Skylanders Battlegrounds

Even in basic form, the game will appeal to younger fans but it's certainly best played with a portal at your side.

Skylanders Battlegrounds manages to maintain a high level of appeal, though, simply because it contains so many different characters, daily bonuses tied into specific elements and a leveling system that takes into account the entire roster, instead of forcing players to level Skylanders individually.

The Portal of Power is the best justification for this game. For those looking for a new reason to use their Skylanders figure collection, or wanting to get into it, then buy the Portal of Power and go crazy. Otherwise, stay away: as a purely-virtual experience, it's somewhat lacking.

A simplistic, reasonably captivating blend of turn-based exploration and real-time combat that's disappointingly hollow without additional investment.

Skylanders Battlegrounds isn't a terrible experience by any stretch, but it's pretty far from what most adult players will hope for. And with the unforgiving controls, younger players may find little more than frustration waiting for them.

If you're interested in the IP, stick to the core Skylanders series and avoid Battlegrounds. Toys for Bob did a great job synthesizing quality figures with quality games: Vicarious Visions, not so much.

For diehard Skylanders fans, Battlegrounds is worth a look, but it's overpriced, overly short, and repetitive.