Kids like action figures, and kids like video games, so it only makes sense to try and merge the two together. Well, Activision plans to do just that with Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure. It’s an upcoming video game set to release later next month for all the major current popular gaming consoles. And it stars the famous purple dragon Spyro on a new adventure. Click to read the preview and learn how it all works.

The gameplay of Skylanders is similar to other multiplayer co-op games like Gauntlet or LEGO Star Wars. Play as Spyro and his new friends as they work together to defeat the bad guys. Sometimes you’ll need to switch to different characters to bypass obstacles and open hidden areas. Each character is assigned a different attribute, like magic, light, dark, earth, fire, wind, water, etc. Spyro is “Magic” for instance.

But it’s how you switch characters that makes Skylanders unique. Included with the game are three action figures (including Spyro). You’ll also be able to buy more figures separately in stores. The game also comes with a pedestal for you to set the figures on. To switch characters, just take one figure off the pedestal and place another on it. The game seamlessly changes characters with no loading time or anything. The cool thing is that when you place a figure on the pedestal, the bottom of it lights up to match the color of the figure’s attribute.

As you play with a character on the pedestal, any gold, experience, or items you collect for that character will be saved on the figure. Here’s the neat thing: you can then take your action figure to a friend’s house and play your saved character on their game! But what if your friend has a Wii and you have an Xbox 360? No matter, the figures will work with any version of the game! And you don’t HAVE to buy more figures to beat the game, what’s included will suffice.

Of course, the idea brings up some questions and concerns. Will Spyro fans be willing to accept the new gameplay style? Will kids really get into collecting the other action figures? And when the inevitable happens and kids misplace their figures, will they still be able to play the game? I guess we’ll find out when Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure is released later next month. Check back here then as I’ll likely have a review of the game up after release.

Activision seems to be interested in mixing toys and video games this year, as there is another game coming out later that does just that. It’s called Wappy Dog for Nintendo DS. It’s a virtual pet game that comes with a little robot dog that interacts with you and the DS. I don’t know if I’ll get to review that one, but it sounds kind of interesting, too.

Tags: Misc