New Skylanders starter pack injects tablets with console gaming powers

As players build up the whole set, each character is transported into the Skylanders world the minute the figurine is placed on the portal.

Once summoned, gamers have the option to either use on-screen controls, or they can dock their tablets into the side of the portal stand and use a physical Bluetooth controller – with thumbsticks and rear triggers – to progress through the game.

Both the controller and portal will work across iOS, Android and Kindle Fire devices, so there shouldn’t be any compatibility issues when Android children cross over to Apple territory on a play date.

Having seen the game running on an iPad Mini with Retina Display in the flesh here at Gamescom 2014, we can vouch for Activision’s claim that the tablet version is graphically just as impressive as its Xbox One and PS4 counterparts.

You can even hook up your tablet of choice to a TV, essentially turning the whole package into a very portable, hassle-free games console.

The starter pack will be available to snap up from 10 October for £65, while individual Trap Master toys can be picked up for £15. Core Skylander toys will have a £10 price tag, while Trap toys will be £6.

In the meantime, we’re going to have a nice long grumble about how all we had to play with in our day were sticks, rocks, and bees.

READ MORE: Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare preview with multiplayer-hands-on