Skylanders SWAP Force

The visuals have a softer edge, and a little more detail. Each environment is teeming with beautiful touches like flowing grass and a giant Godzilla-like beast lording over your movements. I didn’t know if this series could handle annual releases, but this entry shows that it’s still building up a head of steam, and has plenty of life left.

Skylanders Swap Force adds lots of things that are sure to please fans. The swappable Skylanders and new challenges are smart, and the story is as funny and charming as ever. I particularly like the way the writers build on the epilogue of the previous game. More than anything else, Skylanders is just fun – but to get the most out of it, you'll end up paying the price of the game a couple times over.

Compared to the recent Disney Infinity, Swap Force appeals to a broader range of players; the main quest is straightforward but challenging on the higher difficulty levels, and its optional content will keep older fans hunting for secrets long after the credits roll. If you've overlooked the series previously, Swap Force makes for a great starting point, and if you're a parent, don't be surprised if you find yourself enjoying the quest just as much as your kids.