Skylanders: SuperChargers brings cars back to the Skylanders series, and the change works better than anyone expected. The game drops the toy-to-life figures in favor of vehicles controlled entirely through touchscreens and motion controls, and it carries over the character roster from previous games. It is a bold shift, and it mostly lands.
Trailer, via SkylandersGame.
The Vehicle System
The core of SuperChargers is its vehicle mode. Players pick a driver and a car, then move through levels by tilting the controller or touching the screen to steer. It sounds simple, and it is simple, but the handling holds up across the game’s various stages.
The controls are precise enough that skilled players can pull off tight turns and drifts without much trouble. New players might find the motion controls awkward at first, but the game eases them in slowly, letting them switch between touch and motion control at any time. That flexibility is a smart move, since some levels call for quick reactions while others reward patience.
Levels and Design
The levels are built around the vehicles, which means they feature:
- Wide open roads
- Tight curves
- Obstacles that require timing
They are not deep in design, but they are varied enough to keep each stage feeling distinct. Some levels lean toward racing, while others favor puzzle-solving and combat.
The game mixes up enemy types, terrain, and objectives from one stage to the next, which keeps the pace from settling into a dull routine. This variety is one of the strongest arguments for the vehicle format, since it lets the game change its feel without changing its core rules.
Character Variety
SuperChargers draws on the full cast of Skylanders characters from earlier games. Each character has a different vehicle, and each vehicle handles in its own way. That means players who have followed the series will recognize their favorites and see how they fit into this new format.
The mix of characters also gives the game a sense of depth beyond the vehicles themselves. Players can choose which character they want to play as, and each one comes with a unique set of abilities that change how a level is approached. It is a small touch, but it adds replay value for players who want to see the same content from different angles.
Presentation
The presentation holds up well. The graphics are bright and colorful, and the character models are detailed enough to be easily recognized. The soundtrack matches the tone of the game, with energetic tracks that fit the action on screen.
The game runs smoothly across its platforms, with little to no technical trouble reported during testing. That consistency across PS3, PS4, Wii U, and Xbox 360 is notable, since moving a game this large across multiple systems can often lead to rough patches.
Length and Replay Value
SuperChargers is not a short game. It offers a substantial campaign that rewards careful play, and the extra modes add hours on top of that. There are collectibles to chase, hidden areas to find, and challenges tied to each level that push players to master the controls.
The game also includes a multiplayer mode, though it is limited to racing and does not include the full campaign. That is a slight disappointment, since the campaign is where the vehicles and characters shine brightest.
Where It Falls Short
Not everything about SuperChargers works. The vehicle controls, while precise, are not perfect. Some players may find the motion controls frustrating in fast sections, and the game does not offer a lot of room to adjust sensitivity settings.
The story is thin, and the plot devices feel familiar rather than fresh. The game leans heavily on established lore from earlier entries, which means newcomers may miss context that longtime fans take for granted.
The difficulty curve is uneven. Some levels are very forgiving, while others demand precise timing that feels out of place with the game’s otherwise easygoing pace. These moments stand out because they break the flow that SuperChargers otherwise maintains.
Final Word
SuperChargers is a confident step forward for Skylanders. It takes a big risk by removing the physical toys and replacing them with a fully digital system, and it pays off. The vehicle mode is fun, the levels are varied, and the character roster gives players plenty of reasons to keep playing.
It is not without flaws. The story is thin, the difficulty is inconsistent, and some of the controls need more polish. But taken as a whole, SuperChargers succeeds at what it sets out to do: make a Skylanders game that feels fresh while honoring the series’ past.
