What: Level Up Stealth Game Tower
Where Did You Get It: GameStop
How Much: $19.99 plus tax
Assembly Time: Under 5 Minutes
Assembly & Review: Level Up's Stealth Game Tower
So, with the New Year came new projects and new objectives. I had some work done and had to move pretty much everything gaming related (games, Skylanders, Amiibo) etc., and for better, or worse (I like to think for the better) that afforded a legitimate opportunity to retool how I store and display these games and Skylanders.
I recently posted my complete Xbox One and PlayStation 2 game library's and both are resultant from this cleaning and organizing effort.
While I prefer bookshelves for games (or interior storage offered by an entertainment center), I wouldn't be able to fit PS2, Wii, Wii U, 3DS, and XB1 games in the 3-Shelf unit I had planned to use. That lead me to investigate other options and one intriguing one was this Stealth Game Tower from Level Up. It clocked in at under $20 AND I could pick it up locally. That is always a win-win.
There are a lot of reviews on this thing, but they are of the mixed variety. One person says it is great, the next says it is a POS that won't stand upright. So, I had to just take a chance and hope for the best, but decided to do the video so folks could SEE how it goes together, what it can hold, how it can hold different media inputs, and more importantly, how it functions both vertically and horizontally with and without a load.
As of writing this, I am happy to report that I've had this thing set up and fully stocked for about 2 weeks and have had zero issues with tipping etc. It may not be my dream set up, but for $20 I can't complain.
I will try to get some pictures up at a later date, but for now it was $20 well spent and a great way to organize my PS2 Library, along with a few DVDs.
What: Shining Ship Light Trap with Rebel Lob Goblin
Where Did You Get It: GameStop
What Did It Cost: $5.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like: Several on hand, more in the back
Unboxing and Review of Rebel Lob Goblin Shining Ship Light Trap
Enough ice melted and the crowds had thinned, so I was able to make my way up to GameStop...They got stock of this trap awhile back, but I am not a fan of driving on ice when I don't have to...
Anyway, I picked the trap up and got a flyer for their Skylander Day this Saturday, so be sure to check that out!
Rebel Lob Goblin is pretty cool in game and what's more important we have a 2nd Light Trap and it is in a very cool sculpt (Rocket) as well!
What: Eon's Elite Stealth Elf
Where Did You Get It: GameStop
What Did It Cost: $24.99
What Is Included: Elite Stealth Elf, Case, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet
What Was Stock Like: 4-6 ish (Totally Unexpected)
When: This Fall, Likely around the launch of Trap Team (October 5th, 2014)
How Much: Unknown at This Point
SKYLANDERS BRINGS PREMIUM TOY LINE
"EON'S ELITE" TO FANS THIS FALL
SANTA MONICA, Calif. - July 24, 2014 - Today at San Diego Comic-Con, Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) announced plans to bring "Eon's Elite," a new set of premium toys, to Skylanders® fans worldwide this fall. The limited edition Eon's Elite will introduce eight must-have collectible versions of fan-favorite Skylanders characters, beginning with Spyro and Chop Chop.
The heroes in the "Eon's Elite" roster hail from the original Skylanders Spyro's Adventure® and have been carefully selected by Master Eon for displaying undaunted courage and commitment to defending all of Skylands. Eon's Elite features a never-before-seen decoration with a distinct, metallic finish and a golden base that sets them apart from other Skylanders toys. Each of these special edition toys will be offered in premium foil packaging and also features a display case with a 3D lenticular background. Additionally, when played in-game, Eon's Elite will be up to three times as powerful over other characters, which represents the biggest in-game boosts ever incorporated into a Skylanders toy to date.
"Eon's Elite represents the most iconic characters from the original Skylanders game that started it all," said Josh Taub, senior vice president of product marketing at Activision Publishing. "These eight toys are not only premium quality but also honor the characters' strength, courage and commitment. We're excited to extend our fans' collections with this new line."
Eon's Elite characters will be available in limited quantities at GameStop and EB Games stores in North America, Australia and New Zealand, and select retailers in Europe this fall while supplies last.
Skylanders Eon's Elite Limited Edtion: Video Recap and Analysis
My Analysis
Let's break this down for you...
GameStop will be getting exclusive rights to "Eon's Elite" Skylanders. These are special, limited edition Skylanders that are given four key improvements:
1. Metallic Finish Paint with Golden Bases
2. Premium Foil Packaging
3. Display Case with 3D lenticular background
4. Up to 3x more powerful than other Skylanders
Similarly, it is important to note that there will be 8 in this first round. If you thought that must mean 1 per Element you would be correct. Interestingly though, the 8 will ALL come from the original SSA Cast (Skylanders Spyro's Adventure for those of you new to my site).
I was a bit surprised the Dark Edition left exclusivity at GameStop, and now this makes up for that loss...These figures should compete directly with the "Legendary" figures at Toys'R'Us.
I have an e-mail in to verify that these are sold individually, which I think would be correct. There is a chance they could be packaged together to correlate to the quantity of Legendary figures TRU usually has, but I am inclined to believe the shared background is just to denote that Spyro and Chop Chop are the first two announced and available. I would have to guess we will see a staggered release with the remaining 6, possibly going 2 at a time as with these launch characters.
Personally I am pretty excited about this concept, and if possible, I would like to land 1 to open/play and 1 to keep sealed, my usual strategy for the in game variant and special Skylanders. I am most excited about simply knowing who the other 6 Elite will be.
What are your thoughts on these new "Eon's Elite?" Who do you think they will be? Do you plan to pick them up? Will you only buy if they are your favorite Skylanders? Are you going to play them, display them, keep them sealed, or some combo of the three? Will you buy one to open and one to keep sealed? How do you feel about the 8 coming from SSA backgrounds? What about being up to 3x as powerful...is it good, or overkill? Any Legendary fans irked by this? Are you happy with them sticking to the original SSA poses, or would you have preferred a special pose for the Elite selections?
Leave a comment and let me know how you feel about this latest release. Also, be sure to cast your vote in the new polls!
What? Mario Kart 8 for Nintendo Wii U
Where Did You Get It? GameStop
What Did It Cost? $59.99 Plus Tax
Promotions? Free Mario Kart 8 Poster with Pre-Order
Promotion 2: Free Nintendo Game with the Registration of MK8 in Club Nintendo
What Was Stock Like? Well Stocked!
Unboxing Mario Kart 8 and Checking out GameStop's Pre-Order Poster
I have waited a long time for this game! I am a huge fan of the Mario Kart 8 Series and could not wait to get my hands on this title! I picked up 2 copies, one for myself and one for my Nephew since it tied in perfectly with the last day of school (props to Nintendo for the Friday release!).
My Nephew and I logged a lot of time playing Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7 together...In fact, it would be easy to say Mario Kart Wii is the reason I got into wanting to record gameplay footage. Every night we raced there was some epic comeback or insane ending...We always finished with, "I wish we would have recorded that." So, I started recording!
I was miffed we didn't get the free Blue Shell/Spiny Shell like Europe did, but Club Nintendo does offer a free game with the registration of Mario Kart 8. These aren't bottom shelf, $5.99 games either...They are premo, Nintendo Titles! The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD, Pikmin 3, Wii Party U, and New Super Mario Bros. U are the 4 titles you can choose from...I always encourage people to sign up and register their hardware and software with Club Nintendo for reasons just like this, not too mention the other cool prizes. I am currently torn between Wind Waker HD and Pikmin 3...
The other thing that miffed me was the total lack of advanced notice on pre-order, or day of purchase bonuses...I waited a long time for announcements, or a potential blue shell equivalent here in the US and all that turned up was GameStop's poster. As it turned out, Walmart and Target both had Wii Wheels going with the game...but I was unaware of those until the Sunday before release. Toys'R'Us has the BOGO40%, which is great, provided there is another title you want to pick up. That said, I went for the pre-order bonus glory in GameStop's Poster.
It isn't the flashiest thing, but it is neat and will look great hanging. It measures 11" x 17" for those wanting to frame it...Although, since it is double-sided that will kill off one display angle. I suppose though, most will have a favorite side and can mount it facing outwards.
The front side features a slash cut design with the Mario Kart 8 logo on one side and Mario in his anti-gravity kart on the other. The dividing line is some race track advertisements.
The back side features another slash cut styling with snapshots of several of the new tracks meshed with the load screen style art.
I personally would have preferred a very simple poster. Perhaps a blown up version of the cover art itself on one side and the back side featuring all the track names, characters, and items. I suppose I value information and a helpful snapshots a bit more than modern styled art, but to each his own. It was free, it is Mario Kart related, and I really can't complain. I do hope though that Club Nintendo will offer up a 2 or 3 Poster Set as I described: Cover Art, Tracks and Items, and Characters.
The game gets a special Red Case which is rare and cool, despite me personally being a fan of the standard Wii U Blue.
The instruction manual is basically 1 page and in full color, but lacks detail. I still miss the old mega-thick, informative manuals of old.
That said, this game is great! The hours of fun and infinite reply value make it a steal. It will deliver solidly as a gift of any sort and will likely maintain a perch at the top of the charts as word continues to spread with peer influence. Mario Kart 8, in my opinion, is an example of software that moves hardware.
If you don't own a Wii U, the Mario Kart 8 Wii U bundles is the way to go and a tremendous value. You will not regret purchasing this game.
I have currently played about 3 hours of Multiplayer with my Nephew and logged another 2-3 in the solo Grand Prix. The new tracks are outstanding! The graphical prowess of the Wii U definitely impresses...the retro cups featuring tracks born on the Wii version (like Moo Moo Meadows) are stunningly different...you can pick up the feel, lines, and sounds...but graphically they are like night and day. I never had issues with the graphics on Mario Kart Wii, but Mario Kart 8 absolutely blows it out of the water.
When you factor in the infinite replay of Mario Kart Wii, but now have new, never before played characters (The Koopalings) AND the customizable karts and bikes like in Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS, you have opened up the door for tons of options and the chance to literally squeeze every last .001 off your time trial records. This feature will be very much appreciated by hard core players.
The online mode has a great, simple interface that will get you racing in no time. You can hop on regionally, worldwide, with friends, or via tournament. You can also set up private rooms etc. to keep the action close to home, or within your circle of friends.
I've yet to play Battle Mode, but my Nephew and I should do that tonight.
This game seems to me an improvement over Mario Kart Wii and that game has yet to get boring to me...I envision a full run from this game as well. Hardcore players will love the new elements and characters to master while breaking records, and casual players will enjoy the pick-up-and-go play style that the series is known for....Mario Kart 8 can be your weekend retreat for a good time, or an obsession hunting quicker times and Tourney wins.
Regardless your age, skill level, or penchant for video games, Mario Kart 8 will entice everyone to get involved...even if it is just as a spectator. There is so much built in to the visuals, it is a little overwhelming at times trying to take in the surroundings AND win the race.
This is truly a must own for any Wii U Owner, Mario Kart fan, or gamer in general. If you don't have a Wii U, this is reason enough to get one!
Myself and my Nephew will be playing this one for years to come...Thanks to Nintendo for delivering up yet another first party smash hit!
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
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
What: Skylanders SWAP Force GameStop Exclusive Dark Edition Starter Pack
What Did it Cost: $99.99 plus tax
Where Did You Get It: GameStop
What Was Stock Like: Sold Out, Glad I Pre-Ordered
What Is Included: Game, Portal of Power, Mega Character Poster (Really Cool!), Dark Blast Zone, Dark Wash Buckler, Dark Slobber Tooth, Dark Stealth Elf, and Dark Spyro
These type of videos are always popular requests, and since Launch Day is only once a year and the Skylanders are only "boxed" once, I figured I would film this to showcase to everyone what I picked up on Launch Day and give some insights as to where I went for what and share some sweet deals you can take advantage of to save a little cash and enhance your personal collection!
What was your strategy for Launch Day? Any good finds, or problems? Notice any characters or items being low stock, or hard to find? Post up your experience!
What? Pumpkin Eye Brawl, or Special Halloween 2013 Edition Eye Brawl
Where Did You Get Him? GameStop Pre-Order and Activision (Thanks!)
How Much Did It Cost? $15.99 plus tax,
What Was Stock Like? My local GameStop got a shipment of 6
What Lights Up? Head/Eye, just like regular, but in Spooktacular Orange
Is This Timed, or Limited Quantity Etc.? Right now that is unknown, my advice is to get him now if you want him.
How Does He Appear In-Game? Title Screen indicates "Special Eye Brawl." He shows up just the same as regular Eye Brawl and starts with no Level or Cash incentives.
If you've got your sights set on a spooktacular Halloween, look no farther than the latest Skylanders Giants offering, Special Halloween 2013 Edition Eye Brawl. SH2013 Eye Brawl, or as he is more commonly referenced, Pumpkin Eye Brawl, is sure to be a smashing success with kids of all ages and collectors alike.
Eye Brawl, Special Halloween 2013 Edition Eye Brawl in the Packaging, Pumpkin Eye Brawl (Loose):
Pumpkin Eye Brawl left the factory with a glossy, jet black cloak and his ever intent eye has taken more of a jack-o-lantern look. All of his copper piping and silver wings are jet black.
Pumpkin Eye Brawl and Eye Brawl, Side-by-Side, Front:
Pumpkin Eye Brawl and Eye Brawl, Side-by-Side, Back:
Pumpkin Eye Brawl and Eye Brawl, Side-by-Side, 3/4 View:
Pumpkin Eye Brawl, Eye Small, and Eye Brawl:
On the Portal of Power, Pumpkin Eye brawl radiates a warm, but sinister orange glow. With the lights out, he looks fantastic. The color closely matches the #5 billiard ball and kind of spins out from a fiery yellow, to pumpkin orange, and ultimately scorches as a burnt orange before fading back thru the same spectrum on the back half of the eye.
The one I opened (GameStop Pre-Order) seemed to have the light source off-center. The one sent from Activision (thanks again) was dead on...The other pre-order I got for my Nephew's Halloween present was also centered. That said, with the lights out, the one I opened looked great with the orange glow. I'm thinking it was just a rare one...nothing was loose, or rattled. If you are concerned, just stick the one you intend to buy on the Portal of Power at the store display and see how it lights up.
Pumpkin Eye Brawl & Eye Brawl Lit on the Portal, Lights On:
Pumpkin Eye Brawl & Eye Brawl Lit on the Portal, Lights Out:
Pumpkin Eye Brawl is the perfect pumpkin stuffer for this year's Halloween. It is unknown how long he'll be spooking on shelves, so act fast if you don't want him haunting you.
While my plan for today was to waltz into GameStop and pick up my pre-ordered Pumpkin Eye-Brawl, that didn't happen. For some reason, GTA V has apparently altered their shipping schedule.
Anyway, I was a bit disappointed and while leaving I turned back just to check the stock on Skylanders. While doing so, I saw the SWAP Force display box. I hadn't seen it before, so I figured I would make the trip worthwhile by lining it up with the Dark Edition Starter Pack inset poster...
While trying to stand it up I noticed something unusual...the "display" box had a backside! So many times those big, oversized paper boxes just have a colorful front to get your attention and then nothing on the backside...or in some cases, the exact same thing as the front so as to fool proof the display. This was inherently different....it had a more "polished" feel to the back with the game's story, box art, highlights for the S2, S3, LightCore, and SWAP Force Skylanders, AND a lineup for 4 of the Elements!!
Yep, you read right...4 of the Elements were listed out with characters from each...
They covered: Life, Air, Fire, and Undead.
They were listed out as follows: SWAP 1, SWAP 2, LightCore, Repose, Repose, SF New, SF New
Wow...talk about an unexpected find! My disappointing trip just turned into quite the find!
This is one of many posts/conveying of information where the blog is far superior to a video. The pictures in standard, widescreen, and any HD setting look like garbage. With my narration you can tell what is going on, but here on the blog they are so much easier to view and take in...
As usual, I realize many people only watch videos and rarely head to blogs or forums, so I made a video...but it is being posted with the caveat that you should really just come here and enjoy the pictures.
I've known of most of these, but it is cool to see the final figure poses...Especially of interest are Thorn Horn Camo and Scratch. This means that our lingering Life returnee is in fact, Camo. Quite fitting that he and Warnado both returned. Scratch also looks quite interesting.
So without further ado, why don't I quit rattling off info and let you see it for yourself? If you want to get a better look, head to your local GameStop and look for the Skylander SWAP Force display...The backside was very sneaky, but much appreciated! I wonder how many people have seen this display and NOT realized there was a backside? Anyway, here you go:
*Please note that you can click on any image to bring up a gallery where they will be enlarged!*
And if you want more of my thoughts, and less clear pics, here is the video:
Believe it or not, but this was part of our launch day haul from the release date: Thursday, August 29th, 2013 and Part 2, overall, of our Pokemon Rumble U Unboxings.
I will archive this unboxing in the original post, which contains more info on the game and NFC communication, as well as a complete character list. You can check it out here:
This time around we picked up:
-Genesect
-Mewtwo
-Croagunk (I guessed that one!)
And as a surprise, my Nephew showcased Legendary White Kyurem! We bought 2 copies of the game with the intent of landing both White and Black Kyurem...As is, EVERY GameStop in my area ONLY had White Kyurem. I don't know what is up with that, but it was the case. Kind of disappointing when you made the 2 separate pre-orders only to find it didn't really matter. I am curious as to what your local GameStop had..All Black Kyurem? All White Kyurem? A mix of the two? I don't know if it was at random, regional, or what, but I know it will make it hard for us to ever find Black Kyurem...short of someone else getting 2 copies and winding up with 2 Blacks.
That said, here is the unboxing:
Opening Up 4 Pokemon Rumble U Figures: Genesect, Mewtwo, Croagunk, and White Kyurem
As much as things like Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon launching in the Spring and not Fall (cough, before Halloween, cough) bothers me a bit more than most, I have to like the fact when something meshes up properly.
You've likely heard rumors of Pumkin Eye Brawl for awhile now...I know a ton of people have asked me if he is legit. My answer was yes...and now we can add him to our collections...at least in Canada. Those of us stateside will just have to wait about a week now.
He was first leaked on cduniverse...then retail "juggernauts" Sears and Kmart added him for pre-order, albeit with no picture or box art etc. This led to a lot more speculation, but helped convince me this was in fact a real deal.
How those two retailers opened up before GameStop, TRU, Walmart, Target, Amazon etc is still beyond me, but oh well...
I have to thank John from the blog and Facebook for letting me know we could actually pre-order PEB from GameStop!
I was running errands last night and put in my pre-order. I think the price was $15.99 (got some other stuff and don't have the receipt on me). Pumpkin Eye Brawl should arrive in stores Wednesday, September 11th, 2013.
Big question past that was the usual:
-What Is His Name in the Game?
-Does he Look Different?
-Level 5 and Cash?
-How does he look on the portal?
Well, since our neighbors to the north have Pumpkin Eye Brawl (as of today) we can answer those questions.
Pumpkin Eye Brawl's name in the game is "Special Eye Brawl" and he does not start at Level 5 with any coins. Also, in game he appears like regular Eye Brawl. I will save the light up info for the actual unboxing video...which should hopefully come next Wednesday!
Nonetheless, this is another special Giant and gives folks like myself a legitimate, non-duplicate 2nd Eye Brawl to explore his other path.
At this time we don't know if he will fly off the shelves or stick around like Gnarly Tree Rex. My thoughts are he should be easy to find initially, but with Halloween coming we could be in for a scare. Parents that are aware of him, or kids that know of him, will likely request Pumpkin Eye Brawl over candy...this will put a dent in the supply. The other, and bigger concern, is of course the scalpers. They know PEB will be big around Halloween and without knowing if he'll be stocked deep, or shipped in limited quantities for a short time they might buy up stock. I've already had a few Canadian readers tell me they have experienced going to their EB Games trying to land him today.
That said, I wanted to get the word out on Pumpkin Eye Brawl and his pre-order status. GameStop is likely a better bet for most. Currently, there is still nothing mentioning him on their website and I've yet to know of another major retailer with a pre-order.
As soon as I land him I will post pics and the unboxing!
What: New Super Luigi U
Where Did You Get It? GameStop
What Did It Cost? $29.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? Limited New Copies, Primarily Reserves
Unboxing New Super Luigi U for the Nintendo Wii U
I have to say, I was very excited to hear of New Super Luigi U a few months ago. I felt it was a great addition to the planned line up for the Year of Luigi. Plus, I knew my Nephew would like it and figured it would make a great Christmas gift...That part kind of fell through since I got it for him today, but I digress.
New Super Luigi U has been out for a few months...as a download. I am one of those people that prefers a physical copy over any download. When you factor in how special this packaging is, it made the 2 month wait a no brainer for me.
New Super Luigi U is an attractive package...literally. Instead of the textbook blue Wii U cases (which I personally like) NSLU gets a nice Yoshi Green case. I say that because the green is more lime than forest...or, in Mario terms, you'd brush a swatch of this on your wall and think it looked like more of a Yoshi color than Luigi. That said, it is still cool, it is still green, and it is still a nice collector's item.
There is a "Year of Luigi" seal in the upper LH corner and there is no sign of Mario. Inside the game lacks any special booklets or even a base instruction manual, which was a bit disappointing given the opportunity there to really honor Mario's bro.
The game disc was also customized...virtually nothing is the same as New Super Mario Bros. U!
While I do feel they could have done more to honor Luigi, the game was only $29.99, which I think is more than a fair price for what you receive. In fact I, like many others, plan to pick up another copy to keep sealed for display purposes! You don't see many US released Nintendo titles in "special" cases...Just a few red ones come to mind from the Wii. I'm pretty sure this is the first time we've ever seen green on the casing!
That said, what about the game? From what I know there are 82 courses, all redesigned and structured specifically for Luigi. Those that are veteran players of the series will no doubt recall Luigi having a longer and higher jump than Mario..that was taken into account here.
The other thing comes with a greater challenge. The levels were not only set u to be more challenging, but have a 100 second time limit. This is something I could do without.
While I appreciate the fact it makes the game unique and even more challenging, one of the things I enjoy most is exploring the levels...really taking time to get to know them thoroughly. That can't happen with a 100 second time limit AND a more challenging layout. I think the solution could have been that once you complete the game, you can unlock a "Leisure" mode that either defaults the time limits, or turns them off...Oh well, one can dream.
The other touted feature is that you can play as Nabbit...which sounds lame...until someone tells you he is invincible to enemies! Yeah...game on! I'm excited to try that aspect out and see how it changes gameplay...that said, I'd prefer to experiment with it in time constraints greater than 100 Seconds, but what can you do?
Still, despite the time limit drawback I am excited not only to own this game, but to play it. It looks great with any collection and should be a nice challenge for veterans of the series.
