Spyro Is Back - New Game Will Interface With Toys News

Activision has announced a partnership with Toys ‘R’ Us to re-launch its Spyro the Dragon IP. Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure is in development for “multiple gaming platforms”, and will feature cross-media interaction with websites and toys.

According to a press statement released today, the game allows players to “transport real-world toys into virtual worlds of adventure through the ‘Portal of Power’” - presumably some sort of usb or wifi console interface. These “toys with brains” interact with the game across game platforms, as well as on handheld gaming devices, mobile devices and on the web, storing a persistent record of achievements and levels. Perhaps we'll see a Spyro toothbrush that gives you points for brushing your teeth.

“These are more than action figures. They are inter-action figures,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing.

“We’ve given players a whole new genre that bridges the gap between the real and virtual worlds. From the first time a kid picked up a stick and pretended it was a sword, toys have unlocked kids’ imaginations. And how often have you wanted to bring those toys to life, to see them become animated and take them on an adventure? Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure does just that.”

This new game will debut and at the American International Toy Fair, which takes place 13th – 16th February in New York. Activision had foreshadowed the announcement as part of their annual financial reports.

Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure has been developed by Toys for Bob, led by creative director and studio head, Paul Reiche. The story was penned by Oscar nominees - writers of the original Toy Story movie - Alek Sokolow and Joel Cohen.

The ‘Portal of Power’ will allow two players to team up together for cooperative play, by placing two characters on it at once. It will also be possible to face off in player versus player battle arenas utilizing leveled up characters.

Clearly Activision and Toys ‘R’ Us are going to go on a merchandising frenzy with this one; each character is said to have it’s own powers and “highly collectible design and personality”.