Skylanders Imaginators - Crash Bandicoot Edition
Overview -
Just when it seemed that the 'Skylanders' franchise might be out running out of tricks, Activision and developer Toys for Bob announced a new plateau in the toys-to-life genre, custom-made Skylanders. Stored in Creation Crystal toys (and in some special cases, playable cards, or even custom 3D printed figures) these 'Imaginator' characters are part of an ambitious new character creator.
Of course, no 'Skylanders' game would be complete without an in-game cast of heroes and villains to generate a robust game world for the physical toys to turn into video game fun and romp around. Likewise, as is typical with each release, 'Skylanders Imaginators' sees the debut of a new figure line, the Senseis. These large and powerful figures are billed as accomplished warriors who bring some special knowledge to the 'Imaginators.' Included in the Sensei ranks are even several former villains.
This year, Activision, Toys for Bob, and Vicarious Visions have put together a special edition of the game for the PS4 which includes Crash Bandicoot and Dr. Neo Cortex as playable Senseis. This guest appearance comes as part of the 20th anniversary of 'Crash,' and extends as far as including Aku Aku and Uka Uka in a special Crash-inspired level.
Video Review
Stop me if you've heard this before: the characters look better than the environments. In the hub worlds and big set pieces, this isn't a concern, but sometimes the disparity gives off a reminder that this is a multi-generation game. Where before I said that level design wasn't a strength, that sentiment carries over in the visual aspect. Many levels just repeat little doors or platform gaps and invisible gaps too often.
Meanwhile, the characters, including the Imaginators, Senseis, enemies, and friendly NPCs, look really good when the lighting is good. It's almost a shame that the combat gets so chaotic as the effects and animations are superb. The Selfie/photo mode, which is so quick and easy that I wish every game had it, just confirms this sense of well-executed detail and artistry.
Here again, the Crash level stand out. This is really DLC, or special edition DLC, which is often throwaway, but here I favor it.
Audio Review
The audio isn't just 'Skylanders' good, it's on another level thanks to the dictionary of Imaginator speech, which is customizable. Many of the series' great voices contribute here, though I think that the emphasis was changed in order to help establish the characters that are leading the 'Skylanders Academy' Netflix show. Basically, we need more Patrick Warburton and less Stealth Elf.
The music and sound effects for the 'Imaginators' were not as good as I hoped, and I wish I could have tweaked this more.
The Crash part of the sound design is almost bizarre, but in a good way. There's been some love with making a Crash/Skylanders crossover, and it shows.
Final Thoughts
'Skylanders Imaginators - Crash Bandicoot Edition' is the rare special edition worth seeking out, at least for fans of 'Crash' and for the hardcore 'Skylanders' fans and families. The core game is a triumph of what can be done with a character creator that plays out in how the characters play as well as look and sound. I'd expect for anyone to want more Creation Crystals, but getting to share the game with the rest of the family is well worth the few rough spots.
