So long as the idea of "You MUST buy a new toy to access this part of the level!" doesn't become too intrusive, and the gameplay is fun independent of which toy you're using, I don't think it's a huge problem. (Unless it causes the game to be too expensive for the casual player, come to think of it. But if it's a good game hopefully it'll be worth the price.)

Anyways, that's my two cents on the toy gimmick.

Good point, but that doesn't mean much to me seeing as I probably wouldn't use the toys individually if I were interested.

Here's how I would have done it if there absolutely had to be toys involved. The default character is Spyro. You do not have to buy this toy, or it comes with the game for free, thus, no price increase to the game. If you want to play as any other character, there are some you can unlock through normal gameplay and other special characters you can buy. Or it could be like KingLambda's idea where they just unlock accessories or something for the characters. I guess that would kind of ruin the portability of the characters, but I just really hate the idea of having to pay extra for content that I feel should just be in the game in the first place.

Anyway, I think we're getting off subject (sorry again, everybody) so I'm going to start a new thread about this in the section.

I agree. The unlockable characters should have be done Tekken style, as in you could pick them from the game menu.

I have a feeling Skylanders is going to flop in toy sales. Which is a good thing, because Activision will most likely remove the gimmick from future Spyro and Skylanders games if it isn't successful.

What irks me the most is that the content you unlock with the toys is already in the game. So when I buy a toy, I'm paying to unlock something I've already purchased. 

Here's how I would have done it if there absolutely had to be toys involved. The default character is Spyro. You do not have to buy this toy, or it comes with the game for free, thus, no price increase to the game. If you want to play as any other character, there are some you can unlock through normal gameplay and other special characters you can buy. Or it could be like KingLambda's idea where they just unlock accessories or something for the characters. I guess that would kind of ruin the portability of the characters, but I just really hate the idea of having to pay extra for content that I feel should just be in the game in the first place.

Anyway, I think we're getting off subject (sorry again, everybody) so I'm going to start a new thread about this in the section.

Remember, these are NOT just extra game content being sold for $7 a pop.  They are toys that can be played with in several different ways.  Older people, including myself, are really only interested in the gaming part, though.  So to us, the sentimental value of what you get for purchasing these toys is less significant.

Also, I thought I remember one interview where a Activision rep talked about the toy's webcode and online adventure can be used to unlock certain advantages that can be transferred to the console version.  I'm not 100% sure on this though.

I've also already said I don't like having to purchase extra content and would prefer to unlock extra characters and levels through gameplay.

Well yeah, because that would make it optional. You wouldn't have to buy a hat, but you do have to buy a character.

You don't have to buy a toy to play the game, you just have to buy a toy to play as a different character. And the most new characters seem to bring to the game are:

1. Different powers and controls, for some replayability.

2. Alternate/Secret paths through levels that unlock extra XP, treasire, and stuff like hats.

I might buy a few of the characters that I like if I have some extra money, but I don't really think getting more than four or five toys is neccesary to enjoy the game (plus it already comes with 3).

Also, what's wrong with having to play the game and accomplish difficult tasks in order to get a new character? I miss those days.

I've got no problems with toys for games, just make them merchandise, nothing more. At the very most make them unlock something trivial, like a hat or something.

My only complaint is that the extra merchandise is necessary to buy in order to play as the character you want to play as.

That's actually pretty sneaky of them, creating a bunch of cool characters, then releasing trailers showing them off, then making you WANT to buy a toy just for that one cool character you like. (Luckily for me, my favorite character, Trigger Happy, comes with the game.)

I just hope the process of buying the toys isn't too tedious, because if they come to stores in randomized booster packs or something I will be very angry.

I get it, I get it...

and that's why it is always brought up whenever something possitive is added to the game....

but let's not forget that IGN has multiple reviewers and their opninions can change. So one may say somethign and the other may disagree.