Skylanders Trap Team Soundtrack

Amazon has listed the Skylanders Trap Team Soundtrack!

You can click here to view the artwork and tracks:Trap Team Soundtrack

The release date is slated for September 23rd, 2014 although that may not come to fruition.

There are 12 Tracks with a total run time of 28:19.

Here is the track list:

1. Main Theme
2. Soda Springs
3. Skylanders Academy
4. Know-it-All Island
5. Chompy Mountain
6. Chef Zeppelin
7. Rainfish Riveria
8. Monster Marsh
9. Dreamcatcher Theme
10. Lair of the Golden Queen
11. Sunscraper Towers
12. The Nightmare Express

The music is once again stellar in my opinion.  The scores in each of the previous releases has been excellent...I feel that has been a very under appreciated aspect to the series.

Skylanders Academy is the most familiar to me as I heard it at E3 and it sounds quite similar to past game's hub themes.

What is your favorite track?

Skylanders Trap Team Full Console Experience on Tablets

Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack

Information, Gameplay, and My Thoughts

Skylanders® is redefining the Toys-to-LifeTM phenomenon with yet another ground-breaking innovation, Skylanders Trap TeamTM. With Skylanders Trap Team, players can take characters out of the game and place them into physical “Traps” that kids can take with them, effectively bringing Life to Toys. 

Now, for the first time in franchise history, Activision Publishing, Inc. is bringing the full AAA console experience of a Skylanders game to iPad®, Kindle Fire and Android tablets with the Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack. Launching day-and-date with the console version, the Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack will include a Bluetooth© Traptanium PortalTM, a new ring of magical energy which reverses the magic of the Toys-to-Life category by letting players bring digital characters into the physical world. The new portal gives players the freedom to dock their tablet, providing a hands-free gaming experience. The Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack will also include a Bluetooth® controller for the best possible play experience; a built-in tablet stand; two Skylanders characters; two Traps; and a display tray that lets Portal Masters keep track of the Traps they’ve collected and which villains they have trapped.

Like the console version of the game, all 175 existing Skylanders toys will be forward compatible and playable across all platforms, truly allowing Portal Masters to play wherever and whenever they want. Delivering another meaningful technological leap to the Skylanders franchise, the launch of Skylanders Trap Team on tablet underscores Activision’s continued commitment to bringing significant innovation to the Toys-to-Life category that the company firmly established in 2011.

The game introduces more than 50 new playable Skylanders heroes and more than 40 villains in an all-new adventure, delivering a diverse and dynamic story-driven gameplay experience filled with adventure, combat, puzzles, mini games, activities and platforming, all set within a variety of lush, compelling environments.

KEY FEATURES:

Unprecedented Tablet Innovation – Skylanders Trap Team on tablet represents a huge technological leap for the Toys-to-Life category as one of the first AAA experiences of its kind on the platform. The team is delivering a feat of development innovation with a game that was built alongside the console versions, driving an unparalleled level of performance from the tablet devices that it supports.

Complete Toys-to-Life, Life to Toys Tablet Experience – The Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack gives fans everything they need for a rich gameplay experience wherever and whenever they want to play. Tablet players will experience the Skylanders Trap Team innovation through a Bluetooth Traptanium Portal and Bluetooth controller. They can also play the full game on their tablets using touch controls and two digital Skylanders characters and two digital Traps.

Two Ways to Play – Once players purchase the tablet Starter Pack and download the game via their tablet’s app store, the game will recognize the Bluetooth Traptanium Portal and unlock the full experience. Players will experience the same AAA content they come to expect from Skylanders console games, but with two ways to play:

“Controller” – Fans can play the game just like the console version using the Bluetooth Traptanium Portal and toys with the custom Bluetooth Skylanders game controller included in the Starter Pack. 

“Touch Controls” – For players who prefer to use touch controls instead of a controller, fans  have the option to play the game just using on-screen touch controls.

Innovative Gameplay – In Skylanders Trap Team, you can play as a Skylander or capture Skylands’ most wanted foes and unleash them for good. It’s up to Portal Masters to find these villains and capture them inside the new Traps that transport the villains into the real world via the Traptanium Portal. Once trapped, players can return the villain to Skylands as a playable character. This exciting new play pattern gives fans the option to switch between playing as a Skylander hero or a villain at any time, creating fun and unique “tag team” gameplay. 

Publisher: Activision Publishing, Inc.

Developers: Toys for Bob (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii)

Beenox (Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Wii U, 3DS)

Vicarious Visions (iPad, Kindle Fire, Android tablets)

Supported Devices: Apple iPad 3rd Gen, iPad 4th Gen, iPad Mini Retina, iPad Air

Kindle Fire HDX (7” & 8.9”)

Google Nexus 7 (2013)

Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro (8.4”, 10.1”, 12.2”)

Samsung Galaxy Tab S (8.4”, 10.5”)

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014), Galaxy Note Pro 12.2

Unboxing Scarlet Ninjini Skylanders Giants

What?  Scarlet Ninjini
Where Did You Get Her?  bestbuy.com via in-store pick up reservation
How Much Did She Cost?  $12.99 plus tax
What Lights-Up?  Genie Cloud, Eyes, Face/Hair to a degree
What Was Stock Like?  None in the store aside from my reserved figures...I could have gone in Saturday to get her, but had something to do Sunday so I put it off a day.

Unboxing Scarlet Ninjini

Please note that I spent the first 7:30 or so of the video outlining your options to land Scarlet...If you want to skip to the unboxing, go straight to around the 8:00 minute mark.  Similarly, the back end of the video was used to vent about Best Buy's continued, lackluster store policies.

Pictures: 

Scarlet & Card

Scarlet & Regular Ninjini

Scarlet and Ninjini

Scarlet, Front View on Portal

Scarlet, Back view on Portal

Stats: 

Scarlet Ninjini is +6 Armor and +10 Critical Hit over regular Ninjini!

Conclusion:

Scarlet Ninjini is quite interesting...not just the whole ninja-genie thing, but her actual figure.  With most "in-game variants" we see them locked to a certain store (Granite Crusher=Target, Molten Hot Dog=Walmart etc).  Scarlet Ninjini is EVERYWHERE.  GameStop, Best Buy, Target, Toys'R'Us, Walmart, and I'm sure very soon on Amazon.com.  What are we to make of this?

Well, this practice has never really been done before.  We have routinely seen the "in-game variants" stocked on release day only to sell out super fast, and disappear often for months...They sometimes reappear, but thus far it has been in very limited quantities and they are quick to sell out once more.

Do we assume Scarlet will be run-of-the-mill and a shelf warmer after the inital surge?  Or do we make note of the "quantities limited" notices on sales circulars from Walmart, Target, and Toys'R'Us and wonder if this isn't a big shipment into the US that is dispersed evenly and will quickly be depleted?  If so, will she come again, or is this temporary influx and omnipresence of Scarlet just a nice gesture and one that could be wrongly perceived by the less stalwart fans who ultimately wind up missing out?  As of right now, we just don't know.

From what I can tell, the diehards who still lacked her have been able to land Scarlet today for the most part...I have had a few tell me the scalpers cleaned the store out (see Target/Best Buy).  There has been a big influx of Scarlet listings on both eBay and Amazon from the retail pirates.

All I know to do is suggest you be diligent in tracking her down and get her for retail (or less) as soon as possible.  I would not at all be surprised to see this "Scarlet is everywhere" hype fade into a "Scarlet is nowhere..despite all the stores being able to sell her" reality.  That said, best case she routinely reappears at retailers in staggered intervals, but with this approach, we just don't have a base line to go by...

Hopefully you landed her today, if not already...Feel free to post up the conditions at your local stores and we will try to piece this together!

Scarlet Ninjini at Best Buy 5/18/2013

I am extremely tired, but...

I just ordered Scarlet Ninjini and the price was $12.99.

Yep, an in-game variant currently going for $30-40 online and she is debuting at Best Buy for the low price of $12.99.

But, why the post?  To help YOU out...Here is the link...Just click "check stores" and enter your info...all stores with stock will pop up...They claim they'll hold her for roughly 7-8 days so you should have plenty of time to pick her up if you go this route:

Scarlet Ninjini at Best Buy: In-Store Pickup for $12.99  <--click p="" there="">

Photo by Cassie

We know Target and Toys'R'Us will have her Sunday morning (which just seems to spell disaster in all likelihood).  I found out today that Walmart has her on hand as well (octaneblue has a picture up on his Twitter feed), but they are apparently joining the party late with a "purchase date" of Tuesday, May 21st, 2013.  I've yet to see Amazon with their batch accounted for, but I'm sure it will surface over the weekend or early next week.

GameStop has been selling her for over a week now, with shipments hitting the farther reaches of the US the last couple of days...I expect them to continue to ship out, just at an unknown interval at this point.

Again, personal experience says TRU's big promotions usually tank...big time.  They rarely have anything past limited stock on hand and in many cases, several stores go with no stock of the big launch item.  They sometimes orchestrate things well, but I've got 2 years worth of documentation in terms of Skylanders they routinely fall short of pleasing the masses...You are also likely to have to endure a line and ticket system at many stores.

Target has no quota on Skylanders (at least that I've ever seen or been made aware of)...This basically means if there were say 6-12 Scarlet Ninjnis on the shelf, an ebay pirate could pluck them all right at opening...Again, I have better things to do with my life than hang outside a locked door of a retailer...

My plan was to wait out GameStop, or get lucky with Amazon, but thanks to Best Buy's surprisingly good price and in-store pickup option I am not set and can avoid what would likely be a mess Sunday.

Hopefully you can take advantage of this surprise price and more surprising convenience and land your Scarlet Ninjini at Best Buy!

Eye Brawl and Thumpback in the Near Future!

Hey Everybody!

How about some REALLY awesome news to start 2013?  Well, this should suffice.

While skimming the net today I found 2 very good leads on the potential release of both Thumpback, the Water Element Giant, and Eye Brawl, the Undead Element Giant.

Before calling my local GameStop I checked online to make sure the release date on the Scorpion Striker Battle Pack with Hot Dog and Zap was in fact pushed back to 1/9/2013.  That sadly turned out to be the case and I got confirmation when I called in...

However, when on GameStop.com I found the packaging proof had been added for BOTH Thumpback and Eye Brawl!!

This is a big deal because that is what GameStop has done in the past before a new character was up for sale...You can also note that they have  yet to add the Wave 3 Single Packs to that coveted list, so I am thinking it is imminent that we will see both Giants very soon.

Checking around elsewhere, I turned up on Amazon link to Thumpback...with the packaging proof, yet another encouraging sign!

As of right now I do not know solid dates, but I will update this post as the info trickles in...

Here are some helpful links:

Eye Brawl at GameStop:
http://www.gamestop.com/toys/skylanders-giants-eye-brawl-individual-character-pack/105996

Thumpback at GameStop:
http://www.gamestop.com/toys/skylanders-giants-thumpback-individual-character-pack/106002

Thumpback on Amazon:

Thumpback Amazon

Eye Brawl at Walmart:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Skylanders-Giants-Giants-Eye-Brawl-Universal/21309831

Thumpback at Walmart:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Skylanders-Giants-Giants-Thumpback-Universal/21309832

Personally I am more excited for Eye Brawl, but I know the vast majority seems to want Thumpback.

Stay tuned for updates and good luck landing the new Giants!

*Update 1/2/13 5 AM (so much for getting to bed earlier in 2013): It looks like several sources are saying we will see Thumpback and Eye Brawl hit on the 9th and that we can expect Ninjini mid-to-late January.  I obviously can not confirm this and would still call it speculation, but they have to come out some time, right?!

I also want to point out that there remains a good chance we could see some straggling characters like Wrecking Ball or Spyro in their S2 repose hit the shelves.

I'm still waiting on the assignment of any Triple Packs, although at this point it is likely I'd only be up for the tail end of them (could see all S2 in a few)...

I will update again as new or confirmed info arrives.

Updated 1/4/2013 to add Walmart Links.

Weekly Update: August 25th, 2012: Wii U Conference, Green Warnado, Gold Flameslinger, Giants Music, and More!

Well Hello!

I just posted the super-awesome chronicle of the Street Pass Tag from Ecuador, so why not stick to the usual format?  I'll tell you why...the Wii U!

Wii U Press Conference Set

If you were expecting me to tell you that the Wii U was going to launch Sunday, November 18th, 2012 here in NA, you will have to wait until it is made official at their swanky, NYC Media Event on Thursday, September 13th, 2012.

I believe that date will basically yield the following: official release date, price for the console, price for the games (prob $59.99), and maybe a few other surprises or teasers/trailers of Q1 2013 launches.

Nintendo has released the N64, GameCube, and DS around this time and I expect that to continue.  Honestly, a tad earlier would be nice, but as long as they are out BEFORE Black Friday and the main holiday rush they will make out just fine.  Of course, for us diehards, this will hopefully, finally, give us the chance to lock down a pre-order on what I think will be a very hard to get item (although I'd love to be wrong).

The 3DS was intended to drop in November, but wasn't ready...hence the later release.

I would love to see Nintendo keep its first party titles (and the best games imo) at the $49.99 mark, but with major third-party developers able to port and develop for all three consoles I wouldn't be shocked if they made the jump to $59.99.  Fear not though, low key games and shoveleware will still probably be in the familiar $29.99-$49.99 with almost instant price drops, lol.

So that is really the big news...We don't have big news, but we will soon have big news.  I for one an excited.  So mark your calendars and get ready for the final installment.  I REALLY HOPE that Nintendo will also release a Nintendo Direct either that night with highlights or from a pre-recorded segment for the loyal fans.  Stay tuned!

Nintendo 3DS

And now back to our normal layout.  I know nothing was set in stone with that Wii U info, but it is a big deal and long awaited.

Street Passin'

This one was basically covered here with my Ecuador Chronicle.  Aside from that there has been nothing new...sadly.

Find Mii II

Guess who just took down the Ultimate Ghost?  What, Mii?  Well, you are correct!  Although I was kind of the only choice, I'll still give you credit for guessing correctly.  Sadly, as I kind of expected, that little tower beyond the "Castle of Darkness-Rooftop" does exist and I am now being held captive there by the Dark Lord, who looks to have like 200 or so in the health bar :(

I've actually got a lot of pictures there and plan to post them up separately mid-week...mainly because I have  my headset plugged in and if I pull it, the recording device drops game audio...Which should tell you I have been recording something (won't say what, it is a surprise!).  And I am thinking I'll do some MKW or MP9 after this post, although it is 2:40 AM...we'll see.

New Super Mario Bros. 2

Is freaking awesome!  I have really enjoyed this game thus far and today will mark 1 week of play time!  I am actually doing something kind of new for myself in terms of the "game log."  Right below the unboxing video I have a short, brief log of what all has gone on in the game.  I hope to be able to update it nightly..you can find it right here: NSMB2 Game Log

As of last night (cough 5 AM this morning) I am in World 5.  I have all 3 Star Coins from all but 1 or 2 Levels, although I have only bought access to one gated area at this point.  I have, however, found several special levels etc.  I have pics that I'll add to the game log soon.

Other 3DS Games

I've actually played a little SML2: 6 Golden Coins and will continue to play Mario Tennis Open Street Pass Matches.  I also want to finish Professor Layton and the Curious Village here before long.

Skylanders

Sidekicks

I am still waiting on what will hopefully be Terrabite and Trigger Snappy, but earlier this week I purchased another pack to hopefully land Gill Runt or Whisper Elf.  I hope to find another "flavor" pack and just go for the 4th.  I figure if I get duplicates someone else did too and we can work out a trade.  As soon as I get anything, I will let you know.  I can say, however, that several people have already gotten their sidekicks.

And just in case you need to know, I got them at Target for the (still valid from last week) sale price of $5.99.  And also just for the record, I have not seen the school bus display anywhere just yet, but I will keep looking.  School here starts back this week (some last week, some next week) so I figure any retailer that has it should get it up soon...I know Target and the local grocery store does not have one in the store.  I might make a dreaded trip into the confines of Wal-Mart to snap a picture...provided they have one.

Battle Tournament

Well, we are in the final stages of the first Skylanders Battle Tournament.  There is 1 day left to vote and as of right now it looks like Ignitor is going to take down Terrafin and Camo will beat Bash.  Camo has a huge lead, roughly 2x the votes.  Terrafin is only down 10-20 so that one could change.

If you have not voted you need to do it ASAP!  Especially if you are a fan of any of these Final Four, or simply can't stand one of them...Every vote matters!

Obviously, I'll be recording the results and Championship Matchup Video here in a few hours so that is kind of exciting.  Also of note, I am actually IN TOWN when it is ending, meaning it will be up that day, not 3-4 days later when I'm back home, lol.

I will also start really investigating what you want to see in the next Battle Tournament and will try to deliver.  There are some epic matchups we can line-up...I'll do my best to deliver for everyone what you will enjoy the most!

That "Cool, New Info" I Promised was Skylanders Related...

Hey, you're still reading!  Or did you just skim to the Skylanders section?  Be honest!  But nonetheless, I said I would offer up some "cool, new info" and I am a man of my word.  The question is, where to begin?

Let's start with the unknown...

Green Warnado

Yep, that's right...Green Warnado...and I don't mean Glow-in-the-Dark Warnado.  GameStop recently had a place holder page pop-up with "Green Warnado" and $19.99.  It is unknown if this is a pulled variant, a Translucent Green version kind of like you saw with Jello-Mold Drill Sergeant, or if it is actually an RFID deal where he will light up green.  I figure with the $19.99 price tag it has to be something fairly special.  Please note I am not implying he is a "light core" figure.  Those will cost more than a regular Skylander (not this much) and will have special powers.  I just thought they might have incorporate that into a chase, or exclusive figure for GameStop.

The thing about this is, if they are doing a Green Warnado it opens up lots of other doors.  Camo and Ghost Roaster got the axe...will they have special colored exclusives or variants?  Is this something they are doing just for those characters that didn't get re-released as a re-pose?  Is this a special run down for their top retailers: GameStop, Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Amazon?

Here is the link:
http://www.gamestop.com/toys/skylanders-warnado-green/104334

My gut tells me this will just be a solid color like TRDS (Translucent Red Drill Sergeant).  I think it might look cool and will probably pull the trigger since I like Warnado so well.  However, that does kill my long running feeling there would be a green Whirlwind...Does this mean Target will unleash a Pink or Purple Whirlwind?  Or are they holding out for a Rainbow exclusive?  So many options!  So why am I thinking solid color more than my own "green RFID" hypothesis?  Simple...

Gold Flameslinger...Again

This is why I'm thinking GameStop's "Green Warnado" will be a solid color:

Yep, you see it...Gold Flameslinger in his Series 2 pose!  I am not skilled with photoshop and if I doctored this it would have been done with Microsoft Paint.  This is the real deal and I saw it myself on Amazon...Oh, and I also pre-ordered it!  Just since Wednesday or whenever it was, the page is gone as if it never existed.  The pre-order isn't cancelled, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I figure with this (which was $9.99) that is probably what GameStop's "Green Warnado" will be...And I also figure Target, Wal-Mart, and maybe Best Buy will get special "exclusives."

Pre-Order Bonuses 

What kills me on "Green Warnado" and "Gold Flameslinger" is that they aren't pre-order bonuses.  And thus far, the only real pre-order bonus to be announced is from Best Buy.  You get a bag, bracelet, key chain deal, stickers, and a little poster.  I think TRU is giving away a Blue Bash, LTH, and guaranteeing a Giant character will be available for purchase...although I think this is "online only" and there have been rumors it will be a Legendary Bouncer.

I have still not pre-ordered the game just because I am hoping someone puts together a deal worth getting...or has a first week special (free  triple pack etc).

I have not gotten to update the Giants post, but I am sad to report the "Portal Owner's Pack" will only have Tree Rex, which I think is BS...It should have had Jet-Vac as they originally indicated.  This makes the $15 price difference (Jet-Vac, Cynder, and a spare portal) to the Starter Pack seem like nothing...I can live without S2 Cynder, but if Jet-Vac is only available in the Starter Pack for awhile (think Ignitor from last year's 3DS) I'd like to just spend the extra $15 and have a back-up portal.

I will post all of this, and the pics of the pre-order bonus from Best Buy (which I despise more than Wal-Mart) on the Giants post.

Level List for Giants via Amazon MP3

This one might not be super accurate, but it should be accurate to some degree.  Amazon recently posted the  mp3 links to Skylanders: Giants music, despite it not being available just yet, and I took some screen caps:

Hmm, can't really see that too well...but take my word for it...there seem to be a lot of potential level names there.  That said, I don't know that there were enough to constitute the entire game AND some of those tracks were likely generic "openings' and "scene specific."  I will expand on this one in a separate post and stick it with the main Giants post tomorrow.

Current Projects

Mario Kart Wii

Still need to record 150cc.  Hope to do so this week.

Mario Party 9

Still need to resume Board #2.  Hope to do so this week as well.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

The poll is over, to be elaborate on later, and most of you said to just ditch the game and recording trouble and move on to a different game.  I very well may do that...although I am going to play the game.  I'll mull over it some more...Focus for now will definitely be as follows: Mario Kart Wii, Mario Party 9, and Professor Layton and the Curious Village.


Currently Playing

Wii
-Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Heroic Challenges)
-Wii Fit Plus
-Gold's Gym Cardio Workout
-Mario Party 9
-Mario Kart Wii

3DS
-New Super Mario Bros. 2
--Mario Tennis Open (Street Pass Matches)
--Professor Layton and the Curious Village
--Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
*Everything has currently taken a back seat to NSMB2!*

Currently Listening

Auto Audio (In the Car): Seven Mary Three
Home Audio (At Home): Anna Nalick, Taylor Swift

Conclusion

Well it is pretty late now...I had planned to play MP9, but I think I'll hit the hay (and play NSMB2 instead, lol).

I will get MKW Part 7 up tomorrow and will also try to get the Giants Post Updated with a lot of new info.

Skylanders Merchandise: Books and More

Well, I wanted to make this one in the latest "Weekly Update," but ultimately decided it should get its own post.  I am doing this at 4 AM so as of right now I am just going to post links...A lot of stuff has been added just since I looked last last week.  However, fear not...in the event the links are "leaks" I have taken screen grabs of each!

The main draw here is the books.  Some have them already and most like them...the prices are not high at all, but having not read/seen any in person I can't tell you if you're getting 150 pages of fiction, 10 pages of illustrations, or pointless trash.  I may pick a few up...I don't have a Kindle or Nook, so I'll have to wait for the "hard copies."

I kind of ordered them from relevant to just plain and simple money grabs.  I realize people will like puzzles, stickers, and activity books but it has been an awfully long time since I've seen so much licensing madness, lol.  I'll slowly add the lunch boxes, stylus pens, etc.  There are also rumored to be some shirts coming...

Edit: Blast, the shirts are already out...and they stop at like "7" for kids...Curse society and its stereotypes...I'd totally rock the "It's Feeding Time" Terrafin Shirt!  If anyone is reading this, make adult sizes!!


Master Eon's Official Guide
http://www.amazon.com/Master-Official-Skylanders-Spyros-Adventure/dp/044846182X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1344331208&sr=8-4&keywords=skylanders+books

Book of Elements: Magic & Tech
http://www.amazon.com/Book-Elements-Skylanders-Spyros-Adventure/dp/0448461854/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344331208&sr=8-1&keywords=skylanders+books

Book of Elements: Fire & Water
http://www.amazon.com/Book-Elements-Skylanders-Spyros-Adventure/dp/0448463563/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1344331208&sr=8-13&keywords=skylanders+books

The Machine of Doom
http://www.amazon.com/Machine-Doom-Skylanders-Spyros-Adventure/dp/0448461846/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1344331208&sr=8-3&keywords=skylanders+books

Battle for Skylandes
http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Skylands-Skylanders-Spyros-Adventure/dp/0448461838/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1344331208&sr=8-8&keywords=skylanders+books

The Mask of Power: Spyro vs. The Mega Monsters
http://www.amazon.com/The-Mask-Power-Skylanders-Adventure/dp/0448463555/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1344331208&sr=8-11&keywords=skylanders+books

Skylanders Mask of Power: Gill Grun(t)
http://www.amazon.com/Skylanders-Mask-Power-Gill-Grun/dp/140939199X/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1344331259&sr=8-17&keywords=skylanders+books

Skylanders Official Sticker Book (Friggin' A it has been a long time since I've seen a "sticker" book, lol):
http://www.amazon.com/Skylanders-Official-Sticker-Book-Meet/dp/1409391213/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1344331208&sr=8-5&keywords=skylanders+books

Skylanders: Official Annual
http://www.amazon.com/Skylanders-Official-Annual-Annuals-2013/dp/1409391264/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1344331208&sr=8-6&keywords=skylanders+books

Skylanders 2013 Calendar (Sadly, no new images...Series 1 Only)
http://www.amazon.com/Skylanders-2013-Calendar/dp/1423818717/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1344331208&sr=8-10&keywords=skylanders+books

Skylanders Quiz Activity Book
http://www.amazon.com/Skylanders-Quiz-Activity-Book/dp/1409391701/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1344331208&sr=8-12&keywords=skylanders+books

Skylanders Portal of Puzzles
http://www.amazon.com/Skylanders-Portal-of-Puzzles/dp/1409391973/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1344331208&sr=8-14&keywords=skylanders+books

Weekly Update 5-31-2012

Hey, what better way to start June than by recapping May?  That's the way it works this time...Two polls just closed on the blog, I've got another to stick up, and I have a lot to cover here...let's get started.

Skylanders Update


YouTube Uploads

So, as you should well be aware, the "Mass Upgrades" and "Fully Upgraded Gameplay" videos have started surfacing on YouTube and the blog.  Basically every other day (or roughly something like that...might do every other day that ends with "y" haven't really decided yet) I will upload one or two of these videos and add them to the blog.  They aren't the most exciting things in the world, BUT they will let you see what path I took and that should (when combined with the subsequent gameplay) help you decide to follow suit, or abort and take the other path.  Eventually I'll get a blog post up highlighting all of this...

Skylandin'

As for the Skylander hunt, let's take a look at some of my latest adventures:

Walmart

These first two are from Walmarts.  The first shot is the store that I was able to find the Zook and Lightning Rod singles at...they had Boomer, Wrecking Ball, Drobot, Eruptor, and I think Bash...oh, and Darklight Crypt.  I was in the area for work and figured I'd check just in case I was able to land a Glow-in-the-Dark or something cool like that.

This next one was shot at a supercenter and likely hub for the scalper...They had an Eruptor single, and the Drobot and Whirlwind Triple Packs (kind of surprised by the 4-5 of them that were around).

Target

They had nothing new the past two weeks, but did have people blocking the display.  Boomer, Drobot, Eruptor, take your pick of the usual suspects.  

Local Store

This one is from tonight and it showcases a nice, orderly arrangement.  You've got Chop Chop, Eruptor, Drobot, Double Trouble, Wrecking Ball, a few Sonic Boom and Stealth Elf, the Drobot Triple Pack (only triple in the store), and 2 Zook, 2 Lightning Rods, and 2 Ignitor Single Packs...I probably just missed another Wham-Shell sighting.

Amazon Pre-Order 

Which doesn't really matter because if you remember that mid-April Amazon Pre-Order I kept rambling on about...well, it came earlier this week.  I would have cancelled one of them to just have the one for my friend, but I was afraid I'd loose the Super Saver Shipping...that would have meant shipping would have cost  roughly what the other figure would have...So for the time being, I'll have an extra.  I haven't really gotten to the Water Element Upgrades and Gameplay, and I know a lot of people are huge Wham-Shell fans, but I am not.  He looks pretty cool, the tertiary attack is sweet, but I am far from impressed...He just doesn't do much for me.  I know of someone locally that has had a heck of a time finding it...I may see if they want it.  Otherwise I'll hope someone wants to swap a variant or doesn't like Terrafin so I'll have an extra to take down the primary path.  Maybe he will grow on me, but I don't really think so.

Street Passin'

Came up empty once more...shocking isn't it?  There are some really cool features you unlock with Street Pass tags on most Ninendo Titles (not to mention the help in Find Mii and Puzzle Swap), however, it really sucks when you never land any tags to enjoy or access the special stuff.

Currently Playing

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Wii): Legendary Stuff

Wii Fit Plus: Usual Stuff

Gold's Gym Cardio Workout (Wii): 1-2 times a week, really good workout

Mario Tennis Open (3DS): This game has currently taken over the top spot in the 3DS and has been a blast.   The critical reviews are total bs in my opinion.  This game is a lot of fun in both single and multiplayer.

This afternoon I won the Champions Cup in the World Open I attempted to get a screen shot with my cell phone, not too great, but you get the idea.  There is a ton to unlock here.

I mentioned that Club Nintendo Members could sign-in and get the QR Code for the Yoshi (green) costume.  I have done that and it is pretty cool.  You can also go to the official Nintendo website for Mario Tennis Open and find a few more QR Codes for unlockable Yoshi characters (not all are released yet), but they include: Blue, Red, Yellow, and Pink Yoshis...I believe Black, White, and Light Blue should be released soon.  I've got the QR codes saves and will get them up in a separate post when time allows.

 Score of the Week


I tweeted that I had made a cool find before starting this post...I'm sure most everyone will think it was the Amazon delivery of the 2 Wham-Shells...That would be incorrect!

If you follow along regularly you will recall that I picked up Professor Layton and the Last Specter earlier in the year...I completed the game and really enjoyed it.  It was the 4th in the series, but a prequel to where things began in 2007 with Professor Layton and the Curious Village.  I figured I'd pick it up and play through it, Unwound Future, and Diabolical Box...One issue with that strategy...

Since "The Curious Village" was an 07 release, I couldn't find it anywhere.  I even hit up TRU and GameStop about ordering it in and they said no dice.  If you have ever wanted to dive into a Nintendo series, you might notice that their proprietary titles will be on the shelf for a long time, be sold reasonably, and then just kind of disappear (think Kirby games).  For most this isn't an issue, but what if you just got yourself or your children Kirby Mass Attack for the DS and they love it.  Now they want Kirby Super Star Ultra...total pain to find new.  And the remaining "new/pristine" copies stay sealed and are then sold for big bucks.

I have seen Diabolical Box and Unwound Future for $14-19 new, but no local stores still had the debut.  Well, tonight while looking for Skylanders, I found one tucked away in the alphabetical abyss that only a disgruntled employee could muster. I was shocked.  Granted, the store still wanted $29.99 for it (total bs), but at the same time a "new" copy from Amazon or a similar online source would have set me back $45 or more.  I'm not opposed to used, but you rarely get the game case, instructions, extra collectibles, or let alone the Club Nintendo Points.  So all-in-all I am stoked!  I plan to finish up Mario Tennis Open, and my little foray back into Mario Kart 7, but this will be my next big time consumer on the 3DS.  I'll likely order in the 2nd and 3rd installments in the series since you can usually find them for $12-15 brand-new online.

It will be interesting to see how this one stacks up compared to the latest installment.  I am also hoping for a Professor Layton 3DS title, perhaps as early as this fall!

Currently Listening

Home Audio: Taylor Swift, Fitz & The Tantrums

Auto Audio: Kings of Leon, Stone Temple Pilots

Conclusion

It was a pretty busy and hectic week.  I will continue to work on the final few Skylander Blog Posts (Upgrade Paths, My Favorites, etc) and will upload the upgrades and gameplay as time allows.  I should be starting Mario Kart Wii recordings soon..I planned to already have them underway, but I just haven't had the time.

I'm still way behind on YouTube comments...If you need a quick response just ask here on the blog on a pertinent post or via the "Ask 1ofWiisdom" post.

Well, hope everyone is ready for June!

Weekend Update: April 21st, 2012

Here is a weekend update for you...

Wave 5 Pre-Order

Well, good news and bad news...

The bad news first...I still don't have Warnado, who I have eagerly been awaiting since October, Camo, or Wham-Shell.  They are, however, becoming easier to find...just the last few days I've seen several folks finding 2-3 sets at their local Walmart or reporting that their GameStop has been getting them in regularly etc.

The good news is I have them on order!  Having missed out on the GameStop unveiling for Camo and Warnado I was a bit disappointed (I missed their Wham-Shell earlier this week as well).  When I found out that Walmart had the trio up I was miffed...mainly because I filled out their "email me when this items is in stock" form long, long ago.  I'm not sure, but it could be the system just can't get e-mails out before the stock dissipates, or perhaps they knew it wasn't enough to justify a full listing etc.  Still if you are someone who relies on "email me when this is in stock" you may want to be a bit more proactive...I'm pretty sure I did something similar with GameStop, but oh well.

The bad side of good aside, my order is coming from Amazon!  I have never had an issue with Amazon damaging anything, I get to pay retail, and I get free shipping.  This is a win-win-win.  First off I'm not having to (although I'm sure I'll continue to look locally) hunt for Wave 5 like a possessed lunatic.  Second, I am paying less than singles cost at TRU or GameStop.  Lastly, free freight!  GameStop ships quick, but that is another few bucks that could have been something else.  Toys'R'Us has the nuttiest freight charges and their penchant for using "Sure Post" basically costs me 3 days of transit time with every order.  Amazon will come free via UPS, not bent-up, and at $8.99 per Skylander!

The only downside here is they have yet to say when they will ship, but still, I can rest a little easier knowing that the final three will be on their way shortly.  Special thanks to Jon, octaneblue, for the heads-up on the pre-order!

Here is a shot from Target...well stocked, just nothing "new" (ie Wave 4 or Wave 5):

Recordings

Last night, well technically this morning, I recorded the time goals for Empire of Ice, Pirate Seas, Darklight Crypt, and Dragon's Peak. They are being edited and uploaded as we speak!


Progress

With the time goals done, I have 3-Stars on every chapter, except for Darklight Crypt.  Apparently I am not doing something right on the Enemy Goal.  I went thru it last night and literally decimated everything (made it a point to take out 5-6 of the Stump Demons around Occulous) and still came up empty...I'll work on that and getting Wrecking Ball up to Level 10 (he is at Level 8 and the only Skylander not currently at 10).

What I plan to do now is simply take the fleet thru Heroic Challenges.  Obviously I am going to do my favorite Skylanders first.  As of right now I feel like I've gotten the hard challenges taken care of (ie Boomer and Eruptor on Double Trouble etc).  I am a little leary of doing the mass upgrades until I know if Warnado, Wham-Shell, or Camo will have a similar challenge to Double Trouble or Drobot etc.

I will work on that and should I get it wrapped up to my liking I'll record mass upgrades and pick paths etc.

I will record the unboxings, introductions, and Heroic Challenges of our final three Skylanders as soon as they come in...

Currently Playing

I am currently playing Wii Fit Plus, Gold's Gym Cardio Workout Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Wii), and Professor Layton and the Last Specter (DS).

I am really enjoying Professor Layton and the Last Specter and will likely pick up the previous installments in the series.

For whatever reason I've been playing Gold's Gym Cardio Workout about 2-3 times a week.  I really enjoyed it when I picked it up, just haven't had much time to play after I was going at it daily.  That said, I'm a big believer in working out and it helps me sleep better...so with that said, I've picked it back up...Aced an exam tonight and then took on a new lesson, with very nice results:

*If I wrap up upgrades on Skylanders I will start recording Mario Kart Wii.

Blog

A couple of big additions to the blog will be:
-My Favorite Skylanders
-My Selected Upgrade Paths

Earlier today I was able to get the "Fire Element Upgrade Path" poll results blogged and I also added Blog Poll #26 "Who is Your Favorite Skylander?"  It is going to be a very nice poll in my opinion!