The obvious was obvious to us at E3 2014 and is relentless once the Skylanders arrive at home: Skylanders Trap Team technically outclasses Disney Infinity 2.0 Marvel Super Heroes. The graphics are of exemplary sharpness, and the environments shielded with colors can only appeal to the youngest, the priority target of the series. The cutscenes have the mouth too, and we will not forget to emphasize the quality of the textures which reinforces a little more the variety of the levels. As for character modeling, it now displays some detail that previous generation consoles missed. The different effects accompanying each of the Skylanders' attacks attest that the franchise has passed a milestone in terms of achievement, but the most significant remains - as always - the change of figurine on the portal which takes just a few seconds. When you know that the license has dozens of statuettes since its creation, and that they are all compatible with Skylanders Trap Team, the efficiency of the system is a pleasure. On the other hand, the new miniatures do not work with the portals released before, which may make the less fortunate cringe, it is true. Afterwards, it must be recognized that the new model incorporates a major feature, since it allows you to embody the antagonists since the latter escaped from the Prison of the Clouds, with the help of the infamous Kaos. Fortunately, thanks to the power of Traptanium, it is possible to imprison the defeated villains so that they can then help the Skylanders to restore peace throughout the kingdom. To do this, simply place a crystal-shaped trap on the portal, knowing that there are several types; each class actually corresponds to the same elements to which the miniatures are assigned (Fire, Air, Earth, Water, Magic, Life, Tech, Undead), plus one dedicated to Kaos.
Skylanders Trap Team simply presents itself as the most successful episode of the series, thanks in particular to the Skylands thugs who were not expected at such a party.
As you will have understood, it will be necessary to have several traps, since you cannot lock an Earth-type opponent in a crystal that is only compatible with Fire. In addition, Skylanders Trap Team does not allow you to store several bad guys in a single trap, which explains why Activision and Toys For Bob already have around fifty in reserve. That said, it is not essential to get them all to overcome the adventure, we reassure you. When a trap is already occupied by a boss when you are about to capture a second one, the game even offers to choose the one with which you want to continue the game. The failed is then dispatched illico presto to the Mitard des Méchants where the other enemies vegetate, whose services can be solicited by going for a short walk to the Skylanders Academy. Villains of Skylanders Trap Team is also constant interaction through the portal speaker. Indeed, they do not stop commenting on the course of events, and if they find for example that the vital gauge of the Skylanders is at its lowest, they will not hesitate to challenge them to take their place on the ground. Dialogues full of humor, really. And then, from a strategic point of view, regularly juggling between the Skylanders and the bad guys makes it possible not to burn out the energy gauge, keeping in mind that the intervention of the latter is conditioned by a timer. Still with regard to the tactical aspect, we also note that Kaos' friends have their own skills, which can be used in cooperation among other things.. We think in particular of Broccoli Guy who is able to create fruit to restore the Skylanders, while Chill Bill is able to momentarily freeze enemies. On the other hand, the command list of bosses does not evolve from start to finish, which is not really a handicap.
TECH TRAP
To slip a last word on the bandits, we will highlight the presence of redemption missions. More concretely, these are tasks they will have to accomplish in order to be forgiven for misdeeds they may have committed in the past. So, with Sheep Creep, we had to lend a hand to Gumbus to help him get rid of the bison using a catapult. The Gulper, for its part, set out to bring smiles back to the children by offering them each a balloon. Cute. As for the rest, Skylanders Trap Team continues to rely on an archi-honed formula, with a simplistic level design that is content to take the player from one objective to another. History to solicit the meninges of the little brother, there are some puzzles to solve with a stroke of the stick; nothing to panic the brain. It should also be noted that by selecting the right element in certain areas, the damage inflicted on opponents will be significantly greater. Afterwards, the lack of challenge means that even by not respecting the instructions, we get out of it with our fingers in our noses. Suddenly, some will estimate the progression in the linear adventure, but it is undoubtedly the price to pay so that the game remains accessible. If a level requires an average of twenty minutes to be completed, business can take a little longer if we focus on the famous Elemental Gates which require the use of the appropriate Skylander to open them. Behind most of the time hides a magic hat which allows you to boost the characteristics of your character. Always with a view to improving the skills of the heroes, it is also allowed to visit Persephone (at the heart of an internship or at the Skylanders Academy) who will be happy to unlock new abilities by means of finance.
As for the character modeling, it now displays certain details that the previous generation consoles missed.
In terms of game modes, the more adventurous can go and try the "Cursed Challenges of Kaos". Basically, it is a kind of tower defense in which the player must protect a locked chest with a double tower. To balance the forces - especially in the last levels -, it is possible to surround yourself with turrets which take care of shooting the imprudent adversaries; military equipment that will take time to repair between each wave of enemies. The "Skytones Smash" card game - already present in Skylanders Giants - is also one of the other pleasures that can be enjoyed outside the main campaign, not to mention the mode dedicated to Skaletones which is similar to a game. where the player must correctly press the different keys displayed on the screen. As we have already said, Skylanders Trap Team is particularly accessible but also works on merit, most of the ancillary activities not being accessible from the start. To collect all the stars and obtain champion stats, you should not be afraid to explore the same levels several times, nor put your hand in your pocket to afford the missing figurines. Here we find the main dark point of the series which would not be so frightening if the price of the figurines were not so high. Between the Skylanders Trap Masters, the classic Skylanders, the mini-Skylanders and the various traps to imprison the bad guys, there is something to be afraid of for Christmas.
