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New Skylanders Game Swaps Figures For My Money
If there’s one thing that Activision knows what to do it’s take my money. Since the launch of the first Skylanders game, when I swore I wouldn’t buy into all the figures, I’ve bought into a LOT of the figures. I think at last count between actually really liking the game and having kids who are HUGE into the game I have around 30 or 35 figures. (I don’t know whether to thank you or curse you Shannon.)
Today Activision announced round three in the swapping Skylanders figures for my money game. A new game, coming later this year, called Skylanders Swap Force introduces a whole host new characters. 16 new standard Skylanders to go along with 16 updated versions of favorite characters. In addition to that there are eight new characters in the Light Core series. There are also 16 characters that make up something called the Swap Force. These new figures have interchangeable tops and bottoms to allow for up to 250 different combinations.
These new characters will be shown off at Toy Fair 2013, which is taking place from February 10-13 at the Javits Center in New York City. I guess now is the time I should just post my bank account information so that Activision can take the money directly from my account.
GameStop Opening New, Younger Stores
In their bid to control every single aspect of the game’s industry, GameStop has announced plans to open 80 new stores across the country. What makes these stores different than the stores they already have, you ask? Well, they’re targeted specifically to younger gamers. The stores, called GameStop Kids, are currently planned to open in malls with an established GameStop store. The stores will be next door to the existing locations and will feature games rated E and E10+ alongside related toy merchandise.
Expect to see lots of dual displays where Mario toys are sitting next to the newest Mario game or foam Minecraft toys are next to download codes. I would not be surprised to see an entire wall devoted to Skylanders and its related merchandise.
“This is really a way for us to take share away from people who are in the toy business and have an expanded assortment,” GameStop CEO Paul Raines told the Dallas Business Journal, “and show people how to drive kids to new experiences, new products or an expanded assortment of existing products like Skylanders and Angry Birds.”
So yeah. GameStop is going after Toys ‘R Us, Walmart and other stores that market items to kids. This store is both genius and incredibly devilish. I know now I’m going to spend just as much time in these stores as I do the regular ones.
For the full list of stores coming, head here.
Mark Your Calendars. Skylanders Giants Has a Release Date
I can tell you with some certainty what I’ll be doing on October 21st. Activision has announced that is the date when Skylanders: Giants will be hitting store shelves. The new figures look really nice and are compatible with all versions of the game, even the previous game, giving you characters to play and enjoy these titles. I think this is a really smart way for Activision to do things and it means the growing collection of toys remains relevant, no matter which game you have.
I still haven’t played all of the content available in the first game. There are “expansion” packs I haven’t bought yet. I need to get busy.
The Question Block – Episode 49
BAM! The Question Block is back for season two! We’ve change things up a bit so y’all let us know if you like the new format. We still ask questions, there is still music, there are still some sound effects, we still ramble about pointless topics… so what’s different? You’ll have to listen to the show and find out. You can look forward to the inaugural Hot Seat where Tony is tested on his knowledge of Luigi’s Mansion. Download it now? OK! GO!
The Question Block – 49
Round 1 – Avengers Music
Round 2 – Dust In The Tires
Round 3 – Toys ‘R’ Us
Round 4 – Luigi’s Mansion (Tony)
Don’t forget, we do another podcast every week where you can get more like this. You can also join our Facebook group, subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow us on Twitter and chat on our forums.
Somebody Knows My Weakness
I’ve been fairly quiet about these so far. Mostly because I didn’t want anyone to know until I got my order in. Now that I have my confirmation email I will gladly share this with the world. My new favorite toy company, Max Factory, has opened pre-orders for a couple awesome Samus toys. First up is an addition to the Figma line; Samus in here Varia Suit from Metroid: Other M. If you skipped my link from before, the Figma toys are the most detailed/articulate toys I have every bought. The second is a non-poseable figure of Samus in her Zero Suit also from Other M. I usually only buy toys that I can pose. It’s a rule I have to keep me from buying too much stuff. However, anything Samus related supersedes any rule. There are several places you can place your pre-order for these figures. As far as I know these sites will all deliver globally but I ordered mine from AmiAmi. Thank goodness they don’t charge until the order ships. Links and pics after the jump. Read more…
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (3DS)
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (Wii U, 3DS)
Super Little Acorns 3D Turbo (3DS)
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity (3DS)
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (PS3)
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