibility

This post will remain a work in progress as new information is released and/or I have time to update the post...feel free to comment with what you know...Again, I will update as time allows.  I will also stick to posting only things that are confirmed or very likely to be true.  The original draft was composed Monday, June 18th, 2012 and published Tuesday, June 19th, 2012.  The latest revision is Feburary, 26th, 2013.

About the Game

-Release Date & Pre-Order

Skylanders: Giants will be the follow-up game to the smash-hit, and 1ofWiisdom staple, Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure.  The game is available for pre-order now at various places (Amazon, GameStop, Toys'R'Us, etc) and is slated for release on Sunday, October 21st, 2012 just ahead of Thanksgiving and the impending holiday rush where us veteran Skylanders really saw things get crazy.

Background Story

I heard this in an August 4th, 2012 interview with Alex Ness...here is the recap:

Kaos is on earth in a toy store trying to get back to Skylands and something he does with a portal sends him way back, literally, in Skylands. He finds and figures out how to activate an ancient Arkeyan robot and then learns that if he controls the "Iron Fist of Arkus" he will be in control of the entire ancient army of Arkeyans and can then proceed to defeat the Skylanders and rule all of Skylands.

-Game Engine

Giants will run on the same engine as Spyro's Adventure.  All console versions will be developed, once again, by Toys for Bob.  The 3DS Version, which should again be unique, will be switched from Vicarious Visions to n-Space...Here is an easy to read breakdown:

-Plartforms

Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Wii U (Developed by Toys for Bob)
Nintendo 3DS (Developed by n-Space (Spyro's Adventure was done by Vicarious Visions))
Microsoft Xbox 360 (Developed by Toys for Bob)
Microsoft Windows (Developed by Toys for Bob)
Sony Playstation 3 (Developed by Toys for Bob)

-Packaging

Skylanders: Giansts will come in two flavors: Starter Pack (with Portal) and Portal Owner's Pack (no Portal).  It is unknown if different versions will have different characters (ie Console=Jet-Vac, 3DS=Pop Fizz).  We will just have to wait and see at this point.  Update: It actually looks like my sample was correct...Jet Vac goes to Console Packs and Pop Fizz goes to the 3DS Packs!

--Starter Pack
Each Skylanders: Giants Starter Pack will include: Portal of Power, Game Disc/Cartridge, Poster, 1 Giant (Tree Rex), 1 New Skylander (Jet Vac), and 1 Re-Released Skylander (Cynder), as well as the matching Trading Cards and Stickers.

--Portal Owner's Pack
This is designed for people who already own a portal and want to take advantage of the savings.  It will feature the Game Disc/Cartridge, Poster, 1 Giant (Tree Rex), 1 New Skylander (Jet Vac), and the matching Trading Cards and Stickers.

Compatibility

--Forward Compatibility 

The Skylanders you know and love from Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure will transfer right across to Giants AND they can join the new releases in being able to upgrade to Level 15.  That said, they will not be able to have any other perks you see with the Giants based Skylanders as they can not have multiple upgrade paths or capitalize on the "Wow Pow" Powers.

--Backwards Compatibility

I did not expect this, but according the official Giants website, Series 2 (ie what will come out with Giants) will actually be able to play in Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure.  The answer doesn't explicitly mention Giants, but the question does...I will have a screen grab below.

New Skylanders

This is probably what most of you, at least at this point, want to know the most about...I will do my best to keep you up to date.  As I've said for quite some time, our best bet for info was E3, and it delivered.

-Giant Skylanders
--8 New, 1 per Element

There will be 1 Giant per Element and they will truly be "giant" when compared to their counterparts.  They should be just a shade over 2 times the height of a regular Skylander.

-Air Giant: Swarm
-Earth Giant: Crusher
-Fire Giant: Hot Head
-Life Giant: Tree Rex
-Magic Giant: Ninjini
-Tech Giant: Bouncer
-Undead Giant: Eye Brawl
-Water Giant: Thumpback

-LightCore Skylanders
--8 Total, 4 Brand New, 4 Previously Released (ie from the original 32)

These Skylanders light up when placed on the portal of power and have special "LightCore" powers.  In addition to that, whatever that may be anyway lol, they will reportedly light up in the game.  So unlike the current variants (Gold, Silver, Glow-in-the-Dark etc) these will not only look special in real life and on the portal, but also in the game...Well played Activsion, well played.

-New LightCore, Air: Jet-Vac
-New LightCore, Life: Shroomboom
-New LightCore, Magic: Pop-Fizz
-New LightCore, Water: Chill
-Old LighCore, Earth: PrismBreak 
-Old LightCore, Fire: Eruptor 
-Old LightCore, Tech: Drobot
-Old LightCore, Undead: Hex 


-New Regular Sized Skylanders
--8 Total, 1 per Element: 4 Regular, 4 LightCore

-New Regular, Air: Jet-Vac (Lightcore)
-New Regular, Earth: Flashwing
-New Regular, Fire: Hot Dog
-New Regular, Life: Shroomboom (Light Core)
-New Regular, Magic: Pop Fizz (Light Core)
-New Regular, Tech: Sprocket
-New Regular, Undead: Fright Rider
-New Regular, Water: Chill (Light Core)


-New LightCore, Air: Jet-Vac
-New LightCore, Life: Shroomboom
-New LightCore, Magic: Pop-Fizz
-New LightCore, Water: Chill
--New LightCore, Water: Legendary Chill


-New "Re-Released" Skylanders
--24 of the 32 will be coming back in regular form, but in a different pose...3 from each element.
--4 of these 24 "Re-Released" Skylanders will be LightCore (see above: Eruptor, Prism Break etc).


-Air: Lightning Rod
-Air: Sonic Boom
-Air: Whirlwind
-Earth: Bash
-Earth: Prism Break (LightCore)
-Earth: Terrafin
-Fire: Eruptor (LightCore)
-Fire: Flameslinger
-Fire: Ignitor, Legendary Ignitor
-Life: Stealth Elf
-Life: Stump Smash
-Life: Zook
-Magic: Double Trouble
-Magic: Spyro
-Magic: Wrecking Ball
-Tech: Drill Sergeant
-Tech: Drobot (Light Core)
-Tech: Trigger Happy
-Undead: Chop Chop
-Undead: Cynder
-Undead: Hex (Light Core)
-Water: Slam Bam, Legendary Slam Bam
-Water: Gill Grunt 
-Water: Zap 

-Legendaries

-Legendary Slam Bam
-Legendary Ignitor
-Legendary Stealth Elf
-Legendary Jet-Vac
-Legendary Bouncer
-Legendary LightCore Chill


There have been rumors and even a few decent pics or screen grabs of what looks like a maxed out Legendary Slam Bam and Legendary Ignitor.  If I had to guess, I would think we might see 8 of them total...That would allow for 3 from each Element to be released in a new pose, and 1 from each Element to be released as a legendary, thus making all 32 available in some form or another for another purchase.
*Again, this is just my speculation on June 18th, 2012, but I have heard crazier things...This just seems too likely to me...Activision can congratulate me for a correct prediction by sending new characters to demo :D

 Variants 

Potential Variants:

--Nothing at this time has been made official, but you can bank on some "chase" Skylanders.  I heard Alex Ness mention in an August 4th, 2012 interview they had some cool stuff planned in regards to variants.

I would think we might see more of the translucents, but in different shades...or metallic/pearl/dark variants.  I would bank that they will be like the past set-up...Hard to find, loaded with cash/partially levelled up etc, but probably look the same in the game.

Store Exclusives

-Amazon.com
--Gold Flameslinger (Single Pack)

-GameStop
--Golden Dragonfire Cannon Battle Pack
--Royal Double Trouble (Battle Ground Starter Pack for Apple)

-Target
--Granite Crusher
--Jade Flashwing
--LightCore Triple Pack (Prism Break, Eruptor, Drobot)

Toys'R'Us
--Legendaries
---Triple Pack: Slam Bam, Jet-Vac, Ignitor
---Single Pack: Bouncer
---Single Pack: Stealth Elf
---Single Pack: LightCore Chill


-Walmart
--Glow in the Dark Cynder (Starter Packs)
--Glow in the Dark Sonic Boom (Single Pack)
--Molten Hot Dog (Single Pack)


Glow-in-the-Dark

Cynder: Walmart Starter Pack
Fright Rider: Europe Single Pack
-Sonic Boom: Walmart Exclusive

Rock/Stone

-Zook
-Whirlwind

Sparkle/Glitter

-Sonic Boom
-Sprocket
-Hot Head

Flocked White (Snow)

-Eruptor
-LightCore Prism Break
-Stump Smash

TBA

-Scarlet Ninjini
-Polar Whirlwind

Console/Starter Pack Exclusives

Punch Pop Fizz: 3DS Stater Pack

Gnarly Tree Rex: Wii with Starter Pack

Translucent Green Gill Grunt: Skylanders Spyro's Adventure XBox Starter Pack
--Really bad timing on this one

Employee Exclusive (Christmas 2012)

-LightCore Prism Break

Toy Fair Exclusive (2013)

-Metallic Blue Chop Chop


Releases: Single Pack, Triple Pack, Battle Pack etc.

I will indicate "New" behind brand-new Skylanders.  Your old favorites listed out can be assumed to be their reposed "Series 2" releases.

Adventure Packs

Skylanders: Giants will have no new Adventure Packs.  The old APs however will work, which I assume means they'll unlock new chapters just as they did previously.

Battle Packs

In place of the Adventure Packs, Giants will feature Battle Packs.  Basically 2 characters packaged with an item that unlocks a new Battle Arena.  It is my hope, especially since there has been no confirmation of a Single Player Battle Mode, that they will also function as a "magic item" in Giants gameplay.

-Golden Dragonfire Cannon BP: Chop Chop, Golden Dragonfire Cannon, Shroomboom (New) ((GameStop Exclusive))
-Dragonfire Cannon Battle Pack: Chop Chop, Shroombooom, and Dragonfire Cannon
-Scorpion Striker Battle Pack: Zap, Hot Dog, and Scorpion Striker

Triple Packs

-Triple Pack A-1: Pop Fizz, Whirlwind, Trigger Happy
-Triple Pack B:-2 Ignitor, Chill, and Zook
-Triple Pack C-3: Sonic Boom, Sprocket, Stump Smash
-Triple Pack D-4: Gill Grunt, Flashwing, Double Trouble
-Triple Pack E:-5 Prism Break, Lightning Rod, Drill Sergeant
-Triple Pack F-6: Eruptor, Stealth Elf, Terrafin
-Triple Pack G-7: Fright Rider, Wrecking Ball, Flameslinger
-Triple Pack H-8: Spyro, Bash, Hot Dog
-Triple Pack I-9: Slam Bam, Shroomboom, Hex

LightCore Triple Pack (Target Exclusive): Prism Break, Drobot, Eruptor

Legendary Triple Pack (Toys'R'Us Exclusive): Slam Bam, Jet-Vac, Ignitor

Single Packs

LightCore

-Drobot-Light Core
-Eruptor-Light Core
-Prism Break-Light Core
-Jet-Vac-Light Core
-Shroomboom-Light Core
-Chill-Light Core
-Legendary Chill-Light Core
-Pop Fizz-Light Core
-Hex-Light Core

Series 2

-Terrafin-Series 2
-Slam Bam-Series 2
-Ignitor-Series 2
-Trigger Happy-Series 2
-Zook-Series 2
-Flameslinger-Series 2
-Double Trouble-Series 2
-Drill Sergeant-Series 2
-Stump Smash-Series 2
-Sonic Boom-Series 2
-Whirlwind-Series 2
-Gill Grunt-Series 2
-Bash-Series 2
-Hex-Series 2
-Prism Break-Series 2
-Stealth Elf-Series 2
-Eruptor-Series 2
-Lightning Rod-Series 2
-Cynder-Series 2
-Spyro-Series 2
-Wrecking Ball-Series 2
-Zap-Series 2
-Drobot-Series 2
-Chop Chop-Series 2

Newlanders

-Pop Fizz-New-Fright Rider-New
-Chill-New
-Flashwing-New
-Sprocket-New
-Shroomboom-New
-Hot Dog-New

Giants

-Swarm-Giant
-Crusher-Giant
-Bouncer-Giant
-Hot Head-Giant
-Thumpback-Giant
-Eye-Brawl-Giant
-Ninjini-Giant

Pricing

-Portal Owner's Pack (minus Portal $59.99):
-Starter Pack (with Portal): $74.99
-Single Packs: $9.99
-Light Core Singles: $11.99
-Giant Singles: $14.99
-Triple Packs: $24.99
-Battle Packs: $24.99 (as per August 2012 GameStop Exclusive)

Castaways (Added 8/7/2012)

I thought it only fitting to make note of the Skylanders from Series 1 which are not going to be treated to a repose.  I think Part of this is based on sales, and part is based on release date.  Warnado, Camo, and Wham-Shell are all insanely popular, and a lot of people still don't have them...With people getting them May-September, it makes sense to not crank out another...With others like Boomer, Voodood and Ghost Roaster, I think it is simply based on sales.  They just didn't move as much as the others.   I am really sad not to see a Dino-Rang repose, primarly due to the fact we had so much Bash in SSA (Regular, Legendary, Blue Bash at TRU etc).  Either way, Dino-Rang will remain a favorite of mine as will Ghost Roaster!

Here is the current list of "castaways:"

-Booomer (the more people hate on him, the more I like him)
-Camo 
-Dino-Rang (A favorite of mine, hard to repose though)
-Ghost Roaster (Metal Head had WIN written all over it)
-Sunburn
-Voodood 
-Warnado
-Wham-Shell

Powers

-The Original 32 (Green Base=Skylanders Spyro's Adventure)

The good news here is that your favorites from SSA can play in Giants AND upgrade to Level 15.  They will not have any new powers, but will supposedly enter just as you have them.  So if Terrafin is your favorite, he is maxed out with a SoulGem and down Sandhog, he should enter Chapter 1 of Giants in his killer form!


-Series 2: 8 New and 24 Re-Released from SSA's Roster (Orange Base)

Not only will all Series 2 Skylanders have the ability to upgrade to Level 15, but they will have what is known as "Wow Pow" Powers, basically something above and beyond the regular upgrade paths and Soul Gem seen with "Series 1" Skylanders.  Perhaps the best feature is that Series 2 Skylanders can switch paths.

-Giants

Each of the 8 Giants will have some massive powers to match their impressive stature.

You will see Giants able to walk on enemies and over treasure etc...They will also be able to bash (ie gain entry to areas regular Skylanders can not) and throw items (like boulders, not natural powers).  As you have seen in the trailer there is also "Feats of Strength" where you have to perform a certain action to advance through the level (think Elemental Gate from SSA, but on a larger scale).

Skylanders: Giants: In Game Features

There is not going to be online play at this point.

There has still yet to be confirmation of a SINGLE PLAYER BATTLE MODE, which is what I would like to see the most in Giants. 

An August 4th, 2012 interview with Alex Ness revealed that there was a game called Sky Stones

Skylanders: Spyro Universe

This will still be around and will be adapted to accommodate new Series 2, Light Core, and Giant figures...It is also believed they  will contnue to add games etc.


What I Would Like to See

-Pre-Order

It is nice to see the game is already up for pre-order, but is that to accommodate us die-hards, or is it because they are planning to make the game a nightmare to obtain?  You know, where it comes out mid-October and you can not find it until January, or nearly get killed and/or pay 3x the retail price to land one prior to Christmas.  I would really like to see the pre-order go for us die-hards and then have it function because it lets Activision estimate interest and quantity and then work to fulfill those orders and ramp up production to match etc.

I would obviously like to see this with the game and characters.  So if someone wants to order all the new Skylanders, they can fork over the cash in December and know they will see them the same day the local stores get 2 cases to sell out in an hour.

-Release Schedule

I realize these are made overseas and stuff happens, but it would be great (once the game is out and we know the character roster) that you will land X, Y, and Z Skylander at Q, W, and E Dates.  Even if you just announce that December 1st is when you can pre-order Wave 3 Skylanders that will ship mid-January it would be huge.

The rush to hit the store and time things with trucks is fun...about once every 3 months when you actually have the stars line-up.  The scalpers need to be put at bay...Activision and their retailers are not the ones profiting it is greedy individuals who likely don't even care about the game...Just eliminate it...we will gladly pay retail, in advance of the product, to avoid hassles...

-Bigger Challenge

The game is sort of geared towards a younger audience and I understand wanting to keep it accessible, but having some way of adjusting the difficulty would be great.  A few ideas would be having something unlock after defeating Kaos for the first time, or simply having the option to select it at the title screen, or per chapter etc.

-Single Player Battle Mode**

I have still not heard if it will feature SINGLE PLAYER BATTLE MODES, but it if does not, it is a HUGE BLUNDER.  Imagine a Madden Game where you can not play a practice game without having a friend.  I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume this is a no-brainer.

Conclusion

Skylanders: Giants is shaping up to be a great follow-up.  We don't have a lot of information just yet, but we should see more with trailers and screen caps released along the way.

I know I am looking forward to it and to answer a very popular question: "Yes, I plan to do unboxings and a blind playthrough of the game...much like you saw with Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure."

Again, as of right now (June 18th, 2012) there is more we don't know than we do know.  I will update this as time allows, or more likely, as info is released.

**Updated August 6th, 2012.  Added a few confirmed names...Some info from an August 4th, 2012 Interview with Alex Ness, the just confirmed GameStop Battle Pack, and pricing and release dates etc (which I should have already done, just got too focused on the "cool" stuff).

**Updated August 13th, 2012.  I saw this yesterday morning, but am just now getting to post about it...Ther was another leak via an online vendor creating place holder pages (ie all the info, price etc, just waiting on image sets).  Luckily someone caught it, took screen caps, and shared with everyone.  This, for better or worse, revealed all the remaining characters OFFICIAL NAMES.  We still don't have all the info (release dates, waves, single/triple/battle pack configurations etc).  Nonetheless, this is a big deal!

Updated February 26th, 2013.  I decided to finally take the time to add in the variants and update the single pack and triple pack listings with what is currently known.