Skylanders Imaginators

 Xbox One
User Score
5.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 8 out of 22
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  1. Rtheom
    Oct 17, 2016
    8
    I'm just like the other guy, I skipped Super Chargers but loved the rest of the games. They're simple, not really challenging, but they're grindy fun and easy to play with younger kids and still have a good time.

    Adding the ability to create your own character really helped spice the whole thing up and I'm not likely to actually use any of the others unless it's necessary. I will almost    I'm just like the other guy, I skipped Super Chargers but loved the rest of the games. They're simple, not really challenging, but they're grindy fun and easy to play with younger kids and still have a good time.

    Adding the ability to create your own character really helped spice the whole thing up and I'm not likely to actually use any of the others unless it's necessary. I will almost certainly end up ordering a print of my favorite character once I'm done with the main game.

    Otherwise, standard Skylanders gameplay and gimmicks. There's no reason to be surprised by the "pay" portions at all here, but fortunately there's still a lot of content without those areas. A definite pick up for anyone that's enjoyed the past games or anyone looking for something they can play with their kids and still have a good time.    … Expand
  2. StanleyPain
    Oct 19, 2016
    8
    If I had to quickly sum up Imaginators to someone already familiar with the Skylander games, I would basically say: it's got some of the best gameplay of the series yet, the ability to create your own characters is pretty fun, but it's also the priciest Skylanders yet and the fact that the vehicles basically have no function in the game is super disappointing.

    For a longer review:    If I had to quickly sum up Imaginators to someone already familiar with the Skylander games, I would basically say: it's got some of the best gameplay of the series yet, the ability to create your own characters is pretty fun, but it's also the priciest Skylanders yet and the fact that the vehicles basically have no function in the game is super disappointing.

    For a longer review: Basically the action/RPG style gameplay of the series is definitely at it's strongest here. The combat is faster and more tactical for lack of a better term, and the added in gameplay elements like mini-games and such feel much more focused. It all works much better now as a whole and while the game still babies the player a lot (it is made for kids after all), it really pulls off some fun action, especially at the higher difficulties which are legitimately challenging. It's easier to level Skylanders now thanks mainly to the short, replayable Sensei levels (you only need a matching Sensei to unlock the level, not to play it again) and the combat challenges you get right on the main map (just attack the random little monsters running around and you get a short arena-style combat sequence). It moves a long at a very nice pace and while the storyline is pretty weakly executed (it's basically just a big commercial for the Academy series on Netflix), it never gets boring.

    The creation crystals are a lot of fun. Basically you pick a class and then, from there, you can build a Skylander out of various body parts, RPG style gear, and even change their colors, voice style, etc. It adds a whole new dimension to the game, but the new set of characters, the Senseis, are pretty cool too.

    However, this brings us to the really big problem with Imaginators: the cost. Skylanders games have always been pricey if you want to own everything, but the games themselves have usually been pretty generous in letting you experience virtually everything with just the starter characters. Here, though, the Sensei's are way expensive ($15 each, similar the Giants series) and having to pay $10 for each creation crystal seems kinda like greedy BS given that they are not specialized figurines. Add to that the expansions and such, and it feels like this is a very costly entry in the series. Additionally, you can pay real money to unlock Imaginator parts and customization options faster by buying chests. It feels a bit forced compared to previous games.

    Last thing to mention: While the game includes all of the race tracks from Superchargers, the vehicles are basically not part of the game AT ALL. I found this to be really, really weird. There are no more option vehicles sections of levels, no new tracks, nothing that involves the Supercharger characters at all. The race stuff is basically on its own as a separate thing and that's pretty disappointing. Also, weirdly, while you can still win gold and cogs in the races, I have been unable to find anywhere in the game where you can SPEND the cogs to level up your cars. And, as you don't have to even keep the vehicles on the portal to earn the cogs, I am curious where these earned cogs are recorded, if at all. So, you cannot access the level up system for the vehicles, only a quick menu to switch your customization parts you earned in Superchargers. For a series that went to great lengths to back everything backwards compatable, the way they did away with vehicles is really strange, sort of like how Superchargers had nothing at all to do with the Trap Team stuff.
    Putting aside the flaws, though, this is a really solid SL game and I would probably say it's a great entry point for someone who's never played before.    … Expand
  3. lokilaufeypurr
    Oct 17, 2016
    9
    I am going to start this review saying I have played all of the Skylanders games except for Superchargers which I skipped since I didnt want a game based on racing. I liked Skylanders simply for its simple yet addicting platforming. So when Imaginators was announced I was thrilled it went back to the same tried and true platformer it is.

    If you have played Skylanders before, expect    I am going to start this review saying I have played all of the Skylanders games except for Superchargers which I skipped since I didnt want a game based on racing. I liked Skylanders simply for its simple yet addicting platforming. So when Imaginators was announced I was thrilled it went back to the same tried and true platformer it is.

    If you have played Skylanders before, expect about the same. There is an increase in mini games, which I personally added a more fun lighthearted break up to the similar story we have all seen before.

    The Imaginators is a great but not crucial part to the series. I personally love character creation and fell in love with creating my character. the only down side of the creation is that the class you picked is locked to the crystal, you CANNOT reset the class. Beware buying crystals....they are missing the foil from the bottom so you can use the crystals in box.....Throughout the game you unlock armor sets that both are cosmetic and have some boosts not unlike how hats were throughout the game series. Now, micro transactions ARE available in game via your respective store. but you do NOT need to buy them in order to complete the game or boost your character. you get a ton of loot boxes in game that unlock a multitude of items. do not ignore the mini games, they do give you these loot boxes as well. I will reference a previous review saying Imaginators are weak and useless without the gear. That is not the case. Some classes are harder to get used to than others, and i think that is the difficulty factor that can lead to people thinking they are useless and underpowered. even without gear my magic bird ninja wiped the board with enemies. Within an hour of playing the game I was getting epic and ultimate gear which provide some decent boosts to the characters as well.

    Like all skylanders games there are various difficulty levels, and areas locked behind sensi's which may lead you to purchase more sensei's if you are a completionist. if you are not I think you will be satisfied with what Imaginators brings to the table. Its a nice twist to the old system that provides some hours of amusement for those addicted to creating characters.

    So in the end, it's the same Skylanders we have all come to know and love. Yes you can buy all the crystals and figures and adventure packs. Do you need to, to enjoy the game? No. Just playing with the starter pack for about six hours yesterday was a blast while I wait for my sensei's to come in today. Definitely a good time, especially if you are familiar with previous installments of the game. So give it a shot!    … Expand
  4. MonkiReviews
    Mar 14, 2017
    9
    Creating characters is the best addition to Skylanders since swapping. Kaos is back with enemies who carry special pieces and a cool and fun story levels.
  5. SonicEnthusiast
    Apr 20, 2022
    10
    The final skylanders game had easily the best gimmick. To create your own skylanders. It expanded the possibilities to a point were you technically had way too many ways to play the entire game. Weakest story in skylanders but fantastic gameplay. Its the most childish skylanders game and so much is locked behind new skylanders. Some of which are very expensive... but yet, i love the game aThe final skylanders game had easily the best gimmick. To create your own skylanders. It expanded the possibilities to a point were you technically had way too many ways to play the entire game. Weakest story in skylanders but fantastic gameplay. Its the most childish skylanders game and so much is locked behind new skylanders. Some of which are very expensive... but yet, i love the game a lot. The post game content is brilliant and you can use any skylander from the entire series here. I still play it constantly and its nearly as good as trap team to max out skylanders. Despite the expensive skylanders, its a fantastic game worth playing.… Expand
  6. Caffe
    Sep 3, 2023
    6
    I've played the whole saga. I like the idea behind the game. The gameplay is fun but the best part is the character design of the various characters.

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best Xbox One Game of 2016
100
#100 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Dec 4, 2016
    80
    A wonderfully versatile character creator powers and imaginative, wide-ranging adventure. [Christmas 2016, p.91]
  2. Gamer.nl
    Nov 14, 2016
    80
    Imaginators offers what the fans have been asking for for years: an amazing way of building your own Skylander. It is too bad the physical figurines are getting less important.
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  3. InsideGamer.nl
    Nov 7, 2016
    77
    The character creator offers loads of fun and though the series is less about the physical figurines and more about the gameplay, making your own virtual Skylander is already really great.
    Read full review
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