At E3 Activision gave more details about its latest addition to the Skylanders franchise, Skylanders Superchargers. The Skylanders games helped launch the "toys to life" genre of games, which spawned similar titles like Disney Infinity and Nintendo's amiibos. Skylanders Superchargers adds the driving component to the game, equipping its in-game characters with a variety of vehicles. The new game will still keep some of the usual gameplay methods in previous games.
Vehicles in the game belong to three classes: ground, air, and water. Throughout the levels, which like other Skylanders game require players to overcome puzzles and a final boss in each area, players can find items to help them upgrade their vehicles. Upon finding an item, players can immediately equip it if they choose. Players can still use any of their old Skylanders in the game, but Activision is also introducing 20 new figurines with specialized vehicles. Players can create SuperCharged Combos by pairing a Skylander with their signature vehicle. The new Supercharged Skylanders include classic characters such as Stealth Elf, as well as new characters. There are also 20 new vehicles for players to collect, from each of the three classes. Among the new figurines are familiar Nintendo characters Donkey Kong and Bowser, which are announced during the Nintendo presentation at E3. Donkey Kong and Bowser will have their own figurines, like every other Skylander, but their release is limited exclusively to the Nintendo systems.
The game will be sold as a package with the new Portal of Power redesigned for the game, a vehicle, and two Skylander figures, along with the game. In packages for Nintendo consoles, the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS, players can get either Hammer Slam Bowser or Turbo Charge Donkey Kong as part of the package. All packages will include Super Shot Stealth Elf, the new incarnation of the popular Skylander that has reappeared in every title. Skylanders Superchargers, in addition to Nintendo consoles, will also be available on the Playstation 3 and 4, Xbox One and 360, and a special Starter Pack for the iPad. Skylanders Superchargers will be released on September 20 in North American and September 25 in Europe.
