Comment with #Llama for a Bonus Brick in the Wall of Wiisdom!
Let me know which carpet you think looks best!
In this video we take a look at the 1.11 addition that drew the biggest applause at Minecon, the llama! We showcase their behavior, hearts, storage potential, convoys, and most importantly their carpeted swag!
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? Skylanders Giants themed Stackable Tackle Box from PowerA
Where Did You Get It? Toys'R'Us
What Did It Cost? $24.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? Nabbed the last one (pretty regular restock on the SF Tackle Box)
Checking out PowerA's Skylanders Giants Stackable Tackle Box
One of the questions I get all the time, especially here as of late, is, "How do you store/organize your Skylanders Collection" or more bluntly, "What do you do with all your Skylanders?"
That is not a simple answer and requires a multifaceted answer:
1: A few Skylanders seem to permanently reside on the pool table
2: My desk, TV Stand, and old TV all display a few of my favorites
3: When I am working on upgrades/quests etc, heavily played characters stay right by the portal
4. Storage...the residence for the vast majority of the Skylanders
I stressed this earlier in the year when I picked up the SWAP Force (Green) Stackable Tackle Box...Veterans of the game are over run with Skylanders and it is going to be an issue by the end of SWAP Force. In fact, even if you just get started with SWAP Force, by the time you land that last character, you have likely overwhelmed any areas near and around your TV/console of choice. At this point in time a smart and efficient solution is needed.
The shining solution on the hill is the PowerA Stackable Tackle Box. There are several other options from PowerA as well that might suit your needs better, but personally this one makes the best solution. It looks great, houses lots of figures, is sealed with 3 latches, and most importantly it stacks. Unless you store your collection in a container with a massive footprint, the Stackable Tackle Box remains your best solution for a small footprint with maximum capacity, and killer aesthetics.
I'll admit, some of my collection is in the small Sterlite cases intended for shoes...although I like to think of them as small sterlite cases made for Skylanders that folks erroneously put shoes in, but I digress...They are super cheap, roughly $1.50 each, have somewhat secure lids (as long as you lift from the bottom), and the clear sides work well for viewing.
The other big role the Sterlite cases play is with my "sealed" characters. Any character I buy doubles of (Jolly Bumble Blast, Gnarly Tree Rex, etc.), and any Special or Chase Variants I land will stay in their packaging...Obviously, this makes them quite hard to "store" in my preferred manner. So, I use either the same 6 Quart Sterlites, or buy bigger 41 Quart (big, but not too big imo) to easily store Core, Giants, and Swappers with no trouble what so ever. They are reasonably priced, stack,, and will keep figures dust free and safe from moisture etc.
I like for the collection to stand upgright, PowerA's Stackable Tackle Box takes care of that for me...I use it for my "active" roster (ie the Skylanders I plan to use for the present and immediate future). So, naturally, those noble warriors get the best residence. Skylanders from SSA get bumped back to the other cases...
I've now got several of the Stackable Tackle Boxes and love them...The looks coupled with the capacity, dividers, and stackability seal the deal (just like the THREE latches (a big deal for those of you who aren't super graceful or have kids)).
I picked this one up to house my Series 2 Core Characters and eventually the S2 Newlanders (once Castaways vs Newlanders wraps up). This color coordination (Green for SWAP Force, Orange for Giants..both complete with appropriate artwork) makes things very simple.
When TRU had their spend $40 save $10 last week I cashed in with the $10 Dragon's Peak, "correctly" printed Hoot Loop, re-released Dino-Rang, and of course, this Stackable Tackle Box. My total savings was $24.99, which oh so ironically is the cost of the storage case...That is what I call WINNING!
That said, the video covers, albeit very quickly, the Giants themed Stackable Tackle Box and what my other storage solutions look like...they aren't near as cool, or precise, but get the job done for now...If you are on a budget I would go that route and pop for the PowerA case for your favorites, most frequently played, or simply to safely transport your select characters to a friend's house for Battle Mode, or Co-op etc.
The cases look really good side-by-side!
If you are in the market for the best and most visually satisfying Skylanders Storage Solution, I suggest you look no further than PowerA's Stackable Tackle Box!
For a look at the SWAP Force Stackable Tackle Box, check out this post:
http://www.1ofwiisdom.com/2013/10/review-of-poweras-skylanders-swap-force.html
PowerA's other offerings cover Over-the-Door, Soft Sided On-the-Go Cases, the stellar Fun Play HideAway Display Sets: Flynn's Ship and Skylands...In terms of tactical effectiveness and stellar good looks, the Stackable Tacke Box remains a personal favorite for doing the bulk of the work.
What? PowerA's Skylanders SWAP Force FunPlayHideAway Skylands
Where Can You Get It? Toys'R'Us Exclusive
What Does It Cost? $69.99 plus tax
What is Included: Large Island & Top, Small Island with Waterfall, Collapsible Bridge, Tiki Statue, Cannon with 2 Cannon Balls, 5 Island Stands
Unboxing PowerA's FunPlayHideAway Skylands
Today was a great day...PowerA's much anticipated Skylanders SWAP Force FunPlayHideAway arrived!
This thing is EVEN BETTER than I anticipated! Having seen it first hand at E3, albeit within the safe confines of a display case, I knew this was going to be a big hit come Christmas time for Portal Masters of all ages...I see no reason to change that prediction.
It is hard to peg down exactly who is best suited to PowerA's FunPlayHideAway Skylands.
Most folks will likely think of it is a playset for kids.
Some will view it is a handy way to store and display a few favorites.
Hard core collectors will likely view it as the perfect display piece for their growing collection.
The funny thing is, the FunPlayHideAway fits all of those needs.
It is durable enough to serve daily use at the hands of even the youngest Portal Masters. Purists and Collectors alike will love having something so close to the game to both store and display figures. The purely practical will likely see it is a combination of storage and display. Families with younger Skylander fans will no doubt hit upon the maximum uses...It will look great and serve as a conversation piece at a dinner party, holds figures for quick cleanup, and brings the world of Skylanders even more into your living room.
Front of Box...Look for it at your TRU!
Back of the Box
Top of the Box
Side of the Box
Side of the Box
I have to admit, I'm in my late 20s and I have had fun just staging pics for this article.
Let's take a look at why I'm having fun with it.
First off, you can display your personal favorites. For my Nephew and myself this would mean featuring Slam Bam and Terrafin. Second, the Cannon actually shoots! I don't care how old you are, this is ALWAYS a plus! The "cave" access and hidden door are added perks I was unaware of...
Cannon Staged in front of Portal on Big Island
The other thing I didn't know from E3 is that the Portal is sitting on a TRAP DOOR! Yep, you read correctly...And the catch is, it is fully functional! PowerA includes a Tiki Statue, which I thought was cool, but wasn't sure why it was included...After reading the instructions it became clear...The Tiki Statue fits over a plastic button that actuates a trap door...This is a very, very cool feature!
Innocent Looking Tiki Statue Actually Activates the Trap Door
Side Access and Trap Door Open on the Big Island
View from the Trap Door: Note the Elemental Treasure and Story Scroll...Great Detail!
Something minor, is that the "small island" isn't attached to the "big island." This is a big deal for the simple fact it reduces the overall footprint and let's the end user select where and how to display the small island. You can place the big island on a coffee table or end table near the TV and then put the small island up on a higher shelf, or even in a different room.
Front of Small Island with Waterfall
Backside of Small Island, Open Access for Easy Storage
While the Stackable Tackle Box remains the best solution for bulk storage, no one can deny how cool this is to add to the collection. It looks great and truly is just like having a piece from Skylands in your home.
The FunPlayHideAway Skylands is available for $69.99 from Toys'R'Us. Stores should be getting stock any day now and I expect this to be a big hit come Christmas time. Collectors may want to get in early to avoid having to jump stores looking for stock etc.
The quality is great and that is apparent just from the way the item was packed. I know my videos are a bit longer than some, but that is because I put a lot of time into the details and intricacies of the product. I want to err on the side of giving you all the facts as opposed to skipping them. There is a LOT to see with this one. The FunPlayHideAway will make the perfect gift for any Skylander fan and serves multiple purposes on several fronts. It really is a must have for anyone interested in expanding their playing and showcasing their collection!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will do my best to help you out.
Hey...ever had one of those nights where it is getting really late, but you make yourself go thru your "routine" anyway? Sometimes it really pays off; That was the case tonight!
I was checking my e-mail and noticed that TRU had sent out their Hot Toy List.
I opened it up and the last listing in the "Fabulous 15" was none other than Skylanders SWAP Force (they clearly saved the best for last!).
That said, I figured it was as good a time as any to make sure there weren't any new single, double, or triple packs up for pre-order. There were not, BUT they did have some PowerA accessories listed out...some being up for pre-order and others being listed as IN STORES!!
Yep, you read that right...I plan to make my rounds tomorrow and see if I can locate any of the merchandise first hand. If you have played SSA and Giants you are in need for some good storage solutions. Why not get something that not only does the job (and does it well at that!), but looks great and adds to your collection?
PowerA has got you covered on that end! I put together a real quick video highlighting what I found, the prices, and made sure to indicate the figure capacity (when listed), the stock status, and of course...whether or not it was indicated as a TRU Exclusive. So, here you go:
If you want those precious, enlarged pictures you can't get from a video, fear not...I've got your back:
My first stop at E3 2013 was the Power A Booth. I was pretty excited because, as you know, I am a fan of the products. I still get people asking me where I got my 3DS case and it still looks brand new...it is incredible quality. Similarly, Power A got on the Skylanders wagon early in the game cranking out some great products to provide custom storage solutions and enhanced gaming with carefully crafted accessories.
This year, they have really upped the ante. They had some of the most innovative storage/display products I have seen. It is almost as if someone imagined this concept and then instead of the bean counters saying, "No!" it actually went into production.
For those of you who aren't just content with the cases (upgrades there as well!), they now have flush mount islands that turn your wall into Skylands. If you were to use some of the wall stickers, or paint a custom mural it would be over the top. The islands connect with bridges and comfortably hold Giants and Swap Force characters as well as your regular SSA cast. They are very cool.
If you are more interested in say putting your display on a desk or table of some sorts you can have the full on 3D treatment! The island display is ridiculously awesome as is Flynn's Ship. These are products and displays many of us have dreamed of, but never really thought we would see outside of attempting to have one fabricated at our own expense.
Power A has these new storage and display innovations along with some other cool new products. They have recently gotten into the mobile side of things and have smart phone, iPod, and tablet covers and sleeves ready to go...I saw a few "insiders" sporting the Hot Dog cover at the show...Amazing what a keen eye will show you!
On top of the new product line and innovations the cases and controllers are just as good as ever.
What caught me off guard was their box display. This is akin to what you might see in your local Game Stop, Toys'R'Us, Target or Walmart. It featured artwork for Ninja Stealth Elf, Blast Zone, and what should be S3 Chop Chop and S2 Hot Dog. Inside they had product boxes to highlight the potential display layout. However, what was a total surprise was getting to see the box art for some of the new Swap Force characters! It was a very big surprise and was just a taste of what was to come...
It was difficult to get great pictures or video due to the volume of people, lighting, and noise, but I think you will get the gist of things...Power A and Skylanders make a great team with killer products for us, the end users!
I have a separate video to highlight their back section which features even more great products for all platforms and from brands like Nintendo, Mario, Pokemon, Call of Duty, and more!
