Hello Fellow Retro Gaming Fans, Ryan McQuinn Here!
The fourth installment in the series, and my son Andy’s favorite one, Skylanders Trap Team showed just how creative you can be with the toys to life concept (Aside from Imaginators, but that’ll be a later video.) This one actually allowed you to not only capture every boss in the game, you could then play as them! The story goes that the Doomraiders broke free from Cloud Cracker Prison, and are planning on seizing control over Skylands. The Trap Team, along with the other Skylanders, must use Traptanium crystals to re-capture the Doomraiders, and save the Skylands. Like mentioned before, after capturing a Doomraider you get to play as them! You even get to capture Kaos! Using a special Kaos trap after defeating him. Here it is, a longplay of Skylanders Trap Team brought to you by my son Andy and me. Part two of this video is located here.
Skylanders Trap Team: A Retro Review
In the landscape of video games, few titles have been as innovative in the toys-to-life genre as the Skylanders series, which bridged the gap between physical toys and virtual adventures. “Skylanders Trap Team”, developed by Toys for Bob and released by Activision, is one of the standout entries in this series, particularly for its release on the PlayStation 3. This retro review dives into the intricacies of “Skylanders Trap Team”, exploring the developer’s achievements, the game’s engrossing story, enchanting music, eye-catching graphics, engaging gameplay, and its lasting impact on the community.
Developer: Toys for Bob
Toys for Bob has a rich history in game development, having been founded in 1989. Before their Skylanders success, they were known for the beloved platformer “Star Control”. With Skylanders, they took a daring leap into uncharted territory, seamlessly integrating physical toys into the digital world, forever changing the landscape of interactive entertainment.
Music and Graphics
One of the most striking aspects of “Skylanders Trap Team” is its audio-visual presentation. The game’s music, composed by the talented Lorne Balfe, is a captivating blend of orchestral grandeur and whimsical tunes that perfectly encapsulates the game’s magical world. It’s the kind of soundtrack that doesn’t just complement the gameplay but enhances the entire experience, making every battle feel epic and every exploration feel significant.
Graphically, “Trap Team” on the PS3 showcases vibrant and colorful visuals that remain impressive. The attention to detail in character designs, the lush environments, and the smooth animations contribute to a game that looks like a living cartoon. The artistry on display is a testament to the creative talents at Toys for Bob and their ability to craft a visually appealing world for players of all ages.
Gameplay
Playing “Skylanders Trap Team” is a delightful experience that mixes action-adventure with puzzle-solving and platforming. Players can bring their physical Skylander figures to life in the game by placing them on the Traptanium Portal, a unique feature that was revolutionary at the time. Each character has its own set of abilities and upgrades, which can be used to battle the forces of evil throughout the game’s numerous levels.
One of the game’s most innovative features is the ability to “trap” defeated villains using special Traptanium crystals. These trapped villains can then be played as characters, each with their unique abilities and personalities, adding a layer of strategy and variety to the gameplay.
Story
“Skylanders Trap Team” tells a compelling tale of the Skylanders facing off against the nefarious Kaos, who has blown up the prison known as Cloudcracker Prison, releasing the most wanted villains into the Skylands. It’s up to the player, alongside the Trap Masters, to recapture these villains and save the Skylands from certain doom. The narrative is engaging, filled with humor and charm that is accessible to younger audiences while still offering depth for older players.
Community Reactions and Reception
Upon its release, “Skylanders Trap Team” was met with positive reactions from both critics and players. The game was praised for its innovative use of the Traptanium Portal, the quality of the figures, and the game’s ability to encourage physical interaction with digital content. Communities like “Retro Replay” were particularly vocal about their appreciation for the game’s blend of nostalgia and innovation.
“Skylanders Trap Team isn’t just a game; it’s a groundbreaking fusion of the tangible and the virtual. It’s a title that we in the ‘Retro Replay’ community look back on with fondness for its boldness and creativity.” — Jordan Thomas, Retro Replay Member
Facts about the Game
- “Trap Team” introduced over 50 new Skylanders, including the new Trap Master characters.
- The game was available across various platforms, but the PS3 version is noted for its graphical fidelity and smooth performance.
- It featured a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing friends and family to join the adventure.
- This was the fourth main game in the Skylanders series, expanding the universe and lore significantly.
Replay Value
“Skylanders Trap Team” boasts a high replay value, due in part to the vast array of characters to collect and play. The trapping mechanic also adds to the replayability, encouraging players to revisit levels with different villains to discover new ways to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. The game’s multiple difficulty settings and hidden collectibles ensure that there’s always something new to discover, even for veteran players.
Conclusion
“Skylanders Trap Team” stands as a testament to the creative vision of Toys for Bob and the potential of the toys-to-life genre. Its rich story, charming aesthetic, captivating soundtrack, and innovative gameplay mechanics have cemented its place in the hearts of gamers. Even years after its release, the title continues to be a benchmark for creativity in video game design.
For more about Skylanders Trap Team and its place in gaminghistory, you can visit the Skylanders Wikipedia page and join discussions with like-minded fans at Retro Replay The developer’s journey can be traced through pages dedicated to Toys for Bob. Even without new figures being released, the game remains a unique piece of gaming history—a blend of digital and physical realms that shaped the face of interactive entertainment.
Playing “Skylanders Trap Team” is more than just revisiting a game—it’s about re-experiencing a piece of innovation that continues to resonate with fans around the world. From the halls of Skylands to the depths of the villainous hideouts, “Trap Team” delivers an adventure that is both timeless and irreplaceably enchanting.
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The verdict.
Graphics - 82%
Sound - 87%
Gameplay - 96%
Replay value - 88%
88%
Skylanders Trap Team" boasts a high replay value, due in part to the vast array of characters to collect and play. The trapping mechanic also adds to the replayability, encouraging players to revisit levels with different villains to discover new ways to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.