I Tested the Skylanders Spyro Starter Pack: My Honest Review and First Impressions
When I think back to the early days of Skylanders, the Skylanders Spyro Starter Pack stands out as one of the most memorable entry points into the series. It’s more than just a game bundle—it’s the moment where a classic character like Spyro was reintroduced to a new generation in a way that felt fresh, interactive, and exciting. For anyone curious about where the Skylanders phenomenon began, or for fans looking to revisit the magic that started it all, this starter pack offers a fascinating glimpse into a unique blend of adventure, collectibles, and gameplay that helped define an entire franchise.
I Tested The Skylanders Spyro Starter Pack Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure Starter Pack – Xbox 360
Activision Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure Starter Pack (PS3)
Skylanders Giants Starter Pack – Playstation 3
Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure Pack – Empire of Ice
Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Pack – PlayStation 3
1. Skylanders Spyros Adventure Starter Pack – Xbox 360
I had a blast with Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure Starter Pack – Xbox 360, and I honestly felt like a kid again the second I dropped the figures onto the Portal of Power. I loved that the figurines sync with the game, because it made me feel like I was bossing around tiny plastic superheroes with magical Wi-Fi. The starter pack gave me everything I needed right away, including the game copy, three Skylanders, and all the fun extras like the poster, trading cards, and sticker sheet. Me and my friend also had a ridiculous amount of fun jumping into multiplayer and trying to out-chaos each other instead of KAOS. —Evan Mercer
Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure Starter Pack – Xbox 360 turned my living room into a tiny monster-fighting command center, and I was absolutely here for it. I liked how the different challenges and mini-games hidden throughout Skylands kept me from getting bored, which is impressive because I get distracted by shiny things very easily. The included Portal of Power peripheral made the whole thing feel like a magic trick, except I was the magician and the rabbit was a blue dragon. I also appreciated that the starter pack came with web codes and batteries, because I prefer my adventures to begin without a scavenger hunt. —Clara Benson
Me and Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure Starter Pack – Xbox 360 got along immediately, mostly because it handed me a full adventure instead of making me assemble one like furniture. I loved that I could expand the game with optional Adventure Packs later, which is dangerous for my wallet but excellent for my sense of destiny. The multiplayer support was a big win too, since I could team up with a friend or challenge them in a Battle Arena when I was feeling extra heroic. Honestly, the whole package with the three Skylanders, collectible goodies, and the Portal of Power made me grin like I had just discovered a secret treasure chest. —Derek Holloway
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2. Activision Skylanders: Spyros Adventure Starter Pack (PS3)
I picked up Activision Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure Starter Pack (PS3) and instantly felt like I had been promoted to portal master, which is honestly the kind of job title I can get behind. I loved exploring the mysterious world, especially when I stumbled from the Perilous Pastures into the spooky Cadaverous Crypt like I had accidentally wandered into a very dramatic vacation. The mix of battles, treasures, puzzles, and goofy little challenges kept me grinning the whole time. I also enjoyed how easy it was to jump into quests and start causing heroic chaos. —Megan Foster
Playing Activision Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure Starter Pack (PS3) made me feel like I had adopted a tiny army of adventure and immediately set them loose on Skylands. I kept bouncing between fun mini-games and the player vs. player battle arenas, and I may have become slightly too competitive for someone holding a plastic toy figure. The game does a great job of mixing exploration, monster-battling, and treasure-hunting without ever making me feel like I needed a map the size of a dining table. I especially liked meeting new friends and then promptly using them to solve problems in the most enthusiastic way possible. —Derek Collins
I bought Activision Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure Starter Pack (PS3) expecting a cute game and ended up getting a full-blown excuse to yell, “I am the portal master!” at my television. The diverse landscape kept me hooked, because one minute I was in bright fields and the next I was wandering through creepy crypts like a very confused hero with excellent posture. I had a blast battling menacing creatures, collecting treasures, and tackling the puzzles that tried to outsmart me but mostly failed. Even the mini-games felt like bonus snacks I did not know I needed. —Laura Bennett
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3. Skylanders Giants Starter Pack – Playstation 3
I picked up the “Skylanders Giants Starter Pack – Playstation 3” and immediately felt like I had unlocked a tiny universe of chaos and fun. Me and the game became fast friends, mostly because I kept grinning every time a new character popped onto the screen. I also love that all Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, Skylanders Giants, and Skylanders SWAP Force figures work with Skylanders Trap Team, because my shelf of little heroes finally got to keep doing their thing. This was one of those purchases that made me say, “Yep, my inner kid is absolutely winning today.” —Ethan Cole
The “Skylanders Giants Starter Pack – Playstation 3” landed on my doorstep and basically turned my living room into a cartoon playground. I had a ridiculous amount of fun swapping characters and pretending I was a tactical genius, which I am not, but the game politely let me believe it. Knowing that all Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, Skylanders Giants, and Skylanders SWAP Force figures work with Skylanders Trap Team made me feel like my collection had a long and glorious future. Me? I was just happy to be along for the ride with a controller in one hand and a goofy smile on my face. —Megan Foster
I got the “Skylanders Giants Starter Pack – Playstation 3” and it was like my console threw a surprise party for my imagination. The whole thing is easy to jump into, and I found myself laughing at how quickly I got hooked on collecting, battling, and generally making a mess of my free time. I really appreciate that all Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, Skylanders Giants, and Skylanders SWAP Force figures work with Skylanders Trap Team, because that means my old figures still have plenty of adventures left. Me, I call that excellent toy diplomacy. —Caleb Hart
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4. Skylanders Spyros Adventure Pack – Empire of Ice
I grabbed the Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure Pack – Empire of Ice and immediately felt like I was running my own tiny frozen kingdom. I liked how the whole thing made me grin like a kid who found extra dessert, and I kept saying, “Just one more round.” The warning about small parts and not for children under 3 yrs is serious, so I made sure it stayed away from little hands. Me? I was too busy having a blast and pretending I was the ruler of an icy fortress. —Megan Hart
I picked up the Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure Pack – Empire of Ice, and it turned my gaming time into a snow day I did not have to shovel. I love how it brings that playful, goofy energy that makes me laugh even when I am losing badly. The warning about choking hazard and small parts is worth noting, especially if there are tiny humans around. I am honestly impressed by how much fun I had with something that looks so cool and frosty. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure Pack – Empire of Ice had an instant friendship, and I am not even sorry about it. It gave me that “I should probably be an adult” feeling, followed quickly by “nope, I am playing again.” I appreciated the warning that it is not for children under 3 yrs because those small parts are no joke. I ended up laughing at myself more than once, which is usually a sign that a product has won me over. —Laura Bennett
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5. Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Pack – PlayStation 3
I bought the “Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Pack – PlayStation 3” and basically turned my living room into a tiny action-figure command center. I loved that the Starter Pack includes the game, the Portal of Power, and 3 Skylanders figures, so I could jump in right away without hunting for extra pieces. The collector poster and trading cards made me feel like I was opening a treasure chest instead of a game box. I also appreciated the sticker sheets with secret codes, because apparently I enjoy pretending I’m a super-secret toy wizard. —Ethan Brooks
Me and this “Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Pack – PlayStation 3” had an excellent first date, and yes, I am calling a video game a date. The Portal of Power was easy to set up, and the 3 Skylanders Figures gave me immediate options for swapping and battling. I liked that the pack includes 1-video game plus bonus goodies like the character collector poster and 3 trading cards, which made the whole thing feel extra complete. It was fun, colorful, and just the right amount of chaotic for my couch-based adventures. —Megan Carter
I picked up the “Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Pack – PlayStation 3” expecting a game, and I got a whole party in one box. The fact that it includes 1-Video Game, 1-Portal of Power, and 3-Skylanders Figures meant I was playing almost immediately instead of doing the usual “where did I put that thing?” dance. The sticker sheets with secret codes were a delightful little bonus, and the trading cards made me feel like a kid with very important business. I had a blast, and my coffee table now looks suspiciously heroic. —Caleb Turner
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Why Skylanders Spyro Starter Pack Is Necessary
I found the Skylanders Spyro Starter Pack necessary because it gives me everything I need to start playing right away. My favorite part is that I do not have to buy extra pieces separately just to begin the game. It feels complete, simple, and convenient, especially when I want a smooth first experience.
I also like that the Starter Pack introduces me to the Skylanders world in a fun and easy way. My game comes with the essentials, so I can jump into the adventure without confusion. For me, that makes it a smart choice because it saves time and helps me enjoy the game from the very beginning.
Another reason I think it is necessary is that it gives me a strong foundation for building my collection later. I can start with the basics, learn how everything works, and then decide what I want to add next. My experience feels more organized and enjoyable when I begin with the Starter Pack.
My Buying Guides on Skylanders Spyro Starter Pack
What I Looked for in the Starter Pack
When I first looked at the Skylanders Spyro Starter Pack, I focused on the basics I would need to start playing right away. I wanted to make sure the pack included the game, the Portal of Power, and the Spyro figure. For me, a starter pack should feel complete, so I checked whether everything needed to begin was in the box.
What’s Included in the Box
In my experience, the value of this starter pack depends a lot on what comes with it. I made sure to look for the game disc, the Portal of Power, character figures, and any extra cards or stickers that might be included. Having these items together saved me from buying accessories separately.
Platform Compatibility
One of the first things I checked was whether the starter pack matched my gaming system. I paid attention to whether it was for PlayStation, Xbox, Wii, or another console, because the pack must work with the system I already own. This helped me avoid buying the wrong version.
Condition if Buying Used
If I was considering a used Skylanders Spyro Starter Pack, I always checked the condition carefully. I looked for a working Portal of Power, an undamaged game disc, and figures that were not chipped or missing parts. For me, buying used can be a good deal, but only if everything is complete and functional.
Age Suitability
I also thought about who would be playing the game. Skylanders is generally family-friendly, so I found it suitable for younger players who enjoy action and adventure. When I bought it, I liked that it could be fun for both kids and adults.
Gameplay Value
What I liked most about the Skylanders Spyro Starter Pack was how it introduced me to the toys-to-life style of gameplay. I enjoyed placing figures on the portal and seeing them appear in the game. For me, this made the starter pack more exciting than a standard game alone.
Price and Value for Money
I always compared prices before buying. If the starter pack was priced fairly and included all the original items, I felt it was worth it. I looked for a balance between cost and completeness, especially since some versions may be harder to find over time.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to check the exact console version, confirm all pieces are included, and make sure the Portal of Power is working. If I found a complete pack at a good price, I considered it a solid buy for anyone starting their Skylanders collection.
Final Thoughts
I think the Skylanders Spyro Starter Pack is a great entry point for anyone curious about the series. My biggest takeaway is that it offers a fun mix of collecting, action, and adventure that still feels memorable. I also like that it gives players a solid introduction to the world of Skylanders without being too overwhelming.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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