Summary
A body of work does not get more varied than that of American video game developerToys For Bob, who began its existence in sci-fi action-strategy games before graduating to video game genres such as skateboarding, movie IPs, and games cross-compatible with physical toys to name just a few. Likemany overlooked developers, gamers will be surprised to learn that Toys For Bob has been operating for over three decades, releasing its first video game in 1990.
Its larger body of work aside, Toys For Bob rocketed into the mainstream in the 2010s with the release of the first entry in theSkylandersseries and, since then, has carved out a name for itself reinvigorating beloved platformers likeSpyro the DragonandCrash Bandicoot, as well as assisting developer Infinity Ward onCall of Dutytitles such asCall of Duty: WarzoneandCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022). With such a decorated and varied development history, Toys For Bob has been behind many well-received games during its time in the industry.
10Disney’s Extreme Skate Adventure
Admittedly, the royalty that is theTony Hawkseries has been unchallenged in the skateboarding genre since the first entry’s release in 1999. However, when Toys For Bob tooklicensedDisneyandPixarpropertiesand stuck them in an extreme sports skateboarding game based onTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4with simplified controls, the resultant mix was refreshingly fun and engaging.
Praised as enjoyable for children and adults alike,Disney’s Extreme Skate Adventureallows players to kickflip as Simba and rail-grind as Buzz Lightyear through various worlds. With a plethora of single-player and multiplayer options to choose from,Disney’s Extreme Skate Adventureis a surprisingly deep and engaging experience for both young gamers and veterans.
9The Unholy War
With massive fighting game franchises likeMortal KombatandTekkentaking up a sizable amount of space within the genre, it is easy to forget that there existmany other fighting gamesthat were well-made gaming experiences that were positively received. One example of this is Toys For Bob’s 1998 effortThe Unholy War, which put a sci-fi spin on the genre.
Not one to be tethered to one genre, Toys For Bob added a layer of complexity with the addition of a “Strategy” mode which created a rare fighting-strategy genre mash-up.The Unholy Waris proof that, even in its early days, Toys For Bob was pushing boundaries and looking to innovate.
8Skylanders: Giants
The second entry in the physical toys and video game merging seriesSkylanders,Skylanders: Giantsdoes more of what its predecessor began, albeit in a more polished and expansive manner. This is by no means a criticism however, as the sequel is a fun-filled jaunt through colorful levels that adds a host of new characters, including eight of the eponymous Giants.
With new additions joining the existing set of heroic Skylanders,Skylanders: Giantsfurther builds on the foundations of the previous game. Furthermore, with gamers' older figurines being forwards-compatible with the sequel, their entire Skylanders collection can join in on the fun.
7Star Control
Back in 1990, Toys For Bob released its first-ever developed game in the form ofStar Control,a sci-fi action-strategygame. Rich with in-game lore and showcasing a layered combat system,Star Controlwas a runaway hit on its release, with players in awe of the game’s strategic elements and thrilling one-on-one spaceship combat.
Reviewing well and being the recipient of multiple accolades by the video game press are not the only reasons whyStar Controlis still remembered fondly over thirty years later, with the game creating a lasting legacy by being lauded as the inspiration for the critically acclaimedMass Effectseries as well as fellow sci-fi strategy gameStellaris.
6Skylanders: Trap Team
After two games before it, one would be forgiven in assuming that Toys For Bob had nowhere else to go regarding theSkylandersfranchise when the third entrySkylanders: Trap Teamhit the shelves in 2014. However, the ever-industrious Toys For Bob shook up the format with the third entry yet again while also keeping fan-favorite features intact.
Skylanders: Trap Teamnot only introduces a large cast of new heroes to collect, but it also allows players to “trap” villainous enemies to directly control them as good characters. With this new mechanic and a plot tasking players to round up the most infamous villains in Skylands after a prison break,Skylanders: Trap Teamis bound to delight fans of the franchise.
5Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure
With the first entry in theSkylandersfranchiseSkylanders: Spyro’s Adventure, one will find a lovingly crafted gameplay experience with colorful characters, a vibrant world, and innovative use of peripherals.
There is no question thatSkylanders: Spyro’s Adventurekick-started a video game franchise that captured the attention of children and adults alike, providing anengaging collect-a-thon experiencefor new gamers while exuding a nostalgic feeling for veterans of the genre. While the franchise has gone on to spawn multiple sequels, it is this first entry that began theSkylandershype and laid the foundations for those entries that came after.
4Star Control 2
With 1992’sStar Control 2, Toys For Bob managed to create a video game that joins the exclusive group of games that overtook their originals in terms of positive critical and public reception. Eschewing the strategy element of its predecessor,Star Control 2includes an open world (or indeed in this case an open galaxy) where players are tasked with recruiting alien races as allies to free an enslaved Earth.
Expanding on in-universe lore, fans of the series preferred the streamlined yet expansive nature of the second entry. Much like its predecessor,Star Control 2garnered many accolades from the video game press, such as inclusions on various “all-time best game” lists.
3The Horde
A servant boy raised by wild cows (seriously) named Chauncey inadvertently saves the king of his land from choking to death and is subsequently rewarded with land on which he can develop his own township, the catch being that said land is under constant assault from ravenous red monsters. If this synopsis catches one’s interest, then one should play the hybrid genre video gameThe Horde.
Released in 1994,The Hordeshows off Toys For Bob’s mastery of mashing genres together to create a unique, charming, and gripping experience. One part RTS,one part city building, and one part hack and slash,The Hordeis a wondrously twisted and humorous experience that garnered exceptional responses from the vast majority of critics.
Fans of Insomniac Games' landmark PlayStation trilogy in theSpyro the Dragonfranchise rejoiced in 2018 when theSpyro Reignited Trilogywas released. A full remaster of the original three games, this collection was greenlit after the success of fellow PlayStation icon Crash Bandicoot’s remaster,Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.
TheSpyro Reignited Trilogytransported fans back to their childhoods spent hunched over PS1 consoles taking the little purple dragon on journeys through the Dragon Kingdom, Avalar, and the Forgotten Realms with dragonfly Sparx as a companion. Dealing with such a beloved character with dignity and care, Toys For Bob’s remaster was critically lauded and will be cherished for years to come.
It took a lot of waiting for fans of Crash Bandicoot to receive a proper mainline sequel toNaughty Dog’s original trilogy, twenty-two years to be precise. Still, the substantial gap seems to have been worth it, withCrash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Timemeeting critical and fan acclaim upon release.
With its dimension-hopping narrative, a mix of recognized and innovative mechanics, and Crash’s trademark cheeky humor, this fully-fledged sequel is brimming with content for players to sink their teeth into. Collecting gems, defeating old adversaries, and breaking boxes as five playable characters will keep fans busy in what has become the most expansive Crash game ever made.
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