Spyro returns with Skylanders

The latest Spyro title--The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon--was released in 2008 to cold reception. The series has been dormant since then, but Activision has now awoken the dragon from its slumber.

The megapublisher today announced Skylanders Spyro's Adventures. From Novato, California-based developer Toys for Bob, the game will debut for consoles, PC, and handheld devices during fall 2011. The title will cast players as the "Portal Master," a character who controls the game's dozens of cast members.

The game boasts connectivity with real-world toys based on the Spyro universe. In Spyro's Adventures, players will be able to place all of the line's 31 action figures--who have distinct special abilities--on a "portal" and have characters appear in game.

According to a USA Today report, pricing for individual toys for the game has not been determined, but the core game will be available in a $70 version starter pack. This bundle includes the game, three toys, a portal, and trading cards.

To create Skylanders Spyro's Adventures, Activision sought out Hollywood talent, according to USA Today's report. Shrek character designer Tom Hester, Toy Story writers Alec Sokolow and Joel Cohen, and Inception composer Hans Zimmer are all attached to the project.

For more on the previous entry in the Spyro series, check out GameSpot's review of The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon.