Skylanders: Trap Team arrives as the third main entry in the Skylanders series, and it trades one major element for another. The game removes the portal piece system entirely, replacing it with traps that characters can attach to each other. That single change shifts how players build their team and play through levels, and the result is a game that feels both familiar and new at once.
Trailer, via Invision Game Community.
The Trap System
The core idea behind Trap Team is simple to explain but takes some getting used to in practice. Instead of placing portal pieces on figures, players set traps on enemy figures during battle. Once a trap is attached, the enemy becomes a temporary ally for the rest of the fight. This creates a constant flow of combat where enemies become friends and friends become targets again.
It works well enough that it rarely feels like a gimmick. The trap system adds depth to battles without slowing them down, and it rewards players who pay attention to which enemies have which abilities. The system also lets players carry over traps between sessions, so a well-chosen trap can benefit several battles in a row.
Character Variety
The roster is large, and the game encourages players to collect a wide range of characters. Each character has a distinct look, a unique attack, and a specific role in battle. Some are fast and agile, others are strong and durable, and a few sit somewhere in between. The variety means there is rarely a single best choice for a given situation, which keeps the collection process interesting.
The game also introduces new ways to customize characters beyond their stats. Players can change a character’s appearance, mix and match gear, and adjust their abilities to fit different styles of play. This customization layer gives the collection aspect more weight than in previous entries.
Level Design
The game’s worlds are bright, colorful, and full of small details that reward exploration. Each area hides coins, gems, and extra missions that encourage players to search every corner. The main path through each world is straightforward, but the side content gives the game a sense of scale that the main story doesn’t fully match.
The level design itself is solid but not revolutionary. Enemies are placed in familiar patterns, and the camera occasionally struggles in tight spaces, though neither issue ever breaks the flow of play. The game is built for younger players, and it shows in how forgiving the level design tends to be overall.
Performance Across Platforms
Skylanders: Trap Team runs on multiple systems, and the differences between them are noticeable. The PS3 version looks dated compared to the PS4 and Wii versions, which share a similar visual style. The Android version exists as a companion app rather than a full game, letting players manage their collection on the go.
Performance holds up well across the platforms that support it, with only minor frame drops in busy battles. The game handles large groups of characters without slowing down, which is a notable achievement given how many figures can appear on screen at once.
What Works Best
Several elements stand out above the rest:
- The trap system, which gives battles a layer of strategy missing from earlier games.
- The character customization, which makes each figure feel personal.
- The level design, which rewards exploration even when the main path is easy.
- The platform support, which lets players keep their collection across devices.
These strengths carry the game through its weaker moments.
What Needs Improvement
The game’s pacing suffers in parts. Some sections of the story feel rushed, and the difficulty dips at key points where players might expect a challenge. The companion app on Android is useful but limited, working mainly as a way to see collections rather than a full game in its own right.
None of these issues sink the game, but they prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessors.
Skylanders: Trap Team succeeds because it takes a risk. Removing the portal piece system could have damaged the franchise, but the trap system proves to be a natural fit for the game’s design. The result is a polished, entertaining adventure that keeps players coming back for more.
The game earns its place among the best in the series, even if it doesn’t break new ground. It’s a solid addition to the collection, and a good starting point for anyone new to the franchise.
