Galactic Hunter has posted a Q&A column by yours truly. Read on!

Apparently, this was one of the better Joe conventions. Your news highlights are as follows:

We saw this at the store yesterday, but didn't buy it yet-- however, you can see this Spider-Spud 2-pack on eBay. You get a "metallic" suited potato, and a black suited potato. Yes, two. You don't need two, but you have to get them both at once. It's a neat idea, but a little late-- we might snag it on clearance, though, just 'cuz.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the recently released Clone Wars-based version of Obi-Wan Kenobi complete with, erm, "gimp" mask! Hasbro didn't exactly do a wonderful job with Kenobi figures based on the longer haired Attack of the Clones appearances, although this one is a step in the right direction. It's in stores today, and it's easy to get-- so should you go run out and buy it? Read on!

The good news: a fourth wave of Anniversary figures is due soon. The bad news: you probably have most of it already. Entertainment Earth posted this listing of the contents of wave 4, and we're told that it'll be figures from the 5-packs, but individually packaged. It isn't known if we'll see any changes, but if you want Roadblock, Storm Shadow, Duke, or Destro, this might be a cheaper way to do it. Assuming you don't want the whole collection, and based on how wave 1 turned out, you very well might not. No official pictures are yet available.

Someone likes you this week, Wii fans, as Nintendo decided to bring two Japanese imports to its Virtual Console for us poor United Statesians. From the Nintendo 64: Sin & Punishment, a legendary shooter developed by Treasure (of Radiant Silvergun and Gunstar Heroes fame). You'll probably want this despite the 1200 point price tag, which means $12. From the Famicom/NES: Super Mario Bros. 2. No, not the game with the vegetables in Sub-Con, but the other one with the poison mushrooms. Widely regarded as a punishing game in its own right, the game goes for 600 points, or about $6. You might want this one too, especially if you're a glutton for pain.

If Halo 3 isn't your bag, you'll no doubt be delighted. Tetris Splash brings the classic gameplay to a downloadable format for about $10. The download should go up after 1 AM Pacific tonight, and it looks like it might be pretty good. Especially given it'll be a fraction of the price most Tetris games sell for in stores. We're not sure what all the modes are yet, but we want in on this action. Here's to it not sucking.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the 2003 Clone Wars-based version of Mace Windu! Hasbro redesigned this Jedi Master as a lightly armored warrior with one of the first-ever Star Wars figure ball-joints on the neck. Did it turn out well? Read on!

We aren't sure yet, but both Wal-Mart and Best Buy have unique offers that might make the hardcore fan want to buy multiple DVDs. Best Buy's offer page indicates their limited edition set will include two exclusive Robot Heroes mini-figures: Movie Cliffjumper and Movie Ultra Magnus. Meanwhile, Wal-Mart has been boasting a bonus DVD with an animated "prequel" based on the IDW comic series for quite some time, and TFW2005.com posted some proof. It's also worth noting that no word has got out for what Target, Kmart, or Toys "R" Us might have-- so there may be more options on the way.

With word of Wave 2 hitting just about a week or two ago, it's more than a little surprising to hear that Wave 3 is supposedly hitting stores as you read this. We haven't seen either, but we're quite eager to get a Shipwreck ASAP. Happy hunting!

Apparently this is a very good week for Wii fans. Not only are you able to buy great Virtual Console titles, but Nintendo is offering free Wii remote jackets. All you have to do is ask, and give them your serial number, and, well, wait. It's not a bad deal if you want such an accessory. The jackets will also be included with controllers and consoles at retail in the future.

We've been watching this item at Target primarily due to it not following typical Target clearance rules over the past month and change, that and, well, we wanted one. After seeing a 15% markdown, then a 30% markdown, the chain finally cut the price to 50% off yesterday. So now it's $19.98. This unusual controller features a d-pad, a joystick, a spinner dial, turbo control, and a USB connection for PC use (and presumably Mac, we haven't got it to work yet.) The controller also includes codes to download Time Pilot, Frogger, and Astropop for free. So it's not bad, and it will likely get cheaper in the next week or two if it's still available.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the 2006 Han Solo in Carbonite! This all-new sculpt has 10 points of articulation and a carbonite block that looks like it's about to melt. Is that reason enough to buy this figure, or do you need another reason? Read on!

Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't, but this link at Cybertron.ca has/had a review with photos of the new 2008 Animated Starscream. It looks good-- go check it out.

Want to pay for more content that should have been in the game in the first place? Well, today's your lucky day. This round-up explains all the new stuff you can pay for in Carcassonne, Tetris Splash, Soltrio Solitaire, and more. The Carcassonne expansion sounds promising, although 300 points/$3.75 seems kinda pricey for what it does-- if anyone hears that it's cool, do let us know.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the 2006 Boba Fett! This mix of old and new parts resulted in a new action figure that was more or less OK. Since there are Boba figures which are actually good and not merely adequate, should you still get this one? Read on!

Crimson Guard, Snow Job, Flash, Black Snake Eyes, and Blade Destro! Geez, it's amazing how good a run G.I. Joe has had in recent weeks with new released and scores of new announcements. Click here for the case breakdown which currently has no pictures.

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10 Years of Final Fantasy VII! We look at the game and some of its progeny, as well as news from G.I. Joe, Star Trek, Star Wars, Bungie and Microsoft's breakup, and much more. You should be especially happy with some of the G.I. Joe news this week, so be sure to tune in to hear all about it!

For starters: You do not need an iPod to hear a Podcast. Podcasting is just a fancy word for "hack job internet radio show," which is exactly what we're aiming to produce here.

Ad: Entertainment Earth has added numerous pre-orders and in-stock items to its web site. Newly in-stock, Titanium Series Figures Wave 5 with a Cylon, Darth Maul, and Luke Skywalker. New pre-orders include the Gentle Giant Leia Monument which stands over 5-feet tall and 2008 Figures Wave 1 from Hasbro, which features Commander Gree, a Lava Droid, and several new figures. From Force Unleashed comes some Unleashed Battle Packs featuring characters from the game. Click through for pricing, pictures, and availability.

Galactic Hunter has posted a Q&A column by yours truly. Read on!

While we haven't yet seen any of wave 2 personally, we did snag a Cobra Red Ninja and Sgt. Stalker at a Target over the weekend. As such, the hunt continues for more new figures, including a new Cobra Trooper, Shipwreck, Zartan, Serpentor, Lady Jaye, Firefly, Beach Head, and Buzzer.

At Wal-Mart (well, one of them) we spotted a window boxed two-pack of Optimus Prime and Megatron from the Transformers Movie Robot Action Figures line. Each figure was battle-damaged and, we presume, pretty happy to be in the store. We're just babbling now. It's about $20ish.

This week's game-- or the only one announced so far-- will be Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. $15, puzzle action, blah blah blah. Where's Asteroids? We remember being promised Asteroids.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the brand new Animated Debut Boba Fett! This figure is basically a repaint, but Hasbro crammed in some minor sculpt changes and tossed in some new accessories. So how many should you go buy? Read on!

Why settle for one when you can have two for twice the price? Hasbro's latest Target exclusive includes a $19.99 box with two $9.99 Bumblebee toys inside based on the Transformers movie from this past summer. The paint deco is a little different, but as the toys are extremely hard to find we have no doubt fans and parents will gobble this one up. Despite not really needing two of the same guy. (Would a Battle Pack be too much to ask?)

Do you like Neo Geo fighting games? Well, this is the week for you. Three titles at 900 points ($9) each are up for grabs, including World Heroes, Fatal Fury, or Art of Fighting. These are available for other systems (often in compilations) at a much better per-game price, so unless all you have is a Wii we wouldn't advise you to get these. But hey, it's your money.

If you like the little-used concept of advergaming, you're in luck. In addition to Puzzle Quest, this week's other Xbox download is a freebie from Toyota. Yaris lets you drive around in a Toyota Yaris with what appears to be one of Doc Ock's tentacles coming out of it. It has achievements and leaderboards, and is free, but at the same time it's an interactive car commercial. What, pray tell, do we make of it? Not sure yet. But we'll probably download it because a) we're curious and b) we hate ourselves.

From Entertainment Earth, tons of new items are available. For example, this page is packed with new Star Wars items, including exclusive bobble heads, character keys, action figures, and much more. Tons of new items just arrived, so click through and see what's new!

Review time! Today we look at the new, recently released Wave 3 Cobra Red Ninja action figure from the 25th Anniversary G.I. Joe line. It's based on the Brazilian "Cobra Satan" figure from several years ago, which was also a red repaint of Storm Shadow with tweaked package art. Is this new version worth your $5-$7, or should you save your money for more Crimson Guard figures? Read on!

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the 2005 Holographic Emperor! This is one of several versions of the character cast in clear plastic, and one of the better ones if we do say so ourselves. Want to see it? Read on!

There was a lot of chatter about what might we expect from Nintendo's Wii Ware program, but now we have actual names being reported. New versions of Dr. Mario, new episodes of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, and a Pokemon farming game are all on tap for the new service, which will probably make you wonder why there's no Wii hard drive yet. Well, maybe we'll see one soon-- but until then, start thinking about your Mii in Dr. Mario.

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10 Years of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night! Find out who will play Sulu and Scotty in the 2008 Star Trek Movie! New G.I. Joe figures reviewed! Robot Rebellion Cobra Commander is coming! Oh, and there's much more here-- you probably want to listen to this one.

For starters: You do not need an iPod to hear a Podcast. Podcasting is just a fancy word for "hack job internet radio show," which is exactly what we're aiming to produce here.

Ad: Entertainment Earth has added numerous pre-orders and in-stock items to its web site. Newly in-stock, Titanium Series Figures Wave 5 with a Cylon, Darth Maul, and Luke Skywalker. New pre-orders include the Gentle Giant Leia Monument which stands over 5-feet tall and 2008 Figures Wave 1 from Hasbro, which features Commander Gree, a Lava Droid, and several new figures. From Force Unleashed comes some Unleashed Battle Packs featuring characters from the game. Click through for pricing, pictures, and availability.

Galactic Hunter has posted a Q&A column by yours truly. Read on!

On Friday, we went hunting for individually carded Joes. We didn't find any, but we did score the super-cool Cobra Legions Battle Pack.

We're very excited. Most of the toys from "Robot Rebellion"-- the proposed follow-up to Valor vs. Venom-- were released as part of the direct-to-consumer lines which would eventually follow, or were lost to the ages. Thankfully, the ages ended up spitting up one of the finer toys so we can all get one. You might recognize this Cobra Commander figure from eBay auctions, where it was a baby blue figure, but now it's being recolored in an awesome dark navy blue color and you can have one for the low-low price of $42 (or "free" with full club membership.) It's a neat figure, and we kinda want one. We might have to order one, which is unfortunate as we really, really like having $42.

This week Toys "R" Us is offering a pretty good deal on all games for all game systems-- buy 2, get 1 free. (The cheaper one, of course.) We're pretty stoked as Beautiful Katamari is due this week. Why we're not stoked? As far as we know, they don't stock PSP Final Fantasy I or II. Well, we'll pick out something probably. Happy hunting!

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the recently released tin set version of Han Solo in Hoth Gear! He can sit on a Tauntaun, slice open a Tauntaun, and... well, look like he went out in the snow. With his Tauntaun. Is this enough reason for you to buy a third version of this particular mold? Read on!

According to numerous toy importers, the original Autobot... whatever it is Sky Lynx is getting a reissue at the end of this year/early next year. The original toy transformed from a space shuttle into one piece that looks kinda like a dinosaur and another that's something like a big cat. Personally, we don't think much of it. But you might.

From the NES: Tecmo's Ninja Gaiden II. From the Super NES: Metal Marines. From the Turbo Duo/CD/Whatever: Gates of Thunder. We loved Ninja Gaiden II and have heard wonderful things about Thunder. We never heard of Metal Marines, so buyer beware.

Another iffy week on the XBLA. Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe and Every Extend Extra Extreme are your choices, both of which are updated versions of existing games. One is a futuristic sports game-- and those are always great, aren't they?-- and the other is an abstract shooter that we here is on the happy side of decent.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the 2005 Count Dooku from the tins and Evolutions sets! He was the most superest-articulated version of the character ever and he has a mean look on his face. Is this enough to warrant buying another one? Read on!

After denying another price drop is coming, another price drop is coming. Target has (accidentally) confirmed a $399.99 PS3 is coming soon, this is a 40 gig model. Engadget has the scoop, and you can confirm it yourself by punching in the number 207 23 0004 into a Target price scanner. (We do this for toy items all the time.)

Review time! Today we look at the July release of the silver version of Destro from the 25th Anniversary G.I. Joe line. Specifically, the silver version. We also examine the gold version and the off-color test shots that were used in publicity materials. So should you go get this figure off of eBay or what? Read on!

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the 2005 Emperor Palpatine from the Evolutions set! He has lots of extras, loads of articulation, and cloth clothing. Could you ask for anything more? Read on!

Long merely a rumor, Beautiful Katamari is now out for the Xbox 360. It's about $39.99 across the board, making it a little cheaper than most new games. Graphically, it's slightly better than previous games in the series, and gameplay so far seems nearly identical. We quite enjoy it so far, having spent a short time with the game yesterday.

Game importer NCS is offering pre-orders for this attractive Skygirls Vic Viper Anime Version, which it describes as: Proportioned at 1/60 scale, the stylish Vic Viper toy measures 20cm (7.87") in length and features exacting details and clean lines for an attractive starship that'll look good on any shmup fan's mantle.. Sold! Too cool.

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More G.I. Joe awesomeness! Hear all about the Cobra Legions gift set, and listen to all the sound effects it makes in this very show. Also: New Kirk, this week's movies, a new Star Wars vehicle, new items from Gentle Giant, and much more. Cobraaaaa!

For starters: You do not need an iPod to hear a Podcast. Podcasting is just a fancy word for "hack job internet radio show," which is exactly what we're aiming to produce here.

Ad: Entertainment Earth has added numerous pre-orders and in-stock items to its web site. Find new statues & busts from Gentle Giant, new Star Wars figures and vehicles from Hasbro, nifty British Doctor Who toys and collectibles, and much more. Click through for pricing, pictures, and availability.

Galactic Hunter has posted a Q&A column by yours truly. Read on!

The guys at Toy News International posted a lot of nifty stuff over the weekend. Check out hi-res official shots of Comic Packs Wave 1, Target's exclusive vehicles, and Toys "R" Us' exclusive figure 5-packs. That's a lot of toy there.

In the Spring, Wal-Mart had two exclusive Spider-Man 3 figures from Hasbro-- a black Spider-Man and a black Venom. Now, they have three more: metalized (but not vac-metalized) versions of regular Spider-Man, Sandman, and Goblin. Each is $9.96 and for repaints, we passed. Neither Hasbro nor Marvel saw a reason to include these on their sites or even announce they were coming. As such, we linked to this eBay auction which should give you a good idea of what to expect. Which is to say, not much.

Now it's $10.04, if your local Target stores have any stock left. This unusual controller features a d-pad, a joystick, a spinner dial, turbo control, and a USB connection for PC use (and presumably Mac, we haven't got it to work yet.) The controller also includes codes to download Time Pilot, Frogger, and Astropop for free. So it's not bad, and it will likely get cheaper in the next week or two if it's still available.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the armored version of Qui-Gon Jinn from 2001! He's ready for combat, and looks good while putting up a fight. So how many should you buy? Read on!

While we've seen absolutely zero Internet-based reviews of the title, supposedly Konami's Castlevania Dracula X Chronicles will be in stores today. As we're used to spontaneous, last-minute delays, we're a little skittish-- by now we'd like to have seen something pop up online somewhere-- but we're crossing our fingers we'll see it in stores while we're out and about today. And if not, the crying will be intense.

From the NES: Lunar Pool and Ninja JaJaMaru-Kun, which we've heard of and never heard of, respectively. From the Sega Genesis: Golden Axe 3 which, we're pretty sure, never came out in the USA. Buyer beware!

Two new games are coming this week to Xbox Live Arcade. Exit and Battlestar Galactica are your choices, both of which are 800 points ($10) each. One is a puzzle game-- and a port of a fine PSP title-- and the other is a shooter and hopefully it'll be better than Wing Commander Arena.

Review time! Today we look at the first individually carded release of a Snake Eyes from the 25th Anniversary G.I. Joe line. We've got shots of both variants, and reasons of why you will (and won't) like it. As one of the more common figures, you might actually be able to get this one in stores-- but for $5-$7, should you? Read on!

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the newly released Luke Skywalker with giant moisture vaporator! His main accessory is larger than he is, plus he has a lightsaber and all the other good stuff you want. Did you buy one yet? Do you want to know if you should? Read on!

Today at Galactic Hunter we 2003's best Anakin Skywalker action figure! This "Secret Ceremony" version has a robot hand, cloak, lightsaber, and blast effect. Want to know if it's any good? Read on!

While it isn't due in stores for a while still, you can see an in-package shot of the upcoming Prowl toy from Transformers Animated over on eBay. It comes with a stoplight, which means it's really cool. We think so anyway.

...if you can still find them. Earlier this week we scored one lonesome Outback with his Terror of the Swamp gift set. It's pretty slick-- you get Outback, an alligator, and a bunch of guns for about $5. (Or $20 elsewhere.)

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Star Wars 30th Anniversary Wave 6 Reviewed! We also talk about the new Aliens vs. Predator movie, examine the latest in G.I. Joe fun, inform you of what kind of packaging to expect for your 2008 Transformers, and much more. Also, yet another new Xbox 360 is out.

For starters: You do not need an iPod to hear a Podcast. Podcasting is just a fancy word for "hack job internet radio show," which is exactly what we're aiming to produce here.

Due to a lack of usable questions, Galactic Hunter's weekly Q&A column will not be updated. However, Figure of the Day has been updated! The daily feature on figures you might have but might not-- either way, here's what you've been missing! Spanning from the original Power of the Force series of 1995 to the latest of the 30th Anniversary Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Transformers fan site TFW2005 has word (and pictures) of the new Wal-Mart exclusive Starscream hitting. The good news? It's only $50, which is less than many expected. Now we're gonna go hunt for it and probably never see it (given our track record with Wal-Mart's exclusives 'round these parts), but hey, happy hunting!

After years of hoping, Konami finally released the original PC-Engine CD game Dracula X: Rondo of Blood-- and it's hidden inside another game. The just-released PSP Castlevania Dracula X Chronicles ($24.99-$39.99, if you can believe it) starts you off with a remake of that older game, and includes two other games inside as hidden bonuses-- the other is a retooled Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

If you like long titles, you'll love Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicle: The Little King & The Promised Land. This "Wii Ware" title (meaning you download it) is being previewed at The Magic Box, and it's confirmed to be a 1500 point ($15) game due in Japan this March. There are 13 pages of pictures, but before you get too excited, a page is about 2-3 images. (Actually, that ain't bad.) Click through for more.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the first modern pilot version of Luke Skywalker from the original Star Wars! He's ready to take on the whole Empire himself, but he looks a little gangly. And what's with his hands? Read on!

Yesterday, we posted early impressions of the Dracula X: Rondo of Blood remake featured on Dracula X Chronicles. Shortly after that, we beat it and went and unlocked the other two bonus games. How do they fare? So so. Both have the curse of the portable conversion in that the sound effects don't play right-- some are fuzzy, some just feel off. We're not sure why this is, because the same thing happened on a few ports of Final Fantasy games on the original Playstation.

From the NES: Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, which has some of the best music the NES had to offer. From the TurboGrafx-16: Samurai Ghost which we've honestly never played. From the Neo Geo: Magician Lord, which you may have seen in demo units at CompUSA circa 1990. We love us some Simon's Quest so you best buy it.

One new game is coming this week to Xbox Live Arcade. Mutant Storm Empire is yet another shooter and we're hearing decent, but not great, things about it. The title should be up for download really early Wednesday.