re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Is Winterfest an in-game change as well, or like the Pumpkin Eye Brawl and just a physical change?

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Based on this blurb from skylanders.wikia.com it sounds like a in-game variant:

**EDIT**
And Amazon has in-game screen shots. He's a in-game variant for sure.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Best Buy has the Chaos trap up for those looking.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Walmart has their second "Exclusive Buddy Pack" out, this one is Small Fry & Hog Wild Fryno.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

The Kaos Trap is only available for store pickup and there are non in "my area' (within 100 miles of me). :(

I also tried my son's zip (pan-handle of TX) and there are no stores in his area with it in stock either.

Good luck to the rest of you! Eventually one will show up here...

I picked up the Hog Wild Fryno "Buddy Pack" a couple of weeks ago. It's pretty cool looking. It was also $1 less expensive ($14.96 vs. $15.96) in the store than on their site.

I also looked up some in-game stats for the "buddies" and found they are pretty weak. I can't see using them much unless they have a pretty good/unique attack method.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Gamestop.com has the Trap Team strategy guide on sale and I went to their site to verify the price/stock situation before heading to one of the local stores to get one for my grandson. While looking to see what, if any, figures were on sale I found they currently have the "Dark" edition starters for $79.99. They are OOS online but you might get lucky and find one locally. I was able to pick up a copy for the Wii at one of the stores here (both showed to have "low stock). Of the others, only the X-Box 360 was totally sold out within 100 miles. The other systems could be purchased at several different locations but none within 50 miles of me.

I figured ~$80 is about as low as it's going to get anytime soon and is better than $100 so I just went for it. I'll probably return the ~$40 regular starter I picked up at WM since I was able to snag a copy of the "Tablet" edition for $25 and it will provide the "regular" versions of the figures in the Dark starter. I'd keep it for my grandson to have regular figures at home but I'd guess it'll be that price, or lower, within the next 6 months and I can wait.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

The two new Element Expansion Packs (Light and Dark) are supposedly being released Sunday at Toys 'R Us. I haven't read if anyone else will have them. Maybe Wave 3 then as well?

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

I read a very good review on Trap Team on Kotaku.com. There's one item in particular which makes me feel better about this installment:

I really like that simple change. It's always annoyed me that to get *full* 100% on the first 3 games that you have to have one of everything even if you got 100% completion on the levels. In spite of the insane amount of new stuff for this release (if you want it all) it makes it feel a *bit* less of a money grab. Of course there's still the simple fact that you *have* to have at least *one* Trap Master for each element to unlock all the in-game content.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Beware ordering traps from Amazon if you want/need a *specific* design.

I ordered 3 during some lightning deal sales a few days back. The Earth Trap arrived today.

I ordered the Earth Hammer (based on the Amazon photo):
http://skylanderscharacterlist.com/w...p1-150x150.png
I received the Earth Orb:
http://skylanderscharacterlist.com/w...p1-150x150.png

At least I don't have a Earth Orb so it's not that big of a deal this time but it *could* be as I'd rather not have duplicates if it's not necessary.

Additionally, it was shipped in a bubble package!!!! The plastic was cracked and completely off the back. At least the trap wasn't damaged! If it were a gift I'd consider sending it back for replacement strictly on principle.

The other two have shipped and I'll update on what was ordered/received when they arrive.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Saw this on slickdeals and thought some of you might be interested:

Amazon has the Trap Team Tablet edition on sale for $29.99 and there's a $10 off coupon, TRAPTEAM10, that can be applied bringing the total down to $19.99 (plus tax and shipping if applicable in your case). It's also a 1 time use code.

Considering the figures and traps in the box are worth more than $20 I purchased a copy.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

different figures and traps from the main game?

Edit : Looks like the same figures and traps. Can't imagine I'd want to double up on the same ones, would I?

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Any of you Skylander guys, do Disney Infinity and/or the new nintendo figures too? I just got the new Infinity Marvel Heroes and some figure and playsets, I can't imagine being into the other franchises too. My wallet can't either :)

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Thanks a bunch! I grabbed one as a last second gift for my daughter to play on her Fire.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

I did Infinity the first go round but skipped this one as the quality of the game sunk in my opinion and was an attempt to sell based on the Marvel name alone. I read that all 3 playsets were very much alike and the other Disney figures are toybox only.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

It's the same figures and traps as the main game. BUT if you purchased the Dark Edition, like I did, you don't have those figures in "regular" mode. Then it becomes much like the Legendary conundrum - OK... I *have* that figure but its powers/stats are different. Do I need/want a regular edition? The OCD collector part of me says "yes, you do" and I make the purchase at some point.

Before the ability to change the upgrade path at will I'd have said you need it so you can have a figure on each path. Now that argument only holds true if you *really* like the figure and each upgrade path does very helpful and/or cool stuff making the possibility of using *both* in a single level a certainty. You know... I've never used that change upgrade path ability. Do you lose the upgrades you purchased on the other path if you chose to switch? If so I can see the "need" to have two identical figures for some characters.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

I picked up BlasterMind in my Toys R Us yesterday, so I think wave 3 is coming. Didn't see anything else though, so they may have just put this out early.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Thanks. I, er, Santa just bought the 360 version for my son so I don't think I'll get this despite the awesome price. If I had the legendary set instead, sure this would make some sense then.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

I just checked my daughter's Kindle and found out that the tablet version is not compatible with hers. I will let her decide if we keep it for the figures and traps or if she wants to exchange it for something else.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

If you've not already, to be 100% sure go here with the device:

http://www.skylanders.com/apps

and click the "Check Compatibility" button. From what I've seen they seem to be tweaking it fairly regularly to make it work with more devices. I know they've added a couple of Kindle models since initial release (I need to check my granddaughter's since I also got a copy for her brother who's getting Dark from Santa). Even then the app requires at least 3GB(!) of space on the device with another 1GB after install to make sure updates can dl and install.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

The other 2 traps arrived today and are what I ordered and is pictured on Amazon. Maybe the issue is only on that Earth Trap.

Water Jughead
http://skylanderscharacterlist.com/w...p1-150x150.png

Magic Log Holder
http://skylanderscharacterlist.com/w...p1-150x150.png

This time they were shipped in a book/DVD box. One of those types with cardboard that wraps around the item. Again - totally inappropriate packaging! Traps do not fit this type box and, again, the plastic on one was partially crushed due to the package.

I don't get their shipping methods - they sent some doll clothes, which would have totally fit and worked in a book/DVD type box, in a box large enough to hold all 4 mini sets as well as a couple of traps. I also got a couple of mini sets in a separate box that would have held both mini sets as well as both traps with room to spare. Actually the *two* boxes of doll clothes would have fit in that same box along with the Skylanders stuff. Oh well... at least nothing was damaged other than a blister pack.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

I used this last night before posting to check compatibility and it was a no go.
:( We might just keep it for the figures and extra traps or keep the stuff and sell the portal and controller and whatever else you need to play on the tablet to someone else that already has figures and stuff.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

If anyone is treaking out for them, $31.99 each and Toys 'R Us is throwing in a free Lightcore Hex.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

31.99 has me waiting until Best Buy gets them to get them for 20% off plus the most likely lower price than what Toys R Us tries to gouge us with. That price is outrageous in my opinion.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

I'll second that. Because they *always* charge more than MSRP for Skylanders I only purchase from TRU when they have a "good" sale *or* if the item is a TRU exclusive (and I still try to wait for a sale). The MSRP on these new sets is $29.99, which, considering the figure is a ~$15 Trap Master and a trap replaces the 2 typically useless magical items, is pretty much in line with other sets that include a new level. Giving you a "free" LC Hex is not much of a bonus as TRU is selling them for $5.50 online right now and are regularly available for $4 or less.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Yeah, I ate the $2 mark-up to get it before Christmas. And to be honest, I was really surprised it wasn't more.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

I seen Blastermind, Tuff Luck, and Ka Boom yesterday at Sam's Club. I checked Toys R' Us thinking I would take advantage of their 2 for $22 sale, but no new figures in sight last night. I didn't go back today and check for the Light/Dark packs.

Walmart has buy a trap master get a $5 gift card advertised this week in their flyer, but I didn't see any new characters today.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

I stopped in WM this morning and picked up a couple of Trap Masters to take advantage of the $5 gift card offer (nothing new - just the last 2 Wave 1 figures I didn't have). The CG did not automatically apply and I had to ask for it. I'd done this in electronics figuring they'd know and it would be less painful should something go wrong. Boy... that was not the case. They didn't know about the promotion (!?!?), didn't have a copy of the print ad, and the internet terminal would not work properly for them to check the ad online. I had to wait while someone checked on another terminal. It took 5-10 minutes but they were very pleasant about it and I got the CGs. :)

I also caved and picked up the last copy they had of the "Exclusive" Buddy Pack with Tidal Wave Gill Grunt/Gill Runt. Considering they also have the Hog Wild Fryno/Small Fry Buddy Pack as well it made me wonder how the release of Weeruptor and Thumpling will be handled. So far these have been released in elemental pairs: Bop/Terrabite, Spry/Mini Jini, Hijinx/Eye Small, and Trigger Snappy/Drobit. That leaves the pairings of Barkley/Whisper Elf, and Breeze/Pet Vac and the "orphaned" element pair still unreleased. But then there are the known variant ones coming: Eggscellent Weeruptor, Power Punch Pet Vac, and Gnarly Barkley. So will all those be released individually? Yeah... I'm over thinking it...

Ran by Sams since it's close to the WM I visited. Nothing new but that's OK. I need a break to let the pocketbook recover a bit before springing for those new elemental expansion packs.

And a observation: They had almost *no* Trap Team figures and *no* level packs on the shelf but *tons* of Disney Infinity characters and play packs. It seems to be the same everywhere here. Is it that way in other locations? Is it because Infinity is not being purchased or is Disney just better at keeping stock on the shelves?

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

My daughter and I swung by Best Buy today to get Super Smash Brothers for her new Wii U and we came across and grabbed these.



The pack was 24 bucks plus tax and the 3 Masters were 12 plus tax. I'm glad we grabbed them as it looks like the stock on these in general is low to non-existent at this time.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

^Gamer's Club Card purchase? I don't see any discounts listed in their ad...

It's tempting to run by the one here - but with no ad-based discount I can wait for Amazon to get 'em.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Yep, the Gamers Club Unlocked is worth having here as besides getting 20% off games you also get 20% off every Skylander, Infinity and Amiibo figure.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

^I looked at that as they currently have it on-line for $30. We don't purchase many games, but just a few figures would pay for the card at that price (there's no way it's worth the "regular" $99 price).

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

I thought the new level packs are a TRU exclusive until next year?

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

If you buy a new game every month as well as some figures then it is still worth the 99 bucks. The 30 dollar price tag is a steal and you should jump on it. You will get all of that back in your savings with your first batch of figures. I saved 15 bucks plus the tax difference on what I bought yesterday.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

I think TRU just wanted people to believe that so they could gouge their customers eyes and wallets. They might have been exclusive for a few days.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

I agree. Amazon has them "listed" with official place-holders but don't yet have them *from* Amazon. That typically occurs a week or so before Amazon has them for order. I plan to journey to Target later today with my granddaughter. She got some Christmas money and Target's supposed to have the Skylanders B1G40% off with the ad showing new Trap Masters. I'm curious as to what they may have received. Since BB is in the same mall I may visit there as well just to see what's available.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

I'll partially answer my own question. Yes - there are elemental pairings of Small Fry/Weeruptor and Gill Runt/Thumpling minis. Amazon now has both these new elemental parings listed making those WM "Exclusives" nothing more than a exclusive pairing of separately available figures and *not* a very good deal if you want the other minis in the elemental pairings. Fortunately I've not opened either so they're going back to WM. I'll pick up Hog Wild Fryno separately should I decide I need/want one of those - I already have a Tidal Wave Gill Grunt in a 3 pack I purchased some time back.

Target was mostly a bust. They had *no* new figures other than that one pack of minis (in spite of showing Tuff Luck in the 2 day ad but I expect them to be put out tomorrow). Were the racks not full of figures I'd have just thought they sold out of the new stuff by this afternoon with the B1G1 @ 40% off sale. The non-Trap Master singles did not ring up at the sale price but I didn't feel like arguing (even though the ad said "All single figures"). I found Gill Runt/Thumpling and took advantage of the sale to pick up it and the Trigger Snappy/Drobit pair. I had 3 grandkids with me (ages 4, 8, and 11) and didn't want to mess with Best Buy's narrow isles with them in tow so didn't bother checking for anything new there.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Went to another Best Buy earlier and they were completely wiped out of Trap Masters both old and new. They did happen to have one of each of Cobra Cadabra and Trail Blazer, which we grabbed for 7.99 each.

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

I'm so glad that I'm sitting this round out. ;)

re: Skylanders, Anyone?
 

Normally I'd have to pry my 6-year old off the controller when he gets the new Skylanders, but he really hasn't shown much interest in this years effort since opening it CHRISTMAS morning