Similar to its predecessors, Skylanders: SuperChargers is a "toy-to-life" video game in which players can place toy figurines on the "Portal of Power", which allows players to play as the figurine-represented character in-game. The game introduces a redesigned "Portal of Power", in which the surface has become larger and wider so as to accommodate vehicles, which are of larger size than typical characters.[1] Vehicles are one of the newly introduced features in SuperChargers. According to Activision, about 50% of the game must be completed through driving. Vehicles are divided into three classes, which include land vehicles, sea vehicles and sky vehicles. With the use of ground vehicles and water vehicles, players can race on land or dive underwater on several different tracks, while the sky vehicles feature an "autopilot system" which can guide players to their destination automatically. Players have the option to accelerate and decelerate the sky vehicles.
Each track is filled with obstacles, which players must evade, and each has its own alternate routes, which can help a player to reach the finish line faster. Players must defeat a boss before they reach the finish line and they must solve a puzzle before they proceed.[3] Players can also collect parts for vehicles to upgrade them. A customization screen automatically opens up after the player collects a part. The player can also choose to purchase mods to upgrade the vehicle via an in-game currency called "Gearbits", which can be earned through completing missions and stages. Each character has their own matching vehicles, and once the player finds out the correct combination, the character will enter a "Supercharged" state, which grants the vehicle additional abilities.[3] The 117 characters introduced in the series since Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure are still playable in SuperChargers, but the game only includes 20 new figurines, due to the inclusion of vehicles. Returning characters, such as Stealth Elf and Trigger Happy are re-imagined with new abilities and a new upgrade tree.[4] Additionally, the Nintendo versions of the game exclusively feature special guest appearances by Donkey Kong and Bowser of the Mario franchise, whom have Skylanders toy figures that can double as Amiibo figures for other games.
The game can also be played cooperatively with another player. Only one vehicle can be used, with one player driving while the other one defends against threats.[5]
The Skystones minigame returns in a deeper, more refined form. The traps collected in Skylanders: Trap Team directly play into this, adding a unique Skystone to play. As per previous iterations, a Starter Pack including a portal is available in shops, however, consumers are able to download the title at a cheaper price, and use their existing portal from Skylanders: Trap Team.[6]
