Just as we were getting used to the yearly cycle of Skylanders announcements, previews and releases Disney Infinity comes along and muddies the waters.
It will be interesting to see how this year pans out for both products, and whether Activision will tailor its plans to take account of the new competition.
Indeed, Disney has already adjusted the release date of Infinity from June to August based on retailer feedback.
Snagging the best deal with retailers, both for space and exclusives, will contribute heavily to how well Skylanders Swap Force and Disney Infinity do.
Talking to Jerry Storch, Chairman of Toys R Us at a recent launch event for the Skylanders game, it was interesting to hear him talking in glowing terms not only of Activision’s game but of the toy-meets-game genre in general.
Beyond retail tie-ins, it will be the comparative features and value of the two games that draws the biggest audience.
Here we need to do a little homework to get to grips with Skylanders Swap Force and Disney Infinity, on the surface they seem very similar but scratch a little and the differences become more apparent.
Meet the Skylanders
Skylanders Swap Force is the third game in the Skylanders series. As previously you place action figures on a portal peripheral to access them in the game. The game saves progress and upgrades back to the figure so you can also use it at a friend’s house.
This year the game will introduce 16 new mix and match Swap Force figures that allow the player to customise the toy and then use that mash-up character in the videogame.
It will also offer the usual re-release and new core Skylanders figures as well.
Perhaps the biggest downside for consumers is that they can’t use their existing portal, but must buy a new Swap Force Starter Pack that will increase the cost to consumers.
