Skylanders Giants

For those that already have invested heavily in Skylanders, this is a no-brainer and must have. For anyone new to the franchise, the games charm and ability to satisfy gamers of all ages and skill set make this something you should look into.

Most importantly, what Skylanders Giants achieves is a superior sequel to a hugely successful first game and demonstrates that developers and publishers are capable of innovation in a period where all we've come to expect are carbon copy sequels.

What is quite remarkable is that Skylanders Giants does indeed push the franchise forward. The new characters, including the imposing Giants, the enhanced visuals, larger voice cast, more collectibles, smoother gameplay, and a deeper overall experience makes for a game Skylander fans will absolutely want to pick up. It also brings those new into the franchise a chance to experience a more refined title then the first.

With a brand new story, more game modes, extra levels to gain for your old and new toys, and enough content and replay value to keep you entertained for weeks, Giants is an easy recommendation to any gamer looking for a fun and approachable RPG.

It would be easy to overlook Skylanders: Giants as "just a kids' game," but to do so would be a disservice. Giants is one of those rare titles that offers something for everyone, whether you're a kid, a casual player or a hardcore gamer who has been playing for years. In the end, it's plenty of fun, and that's what really matters.

In the end, Skylanders Giants feels like the right evolution for the series. There are enough tweaks and new content to get people back into the game, while the new figures only amount to 16 this time around (unless you really need to collect the new Series 2 ones) it makes it more manageable on your wallet.

Despite all the advances, Giants suffers from poor video quality and characters who jabber incessantly. Younger players might not notice, but new gamers coming to the franchise could find it grating to listen to the same line of dialogue over and over only to get a cheesy-looking cutscene as a reward for their patience.

The same adventuring brilliance. Some core improvements help to trump the original. [Christmas 2012, p.76]

The charm of the Skylanders is still present in Skylanders: Giants. The synergy between the kiddy exterior and the grown-up gameplay is incredibly well done. Even though the tempo of the game may sometimes drop and you'll probably end up spending way more than a normal game, don't change the fact that Skylanders: Giants is one of the most fun family games of 2012.

Skylanders Giants builds on the already good first game adding more polish and a better difficulty balance. It doesn't change the game structure much and gameplay mechanics, but the young gamers won't complain about it. Undoubtedly one of the best games of the season to play with your children.

Skylanders: Giants remains every bit as satisfying to play as the original was, and in my house at least, it's still the game of choice when the family is in the mood to pass the controller around.

There's a gentle magic in Giants' cunning formula, but it's a spell that collectible-minded gamers of all ages will find incredibly hard to resist.

Skylanders is even more fun with Giants. A fun, playful story takes the players through eventful levels. The simple RPG elements make the game a lot more approachable for older gamers, meanwhile maintaining simplicity for the children. The toys are detailed and well-made.

This is still a fantastic idea, realised with charm and passion - and with the reality of the gameplay now much closer to the fantasy being sold, it's an easy recommendation for parents warily eyeing those Christmas lists.

Skylanders Giants is a worthy sequel and recommendable to anyone who was a fan of the original. To have the best time, you should ideally begin with new Skylanders instead of breezing past half the campaign with your existing characters, but thankfully the novelty of the toys hasn't worn off and the actual game behind the grand concept still remains a blast.

Skylanders was something new in 2011. Now, millions of sold toys later, Skylanders Giants is good enough to reinvigorate that collecting obsession.

While the retail element is a justifiable red-flag, as an ecosystem for toys and play, Skylanders Giants is well-written, well-designed and engaging stuff.

Everything about the sequel is bigger – and better.

Like any commercial videogame Skylanders Giants asks for a substantial investment from its players, but it rewards this with an experience to match.

Despite the occasional glimpse of dollar signs in its publisher's eyes, Skylanders Giants is that rarest of beasts: a kids' game that's very, very easy for adults to like.

What value you get out of Skylanders Giants is tied directly to how much you'll be willing to spend on it and while it's definitely pricey, the added value of a physical product that is actually a pretty well made and exciting piece of tech softens the blow a bit. The game itself is way more fun than it has any right being, and while it doesn't pull off its concepts perfectly, it does manage to stay interesting throughout, with tons of clever little ideas and nods to other games.

Last year Skylanders was the best idea from Activision. Now not only have they increased the figures, Giants, also this magic universe of the game, the challenges, the monsters, the minigames, the powers ... 1 or 2 players, if they are children, they will want to play with the portal.

Paying upwards of $200 for the full Skylanders Giants experience is a hard sell, but the $75 starter pack which include the game and three figurines (one giant, two regular) is a good jumping point for both kids and parents. I don't particularly care whether Skylanders Giants is age-appropriate for me or not; it's fun for everyone and that's what the best family games should be about. Just don't feel pressured to catch them all, if you know what I mean.

The figures may cost you a small fortune – especially if you're a parent – but the light-up ones leave a lingering effect that all ages will enjoy. The ability to play co-op, or battle against your buddy in the Arena, is just a cherry on top. So grab your wallet and join the romp-filled journey.

Pending a retail disaster this year, I suspect another Skylanders sequel is already in development and slated for release next holiday. Giants makes a good case for the fun and collectibility of this series, but also raises the warning flag for franchise fatigue.

A simple but incredibly enjoyable game, packed with content should you decide to explore every nook and cranny. Despite the fact that a lot of the characters are pay-walled behind what is essentially physical DLC, it's still perfectly serviceable even with just the characters in the standard package.

The increased level cap and loads of new items and upgrades to buy make it fun to jump back in, as do the addition of new toys to collect.

Skylanders Giants includes few new features, but it's a better game that the original. It's the perfect game for the children at Christmas.

This is the perfect game for kids right now. The camera position isn't always working well but overall it is really a fun game. It will bring a smile to children's faces.

Surprising depth. [Issue#92, p.82]

Warm and inclusive - if you've got the money. [Christmas 2012, p.96]

Skylanders Giants has a firm grip on all the qualities that make for a proper family friendly adventure.

Depending on the collection of Skylander figures that you already own, the number of areas that can just be opened by your wallet will vary – and so will the fun you will have with the Giants. That aside the new adventure in the Skylands shows improvements on almost every level.