Skylanders Spyro's Adventure game and event at Hamleys feedback thread

[AnnMumsnet]

This thread is for the testers of the Skylanders Spyro's Adventure Wii game and those who attended the event at Hamleys toy store.

You can see more about Skylanders Spyro's Adventure by clicking here to visit the special pages on Mumsnet

Please answer the following questions. You're welcome to add any additional comments.

Q1 What did you think of the event's overall atmosphere for families and children?

Q2 What did you think of the event's overall look and feel?

Q3 What did you and your family enjoy most about the event?

Q4 Did you and your family enjoy playing Skylanders Spyro's Adventure during the event?

Q5 Do you think Skylanders Spyro's Adventure would make a good Christmas present for children?

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Skylanders Spyro's Adventure? Which of the following statements do you agree with?
a. The game is intuitive and therefore easy to pick up and play
b. The graphics in the game are colourful and engaging
c. I/We found the the storyline of the game fun and exciting
d. I/We loved the toy characters
e. I/We loved the chance to preview this game
f. Do you have any other comments about the game?

Q7 Do you think the toy characters from Skylanders Spyro's Adventure have a collectability factor?

Q8 Do you have any other feedback about the event or Skylanders Spyro's Adventure?

[Belo]

Q1 What did you think of the event's overall atmosphere for families and children?

It was a real experience. I consider us to be very lucky to have been chosen. It was magical from going through the door at the start of the dat, ushered in by a Hamleys doorman blowing bubbles at us to having the store to ourselves at the end of the day.

Q2 What did you think of the event's overall look and feel?

As above - it was magical. My only slight gripe was that when we met the writers the music playing was a bit too loud. I was at the back of the room so I found it hard to hear them.

Q3 What did you and your family enjoy most about the event?

Going to Hamleys. I've lived in London for 22 years and had never been! We also liked the feeling that we were part of the launch of something big.

Q4 Did you and your family enjoy playing Skylanders Spyro's Adventure during the event?

Yes. It was great having some people to get my DDs started, to explain to them what they needed to do and what characters are best at doing what.

Q5 Do you think Skylanders Spyro's Adventure would make a good Christmas present for children?

Most definitely! I think I'm going to get my DDs the guide to the game for Christmas.

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Skylanders Spyro's Adventure? Which of the following statements do you agree with?

a. The game is intuitive and therefore easy to pick up and play

Not for me - but it seems to be for DD1. She tells us all what to do!

b. The graphics in the game are colourful and engaging

Yes. They give it a feel of being part of a story.

c. I/We found the the storyline of the game fun and exciting

So far, yes. And, we keep meeting new characters so I think it will continue to grow.

d. I/We loved the toy characters

Yes - my DDs have got their favourites already.

e. I/We loved the chance to preview this game

As above yes - especially with the people their to talk us through it on our first play.

f. Do you have any other comments about the game?

My daughters say that it is better than Animal Crossing (that was their previous favourite game).

Q7 Do you think the toy characters from Skylanders Spyro's Adventure have a collectability factor?

Yes - they're cute. I can see limited special editions coming out...

Q8 Do you have any other feedback about the event or Skylanders Spyro's Adventure?

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! We loved the event, and are loving playign with the game. And, this comment is coming from somebody who thought it was gimmicky when I first read the game description online.

[Wiifitmama]

Q1 What did you think of the event's overall atmosphere for families and children?

It was fabulous! Far exceeded my expectations! My boys really loved it.

Q2 What did you think of the event's overall look and feel?

Very good. Lots of staff to help and direct, surprises for the kids and us, plentiful food and drink.

Q3 What did you and your family enjoy most about the event?

For me, it was meeting the writers of Toy Story. Very very exciting! The boys loved the pick and mix grab best.

Q4 Did you and your family enjoy playing Skylanders Spyro's Adventure during the event?

Yes, the boys loved playing it and had plenty of opportunity.

Q5 Do you think Skylanders Spyro's Adventure would make a good Christmas present for children?

Yes! I have already today recomended it to a friend for her kids.

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Skylanders Spyro's Adventure? Which of the following statements do you agree with?

a. The game is intuitive and therefore easy to pick up and play

Yes for the kids. They have no problem with it.

b. The graphics in the game are colourful and engaging

Yes, totally.

c. I/We found the the storyline of the game fun and exciting

Well, the kids find it exciting. I am really ot into this sort of thing.

d. I/We loved the toy characters

Yes, the kids have their favourites already.

e. I/We loved the chance to preview this game

Yes!

f. Do you have any other comments about the game?

As a parent, I am slightly worried about how much the characters wil cost individually as the kids already want to collect loads.

Q7 Do you think the toy characters from Skylanders Spyro's Adventure have a collectability factor?

Yes, see above.

Q8 Do you have any other feedback about the event or Skylanders Spyro's Adventure?

I love that it was written by the writers of Toy Story and I think that should be more publicly advertised to appeal to mother's like me.

[CrossEyed]

Q1 What did you think of the event's overall atmosphere for families and children?

Really enjoyed it. An special treat to meet the creators of Toy Story and the kids loved the sense they were getting a "sneak preview" of the game.

Q2 What did you think of the event's overall look and feel?

It looked and felt fine. Maybe a few taller chairs for adults rather than bean bags might have been nice?

Q3 What did you and your family enjoy most about the event?

(Son) Getting to play the game
(Daughter - too young to play) Facepainting
(Me) Meeting toy story creators and drinking coffee

Q4 Did you and your family enjoy playing Skylanders Spyro's Adventure during the event?

My son enjoyed playing it though said he "found the two-player game confusing as they had to stay close"

Q5 Do you think Skylanders Spyro's Adventure would make a good Christmas present for children?

A more expensive one than we would buy, but yes.

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Skylanders Spyro's Adventure? Which of the following statements do you agree with?
a. The game is intuitive and therefore easy to pick up and play

My son picked it up and started playing with ease at home. Don't know if he did in the store as I was watching my daughter, I suspect so.

b. The graphics in the game are colourful and engaging

Yes, very much so.

c. I/We found the the storyline of the game fun and exciting

Seems quite wordy to me, but son seems to enjoy it. Nice voices compared to some other games.

d. I/We loved the toy characters

Yes, he already loves Bash above all others.

e. I/We loved the chance to preview this game

Yes, absolutely, it has given real playground cred too. He heard an item on it on Funkids Radio today and was chanting, "I'm getting that"!

f. Do you have any other comments about the game?

I am a little confused about how children within a family share characters or when swapping happens because you have to change from water/tech, etc.


Q7 Do you think the toy characters from Skylanders Spyro's Adventure have a collectability factor?

Yes, definitely, they are very child-appealing shapes.

Q8 Do you have any other feedback about the event or Skylanders Spyro's Adventure?

Thank you for including us. I hope our feedback has been helpful.

[Squiglettsmummy2bx]

Q1 What did you think of the event's overall atmosphere for families and children?
The atmosphere was great, from the moment we joined the queue there was a buzz of excitement in the air amongst the adults aswell as the children.

Q2 What did you think of the event's overall look and feel?
It was excellent, very magical & comfortable. We were made to feel very welcome & a part of something special & exclusive.

Q3 What did you and your family enjoy most about the event?
I enjoyed meeting the writers of the game. My daughter most enjoyed the pic'n'mix dash & my son enjoyed playing the game with people there to advise on the controls.

Q4 Did you and your family enjoy playing Skylanders Spyro's Adventure during the event?
Yes we all enjoyed playing the game & the assistance of friendly staff members.

Q5 Do you think Skylanders Spyro's Adventure would make a good Christmas present for children?
Most definately & we have already recommended it.

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Skylanders Spyro's Adventure? Which of the following statements do you agree with?
a. The game is intuitive and therefore easy to pick up and play
Yes very much so, my children have both found it easy to get on with.
b. The graphics in the game are colourful and engaging
Yes & the settings are interesting to look at when watching my children play.
c. I/We found the the storyline of the game fun and exciting
Yes the storyline seems very well written & it is nice to keep meeting new characters & seeing new areas.
d. I/We loved the toy characters
We love the toy characters & all have our favourites.
e. I/We loved the chance to preview this game
We loved the chance to preview this game & also to attend the event. Thank you very much.
f. Do you have any other comments about the game?
The one problem we have encountered with the game is keeping the portal of power synced with the wii & I do have to resync it everytime the children play & a couple of times over a half an hour playing session.
Also we were told the game can be completed with the starter pack & purchasing extra characters wasnt necessary but we are coming across areas of the game which can only be unlocked by characters of different powers so you would definately need to spend money on extra characters aswell as the starter pack which could work out very expensive for some families.

Q7 Do you think the toy characters from Skylanders Spyro's Adventure have a collectability factor?
Definately & my children have already given me a list of which characters they want me to buy them.

Q8 Do you have any other feedback about the event or Skylanders Spyro's Adventure?
Just a very big thank you from the three of us :o

[SouthernandCross]

Q1 What did you think of the event's overall atmosphere for families and children?
I think I was more excited than the girls beforehand, but once we got there they were quickly captivated by the Hamleys Spirit.

Q2 What did you think of the event's overall look and feel?
Just right for a Sunday morning. And what better place to hold it? We could have done with some places for adults to sit down though, not all of us like beanbags!

Q3 What did you and your family enjoy most about the event?
I enjoyed the coffee and meeting the Toy Story Writers. The kids loved playing the games and the Sweet Raid.

Q4 Did you and your family enjoy playing Skylanders Spyro's Adventure during the event? Both girls took to the game during the event even though they had a limited time to play it.

Q5 Do you think Skylanders Spyro's Adventure would make a good Christmas present for children?
Yes, I can't imagine there would be many children who wouldn't be thrilled to receive a starter pack, or extras characters for Xmas.

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Skylanders Spyro's Adventure? Which of the following statements do you agree with?
a. The game is intuitive and therefore easy to pick up and play
Yes, The girls have had no problems working out how to control the characters and I've had a sneaky go and found myself quickly becoming engaged.

b. The graphics in the game are colourful and engaging
We have a 50 inch flatscreen and the graphics look good on that.

c. I/We found the the storyline of the game fun and exciting
My girls are really enjoying the story as it unfolds. my two younger children are quite happy to sit and watch as well.

d. I/We loved the toy characters
And they love all the characters. Their favourites are Zap and Spyro.

e. I/We loved the chance to preview this game
My children feel very special to be given the opportunity to play this before their friends.

f. Do you have any other comments about the game?
This is a great game for more than one child, even the younger, non playing children are captivated.

Q7 Do you think the toy characters from Skylanders Spyro's Adventure have a collectability factor?
Yes definitely and I can see all sorts of possibilities. Plush, paint your own, activity books etc.

Q8 Do you have any other feedback about the event or Skylanders Spyro's Adventure?
Thanks for inviting us, it was a very exciting event to be part of.

[Collision]

Q1 What did you think of the event's overall atmosphere for families and children?

It was amazing! We were made to feel welcome and the boys felt very special at being such a cool event.

Q2 What did you think of the event's overall look and feel?

It was well thought out and looked exciting and intriguing.

Q3 What did you and your family enjoy most about the event?

I loved meeting the Toy Story writers and the boys LOVED 30 seconds in the pic n mix!!!! They also loved playing the Skylanders game and were immersed in it immediately.

Q4 Did you and your family enjoy playing Skylanders Spyro's Adventure during the event?

Very much.

Q5 Do you think Skylanders Spyro's Adventure would make a good Christmas present for children?

It will make a fab present for boys and girls.

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Skylanders Spyro's Adventure? Which of the following statements do you agree with?
a. The game is intuitive and therefore easy to pick up and play

I have not played it but the boys seem to know what they are doing.


b. The graphics in the game are colourful and engaging

Definitely.


c. I/We found the the storyline of the game fun and exciting

The boys love it.


d. I/We loved the toy characters

They are very cute!!
e. I/We loved the chance to preview this game

Yes they did.

f. Do you have any other comments about the game?

It is suitable for boys and girls and it is exciting smashing the characters onto the portal and watching them jump into the game.

Q7 Do you think the toy characters from Skylanders Spyro's Adventure have a collectability factor?


Oh yes - it will cost us a fortune!

Q8 Do you have any other feedback about the event or Skylanders Spyro's Adventure?

Everyone was friendly and welcoming. Nothing was too much trouble. Thank you for letting us go.

[Tortoise]

We only tested the game, didn't go to the event.

Q5 Yes, I think it would make a good Christmas present. Especially now we have to starter set, I think my dc will get an individual character each in their stockings.

Q6a Yes it is easy to pick up even I got the hang of it quickly! DS1 probably the best so far but he's very into video games.

Q6b Graphics are good. Very colorful and detailed.

Q6c Agree, dc found it a lot of fun.

Q6d They love the different characters and the fact they have different elements and stronger in different areas of the game.

Q6e Huge yes! They were thrilled to test it. Especially as they get to keep it. (they wanted the camera too though!)

Q7 Characters are very collectible. Just need to put a shelf or something up to store them on!

Fantastic game. Thank you for letting us test it.
Apologies if video filming isn't very exciting. It was hard to get them talking and the dogs kept getting in the way! I found it difficult to be filmed and think of stuff to say!

[UKcanuck]

These are mainly verbatim comments from testers aged 13, 10 and 7.

Q4 Did you and your family enjoy playing Skylanders Spyro's Adventure?
Yes, very much so.

Q5 Do you think Skylanders Spyro's Adventure would make a good Christmas present for children?
Yes because it is fun and exciting and the toy characters make it a bit "different" and a bit more engaging.

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Skylanders Spyro's Adventure? Which of the following statements do you agree with?
a. The game is intuitive and therefore easy to pick up and play
a. yes but we were confused how to save it

b. The graphics in the game are colourful and engaging
b. yes, very good - very colourful, which makes it more fun; even when the screen is quite dark it is interesting (grey screen with a blue tornado)

c. I/We found the the storyline of the game fun and exciting
c. yes - it was enjoyable and it was a good game to play

d. I/We loved the toy characters
d. yes, especially Spyro. they liked having the characters be stronger in different parts; however even with our set of characters we didn't have them all, so we didn't have the right type of character to get in to some gates -- not impossible to play the game but a bit of a barrier knowing that you must purchase more characters in order to do the whole thing

e. I/We loved the chance to preview this game
e. yes, of course! The children took it very seriously and wanted to make sure they had tested it as exhaustively as possible. I found filming them playing was a great incitement to good behaviour, too [hgrin]

f. Do you have any other comments about the game?
f. At a certain point in the game, we had used up all of the characters' energy so it wasn't possible to recharge; we could only recharge if another round was played but there was no energy in anyone to play another round! We couldn't see a way out of this dilemma so we had to re-start the chapter. I guess the learning is not to use up all your characters' energy but it was a bit annoying.


Q7 Do you think the toy characters from Skylanders Spyro's Adventure have a collectability factor?
Q7 - yes, absolutely (especially Spyro and TriggerHappy, the favourites) but it depends how expensive they were.


Q8 Do you have any other feedback about the event or Skylanders Spyro's Adventure?
Q8 - liked exploring all the different places and seeing what the characters could do would be good if they could do some other different things like run really fast (like Spyro can), or fly would be fun to be able to go further apart but obviously that would be hard to show on-screen

It would be quite good if there were mini games or puzzles or something.

We liked finding the keys so you could go in through the gates.

------
Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to do this, we really enjoyed it and found it made us play with more attention than normal, which I think is a good thing!