Skylanders Trap Team Research: Flip Wreck Upgrades and Attack Damage Numbers

Flip Wreck Base Upgrades

Flip Wreck Sword Specialist Upgrade Path

Flip Wreck Fish Commander Upgrade Path

Flip Wreck Attack Damage Numbers

Skylanders Trap Team Research: Echo Upgrades and Attack Damage Numbers

Echo has continued to impress me since I unboxed her.  She looked much better out of the packaging, delivered better damage than we expected (my Nephew helped in her Introduction), and continued that through her Base Upgrades and Upgrade Paths!

Box Stock

Echo’s Siren Scream deals out an impressive 111-166 over 5 Hits, or 8 Seconds.  The Bubble Bombs home in on enemies and deal 40-60, with a max of 2 Active at a time.  This makes a for a very solid, stock pairing!

Base Upgrades

Echo’s base upgrades themselves evolve her into a very formidable Skylander.  Sonic Slam is her tertiary attack and offers up a quick and instantaneous 140-210!  Pitch Control ratchets up both the damage and duration of Siren Scream.  The attack now deals 133-199 and lasts about 13 seconds and sends off 15 instances of damage if you are on target.  4-Beat is straightforward…you can now have 4 Bubble Bombs active at once AND they do more damage at 56-84.  Lastly, Subsonic creates an aftershock after Sonic Slam that covers a nice radius and deals 28-42, sometimes twice.

Bubble Up!

This is a great defensive path.  Bubble Shield lets you hold the secondary attack button for about 2 seconds and enter into a bubble.  While in the bubble, damage is reduced big time!  In testing, I took about 1/3 of an enemy’s actual damage (27 standard vs 9 in the bubble).  That alone is huge!  It also seems that the stock, 1 bubble covers around 24 or so in terms of damage before bursting.  Also of note are a few important details the game and strategy guide leave out.  First, you just hold the secondary attack button long enough to enter the bubble…there is no need to continue holding.  Second, you can stay in this mode indefinitely if you are not getting damaged.  Third, you can both move AND execute both your primary and secondary attacks while IN the bubble.  I was under the impression you would be in pure “defensive” mode and not have access to these attacks.  If you try to do the Sonic Slam you break the bubble at this point in the path…that is what I thought was going to happen if I used Siren Scream or Bubble Bombs.  Power Pop is up next and it makes the Bubble Bombs to max damage at 80-120, which is a pretty big jump and DOUBLE what we had box stock!  Burst My Bubble lets you use the tertiary attack to blow up the bubble.  The result?  140-210!  Also of note, I believe if you collect more bubbles while in the shield you will increase the durability AND explosive force.  You can collect up to 4 Bubbles.  The biggest explosion numbers I saw were 313-469.

Singalong

Singalong is the opposite of Bubble Up; this one is pure offense!  Ultimate Pitch Control lets you spam Siren Scream indefinitely.  The damage stays at 133-199, but it is nice for those who like a steady stream of a solid attack.  Scream Out lets you do a scream attack after any Siren Scream.  I have only seen a critical 199 in testing, but I suppose you might sometimes see 133.  I was a bit disappointed this wasn’t a slightly higher number range to differentiate it from the Siren Scream, but 199 is 199.  Ultrasound is where things really get interesting.  If you charge up Sonic Slam for 3 seconds, Echo goes into a semi-shielded mode where she will deal 28-42 3 times before firing this attack off…Also of note, you can manually fire it off before she automatically does with no loss of damage.  And what is that damage you ask?  How does 700-1050 sound?  Yep, easily one of the highest, non-Soul Gem, non-Wow Pow, not Elite attacks in all of Trap Team!  The three seconds really isn’t that hard to allocate either, especially given the rewards for making the time!

Soul Gem

Echo’s Soul Gem is pretty cool.  If you fire off a Bubble Bomb and hit it with Siren Scream, it turns into this large, blue orb of light and music that causes enemies to become entranced.  They can’t help but stare at the bubble and it deals 28-42 (40-60 Bubble Up!) over time and finishes with an 84-126 (120-180 Bubble Up!) explosion!  It is important to make note of my parentheses there…The Soul Gem is benefitted by Bubble Up’s Power Pop, which accounts for the difference between the damage sets.

Echo Attack Damage Numbers

Conclusion

Echo was very surprising.  I kind of expected the least from her in terms of what we had in Wave 4 and I would say she has over delivered at every interval (unboxing, stock, base upgrades, and paths).  She has two great paths and is very formidable on either.  If you like to play defensive, or prefer a more challenging path, Bubble Up is what you will want to take.  If you are more into big, “wow” type numbers and simplicity, you can’t go wrong with Singalong.  I think Bubble Up is the more balanced path, plus it does a bit extra for the Soul Gem and you still have the same 133-199 for Siren Scream via Pitch Control in the base upgrades.  The Bubble Shield is not to  be underestimated!  Burst My Bubble’s damage output really helps validate the offensive side of this defense oriented path.  However, Ultrasound is not your run of the mill upgrade and has to be regarded in that light.  The ability to infinitely spam Siren Scream coupled with a killer upgrade to Sonic Slam make that path just as formidable.  Oh, and I don’t believe I’ve mentioned Ultrasound has a HUGE radius!  Overall, you can’t go wrong with either one…If you like offense and big numbers, go with Singalong.  If you prefer defense and a more unique/challenging path, take Bubble Up.  If funds allow it, Echo would be a great Skylander to have one for each path!

Winterfest Lob-Star: Unboxing and Review

What: Winterfest Lob-Star
Where Did You Get It: Special Delivery
What Did It Cost: $14.99
What is Included: Winterfest Lob-Star, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing and Review of Winterfest Lob-Star

Slogan: "Star Bright, Star Fight!"

Card Stats

Power 110/250 (+10 vs Lob-Star)
Armor 90/250 (+10 vs Lob-Star)
Agility 240/250 (+40 vs Lob-Star)
Luck 180/250 (+40 vs Lob-Star)
Totals 620/1000 (+100 vs Lob-Star)

In-Game Stats
Health 270 (+30 vs Lob-Star)
Armor 42 (+12 vs Lob-Star)
Speed 70 (+10 vs Lob-Star)
Critical Hit 60 (+20 vs Lob-Star)
Totals +72 over Lob-Star

Pictures
-Coming Soon

Upgrades
-Coming Soon

SkylanderClub Link: http://www.skylanderclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=229

Riptide Upgrade Paths and Attack Damage Numbers

Coming Soon!

Unboxing Freeze Blade Skylanders SWAP Force

What? Freeze Blzade, Water Element, SWAP Force Swapper, Speed
Where Did You Get It? Special Delivery
What Did It Cost? $14.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? Delivered
What is Included? Freeze Blade, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet
More Info to Note: Nitro Freeze Blade releases 3-23-2014 at Target in the USA

Unboxing Freeze Blade

Freeze Blade
Water Element, SF Swapper, Speed Ability

Slogan: "Keeping it Cool!"

Card Stats
Power: 140/200
Armor: 75/200
Agility: 200/200
Luck: 85/200
Totals: 500/800

Water Element Swappers

Speed SWAP Force Skylanders

SWAP Force Water Element as of 3/12/2014

(Missing Punk Shock)

Skylanders SWAP Force Unboxing Rip Tide

What: Rip Tide, Water 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? Surprisingly Well Stocked!
What is Included: Rip Tide, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Rip Tide

Rip Tide
Water Element, SF Newlander

Slogan: "Go Fish!"

Card Stats
Power: 120/200
Armor: 70/200
Agility: 75/200
Luck: 55/200
Totals: 320/800

Skylanders Giants Unboxing Legendary LightCore Chill

Skylanders Giants Unboxing Toys'R'Us Exclusive Legendary LightCore Chill

What? Legendary LightCore Chill, Water Element Newlander, Toys'R'Us Exclusive

Where Did You Get It?  Toys'R'Us

What Did It Cost?  $12.99 plus tax

What is Included?  L-LC Chill, Sticker Sheet, Web Code for Skylanders Universe

What Lights Up?  The base right where her lance pierces makes contact...that is it.  Pretty sad.

What Was Stock Like?  If this wasn't the last one in the store, the other(s) were really well hidden.

Quick Character Info:

Slogan: "Stay Cool!"

Card Stats:

Power/Strength: 60/1580
Defense/Armor: 100/150
Speed/Agility: 60/150
Luck: 100/150
Totals: 320/600

Toys'R'Us Exclusive Legendary LightCore Chill's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Stats, Ugrades, Quests, and In-Game Light-up

Conclusion

Skylanders Giants Unboxing Thumpback

Skylanders Giants Unboxing and Review of Thumpback

What?  Thumpback, Water Element Giant

Where Did You Get It?  GameStop, locally

How Much Did It Cost?  $14.99 plus tax

What is Included?  Thumpback, stat card, and sticker sheet with web code for Skylanders Universe

What Was Stock Like?  Last one in the store.  I've only seen the one I have in my hand locally.

What Lights Up?  Both armor plates on the wrist in a nice, deep blue.

Quick Character Info

Slogan: "Hail to the Whale!"

Stats:

Power/Strength: 150/150
Defense/Armor: 150/150
Speed/Agility: 60/150
Luck: 40/150
Totals: 400/600

Conclusion

I have to say, once I saw Thumpback in person and then especially after opening him up...I am VERY impressed.  Most of the Giants have just come in a standard pose if you will...they don't really have anything "extra" like you see with some of the regular Skylanders.  Crusher has his hammer and Thumpback was posed with his "Ultimate Anchor."  The anchor and adjoining chain really add something to the table aesthetically.  In addition to the fact he is an "accessorized" Giant, Thumpback is also detailed very, very well.

To further accent his looks, the light-up effect was well done on two fronts.  First, the blue is very nice.  Second, the fact it is spread from end-to-end is much appreciated.  Those two together combine to showcase a very nice, bright light.

I have heard nothing but good things regarding Thumpback and I am excited to see how he plays.

Eye Brawl and Thumpback in the Near Future!

Hey Everybody!

How about some REALLY awesome news to start 2013?  Well, this should suffice.

While skimming the net today I found 2 very good leads on the potential release of both Thumpback, the Water Element Giant, and Eye Brawl, the Undead Element Giant.

Before calling my local GameStop I checked online to make sure the release date on the Scorpion Striker Battle Pack with Hot Dog and Zap was in fact pushed back to 1/9/2013.  That sadly turned out to be the case and I got confirmation when I called in...

However, when on GameStop.com I found the packaging proof had been added for BOTH Thumpback and Eye Brawl!!

This is a big deal because that is what GameStop has done in the past before a new character was up for sale...You can also note that they have  yet to add the Wave 3 Single Packs to that coveted list, so I am thinking it is imminent that we will see both Giants very soon.

Checking around elsewhere, I turned up on Amazon link to Thumpback...with the packaging proof, yet another encouraging sign!

As of right now I do not know solid dates, but I will update this post as the info trickles in...

Here are some helpful links:

Eye Brawl at GameStop:
http://www.gamestop.com/toys/skylanders-giants-eye-brawl-individual-character-pack/105996

Thumpback at GameStop:
http://www.gamestop.com/toys/skylanders-giants-thumpback-individual-character-pack/106002

Thumpback on Amazon:

Thumpback Amazon

Eye Brawl at Walmart:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Skylanders-Giants-Giants-Eye-Brawl-Universal/21309831

Thumpback at Walmart:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Skylanders-Giants-Giants-Thumpback-Universal/21309832

Personally I am more excited for Eye Brawl, but I know the vast majority seems to want Thumpback.

Stay tuned for updates and good luck landing the new Giants!

*Update 1/2/13 5 AM (so much for getting to bed earlier in 2013): It looks like several sources are saying we will see Thumpback and Eye Brawl hit on the 9th and that we can expect Ninjini mid-to-late January.  I obviously can not confirm this and would still call it speculation, but they have to come out some time, right?!

I also want to point out that there remains a good chance we could see some straggling characters like Wrecking Ball or Spyro in their S2 repose hit the shelves.

I'm still waiting on the assignment of any Triple Packs, although at this point it is likely I'd only be up for the tail end of them (could see all S2 in a few)...

I will update again as new or confirmed info arrives.

Updated 1/4/2013 to add Walmart Links.

Scorpion Striker Battle Pack with Zap and Hot Dog

A few days ago GameStop announced that they would be getting the highly anticipated Scorpion Striker Battle Pack as a timed exclusive...

Basically what that means to you is that GameStop will be your only option for picking up the Battle Pack for the first 30 days or so.

The Battle Pack, as with the previous, will retail for $24.99...don't pay more than that!

I know the screen grab below is small, but if you click on it you can see the release date of New Years Day and their bragging rights of having it a full month before anyone else.

Check it out:

This shouldn't be too big of a surprise given that they had (and still have) the "Golden" Dragonfire Cannon Battle Pack (other stores have the standard issue, or non-"golden" Dragonfire Cannon Battle Pack).

Several people across the net picked this combo of Zap and Hot Dog out as the previous battle pack featured contrasting elements (ie Undead and Life by way of Chop Chop and Shroomboom).

Why were so many able to predict this combo?  Simple.

We already have the other 7 new Skylanders out, so only Hot Dog remained.  Similarly, we already have Slam Bam and Gill Grunt from the reposed Water Element so that left Zap (Wham-Shell is not getting a repose).

That said, still cool to predict it.

And just fyi, the way we knew of the "catapult" ahead of time was a few pictures from a tour of the Toys for Bob studio where it was sitting next to both the standard issue Dragonfire Cannon and GameStop Exclusive Golden Dragonfire Cannon!

The Scorpion Striker should unlock a new arena and possibly some re-skins AND serve as a magic item for gameplay.

The big draw is of course going to be Hot Dog as this will be our first chance to play the new Fire Element Skylander!

I have to be honest and say that I am very excited to obtain the S2 Zap.  If you recall from my SSA Upgrade vids, Zap is one of the Skylanders I was very torn on picking an upgrade path.  This time around I can take the other path first and then decide which I truly like better.  The coolest thing about S2 Zap will of course be his Wow Pow Power AND the ability to switch upgrade paths...

I nearly ordered this when the link went live, BUT that would mean I had to pay freight and wait on it.  That is probably not a horrible set up given the unknown of winter weather (ie will it be 60 and clear 1-1-13, or will it be 25 and icy).

That said, I will probably run by my favorite GameStop later tonight and pre-order there.  I don't think it will be hard to come by...I've yet to see the Golden Dragonfire Cannon Battle Pack out-of-stock at any GameStop or their website.

I guess if bad weather prevents me from getting it on release day, it will be paid for and awaiting my arrival to join the Skylander force!

If you want to pre-order the Scorpion Striker Battle Pack from GameStop, you can click here.

I hope to do the Weekly Update and I'll let you know if I get the pre-order tonight!

UPDATE 12/6/2012

I went in to GameStop tonight and locked up the Scorpion Striker Battle Pack.  The big news is I got a 100% Confirmation on the 1/1/13 Street Date!

Sadly, I also got 100% confirmation that they know nothing on when Wave 3 might hit.

UPDATE 1/9/2013

As many have said/reported across the net, GameStop.com changed the release date on their place holder for the Scorpion Striker Battle Pack to 1/10/2013.

You can see a screen grab here:

Perhaps the bigger story than the one-day push back is that you can't pre-order the item anymore!  What this means for those who did not pre-order remains to be seen...That said, if you want it and planned to pick it up without a pre-order I would advise you to act fast.  With this one getting pushed back 3 times now, it could very easily be an item we see stocked and then exhausted.  That said, it could also be sold out Day 1 and then GameStops everywhere could get a full stock within a week...the bottom line is we just don't know at this point.

The BIGGER NEWS, however, came to me at 12:25 PM via text message.

It says:

"GameStop: Your Skylanders Giants order avail Fri PM.  Bring your trades to reduce price.  Info# xxx-xxx-xxxx. End txt msgs reply STOP"

That is the exact transmission, minus me omitting the number with x's.  And that is straight from the source, to someone who pre-ordered.  I now have no reason to believe the Battle Pack will be there today (as expected), tomorrow (as the website indicates), but rather FRIDAY, JANUARY, 11TH, 2013 as their text message and direct communication indicates.

That is a bit of a bummer, but I will try to get up there Friday.  I usually make my rounds in the evening the night before, so it is kind of throwing me for a loop...Sad thing is, with the stock possibly being very limited I don't want to wait and find that my pre-order was accidentally sold...crazier things happen.

Anyway, my best guess right now is straight from GameStop...we can all expect to get our hands on the Scorpion Striker Battle Pack this Friday.

If more dealys or bad news arise I will post it here...if Friday holds true I will have an unboxing up to end the vicious cycle!  Stay tuned!

Skylanders Giants: Unboxing Slam Bam

Unboxing Slam Bam

What?  Slam Bam, Water Element Skylander

Where Did You Get It?  GameStop.com

What Did It Cost?  $9.99 plus tax, plus shipping

What is Included?  Slam Bam, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet with Web Code

What Was Stock Like?  I have never had too much trouble finding S2 Slam Bam.

Quick Character Info:

Slam Bam, Water Element.  S1, S2, and Legendary.

Slogan: "Armed and Dangerous!"

Stats:

Power/Strength: 90/150 (-5 from L-Slam Bam)

Defense/Armor: 90/150 (-5 from L-Slam Bam)

Agility/Speed: 50/150

Luck: 40/150

Totals:  270/600 (-10 from L-Slam Bam)

Legendary Slam Bam

Stats:

Power/Strength: 95/150 (+5 over Slam Bam)
Defense/Armor: 95/150 (+5 over Slam Bam)
Agility/Speed: 50/150
Luck: 40/150
Totals: 280/600 (+10 over Slam Bam)

Conclusion

Slam Bam is one of my favorite Skylanders and my Nephew's favorite by a long shot.  He is very cool, literally.  Slam Bam is fairly unique in his ability to inflict massive damage up close, but also being quick enough to escape and easily counter attack, or take an advantage with his Ice Prisons.

I know of a few people that still don't have Empire of Ice...either they're parents won't purchase it, or they can simply never find it when they have the money.  I think EoI is worth getting since you add a new level to both SSA and SG, but if you just want to play as Slam Bam, this S2 offering is the way to go as you can use him in both SSA and SG.

I have seen a few stores that didn't have him on the shelf, but I honestly think they would have had more in the back, or someone just stashed him...It has never been a "long" shortage...likely just a case of an employee not getting stock out.

Slam Bam is a great character and his unique powers and abilities definitely make him worth picking up!  I like him so much I ordered him on release day just in case he was tough to come by...He and Terrafin are the only S1 reposed Skylanders that I will spring for without knowing the contents of a Triple Pack.

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure: Wham-Shell's Introduction and Heroic Challenge

Part 107 of our Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure Playthrough showcases the introduction and Heroic Challenge of our final Skylander, Wham-Shell.  Check it out:

Wham-Shell was quite the challenge to track down, but looks like he should upgrade nicely.

I would like to again make a point to thank Michael (8 years old) and Matthew (6 years old) for finding Camo and Warnado at a local Walmart and talking their Dad, David, into picking up the extra of each to send to me.  I turned the offer down thanks to having just pre-ordered them, but I think there is not enough emphasis put on the "good" things in life.  David, Michael, and Matthew got into Skylanders and have enjoyed the videos and the blog and wanted to send me the new, "hard to get" Wave 5 duo.  That says an awful lot for Michael and Matthew and I think deserves just as much attention as all the notice given to the scalpers and greedy people cleaning up the racks.

There are still good people in the world and some of them are willing to bend over backward to do nice things. It is the thought that counts here and that really hits home.  I've mentioned stuff like this before and felt it needed to be pointed out not only to thank them, but to show case their actions as I am sure they put just as much thought into helping out other people.  That is a rare trait to see anymore, but definitely one that will help them both out.

The plan now is to edit and upload a few vids I recorded tonight, which include:

-Earning ALL Portal Master Accolades
-Wrapping up Warnado's Box Stock Heroic Challenge Quest

I will then go ahead and focus on completing the "Mass Upgrades" by element.  Part 1 will be the actual upgrades and Part 2 will be gameplay with said upgrades.  I think it will work out nicely.

Should there be interest, I will do some in-depth gameplay with requested Skylanders.

After that I have one more thing planned with Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure and I'll see how it goes over...I think most will enjoy it.

This has been a lot of fun and I have met some great people...Good luck tracking down the Skylanders you lack!

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure: Unboxing Wham-Shell

Well, almost one month to the date of the Amazon Pre-Order, it happened...No, not the shipping notice to get over joyed about, but something more unlikely....I found Wham-Shell locally!  I'm still kind of in shock and this is after unboxing, recording his intro, playing the Heroic Challenge, and getting Grand Admiral, but nonetheless, here it is for you to enjoy:

Here is a look at the most asked questions:

Where did you get Wham-Shell?
-I got him at a local store, which is not nation wide.

How much did you pay for Wham-Shell?
-As always, I paid retail...in this case $8.99.  NEVER pay more than retail.

Where can I get Wham-Shell?
-Locally your best bet is Walmart followed by GameStop.

My local stores never have any new Skylanders, what about online?
-Your best bet at this point online is GameStop.  However, once Amazon delivers on the pre-orders I would imagine they will start to have him (that is how it has gone with Wave 4 and now Camo and Warnado).

Will you record his Heroic Challenge and some gameplay?
-Yes, the Heroic Challenge should already be uploaded and you can expect to see a "stock" (no upgrade) gameplay soon followed by a later rendition with Basic Upgrades, and maybe later on a full Upgrade with Soul Gem gameplay.

Is Wham-Shell your final Skylander?
-Yes.  He is the final Skylander, 32 of 32.  I don't include the Legendaries or Variants in the overall count.

And now that the basics are out of the way, here is what you should hopefully be more concerned about:

Wham-Shell "Brace for the Mace!"
#4 in Overall Rankings

*Note his current ranking is # 11...at the time of that post no one knew of the +40 Soul Gem Boost for Armor...I'll amend it shortly.**

In-Game Stats

Health: 300/600
Speed: 50/98
Armor: 18/88 (+40 Soul Gem)
Critical Hit: 30/80
Elemental Power: 25/100

Card Stats

Strength: 75
Defense: 90
Agility: 25
Luck: 60

Blog Poll #8 Results: Who is Your Favorite Water Element Skylander?

The polls have closed for Poll #8: Who is Your Favorite Water Element Skylander...many thanks to everyone who voted.  Here is the breakdown:

1. Zap 40 Votes (35%)
2. Slam Bam 33 Votes (28%)
3. Gill Grunt 24 Votes (21%)
4. Wham-Shell 17 Votes (14%)

Let's examine the 114 votes in detail.  First off, this quartet got 7 more votes than Air Element Skylanders, and there is good reason for that...We won't be seeing 2 of the 4 Air Element Skylanders for quite some time.  The Water Element has 3 of the 4 Skylanders available.  The big issue here is that many of you have likely not gotten to play Slam Bam yet as the Empire of Ice, in large part thanks to Skyland Pirates buying up all the new stock and hocking it at the bay of evil.  To be honest, I haven't either!  I was lucky enough to find it online last week, ordered it, unboxed it, but have not played..although I should as soon as all this is updated!!

That said, Zap is the clear favorite over Gill Grunt.  I'd have to say that Slam Bam did pretty good considering the issue at hand.  Wham-Shell is the one you have to question the results on as no one has played him and thus we can't really pass fair judgment...but like I've said, there is no point in waiting till June to try and figure this stuff out.  I feel like the best thing to do is find the Soul Gems and use that as a preview.

It is interesting because the results here do not often reflect comments on the YouTube vids.  I know a lot of people that shall we say "aren't happy" are far more likely to post.  It is just human nature.  A lot of people will watch a video and enjoy it without "liking it" or leaving a "great, Zap was awesome comment."  On the flip side, an overzealous Slam Bam Portal Master or envious starter pack only Portal Master might say "Zap #@$%*!!!! HE IS #$*&^@!!!"  That is pretty accurate as these people tend to also type in ALL CAPS...guess it goes with the territory.

That said, the last batch of comments I got to had quite a bit of negativity on Zap.  Personally I think he is great and the reason is his speed and secondary/tertiary attacks.  I had trouble finding a character to carry a bomb to an area with a prism to blow up before the timer would expire...I tried quite a few, including Stealth Elf, and came up empty...Zap did it in record time!  I think he will come in very useful for the time goals if anyone pursues them (I used him in Ch 1 and Ch 2 that I didn't record to do just that!).

Slam Bam...well...he just looks awesome.  He is totally unique in that he is based on an "ice" environment.  Toss in the fact you get him only in an adventure pack that includes the Empire of Ice and it seems folks build more of an attachment to these Skylanders (Terrafin one and Ghost Roaster did pretty well).  I have really been looking forward to playing as him and Warnado/Lightning Rod, although that won't happen for what seems like an eternity.

Gil Grunt has the mass effect going for him...that is virtually anyone with the game, sans 3DS Owners, got him in the Starter Pack.  I think the big reason he didn't fare well is two-fold.  First off it is hard to stack up with Zap's speed and Slam Bam's design and uniqueness.  Second, and perhaps most important, he is kind of slow.  I know he gets the jet pack, but it is still not that quick.  I have to say his Soul Gem power up (which I have) isn't as great as I had hoped.  It sort of takes awhile to fire and then often times just doesn't (hard to explain, but if you play with him you know what I mean).  He is a solid character, just lacks the speed and uniqueness in our top two vote-getters.

Lastly we have Wham-Shell.  You have to admit that this is kind of where you figured he would be...Kudos to those that have researched the Skylanders and think his Soul Gem warranted a vote.  He does look pretty cool and in the preview the mace looks like it has a lot of potential, but until we have played as Wham-Shell it is just too much of a wild card...He really doesn't get a fair shot here, but I'm still not sure he would have over taken Zap or Slam Bam (especially if you put all 3 in the hands of most players).

So, there you go...Zap is your favorite Water Element Skylander!  Thanks again for voting and with this recap I will open up Blog Poll #10: "Who is Your Favorite Life Element Skylander?"