All images were provided by Charles Monk.
Here at Washington High School, everyone has a unique niche or special hobby. In this student feature, Charles Monk tells us about Skylanders and the exciting concept of this “toys to life game,” an idea inspired by a toy that was later created into a game. He has been involved with Skylanders ever since the first game, “Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure” was released. “When that came out, it was almost like a spin-off to the popular ‘Spyro’ video game series which was nothing like Skylanders,” Charlie said. When Charlie’s brother got the game for his birthday around the age of five, they both enjoyed playing it and Charlie has been collecting the figurines ever since. He has taken some long breaks from the game, but he still enjoys collecting the figurines. Keep reading to find out more about Charlie’s experience with Skylanders.
What are Skylanders?
Skylanders is a “Toys to Life” concept video game that came out on October 13, 2011. It consists of six different games in total. The games involve hunting down villains in the Skylands until you find the main antagonist, Kaos. Kaos has been trying to take over Skylands for years but has had no luck due to the defenders of Skylands, the Skylanders. You, a Portal Master, bring the Skylanders to life by placing their figurine on a portal. Through that portal, the Skylanders are brought into the game, where you can fight like them and go through chapters as the story progresses.
Why do you like it so much?
I think I like it so much because of the nostalgia it brings me. It was a big part of my childhood. I always wanted new figures. Even today, before I had a way to get them myself, I would get my mom to get them off of Ebay because of how much cheaper they are now. It is also, overall, a fun story and I like the concept of collecting figures.
Where did you first hear about the game or how did you discover it?
I honestly don’t remember how I heard of it. I’d assume I heard about it from the fun commercials they had on TV. They would always have people playing the game and have cool effects when they placed a Skylander on the portal! They also had the awesome “trailer” voice which always makes you invested.
Any other fun facts about Skylanders?
Portal Masters today are trying to bring the game back ever since it’s last game in 2016! We are hoping for another game from the company, Toys for Bob, the creators of Skylanders.
There have been 6 amazing games, Spyro’s Adventure, Giants, Swap Force, Trap Team, Superchargers, and Imaginators. I personally knew that Imaginators would be the last game due to the concept being that you would be able to make your own Skylanders through the “creation crystal.” The concept of making your own seemed like a last resort idea to me.
If you’re interested in picking up a new and different hobby, maybe try collecting Skylanders or playing the video game like Charlie!
Prisha is in 10th grade and she grew up in Fremont, California. This is her first year at the paper and she is excited to write. She is interested in writing about global affairs, racism, and poverty. Prisha’s hobbies include reading novels, writing short stories, and drawing. In the future, Prisha is considering a career in business or global affairs where she can study current issues and talk about them and try to spread awareness.