Skylanders started the toy/video hybridization of gaming, and in 2015 it continues to up its game, even as the competition gets tougher. If you have a tween in your life you already know about Skylanders, but for the rest: Skylanders is a three-for-one: a game, a collection of action figures, and a video game you play with those figures.
The concept is that you select what toy you want to play with, put it on the "portal of power" accessory that connects to the game console, and the piece appears in the game. You get the portal and several action figures with the starter set, but kids will want to collect more to gain new characters and new powers. You can switch characters in and out at almost any time, bringing with them whatever their special powers.
I'm a big fan of the idea that kids should be playing with more than video games, so I like the open ended nature of action figure inspired play. Within the video game, the choice of what character to use adds an element of strategy to the action-adventure genre. Puzzles and bosses are better handled with the right combination of powers, and power comes from the right figure or combination of figures.
New this year is the addition of vehicle toys. These add new dimensions to the type of game play in Skylanders. There are boats, wheeled vehicles, and planes, so entirely different play modes are available. Beyond the action adventure part of the game there is also a card game called Skystones that players of some earlier sets will remember. I like the idea that sometimes winning is about thinking, not just how fast your thumb is and Skystones brings this concept to the table. Parents should know, however, that there is plenty of cartoon-like shooting in this game. If you have a no gun rule, this - and just about every other platform game - is not right for you.
One of the nicest things about Skylanders is how easy it is for grownups to pick up a controller and play with their kids. The game is easy enough for an adult, and allows for quick coop play.
Unlike many kids games, there is no end to the eye-candy in Skylanders; the levels are beautiful and glittery! The strategic elements make it more than just a platformer. Perhaps best of all, the figures give kids a chance to exercise their imaginations in off-line play.
Disclaimer: Activision is a sponsor of JamesGames.com holiday segments on Radio and TV. It had no input in this preparation of this review. 
