SDCC 2014: Getting Acquainted With The Trap Masters Of ‘Skylanders: Trap Team’

As with the previous iterations of the Skylanders series, the upcoming fourth game in the series, Trap Team, is bringing a brand new type of character in the form of Trap Masters. While not as big as giants, yet still dwarfing the Swap Force and regular Skylanders, the Trap Masters do increased damage to bosses, as well as using their translucent, Traptanium weapons to break through obstacles that only they can open. Since we played the game at E3, even more playable figures have been put on display. Naturally, that meant we had to give them a spin at Comic Con, bringing a few surprises along the way.

Snap Shot

Everyone should get well acquainted with Snap Shot, since he will be the default Trap Master to come with every copy of Trap Team. This water Skylander uses his giant bow to shoot water arrows at enemies from afar, dealing big damage in the process. When up close, he uses his brute strength to knock back enemies with the bow, becoming effective at both long and short distances. You didn’t think the weapon was just for show, did you?

Wildfire

The fire lion that proves a flame shield can be used for more than just fending off Internet hate. Coming packaged with the Dark Edition, and having what is easily my favorite Skylander design thus far, Wildfire imposes his will by rushing down foes by charging through them with his shield at the ready. Otherwise, he dominates with his powerful punches, making the villains wish for the safety of a trap.

Wallop

Wallop seems like the typical Earth Skylander, using a pair of Traptanium hammers to pound away at enemies and the environment alike. Somewhat resembling a more humanoid Tree Rex, Wallop was the first one to look a little more friendly, and not deathly serious like the previous two. While powerful in his own right, he didn’t show off too much in the demo that hasn’t been done numerous times with other characters. Between other Earth characters like Rubble Rouser and Granite, I think we’ve pretty good in the hammer wielder department. Still, the figure itself looks pretty sweet!

Gearshift

If you’ve been anywhere near a Skylanders section in your favorite electronics store, you’ve surely heard of Gearshift, with a pre-order drive that’s nearly as aggressive as the one for the game itself. After playing with her, it’s more than worth the deposit. She’s easily the most fun I’ve had with an individual Skylander, and I’ve played them all! This Tech Trap Master uses her giant gear for attacks, but it can transform into three different forms. The standard one is like a hula hoop, attacking enemies in her immediate radius. From there, the gear can break off into twin blades, inflicting damage to enemies in front of her, or transform into a whip, giving her mid range attacks. With such versatility, it’s no surprise why she’s the most exciting Skylander to arrive in a long time.

Gusto

The rotund genie of the Air Element brings a level of strength not typically seen with characters of this element. His oversized boomerang works in multiple situations during battle, allowing him to either swing or throw the weapon, (obviously, since, you know… Boomerang). These options more than make up for his slow speed, and his charming design will surely make him a favorite when he’s released.

Krypt King

With a name like Krypt King, was there any doubt that he would be the Undead Trap Master? Looking like Chop-Chop on steroids, Krypt King battles with his giant sword to subdue the villains, which makes since considering he’s a giant suit of armor. While his design is all kinds of awesome, his slow speed and the secondary haze ability that seemed all but useless made him my least favorite of the set on display. Upgrades in the later game will surely alleviate this, but so far, I’m not ready to bow down to the king just yet.

That’s it for the Trap Masters, but that doesn’t mean that there weren’t more standard characters on display to collect. Figures like Chopper, (a tiny T-Rex with propellers attached to his back), Funny Bone, (a skeleton dog that resembles a dead Hot Dog), and Food Fight, (living lettuce with a tomato bazooka who will be included with starter packs), will continue to add so many more game play options… As well as figures to buy. And that doesn’t even include the villains to trap, like Sheep Creep, a heinous foe who is literally a sheep with rockets strapped to his back. But of course, they need trap figures to capture. Oh, our poor, poor bank accounts.

Will you be ready to join the Trap Team when the latest Skylanders title arrives on October 5th?