Last year I gave Activision flack for making its special Dark Edition version of Skylanders: Swap Force a GameStop exclusive. The $99 Skylanders: Trap Team Dark Edition carries no such constraints, so if your children don't get one it's merely because you're some kind of monster.
Debuting to the public at this week's San Diego Comic-Con, which I sadly will not be attending, the Dark Edition of Trap Team is the only place kids and adult collectors will be able to get their hands on special black and silver versions of new characters Snap Shot, Wildfire and Food Fight, who look pretty freaking amazing when combined with the translucent accessories that seem to define the Trap Team toys.
This year's game is all about trapping villains and using them as playable characters, which leads us to the crown jewel of the collector's edition — the Ultimate Kaos Trap.
This larger-than-normal trap is used to enslave Kaos, the Invader Zim-voiced leader of the Skylands' evil forces. Just look at that giant head.
The Dark Edition news is just the tip of the floating sky island this week, as Activision prepares to invade Comic-Con with Skylanders. There'll be panels and signings featuring voice actors and toy designers, giveaways, and a Skylanders costume contest with $5,000 is prizes (including a set of rare toys).
The Skylanders: Trap Team Dark Edition will be available for preorder all over the place today for $99 on Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and 4, Wii and Wii U.