Skylanders SWAP Force Dark Edition Starter Pack Exclusive at GameStop

Well, just as the post late, last night alluded to, we got our BIG news on the "Dark Secret" Skylanders Game had for us...

The big reveal you ask?  The GameStop Exclusive, Dark Edition Starter Pack:

Let's cover the details:

As you can see, this is your standard Starter Pack amplified with darkness (and a dash or two of Awesome).

Rather than just offer up Wash Buckler, Blast Zone, and Ninja Stealth Elf in their dark forms, we got the addition of Dark Mega Ram Spyro, and Dark Lockjaw (or is that Slobber Tooth?)  We also have what is dubbed the "Mega Character Poster."  I would love to know more about this...Is it simply bigger, will it include all of the potential variants etc?  More details would be nice, but a surprise would be just as cool.

The questions I have are pretty simple past that:

Is it Dark Lockjaw as indicated in the press release, or is Dark Slobber Tooth?  We saw this character in leaks a few weeks ago, and more recently a box was revealed with Slobber Tooth.  I'm inclined to believe this is Dark Slobber Tooth and that perhaps this release was crafted prior to the name change.  However, it could be that Lockjaw is correct...maybe this character will have a standard form name (Slobber Tooth), and a different Dark form name...My money is still on Dark Slobber Tooth, but we will see.

Next up, is it Dark Spyro and Dark Stealth Elf, or Dark Mega Ram Spyro and Dark Ninja Stealth Elf?  I, once again, lean more towards the adjectives being in place.  We already have Dark Spyro.  The S3 Skylanders (and S2 returnees from the original Giants cast) all have adjectives in front of their names.  This will help fans, parents, and everyone really keep the figures straight.  It only makes sense for this to apply here, thus creating Dark Mega Ram Spyro and Dark Ninja Stealth Elf.

I know many of you wonder about the available systems for this Starter Pack.  I currently do not know if it will be available for PS4 or Xbox One.  I don't see it being announced for the 3DS due to the differing line up in the Starter Pack...Plus, it already boasts Volcanic Eruptor, who follows in line with Dark Spyro and Punch Pop Fizz.  If not for the different characters (Rattle Shake and Free Ranger).

That said, what we do get for sure is:
-SWAP Force Game
-SWAP Force Portal of Power
-Mega Character Poster
-5 Sticker Sheets with Secret Codes
-5 Trading Cards
-5 Skylanders
-Bragging rights, value, and a unique collection!

The Dark Edition Starter Pack is up for pre-order now and retails for $99.99.

Let's take a look at the 5 Dark Skylanders Included in the Starter Pack:

Dark Wash Buckler

Dark Blast Zone

Dark Mega Ram Spyro

Dark Ninja Stealth Elf

Dark Slobber Tooth

Similarly, here are some screen shots:

Dark Slobber Tooth and Dark Mega Ram Spyro Coop:

Dark Ninja Stealth Elf

Dark Blast Zone in Swap Zone

Dark Wash Zone (Swapped)

Dark Blast Buckler (Swapped)

Dark Wash Zone and Dark Blast Buckler

All-in-all, this looks to be a great setup!  I plan to pick one up, likely for the Wii U.

You can pick up your Dark Edition Starter Pack at your local GameStop, or here:

http://www.gamestop.com/browse?nav=16k-3-swap+force+dark+edition,28zu0

Nintendo Wii: http://www.gamestop.com/wii/games/skylanders-swap-force-gamestop-exclusive-dark-edition-starter-pack/111320

Nintendo Wii U: http://www.gamestop.com/wii-u/games/skylanders-swap-force-gamestop-exclusive-dark-edition-starter-pack/111318

Microsoft Xbox 360: http://www.gamestop.com/xbox-360/games/skylanders-swap-force-gamestop-exclusive-dark-edition-starter-pack/111319

Sony PS3: http://www.gamestop.com/ps3/games/skylanders-swap-force-gamestop-exclusive-dark-edition-starter-pack/111317

And, just for good measure, here is the Official GameStop Press Release:

http://news.gamestop.com/press-release/exclusive-offers/gamestop-announces-exclusive-skylanders-swap-force-dark-edition-start

Are you going to pick up the Dark Edition Starter Pack?  Let me know!  I've also created two new blog polls:

-Which SWAP Force Starter Pack are you getting?

-Which Dark Skylander do you like better?

Check them out and vote!

Club Nintendo Platinum Playing Cards

Overview of ClubNintendo's Platinum Playing Cards (2012)

For those of you that follow the blog, you know I am a big proponent of Club Nintendo.  You buy great games and by simply taking the time to register them and fill out a few surveys you get coins.  These coins then allow you to purchase some really sweet, exclusive Club Nintendo gear.

However, if you hit Gold Status (300 Coins), or Platinum Status (600 Coins) in any Club Nintendo Calendar Year you receive free gifts.  Ie if you had 450 Coins you can get the Gold Gift sent to you and still have all 450 Coins.

It is basically a way for Nintendo to garner the feedback it desires from the enthusiast base while rewarding them with official ClubNintendo merchandise.

If you are not a member, I suggest you sign up and take advantage of the sweet setup:
https://club.nintendo.com/

This year the Gold and Platinum Gifts broke down as follows:

Gold Members:
-2013 Calendar

Platinum Members:
-Platinum Playing Cards
-Three Poster Set: Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon, Kid Icarus: Uprising, and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Similarly, something new for this year, was the option for players to forgo the "physical" gift and pick up 1 of 4 downloadable games: Mario vs Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! (3DS), Metroid II: Retrun of Samus (3DS), The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (Wii Virtual Console), or Super Mario Kart (Wii Virtual Console).

I was tempted by the Majora's Mask option, but I ultimately felt that I should go with a platinum gift.  I really think the calendar is cool, but again, that is like winning a year's supply of batteries and just taking half of it.  I do think the posters are very nice, but I ultimately decided the cards would take up less space and I'm banking on more people picking the posters so I hope that the cards are the more rare choice.

Only time will tell, but regardless I am very happy with these Platinum Playing Cards and the fact that they were free only makes them that much better!