

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



The Skylanders Franchise Comes to the App Store with

Skylanders Cloud Patrol™ for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch



Cloud Patrol Features 30-Plus Characters From Skylanders Spyro's AdventureTM, Arcade Shooting Gallery Style Gameplay, Ranking And Reward Systems, Unlockables And More





Santa Monica, CA - April 5, 2012 - Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), is expanding the reach of the phenomenally popular Skylanders franchise, the #1 kids game of 2011, with the debut of Skylanders Cloud Patrol™, an entirely new gaming experience for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users, available exclusively on the iTunes App Store.



"Skylanders is already a huge success both on consoles and the web with Skylanders Spyro's Adventure and Skylanders Spyro's Universe and we are excited to bring the franchise to the mobile platform,"said John Coyne, vice president, consumer marketing. "Now with Cloud Patrol, fans have a brand new way to interact with their favorite Skylanders characters on the go in fun a new form of gameplay."



Skylanders Cloud Patrol is set in a new region of Skylands that has been overrun by the evil minions of Portal Master, Kaos. With all 30-plus skylanders available to unlock, the game lets players take command of a magnificent sky-ship and use their favorite skylander to dispatch the baddies using touch gestures to tap-and-shoot or swipe the screen to create amazing combos.



Skylanders Cloud Patrol lets fans unlock skylanders and Magic Items and bring them to life in Cloud Patrol using the code bundled with each Skylanders action figure. Additionally, new Portal Masters may earn or purchase in-game currency to build their virtual mobile skylanders collection, Magic Items, and more. Cloud Patrol also features Game Center leaderboards and achievements and a 3D character viewer that allows players to browse their entire in-game collection.



The Skylanders App is available from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.



For more information about Skylanders Cloud Patrol please visit www.skylanders.com. Skylanders Cloud Patrol is developed by Vicarious Visions, an Activision studio located in Menands, NY.



About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.



Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.

Big Shoes Filled -- Skylanders Giants™ Revealed at the 2012 American International Toy Fair



New Game to Build on the Landmark Success of its Predecessor, Skylanders Spyro's Adventure™

Next Chapter in the Franchise Introduces More Than 20 New Figures Including Super-Sized Giants and Characters Featuring Light Technology

Global Marketing Partnership With Toys"R"Us Grows Alongside The Game





SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bring Your Toys To LifeTM. This novel premise takes a monster step forward with the worldwide unveiling of Skylanders Giants, the follow-up to the most successful kids' IP launch of the year.(1) Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), will debut the sequel at the North American International Toy Fair in booths 3151 and 3251 at the Javits Center in New York City from February 12-15.





Skylanders Spyro's Adventure uniquely combined collectible real-world toys with an epic virtual game world, creating a new platform for communal play that was embraced by parents and kids everywhere. Skylanders Spyro's Adventure was the #1 best-selling kids' franchise worldwide in 2011, as well as the #1 overall new IP launched in North America, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and GfK.



(1) According to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk



According to The NPD Group, Skylanders Spyro's Adventure went on to become a Top-10 seller in North America and generated the greatest overall single-year sales, inclusive of software and accessories, of any new children's IP in North America, since NPD has been tracking the category.



Skylanders Giants builds upon the breakthrough fundamentals of the first game—merging the physical and virtual realms with an innovative line of cross-platform toy figures that have "brains," which players everywhere can magically bring to life in the world of Skylands. This next installment of the franchise features a variety of new characters, new challenges, a thrilling new story-driven adventure, and advanced integration across console, handheld, mobile and online:



•Going Big: Skylanders Giants introduces eight new highly collectible figures that are more than twice the size of the main skylanders cast in both physical and virtual form. Their in-game powers and abilities reflect their colossal scale.



•Bright Lights: Helping to further the real world magic of bringing toys to life, Skylanders Giants includes a set of characters that feature spectacular new light technology integrated into the toys, allowing the figure to light up when near or on the Portal of Power™. These characters have additional in-game benefits as well. Batteries are not required.



•Brand New Skylanders: Eight new regular sized skylanders, each with their own unique powers, abilities, and personality, join the adventure alongside the Giants.



•Forward Compatibility: Every beloved character from Skylanders Spyro's Adventure is 100% compatible with Skylanders Giants, leveled-up stats and customizations intact.



•Wider Worlds: Portal Masters will see all new arenas and more gameplay options in Battle Mode for exciting head-to-head play, as well as enhanced Elemental Zones, new Hero Challenges, and other features that encourage players to collect and level up every character.



Skylanders Giants also features closer integration with Skylanders Spyro's UniverseTM, the large online world that allows Portal Masters around the world to greatly expand their Skylanders experience.



"Skylanders Spyro's Adventure's success in 2011 validated an exciting idea—that with the right technology, and the creative minds to support it with engaging characters and story, we could define a new model for children's play," said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. "Skylanders Giants marks the evolution of this core concept. We've got super-sized figures, remarkably cool new characters that light up, as if by magic, and more ways to play and explore Skylands than ever before. We're delighted to announce the title at Toy Fair 2012 and can't wait for fans to go hands-on this fall."



Toys"R"Us has reaffirmed its commitment to Activision and the Skylanders franchise, and will remain a marquee retail partner for the launch of Skylanders Giants. "While it was still in development, we recognized the potential that Skylanders had to connect with our customers due to its unique merging of physical and digital play," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "The game was an enormous success last holiday shopping season, and the toys seem to evaporate as soon as they arrive on our store shelves. We're excited to continue our enthusiastic support for Skylanders with a comprehensive, global marketing program to introduce Giants to our customers."

8 Giant Skylanders: One out-sized Skylander for each of the different elements. These characters have special abilities in-game, but balanced in such a way that they shouldn’t eclipse the original Skylanders. Each of the Giant Skylanders has elements that light up when placed on the Portal and is about twice the size of the original figures.

4 Light Skylanders: Four special edition figures that have light up parts when placed on the Portal. Like the Giant Skylanders, this extends the RFID technology to wirelessly power the figures and avoids the need for batteries.

8 New Skylanders: Eight new normal sized Skylander figures, one for each of the elements. These extend the elemental families with new figures that complement those already available.

24 Re-released Skylanders: Although exact details were less forthcoming on this issue, it seems the plan is to release a fresh set of Skylanders figures in different poses and holding different items to the originals.

Aoi wrote: And I finally figured out what game this reminds me of. People were saying Diablo, but that didn't quite sync up with me. It's (and I mean this in a good way) Gauntlet Legends/Dark Legacy. Right down to some of the voiceover stuff in the challenge levels. It's a Gauntlet Legends dungeon crawler with RPG elements through and through.

Activision (North America, Europe, Australia)

Square-Enix (Japan)

XPEC Entertainment (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

Toys for Bob (Wii)

Vicarious Visions (Nintendo 3DS)

Frima Studio (iOS)

AU: October 13, 2011

EU: October 14, 2011

NA: October 16, 2011

JP: Late 2011





With pirates and other evil invaders lurking, you’ll have your hands full with a wide array of action-packed mini-games. Of course, when not battling the bad guys, you’re free to travel to The Mainland, your Lair, or invite friends to explore your Skyland. Your guide, Eon, will explain everything you need to know!



Skylanders Spyro’s Universe is now your universe, so have fun!



Visit 'Skylanders: Spyro's Universe' website for more information. Whether or not you own any of the figurines or a Portal of Power, you can now create an account and take charge of your very own Skyland! The universe is yours! Explore your Skyland—then customize it! As you level up your Skylander collection, you’ll unlock new lands and adventures! And since your friends can invite you to their Skylands as well, the action never ends!With pirates and other evil invaders lurking, you’ll have your hands full with a wide array of action-packed mini-games. Of course, when not battling the bad guys, you’re free to travel to The Mainland, your Lair, or invite friends to explore your Skyland. Your guide, Eon, will explain everything you need to know!Skylanders Spyro’s Universe is now your universe, so have fun!



What's in the Box?

The starter pack comes with everything you need to start your adventure including: Skylanders Spyro's Adventure Software

Portal of Power Xbox 360 and PC versions, includes an USB-cable to connect the portal to your hardware. PS3 and Wii versions, includes an USB-wireless accessory to connect the portal to your hardware and batteries for the portal-accessory. Nintendo 3DS version uses the 3DS built-in IR receiver, portal-accessory uses batteries; which are included.

3 Skylanders Figures Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC versions have the same 3 starters: Spyro Trigger Happy Gill Grunt The 3DS version is the only one that has 3 different starters: Dark Spyro Ignitor Stealth Elf

3 Trading Cards

1 Sticker Sheet for all three characters

3 Skylanders Spyro's Universe Codes

Collector Poster The starter pack comes with everything you need to start your adventure including:

(Sam's is giving away 'Drill Sergeant' for free with the purchase of any 'Starter Pack'. They're also selling the 'Starter Pack' for $5 less.) A few stores are (currently) selling exclusive character packs; only available at those specific retailer:



Volcanic Vault: Place the Volcanic Vault on the Portal of Power to unlock an exclusive battle arena. (Exclusively at Best Buy. While supplies last, you'll receive this exclusive extra in the package with Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure Starter Pack for Xbox 360, Wii and PS3.)

What's in the Box? 3 Skylanders Figures

3 Trading Cards

3 Stickers

3 Skylanders Spyro's Universe Codes

What's in the box? 1 Skylanders Figure

1 Trading Card

1 Sticker

1 Skylanders Spyro's Universe Code

What's in the box?

Adventure packs unlock new worlds to play and explore within the game and come with the following: 1 Exclusive Character

2 Magic Items

1 Location Piece which unlocks a new gameplay level

4 Sticker Sheets

Skylanders Spyro's Universe Code Adventure packs unlock new worlds to play and explore within the game and come with the following:

This versions are more action oriented. Have you in the role of a "Portal Master" defeating enemies and collecting crystals to open up doors and move onto the next area. A few areas of platforming are thrown into the mix, along mini-games to change the pacing a little; and cutscenes to help move the storyline. This versions also offer drop-in/out co-op multiplayer into the main story/campaign, and a (2-players) battle mode that lets players pit against each other figures/characters.

(Check the 'reviews' for more information)

This version of Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure is more of an action platformer (similar to the original Spyro games) than its console counterparts. Players have to complete levels by gathering crystals, which lets them unlock more levels. Each level is littered with crystals, obtained by going towards the end of the level, or by doing a variety of tasks, such as defeating a certain amount of enemies, or finding items. Whenever the player finds a crystal, an enemy awakens and a time limit starts. They have to defeat enemies, and use rockets to ward off the chasing enemy. Unlike other versions, characters can make a jump, and a double jump. This version of the game is set in a different realm in Skylands called the Radiant Isles, and a different force of darkness is faced under the command of the Hektore.

(Check the 'reviews' for more information)



N/A

There's no multiplayer on the 3DS version.

On the console version while playing you can use one figure at a time; but you can swap that figure whenever you want to.

The 3DS version allows you to use 2 figures at the same time, and alternate/tag between characters depending on the skills you need or just your preference.

The "portal-accessories" (what you use to send the figurines to the game) are slightly different across platforms; so you can't plug one in one platform, unplug it and use it in another platform. On the PC and 360 versions are wired (included USB cable). PS3 and Wii portals are wireless through an included USB accessory (includes batteries for the portal). The 3DS portal is wireless, trough the built-in IR-sensor of the 3DS (includes batteries for the portal).



Nintendo World Report: 9 [out of 10] (3DS Version) "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure is a great game for kids - the 3D platformer equivalent of top-of-the-line training wheels. It's still a fun romp for experienced gamers, but the investment in buying all these characters might not appeal to most gamers over a certain age. However, you can't knock the quality of the game, as Vicarious Visions not only made an awesome 3D platformer, they made a great 3DS-exclusive title."

Nintendo World Report: 9 [out of 10] (Wii Version) "Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure is an extremely well-designed game that is perfect for kids. Unfortunately for parents, this game is wonderful and addictive, meaning that most kids who get their hands on this will crave more characters to collect them all. More experienced and older gamers might not get the same unadulterated joy, but it’s still worthwhile, especially if you have younger kids or relatives. Skylanders kind of nails that Nintendo-esque feeling of a game that can be enjoyed by all ages. In that respect, it’s unfortunate that the figure-collecting might turn off an audience, but then again, it’s a defining feature that makes this one of the freshest and most ambitious gaming concepts in recent memory."

Gaming Nexus: B+ (Consoles/PC versions) "Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure looks to not only be a pioneer in merging physical toys with a video game, but also take the Spyro franchise to a younger audience. After a two-day marathon across four platforms, I think that Activision, Toys for Bob and XPEC have succeeded. While the game has a few flaws and I have some concerns with lost or broken toys and portals, I believe the game (with the help of an aggressive marketing campaign) will make this one of the hottest game/toy combinations this Holiday Season."

PlayStation Illustrated: 97% [out of 100] (Consoles/PC versions -PS3-) "If you can't tell, I love Skylanders: Spyro's Adventures. There are a very few things that I would change, like the ability to jump and removing the max of level 10 on the Skylanders, but I'm just going to hope that those are planned for future releases. I love the fact that you can get more areas to play just by buying new packs like the Darklight Crypt Adventure Pack. I can't wait on my pre-orders to come in for more areas, but there's still so much left to find on the current ones that I have lots of gameplay time left. I highly recommend that you all go get Skylanders: Spyro's Adventures."

Game Boyz: 8.75 [out of 10] (Consoles/PC versions -Xbox 360-) "Overall, Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure is one of the more innovative gaming experiences I have played on the Xbox 360 to date. Its cross-platforming abilities, slick looking toy figures, and enjoyable gameplay all make for a game which should not only please long time Spyro fans, but will surely satisfy the games younger target audience. You will spend a bit more to own Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure, but when you consider you get the illuminating Portal, three toy figures, and a game that offers a good amount of variety and depth, this is a game that has some good bang for the buck and should be under many Christmas trees this Winter."

















[out of 10] (3DS Version)[out of 10] (Wii Version)(Consoles/PC versions)[out of 100] (Consoles/PC versions -PS3-)[out of 10] (Consoles/PC versions -Xbox 360-)

Update April 5, 2012Skylanders Cloud Patrol for IOS AnnouncedUpdate February 8, 2012Skylanders Giants Sequel Announced!Reveal Trailer:Press Release:Model Details:Gameplay Footage:Image:Also a limited release figure given out at New York Toy Fair (soon to make somebody rich on ebay):Original OP:Skylanders is kinda like Gauntlet with stats progression. We all sort of had a eureka moment today trying to finger what came this reminds us of. Aoi hit the nail on the head.Important Starting Point to understanding the deep and complex lore of Skylanders ... courtesy of Dreamworks Studios: http://www.skylanders.com/