The most famous skateboarder of all time lends his name to the sequel to his unpredictable original game, "Tony Hawk´s Underground." Game features have been significantly upgraded, primarily with better and more challenging trick moves. When a player misses a move, his on-screen avatar throws a temper tantrum and angrily kicks his board. Activision promises an "unprecedented level of customization;" players can design their own graffiti logo and skate park. (GC, PS2, XBOX; $49.99; ESRB rating pending at press time)
For the first time, Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam lets players experience the breakneck speed of downhill skateboard racing as they tear up the steepest terrains in the world while performing tricks and outmaneuvering opponents in locations such as the crowded streets of San Francisco and rocky terrain of Machu Picchu. “Gamers utilize an innovative and intuitive control system as they … compete in specific time-based challenges in one of three game play modes including race, trick and slalom,” Jr. Publicist Kelvin Liu of Activision Games told TDmonthly. This product received a spring 2007 Parents’ Choice Recommended Award. Launch date: October 24, 2006 (NDS); November 14, 2006 (Wii).
This edition of the Guitar Hero game plugs the player into the middle of a rock concert and challenges him or her to keep up with fast-paced tracks by famous artists. The soundtrack includes renowned artists such as Guns N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Beastie Boys, Muse, Pearl Jam, Kiss and an exclusive track from Slash. Launch date: October 28, 2007.
This first-person shooter pits the player against Nazis in World War II, in an alternate history where the Nazis experimented with the supernatural and futuristic technology. “Wolfenstein” has had a following since the first game appeared as “Wolfenstein 3-D” in 1992.
Attempting to make players feel they are the future X-Man, everything about Wolverine is right there: the razor-sharp claws, his healing factor, and his moves. Supported by a big screen release and countless comic books, the game is available on Wii, Nintendo DS, PC, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Portable. Launch date: Late Spring 2009.
This game boasts a huge roster of playable characters among the heroic Autobots and evil Decepticons as they battle across the globe. Players can transform from robot to vehicle in an instant and run, drive or fly around the enemy. It features multiplayer online modes and is available on Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Playstation Portable, PC, Nintendo DS, and Wii. Launch date: June 15, 2009.
Activision is back with Spyro. This time, characters in the video game are available as action figures that can be plugged into the game. Put the toy on the "power portal," and all of the power and skills that kids build up can be saved to the toy itself, so every time they play the game, no matter on what console, all of their statistics are in tact. Each character has its own unique powers, and two characters can be placed on the portal at once to play as a team or face of in one-on-one battle. Starter pack includes 1 copy of the game, 1 Portal of Power, and 3 Characters. Launch date: Fall 2011.
Wappy dog is a robotic, interactive pet. Via the corresponding Nintendo DS game, players can train and talk to Wappy, or they can interact with the dog itself. When he's happy he reacts with dance and play, when sad he sulks like a real dog. If the DS game is played and Wappy left behind, the two automatically sync when they are back together.
This follow up to last year's Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure features 8 Giant Skylanders, 4 Light Skylanders, 8 New Skylanders, and will also work with the 24 re-released Skylanders. Each Giant Skylanders is about twice as large as the originals. The toy can be used for Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, and Nintendo 3DS. Launch date: 2012.
For centuries, Skylanders have competed in gladiator-style events inside epic arenas of sport, where only the greatest of combatants become immortalized as magical, golden statues that stand watch as guardians. These are the Legendary Skylanders. Whenever the world is in peril, special Portal Masters can bring these statues to life and summon the Legendary Skylanders to defend Skylands against any evil that threatens it. Bring the Skylanders to life in the Skylanders Spyro's Adventure video game and on the web in Skylanders Spyro's Universe. Build the ultimate collection of Skylanders - over 30 Skylanders to collect. Each Skylander has their own unique powers and abilities to enhance game play experience and save Skylands. Each character has unique abilities and powers - play more and unlock special moves and superpowers. Skylanders are action figures with brains - the Skylanders are so powerful that they remember their in-game experiences and upgrades. Skylanders figures work on and across all major video game systems, including Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3 and PC/Mac computers. Skylanders Single Pack includes: 1 Skylander Figure, 1 Trading Card, 1 Sticker Sheet, 1 Web Code. — As of 4/11/2012 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews on ToysRUs.com.
For the first time ever in an Ice Age videogame, play as Manny, Sid, Diego, Scrat, and all new jungle adventurer Buck. Use their unique abilities to brave the new dangers they'll discover. Experience thrilling gameplay in the rich habitats of the third Ice Age movie, including the perilous new Dinosaur World, an immersive new jungle environment in the Ice Age world. Tap through more than a dozen levels and a collection of bonus mini-games including: pterodactyls riding, launch fruit grenades and use the touch screen to escape meat-eating plants. Experience a wide variety of thrills throughout single player combat, world navigation and puzzle solving challenges. Collect hidden acorns to unlock Scrat mini-game levels and animated sequences and Gems to buy unlockable content and unlock touch screen and microphone-enabled mini-games (featuring more playable characters).
Thousands of years ago, the Skylanders Giants fought epic battles in Skylands but were banished to Earth. With a new threat looming, its time to bring them back to join forces with the Skylanders. Put them on the Portal of Power® to unleash their strength in the ultimate battle to save Skylands. Starter Pack includes: 1 Video Game; 1 Portal of Power; 3 Skylanders Figures; 1 Character Collector Poster; 3 Sticker Sheets with Secret Codes; and 3 Trading Cards. Launch date: 2012. — As of 10/30/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com.
