Skylanders Trap Team Full Console Experience on Tablets

Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack

Information, Gameplay, and My Thoughts

Skylanders® is redefining the Toys-to-LifeTM phenomenon with yet another ground-breaking innovation, Skylanders Trap TeamTM. With Skylanders Trap Team, players can take characters out of the game and place them into physical “Traps” that kids can take with them, effectively bringing Life to Toys. 

Now, for the first time in franchise history, Activision Publishing, Inc. is bringing the full AAA console experience of a Skylanders game to iPad®, Kindle Fire and Android tablets with the Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack. Launching day-and-date with the console version, the Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack will include a Bluetooth© Traptanium PortalTM, a new ring of magical energy which reverses the magic of the Toys-to-Life category by letting players bring digital characters into the physical world. The new portal gives players the freedom to dock their tablet, providing a hands-free gaming experience. The Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack will also include a Bluetooth® controller for the best possible play experience; a built-in tablet stand; two Skylanders characters; two Traps; and a display tray that lets Portal Masters keep track of the Traps they’ve collected and which villains they have trapped.

Like the console version of the game, all 175 existing Skylanders toys will be forward compatible and playable across all platforms, truly allowing Portal Masters to play wherever and whenever they want. Delivering another meaningful technological leap to the Skylanders franchise, the launch of Skylanders Trap Team on tablet underscores Activision’s continued commitment to bringing significant innovation to the Toys-to-Life category that the company firmly established in 2011.

The game introduces more than 50 new playable Skylanders heroes and more than 40 villains in an all-new adventure, delivering a diverse and dynamic story-driven gameplay experience filled with adventure, combat, puzzles, mini games, activities and platforming, all set within a variety of lush, compelling environments.

KEY FEATURES:

Unprecedented Tablet Innovation – Skylanders Trap Team on tablet represents a huge technological leap for the Toys-to-Life category as one of the first AAA experiences of its kind on the platform. The team is delivering a feat of development innovation with a game that was built alongside the console versions, driving an unparalleled level of performance from the tablet devices that it supports.

Complete Toys-to-Life, Life to Toys Tablet Experience – The Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack gives fans everything they need for a rich gameplay experience wherever and whenever they want to play. Tablet players will experience the Skylanders Trap Team innovation through a Bluetooth Traptanium Portal and Bluetooth controller. They can also play the full game on their tablets using touch controls and two digital Skylanders characters and two digital Traps.

Two Ways to Play – Once players purchase the tablet Starter Pack and download the game via their tablet’s app store, the game will recognize the Bluetooth Traptanium Portal and unlock the full experience. Players will experience the same AAA content they come to expect from Skylanders console games, but with two ways to play:

“Controller” – Fans can play the game just like the console version using the Bluetooth Traptanium Portal and toys with the custom Bluetooth Skylanders game controller included in the Starter Pack. 

“Touch Controls” – For players who prefer to use touch controls instead of a controller, fans  have the option to play the game just using on-screen touch controls.

Innovative Gameplay – In Skylanders Trap Team, you can play as a Skylander or capture Skylands’ most wanted foes and unleash them for good. It’s up to Portal Masters to find these villains and capture them inside the new Traps that transport the villains into the real world via the Traptanium Portal. Once trapped, players can return the villain to Skylands as a playable character. This exciting new play pattern gives fans the option to switch between playing as a Skylander hero or a villain at any time, creating fun and unique “tag team” gameplay. 

Publisher: Activision Publishing, Inc.

Developers: Toys for Bob (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii)

Beenox (Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Wii U, 3DS)

Vicarious Visions (iPad, Kindle Fire, Android tablets)

Supported Devices: Apple iPad 3rd Gen, iPad 4th Gen, iPad Mini Retina, iPad Air

Kindle Fire HDX (7” & 8.9”)

Google Nexus 7 (2013)

Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro (8.4”, 10.1”, 12.2”)

Samsung Galaxy Tab S (8.4”, 10.5”)

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014), Galaxy Note Pro 12.2

My First iPad Mini Video: Thunder and Lightning in a Texas Storm

Well right after (and I do mean right after) I set up the iPad mini last night a storm hit...One of those ones I actually deem bad enough to turn the desktop off...

The hail didn't materialize, but it was quite the light show...

I've mentioned before I am a weather enthusiast and what better way to test out the iPad mini's HD video recording than shoot some lightning?  My thoughts exactly!

This is pretty much a typical storm here...got a few tenths of an inch of rain, but really enjoyed the lightning!

I was on the porch, in the dark, and had never shot video with it before...You can barely hear me, but what I say isn't too important...That also helps keep the emphasis on the lightning and the iPad mini's capability!

I was pretty impressed with it, although the sound pickup/mic isn't super great...Then again, maybe my hand was in front of it?  I haven't had it long enough to check...I did record this with the plastic still on so that might have lessened the quality slightly.

Nonetheless, I was happy to break the mini in with such a great light show!

Unboxing White 16 GB iPad mini and Covering Pros of the Device

What?  Apple 16 GB White iPad mini
Where Did You Get It?  Target
What Did It Cost?  $299.99 plus tax ($30 off Sale!)

Unboxing iPad Mini

Video Time Log
Time Log:
Start-3:00 Intro
3:00-11:15 Unboxing and Info

11:15-End Reasons to purchase, perks, my plans, Skylanders iOS etc

I have to say, I am an Android person...I just prefer the how shall we say, less proprietary end of things?  I do think Apple is making strides in this direction, but there are just the simple, little things that become complicated for a PC person when dealing with Apple products.

That said, the iPad is a great device, offers up endless fun, social networking, and if you can distract yourself from simply enjoying it long enough...you might be able to get some work done!

By no means do I consider this a replacement for a desktop, laptop, or even netbook, BUT it is portable, slim, and CAN do most of the things you expect from larger computers.

Why Get an iPad Mini?

Stating the Obvious: The Size

Well, for starters, we are talking the mini...This means you want something smaller than the 10" Tablets.  I have to say, the mini is a perfect size.  I can one hand it with no issues, and my 8 year old Nephew loves it in landscape and it works well for him.  It really is the perfect step up from a smart phone (ie my Galaxy SIII).  The iPad isn't actually that much bigger, but the few inches makes a big difference to most people.  This isn't exactly pocket friendly, but that extra size makes viewing things much easier on the eyes.

Personal Entertainment Device

As mentioned, these things are pretty cool...and they are lots of fun.  Games, videos, music...it has it all.  If you are like myself and have an older iPod, your current one is lost/stolen, or you simply don't have one...this could be your ticket.  The mini costs just slightly more than an iPod Touch, but has a significantly larger screen and much more capability.  I was torn between the two, but ultimately the larger screen and easier viewing/multitasking won out.  The iPod would be just like carrying around another phone...Personally, I DO NOT listen to music from my phone...just not my style.  I prefer to have a separate device.  Now, for those seeking portability or something you can easily run with, the iPod has the edge...for anyone else, the edge would remain with the mini.  I have no objection using the big screen mini as a newer iPod...in fact, I already am!  That said, I still love my old 2nd Gen Nano and it will remain the choice for active events etc.

Messaging and FaceTime

Did you know that any Apple device (the newer ones that is) can send messages and FaceTime other Apple users?  You don't have to be tied in to a wireless carrier (Sprint, AT&T, Verizon etc) and it doesn't cost money.  All you need is WiFi (home, hotel, hot spot etc).

So, if you want your kids to be able to text you updates from home (yardwork, homework, chores etc), they  can use their iPod or iPad to send what is basically a text to your iPhone/iPad etc at work.  This is kind of the work around for the common, "I want my kids to be able to text or call me, but I don't want to add a line or commit to anything long term."  Putting the condition of "checking in" when you give them an iPod or iPad etc is probably not going to get much feedback complaint wise.

FaceTime is the other big deal...while you might like your kids being able to message/text you...You'll see them at the end of the work day.  Kids off at college, grandparents out-of-state, or even just friends who have moved off can all use FaceTime to stay in touch with the ease of a phone call, but the enhancement of video.  And again, it is free.

There are work arounds on other platforms and desktops etc, but this is a true 1-Touch and Go solution.  Very nice for families that are apart etc.

The Apps: iOS Exclusives

For myself and many others, having an Android based phone gives you most of what Apple has and a lot it doesn't offer.  However, there are a few Apps that stay on one side of the fence, or simply perform better on one platform.  Obviously in my case, the Skylanders iOS games were a big deal.  Are they alone worth justifying the purchase?  No.  You can get all the current games (Cloud Patrol, Battlegrounds, and Lost Islands) for under $10.  For the price of the mini you could buy a console and starter pack, or 3DS and both  titles.  You get the idea.

That said, there are some, like Skylanders, that just help "justify" the purchase.  Your personal tastes will dictate what is out there and beneficial to you.

Personal Reasons

You are an individual and we all have our reasons...For me, picking up the mini offered up the chance to do several things on the E3 trip. First, I can potentially live blog from E3 easier than on my cell phone and without having to lug around a laptop.  Second, in the event I max out the SD Cards or Batteries on my Canon camera I can use it to shoot 1080 HD Video of the event.  Similarly, the camera isn't great for HQ photos, but it is better than me drawing what I see.  Third, and maybe most importantly, I can use FaceTime to talk to my Nephew face-to-face!  Granted, this applies to any Apple people I know, but it is sad to leave him back at home when I know he would be living it up at E3.  This will allow me to tell him about what I learned AND see his reaction....priceless.

On a more long term note...FaceTime will continue to be big as I have a lot of Apple friends (and I plan to keep on the Android side of the friend equation).  Similarly, the compact size and portability will work great for future travels.  When having a laptop isn't required, I can save a lot of hassle just taking this along...On the road you can check e-mails and manage all your Social Networking stuff.  Lastly, just having a big screened MP3 Player, eReader, and Movie Machine isn't all that bad either.

Another justification for myself is that I have the Android Smart Phone...this iOS tablet opens me up to new experiences AND I get the best of both worlds having both the iPad mini and Galaxy SIII smart phone!

All-in-One

This kind of captures the above...the iPad mini offers up entertainment (music, books, video, games), a web browser, easy social networking, FaceTime and Messages, productivity, and does it al in an easy to manage mini size!  I have no complaints about picking the mini up and will likely get a lot of use out of it.

For the price, the iPad mini is a great deal.  Whether you want a really big iPod, a sleek way to keep up with emails, Twitter, and Facebook, a chance to FaceTime friends and family, or simply a nice, vivid eReader, the iPad mini does it all...and it does it at a great price and perfect size!

*Note the retail price is $329.99 as of this date.  The $299.99 sale seems to pop up fairly often so check your options before paying full price.  You might also see a deal to buy the iPad mini and get free iTunes cards...be patient and shop around!