Friday, March 28, 2014

Unboxing McDonald's Skylanders SWAP Force Happy Meal Toys, The CompleteSet

Unboxing the Complete Set of Skylanders SWAP Force Happy Meal Toys




Here is a run down on the figures for you:



#1 Wash Buckler
#2 Eruptor
#3 Free Ranger
#4 Rattle Shake
#5 Magna Charge
#6 Prism Break
#7 Freeze Blade
#8 Chompy

Which one is your favorite?  Cast your vote in the newest poll!  You can find it just under the Twitter Feed on the Right Hand Side of the Blog.




You can check out the original preview video here:


Thursday, March 27, 2014

Unboxing Punk Shock (Spring Edition)

What? Punk Shock, Water Element, SWAP Force Newlander
Where Did You Get It? GameStop
What Did It Cost? $9.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? Nice Stock, Probably 6-10 of each
What is Included? Punk Shock, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Skylanders SWAP Force Spring Edition Punk Shock


Punk Shock
Water Element, SF Newlander



Slogan: "Amp it Up!"





Card Stats
Power: 100/200
Armor: 100/200
Agility: 80/200
Luck: 70/200
Totals: 350/800

Base Stats:

SWAP Force Water Element Newlanders

SWAP Force Water Element Skylanders


Well, as fate would have it I was able to locate all 3 of the Spring Edition Skylanders at my local GameStop!  I haven't heard of anyone else nabbing them from GameStop just yet, so I suppose that is a worthwhile notation.  If I had to guess I would say there were 6-10 of each figure on the pegs...The pegs were full, so there could have been more in the back.  I believe the employee said they had just put them out either yesterday or today, so they probably hit the distribution center late last week and shipped out Monday.

I don't think it'll be too terribly hard to land these Spring Editions, but the hot commodity will likely be Punk Shock.  I say that because she is the last of the Newlanders if you will (not counting swapper Doom Stone) and she currently lacks a standard packed counterpart (still kind of weird she doesn't mirror what we see with Fryno, or Fryno mirror her).

Outside of the "eggcellent" packaging, there is no difference between what you'll find inside.  Given how well stocked Pumpkin Eye Brawl and Jolly Bumble Blast were I would think we should see similar attempts with these Spring Edition Skylanders.

If you can get a TRU that has them out, or will sell them, their 3 for $20 is a great way to land Spring Edition Fryno, Spring Edition Punk Shock, and Springtime Trigger Happy for a great price.

There were no signs of any Spring Edition Skylanders at my local Wal-Marts or Target.

Good luck and "hoppy" hunting!

SWAP Force Water Element Skylanders with In Game Variants

Unboxing Springtime Trigger Happy

What? Springtime Trigger Happy, Tech Element, SWAP Force Special Character
Where Did You Get It? GameStop
What Did It Cost? $9.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? Well Stocked, 6-10+
What is Included? Springtime Trigger Happy, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Springtime Trigger Happy


Springtime Trigger Happy
Tech Element, SF Special Spring Edition, In Game Variant



Slogan: "No Gold, No Glory!"

Card Stats
Power: 100/200
Armor: 30/200
Agility: 70/200
Luck: 120/200
Totals: 320/800



I was nothing short of surprised when I called GameStop to check stock (I called because I didn't expect anything) and was told they had just recently shelved the new Skylanders.  Needless to say, I jetted from the Target parking lot and made my way over to GameStop.  Sure enough, there on the pegs were Springtime Trigger Happy, Spring Edition Fryno, and Spring Edition Punk Shock!

Springtime Trigger Happy just looks nuts...the pastel colors and Easter egg vibe you get while looking at a guy strapped to a rocket is pretty hilarious.  As a pleasant surprise the pain job looks great and I'm sure it will put a smile on the face of Portal Masters of all ages.



Unboxing Enchanted LightCore Star Strike

What? Enchanted LigthCore Star Strike, Magic Element, SWAP Force Newlander
Where Did You Get It? Walmart
What Did It Cost? $12.96 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? Well stocked, just not well organized
What is Included? Enchanted LightCore Star Strike (ELCSS), Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Enchanted LightCore Star Strike


Enchanted LightCore Star Strike
Magic Element, SF Newlander




Slogan: "Shoot for the Stars!"

Card Stats
Power: 90/200
Armor: 80/200
Agility: 80/200
Luck: 80/200
Totals: 330/800



Enchanted Skylanders
Star Strike and Hoot Loop

LightCore Star Strikes

Enchanted LightCore Star Strike

Enchanted LightCore Star Strike and LightCore Star Strike

LightCore Star Strike, Enchanted LC Star Strike, and Star Strike

SWAP Force Magic Element Newlanders

SWAP Force Magic Element Skylanders 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Skylanders SWAP Force Happy Meal Toys Preview

Hey Everyone,

Just one of those videos where I talk fast and try to showcase you what to expect...In this case, it is a preview of the upcoming Skylanders featured in the SWAP Force Happy Meals!



Starting this Friday, March 28th, 2014 you can get these awesome Skylanders in your McDonald's Happy Meals!  The promo will run thru April 24th, 2014 and in addition to the toys you can expect coupons like last time.  One will be for $10 off a SWAP Force Starter Pack and the other was simply stated as "$1 Off a Skylanders Character."  I assume this will work not only with SWAP Force core characters, but LightCore and swappers too.  Similarly, I have no reason to think it wouldn't work with SSA or Giants Skylanders, but we will have to wait and see.

That said, I will get stand alone pics up soon...It is currently 4:30 AM and I am dead tired...the pics will be the same as in the video fyi.

Here is the character rundown for the 8 featured:

Eruptor: Looks to be a light up effect

Prism Break: Also looks to be a light up effect (modeled after Hyper Beam Prism Break)

Free Ranger: Looks to be a top

Freeze Blade: Looks to shoot the chakram

Magna Charge: Looks to be a projectile attack from the Magnet Cannon

Rattle Shake: Looks to be a projectile with Snake's Venom (prob just the snake here)

Wash Buckler: Looks to be one of those quick action turns with the cutlass

Chompy: No clue what he will do, but it'll be nice for displays!

Spring 2014 Channel Update: Spring Edition Skylanders and Happy Meals

I guess this is more of a "Skylanders News Update" than a legit Channel Update, but oh well...


Covered in no particular order:

Now Available:
-Nitro Freeze Blade (Target)
-Enchanted LightCore Star Strike (Walmart)
-Wave 4
--Fryno, Scratch, Turbo Jet-Vac, Fire Bone Hot Dog
--Trap Shadow and Freeze Blade
-Spring Edition Skylanders
--In Game Variant: Spring Time Trigger Happy
--"Easter" Packaging Punk Shock
--"Easter" Packaging Fryno

Skylanders SWAP Force Happy Meal Toys
-Coming Friday March 28th:
-McDonald's Happy Meals
--Look for a stand alone video very soon!

Blog Polls: Please Vote!
-SSA vs Giants vs SWAP Force Best Console Game
-SSA vs Giants vs SWAP Force Best 3DS Game
-Tower of Time vs Sheep Wreck Island, Best AP

SWAP Force Upgrade Options
-Check this post out for more details
http://www.1ofwiisdom.com/2014/03/skylanders-swap-force-upgrade-options.html
-Please let me know your thoughts!

New Minecraft Series
-Clash of the Minecrafters
--PvP War in MCPE

Lots of New Videos!
-SWAP Force Introductions
-SWAP Force Upgrades
-Minecraft Ultimate Quest
-Clash of the Minecrafters
-Mario Kart Wii

That is about it in a nut shell...

I will try tonight for the Spring Edition Skylanders and ELCSS (I have no clue why Walmarts in my area have not gotten her in yet).

I will also check stock on Wave 4 and Nitro Freeze Blade and report back.

Similarly, since you read all the way to the end...My advice for picking up the "Spring Edition" Skylanders is to go to TRU.  They have a promo running that is 3 for $20 and it makes picking up Spring Time Trigger Happy, Punk Shock, and Fryno a great value!

Good luck and happy hunting!

Monday, March 24, 2014

Unboxing Nitro Freeze Blade Target Exclusive SWAP Force Skylander

What? Nitro Freeze Blade, Water Element, SWAP Force Skylander
Where Did You Get It? Target, in-store
What Did It Cost? $14.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? 3 left, kept in the back
What is Included? Nitro Freeze Blade, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Target Exclusive Nitro Freeze Blade


Nitro Freeze Blade
Water Element, SWAP Force

Slogan: "Keeping it Cool!"




Card Stats
Power: 140/200
Armor: 75/200
Agility: 200/200
Luck: 85/200
Totals: 500/800

*Exact Same Card Stats as regular Freeze Blade





In Game Stats:

Base Health: 280
Speed: 50
Armor: 6
Critical Hit: 8
Elemental Power: 25

*Nitro's In Game Stats are COMING.

Nitro Freeze Blade and Nitro Magna Charge (Both Target Exclusives)

Speed SWAP Force Skylanders

Water Element SWAP Force Skylanders


*I covered the blog poll regarding Upgrade Options in the intro of this video.  Please let me know what method you prefer.  I am leaning towards "Option C" where I would have 5 videos for the SWAP Force Characters.  I can stage the vids in any fashion, I just want them to be enjoyable and efficiently informative for you the viewer.  Vote in the poll, leave a comment here, or on YouTube and let me know what you like best.*


I had to go into Target in the late evening and was not surprised to see NO Nitro Freeze Blades available.  As such, I'm never deterred and always like to err on the side of asking.  Luckily I had an employee who I had dealt a lot with and he went and checked where they had been stocked, thumbed thru what was out, and then said, "I guess we sold them all, I do have some in the back though...let me go grab them!"

See, that is exactly why it pays to ask.

He came out with 3.  I believe they were the last three he had, and as usual with special figures I took two.  One will go to my Nephew, or just stay sealed.  He is pretty big into Freeze Blade, so I am thinking it'll be his to do what he wants.

Philip had mentioned his Target, which he hit bright and early on the east coast, had one box of 12.  I assume that is what mine had as well.  Target is always hit and miss on this type of stuff, particularly their "store exclusives."  I say it all the time, but at my local store, which I hit usually once a week, they never got another round of Granite Crushers...ever.  I did travel some around the launch of Giants and saw a few stray GCs hidden at larger stores, but never again at my local store.  Jade Flashwing (Spring of Giants), was very limited, and all restocks sold quickly, or got stashed.  I haven't seen her since mid-Summer at a local store.

Sometimes, you could find Granite and Jade on Target.com, so if you missed NFB  this weekend, I would make a point of checking their regularly.  Similarly, ask your associates...some aren't worth much and have no interest in helping, but as I always state, there are still people that care about helping you and want to do their job well.  They might let you know when shipments get in, or call.  This is less likely at big retailers, but worth a shot.  If you are known as a regular customer and they know you'll keep asking, you'd be surprised what might work in your favor.

My hope is that he is restocked regularly.  I wouldn't expect 12 cases of 12 to hit all Targets tomorrow, but just a few more over the coming months would be nice.  Again, DO NOT pay more than $14.99 for NFB, or any Skylander Swapper for that matter.  As I stated in the video, if I missed him Sunday I would have been checking their website, making trips to the store, asking associates, and doing what was in my power to add him to the collection.  I would NEVER resort to online auctions or pay more than $15 for him.  If I couldn't land NFB for $15, I simply wouldn't have him in my collection.  I promise you, that is the best route to take.  Study up on things, be diligent, and take advantage of your knowledge.  If that doesn't pay off, keep your money to deter the scalpers and invest in other options.

All in all, I love the concept of Nitro Freeze Blade, but gold and white aren't my colors.  I'm stoked to have him to explore the other paths, but in all honesty I prefer the standard color options.  He doesn't look as bad as I had figured, but I personally think a checkered flag design in black-and-white would have been the hot ticket.  I'll also again mention it seems, in my opinion, that Nitro Magna Charge's gold is a bit brighter than Nitro Freeze Blade.  That said, the pictures and video will showcase all of that for you...Enjoy and good luck landing NFB!

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Unboxing Trap Shadow Skylanders SWAP Force

What? Trap Shadow, Magic Element, SWAP Force Swapper, Sneak Ability
Where Did You Get It? Special Delivery
What Did It Cost? $14.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? Check TRU 3-13-2014
What is Included? Trap Shadow, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Trap Shadow


Trap Shadow
Magic Element, SF Swapper, Sneak Ability

Slogan: "Hide and Sleek!"




Card Stats
Power: 140/200
Armor: 180/200
Agility: 100/200
Luck: 80/200
Totals: 500/800



Magic Element Swappers

Sneak Ability Swappers

Magic Element SWAP Force

Unboxing Freeze Blade Skylanders SWAP Force

What? Freeze Blzade, Water Element, SWAP Force Swapper, Speed
Where Did You Get It? Special Delivery
What Did It Cost? $14.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? Delivered
What is Included? Freeze Blade, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet
More Info to Note: Nitro Freeze Blade releases 3-23-2014 at Target in the USA

Unboxing Freeze Blade

Freeze Blade
Water Element, SF Swapper, Speed Ability

Slogan: "Keeping it Cool!"



Card Stats
Power: 140/200
Armor: 75/200
Agility: 200/200
Luck: 85/200
Totals: 500/800


Water Element Swappers

Speed SWAP Force Skylanders


SWAP Force Water Element as of 3/12/2014
(Missing Punk Shock)

Unboxing Scratch Skylanders SWAP Force

What? Scratch, Air Element, SWAP Force Newlander
Where Did You Get It? Walmart
What Did It Cost? $9.96 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? Last one, extremely well hidden, buried under disney infinity figures
What is Included? Scratch, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Scratch
Pics and Video Coming Soon


Scratch
Air Element, SF Newlander




Slogan: "The Luck of the Claw!"

Card Stats
Power: 110/200
Armor: 65/200
Agility: 100/200
Luck: 65/200
Totals: 340/800