Wednesday, 21 August 2013


Skylanders is “mixing it up” with the newest game in the award-winning, top-selling franchise.   Skylanders SWAP Force builds upon the success of the franchise’s signature gameplay and collectible toy experience, adding an all-new dimension to the “toys to life” innovation.  The game introduces a compelling play pattern -- dynamic swapability -- that lets gamers transform 16 SWAP Force inter-action figures into more than 250 unique characters by swapping the top and bottom halves of the toys.  Now, Portal Masters can mix and match characters’ powers and moves and experience an unprecedented level of choice never before seen in a SkylandersTM game.   Fans also can play Skylanders SWAP Force with their entire collection of 100+ characters from Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure® and Skylanders GiantsTM.


Skylanders SWAP Force features new abilities – such as flying, climbing, digging, bouncing, or teleporting – which can be used in previously unexplored areas of Skylands centered on these play mechanics.  Additionally, the game features 16 new core characters, eight new LightCore™ characters and 16 new versions of fan favorite Skylanders from previous games.  Now kids will have more than 100 characters from which to choose. The game’s high-resolution graphics brings detailed characters and richer environments to life, immersing players in the game like never before.

In Skylanders SWAP Force, Portal Masters embark on an all new adventure in the mysterious Cloudbreak Islands, home to a mystical volcano that erupts every hundred years to replenish the magic in Skylands.  During an epic battle, a brave group of Skylanders were caught in the volcano’s eruption, which blasted them apart and sent them to earth.  But, the magic of the volcano gave these heroes a remarkable new power -- the ability to swap halves – turning them into a special team known as the SWAP Force.  Meanwhile, Kaos is back with a new evil plan.  And now, Portal Masters everywhere must reassemble the SWAP Force -- in their original form or in new combinations -- and send them back to Cloudbreak to save Skylands!

KEY FEATURES:
o   Dynamic Swapability Skylanders SWAP Force features 16 new SWAP Force inter-action figures with new powers and a fresh play pattern – dynamic swapability – that lets kids create more than 250 unique character combinations, giving them more choice than ever before over how they fight and move in the game.  With each new addition to their Skylanders SWAP Force collection, Portal Masters unlock an exciting world of possibilities.  

o   Gameplay Variety Skylanders SWAP Force delivers a diverse and dynamic, story-driven gameplay experience, filled with adventure, combat, puzzles, mini games, activities, platforming, traps & hazards and drop-in/drop-out co-op play -- all set within compelling environments.  With each new addition to their SWAP Force collection, Portal Masters unlock exciting new possibilities.  Seasoned fans can play Skylanders SWAP Force with their entire collection of 100+ forward compatible characters from Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure and Skylanders Giants.  Plus, the level cap has been raised to 20 for all Skylanders characters, including legacy characters.  Additionally, based on fan demand, all Skylanders now have the ability to jump.

o   All-New Characters – More than 50 collectible characters including 32 never-before-seen Skylanders heroes each with unique powers and personalities:
•       16 new SWAP Force characters
•       16 new Core Skylanders characters
•       8 LightCore™ Skylanders characters
•       16 new versions of fan-favorite Skylanders from the previous games, each featuring an all new “Wow Pow” upgrade power

o   Exciting Adventure – Portal Masters will embark on a brand new adventure, encountering never-before-seen enemies and challenges, as well as meeting memorable non-playable characters who can help the Skylanders defeat Kaos and his minions in the Cloudbreak Islands.

o   Unique SWAP Force ZonesSkylanders SWAP Force characters feature new abilities – such as flying, climbing, digging, bouncing, or teleporting – each of which can be explored in new areas of Skylands.
o   Assortment of Gameplay Modes – Players will be able to experience various Survival and Battle Modes, all featuring vibrant, action-packed arenas and environments where Portal Masters can test the true strength of their Skylanders.

•       Solo Survival Mode – Single player horde style mode where players must battle through waves of enemies
•       Team Survival Mode – Two-player co-op horde style mode where a team must battle through waves of enemies
•       Rival Mode – Two-player “versus” mode where both players must fend off waves of enemies; the player with the higher score wins
•       Battle Arena Mode – Player vs. player-style mode that lets Portal Masters pit their Skylanders against each other
•       Ring Out Mode – Players must fight to knock their opponents out of the battle arena
o   Enhanced Graphics Quality – Console versions of Skylanders SWAP Force feature high-resolution graphics that bring to life amazingly detailed characters and richer environments to deliver a high level of visual fidelity that immerse players in the game like never before.

CHARACTER BIOS

SWAP FORCE CHARACTERS 

BLAST ZONE
Fire/Rocket
“Blast and Furious!”

As a young furnace knight, Blast Zone was part of the Skylands Bomb Squad, specializing in the safe disarming and removal of troll bombs.  But it was not long before the trolls got tired of Blast Zone constantly thwarting their evil plans, so they decided to go after the furnace knight himself.  Late one night, an army of trolls snuck into Blast Zone’s village and threw 100 bombs down his chimney.  Acting quickly, Blast Zone swallowed each bomb and then belched a jet of fire back at the invaders – sending them fleeing with their boots on fire.  The tale of the attack eventually reached the ear of Master Eon, who knew the brave furnace knight had all the makings of a Skylander.


BOOM JET
Air/Rocket
“Bombs Away!”

No matter what Boom Jet did, he always had to be the best.  He could be seen day and night above his home in the Billowy Cloudplains gunning his engines and performing daredevil maneuvers as he trained to become the best sky surfer in all of Skylands.  Unfortunately, Boom Jet never had a chance to compete for the championship because a day came that changed his life forever.  The Darkness had come.  And with his town on the verge of being completely consumed by the ominous evil force, Boom Jet took action.  Using his incredible flying skills, he raced from house to house, rescuing all of the citizens and carrying them to safety… just before The Darkness destroyed his homeland.  It was then he realized the protection of Skylands was more important than personal glory, so he sought out Master Eon to offer his services to the Skylanders.


FREE RANGER
Air/Spin
“Whip Up a Storm!”

Free Ranger was hatched during a storm when a thunderous bolt of lightning struck his egg.  From that very moment, his destiny was clear – he would become the greatest storm chaser ever known!  He spent his entire life pursuing hurricanes, spinning inside tornados, and riding lightning.  But a day came when he encountered a storm unlike any other.  It was unnatural and ominous, billowing with evil, and leaving only desolation in its wake.  Free Ranger was standing at its edge, moments from boldly leaping into it, when he was stopped by none other than Master Eon. The wise Portal Master told him that it was The Darkness that raged before them, and if he were up to the challenge, he could join the Skylanders to help defend against it in the Cloudbreak Islands.


GRILLA DRILLA
Life/Dig
“If There's a Drill, There's a Way!”

In the distant jungles of what was once the sprawling subterranean city of the Drilla Empire, Grilla Drilla served among the guards for the Drilla King.  Every seven years, the king would select the bravest and strongest guard to become their leader.  It was during the last selection ceremony that a troll mining operation broke through the ground above them and quickly snatched the king, wanting to know the location of the famed Drilla Diamond.  Having never ventured above ground, Grilla Drilla risked everything to defeat the trolls and rescue the Drilla King.  In return for his bravery, Grilla was selected as the new leader.  But he instead decided to join the Skylanders, where he could protect even more residents of Skylands.


HOOT LOOP
Magic /Teleport
“Let's Ruffle Some Feathers!”

Hoot Loop was raised by a guild of magicians in Skylands’ most famous traveling circus.  At a young age, he perfected illusions and spells that only the very best of their guild could perform, and even mastered the art of teleportation!  Soon enough, he became the star of the show, known far and wide as the Amazing Hoot Loop.  However, one day an army of Greebles disguised as clowns invaded, determined to destroy the popular circus.  It was then that Hoot Loop gave a performance that few would ever forget.  Using his incredible powers, he fought off the invaders and saved the circus - to the raucous applause of the many spectators – including Master Eon, who presented Hoot Loop with an opportunity to learn some real magic as a member of the Skylanders.


MAGNA CHARGE
Tech/Speed
“Attract To Attack!”

Magna Charge came from the great race of Ultron robots, but was mysteriously created with a giant magnet head.  This proved problematic, as his peers were all made of metal and were constantly being pulled towards him.  As a result, Magna Charge was exiled to a faraway island, where he eventually learned to control his magnetic powers.  After years of training, he returned to his home to demonstrate his abilities, but found everything completely destroyed.  In searching for answers, Magna Charge caught the attention of Master Eon, who realized the unique Ultron soldier was a perfect candidate for the Skylanders.


NIGHT SHIFT
Undead/Teleport
“Roll With the Punches!”

From high up in the gloomy Batcrypt Mountains, Night Shift was a full-fledged baron and heir to a great fortune.  But one day he decided to leave it all behind to pursue his dream as a prizefighter.  It wasn’t long before Night Shift became the undefeated phantom-weight champion of Skylands, famous for his massive uppercut and for having once bitten an opponent in the ring.  Unfortunately, a rule change made teleportation illegal and Night Shift was forced to give up his belt, officially ending his career as a boxer.  Crestfallen over being disqualified from a sport he loved so dearly, his spirits picked up when he was sought out by Master Eon, who told him that his skill as a fighter could be put to great use as a member of the Skylanders.


RATTLE SHAKE
Undead/Bounce
“Go Ahead - Snake My Day!”

Some say Rattle Shake was the best tracker in the Cloudbreak Islands.  Others say he could strike the center of a gold coin at a thousand paces.  But the legend of Rattle Shake was immortalized when he found himself trapped by the Black Hat Gang, the infamous group of cowboys who literally were large cows… and evil ones at that.  They threatened to plunder the local village unless Rattle Shake led them inside the magical volcano Mt. Cloudbreak, where they hoped to discover enchanted treasure.  Badly outnumbered, the ever calm Rattle Shake magically summoned every snake in the area and overtook the notorious bovines in an epic fight.  The tale of his heroism was heard by Master Eon, who then recruited him to the Skylanders.


STINK BOMB
Life/Stealth
“Clear the Air!”

Stink Bomb studied martial arts under one of the greatest ninja masters in history, who believed that surprise was the key to finding your true self.  Thus, his master would constantly jump out and frighten him, hoping that it would scare Stink Bomb into finding his innermost strength.  On one such occasion, Stink Bomb was so surprised that he instinctively released a cloud of vapor so pungent that it caused his master to disappear and never return.  With this newly discovered ability, Stink Bomb developed his own form of martial arts known as Kung Fume, and wandered the land teaching it to all those who wished to learn.  It was not long before the news (and smell) of this new form reached Master Eon, who sought out the young ninja at once.


WASH BUCKLER
Water/Climb
“Eight Legs and No Pegs!”

Wash Buckler was an orphan Mermasquid, who grew up on one of the roughest pirate ships in Skylands.  While most pirates were interested in pillaging and plundering, Wash Buckler had other ideas for the future of pirating.  Over the years, he earned the respect of his crew and eventually convinced his fellow pirates that they didn’t all need to be cantankerous bad guys.  Thus, they set forward doing heroic deeds.  Of course, this new good guy image did not sit well with other pirating crews, who attempted to sabotage Wash Buckler at every turn.  But he was no ordinary pirate, and he defended his ship and his crew against the many attacking hordes.  It was then that Master Eon took notice of Wash Buckler and asked him to join the Skylanders.


CORE CHARACTERS


COUNTDOWN
Tech
“I'm the Bomb!”

Countdown was discovered by a group of Yetis who were snowboarding one particularly chilly morning when they came across a big bomb encased in ice.  After bringing it back to their cabin, they were shocked when it actually came to life.  No one, not even Countdown himself, has any memory of where he came from or how he ended up frozen in the mountains.  Since becoming a Skylander, Master Eon has been graciously trying to help piece together fragments of his past.  But this has proven difficult, as Countdown loses some of his memory every time he explodes – which happens a lot.  In the meantime, Countdown has enjoyed working with Eon and fighting alongside the Skylanders to defend their world against evil – even though he occasionally forgets what he is doing.

ROLLER BRAWL
Undead
“Let's Roll!”

Roller Brawl grew up with five older vampire brothers, who were all very big and overprotective.  Being the smallest of her family, she learned how to use her speed and cunning to become one of the toughest jammers in the Undead Roller Derby League.  It was during the championship match when she caught the eye of Kaos, who fell head-over-heels in love with her.  But when her overprotective brothers stepped in, Kaos had them captured by Drow and taken prisoner.  Roller Brawl swore revenge, but even with her impressive skills, she was no match for an entire Drow army.  Having developed a strong distaste for evil, she joined up with the Skylanders to fight against Kaos – while never giving up on her search for her brothers.


SLOBBER TOOTH
Earth
“Clobber and Slobber!”

Having been asleep for thousands of years, Slobber Tooth was awakened by the fiery eruption of two volcanic islands crashing together.  Immediately sought out by Kaos to become one of his minions, Slobber Tooth was promised great power.  But the gruff and headstrong fighter chose to follow his own path instead.  For this, Kaos attacked his ancient petrified homeland.  As the only one who could protect his hibernating race, Slobber Tooth fought tooth and tail against Kaos and his minions, ultimately driving them away.  For his heroism, Master Eon asked Slobber Tooth to join the Skylanders, where he could continue defending Skylands against the evil Kaos.


STAR STRIKE
Magic
“Shoot For the Stars!”

Looking for a way to magically banish the Skylanders, Kaos poured through every dusty scroll and ancient tome he could find.  Upon stumbling across a rare and extremely powerful spell, he began to recite its words.  However, he sneezed midway through the incantation.  As a result, instead of sending the Skylanders far away, Star Strike was plucked from her home in the distant cosmos and brought into Skylands.  Surprised, Kaos thought he’d won a powerful new ally in the mysterious and reserved Star Strike.  But she knew evil when she saw it and promptly unleashed her fierce magical powers on him.  Word of her victory over Kaos spread quickly and she was soon asked by Master Eon to join the Skylanders.


ZOO LOU
Life
“Nature Calls!”

Descended from a long line of shamans, Zoo Lou traveled far and wide to the Seven Strange Strongholds – ancient, mysterious sites of great wonder in Skylands – where he studied the wisdom and fighting styles of the Seven Strange Mages.  After many years of traveling and studying, Zoo Lou returned to find an army of trolls had invaded his sacred homeland to mine its natural magic resources.  Zoo Lou’s warrior heart burned with fury.  And having now mastered the enchanted art of communicating with nature and summoning animals, he unleashed his great mojo – attacking the trolls and single handedly freeing his lands once again.  It was this heroic feat that caught the eye of Double Trouble, who then brought Zoo Lou to Master Eon and the Skylanders. 


 PRODUCT INFORMATION
Skylanders Swap Force
Formats: 3DS, PS4, Wii, WiiU, XO
Out: 2014
Publisher: Activision

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