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Capcom Canceled Mega Man Universe
April 1, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayHasbro Transformers Generations Blurr Action FigureSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

Another movie update, this Hasbro Transformers Generations Blurr Action Figure ain't half bad. As a retooled Drift it's quite impressive, although it doesn't quite feel like the modern update of the movie character I was hoping for-- that sounds snotty though, because it's a great toy overall. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsClone TrooperFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Clone Trooper figure, this time, a Battlefront II-specific release. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

New G.I. Joe Convention Exclusives Revealed

G.I. JoeFrumbleThe folks of HISSTank.com posted a complete G.I. Joe Convention Toy Exclusive Gallery, complete with the add-on figures and vehicles for sale at the show. The "Mickey Mouse" Cobra Commander is pictured, $22, and limited to 500 pieces.

Other items are as follows (prices via GeneralsJoes.com:
Trigger and Lightning (Relampago and Gatilho) figure 2-pack: 650 sets, $45
Python Patrol Stinger with Motor Viper: 500 sets, $45
Python Patrol/Brazil Maroon Water moccasin: 400 pieces, $35
Carded Dial-Tone: 600 pieces, $25
Python Patrol Tele Viper parachute trooper: 500 pieces, $20

Not a bad mix of stuff! More pictures were added here, as well as the super-cool 12-inch Adventure Team Space Diver.

--AP

Arnold Schwarzenegger Finalizes Descent into Self-Parody with New Comic Book

ComicsThe GovernatorStan Lee, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and roughly two-and-a-half decades of jokes have been balled up into a new comic book/TV property called The Governator. No, really. But it gets better. Much like G.I. Joe fought Cobra and the Autobots fought the Decepticons, the Governator will fight... wait for it... the G.I.R.L.I.E. Men. (It stands for Gangsters Imposters Racketeers Liars & Irredeemable Ex-con.)

Presumably, Robert Smigel, Conan O'Brien, Dana Carvey, and/or Kevin Nealon's agents should be negotiating for a cut of this.

(Note: Since it was posted on March 31, I am operating under the assumption that this is not an elaborate April Fool's Day joke.)

--AP

Inspires Trust and Behaves Ethically
April 4, 2011
Star Wars Q&A, Figure of the Day Updated at Galactic Hunter

Q&A by Adam PawlusGalactic Hunter Star Wars NewsGalactic Hunter has posted a new Q&A column this week! Be sure to click through and read up on the latest!

Be sure to send in your questions for next week's thrilling update-- or a few weeks down the road.

Leesub SirlnFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Leesub Sirln figure from 2009, and it's pretty great. It's just that nobody actually bought it. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

Also, the fourth season teaser of The Clone Wars has been posted, wasting no time.

--AP

16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayLEGO Minifigures Series 1 RobotSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? Probably not!

He's your plastic pal who's fun to be with! The LEGO Minifigures Series 1 Robot came out last year and has all sorts of dials and buttons on his person. Oh, and a clamp hand. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Bio Force Ape ROM Now Available, Odd, Neat

NintendoBio Force ApeA posting at The Lost Levels includes the lost Bio Force Ape NES Rom, and it's pretty incredible. I just booted it up to see the animation, and it's actually pretty remarkable for an NES game from 1991-- it's well worth taking a peek at, if you're in to such things.

The game was previewed in Nintendo Power many years ago, but never heard from again. So here's a fun piece of lost video game history!

--AP

WonderCon Reveals New Hordak, Leech

Masters of the UniverseLeechWith two big conventions this weekend, most of the toy press went to the G.I. Joe convention. Mattel, on the other hand, went to Wondercon and revealed Leech and Hurricane Hordak while they were there... and then posted it to the Facesbook.

If I can read the signs right, both figures are slated for a September 2011 release.

--AP

Venture Bros. Special: July 24

Venture Bros.Go Team VentureA posting at The Venture Bros. Blog confirms that a New Venture Bros. Special will air on July 24, and that's not bad.

The special will coincide with Comic-Con, but its length and subject matter remain to be seen. Precious few specials have aired previously... and by "few" I think it's just the one 15-minute Christmas special.

--AP

G.I. Joe Convention News Dump

G.I. JoeSci-FiOver the weekend in Florida, the latest G.I. Joe Collector Convention was held-- and Hasbro showed off some new toys, but there may be a few things you missed.

The most exciting thing is, as always, the upcoming Hasbro action figure preview [toynewsi.com] with new 2011 and 2012 figures. Surprising new releases include a Zombie-Viper, a jungle version of Kwinn, and a huge smattering of 1986-1987 characters like Sci-Fi which rarely, if ever, saw an update in recent years. (I'm particularly fond of the orange Hazard-Viper and the bizarre Data-Viper.) Renegades Scarlett [generalsjoes.com] also turned out really nice, and he explains why on his site.

A big surprise was an announced trial Subscription Program from the G.I. Joe Collector's Club [hisstank.com] which will include 2 figures per month for 6 months. No prices (or notes on packaging) were given, but the prototype Nano-Bat and Quarrel figures we've seen before were confirmed to be a part of the program.

Looks like Zarana will make it out for Comic-Con, in pink and "cold slither" variants as seen at ToyNewsI.com. A cardback for the figure was distributed for free at the show.

The Comic-Con Exclusive Starscream Skystriker Jet packaging and pricing were revealed. It's got a gorgeous, comic book-inspired cover and a price tag-- unless this was a typo-- of $80. As word on the street had it that the regular, non-exclusive Skystriker would be closer to $30, this is certainly, to say the least, worthy of sharing.

Also required reading: this breakdown of the Hasbro panel which does a pretty good job of confirming a lot of upcoming stuff. (Fact: Hasbro marketing does not dictate what does or does not make it to Ross stores. Be sure to check it out, lots of good intel in here.

--AP

Transformers G1 Reissues, E-Hobby 3-Packs

TransformersTransformersIf you go to HK-TF, scroll down to see the E-Hobby 3-Packs with Kup, Scourge, Scrapheap, and so on. Rodimus is a clear blue, Kup is in a striking, brighter color with some battle damage, and the three Decepticons still look like things I wouldn't give a second look to (not a fan of clear, expensive things). Rodimus' gold flames do look really cool, though.

There are also more images of Junkion Scrapheap which were posted separately. The coloring is really striking!

It also looks like Japan may get reissues of G1 Megatron and Convoy/Optimus Prime bundled with new Dark of the Moon toys.

--AP

Buy The Pin
The Property Damaging Field
April 5, 2011
Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsDarth MaulFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Darth Maul figure from 2000, which was packaged with one of the few early "mini-rigs"-style vehicles back during The Phantom Menace. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayHasbro Iron Man 2 Movie Series Iron Man Mark VSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

Today's figure is Hasbro Iron Man 2 Movie Series Iron Man Mark V, the "briefcase armor" figure. He's got a rocket-firing briefcase, which is pretty neat actually. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

G.I. Joe Convention "Lost Toys" Panel

G.I. JoeRavageThere is little more exciting in the toy world than finding out about all the ideas that almost made it-- and it turns out the G.I. Joe Convention had a canceled toys panel with all sorts of things, including a Transformers crossover or two.

One of the really cool highlights was an Arctic Baroness with "Ravage" (pictured), and there were all sorts of crazy tanks, carriers, and other items that just didn't make it out for some reason or another. Hopefully Hasbro will release an annotated book of these concepts some day, because I'd totally shell out for a hardcover with this kind of stuff.

--AP

Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker Clothing for Men

Video GamesJacket SnakeLast night I got a press release for Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker Clothing from Konami and musterbrand. It's going to be sold online, and there will be jackets, hats, and shirts to start. If you want to see more-- and I assume that you do-- read the full article.

As always, more as it becomes available.

--AP

Nintendo Wii Downloads This Week

WiiSuper BonkThis week's WiiWare offering is Planet Fish.

The Virtual Console has Super Bonk from the Super NES. It's $8/800 points.

--AP

Nintendo DSi Downloads This Week

Nintendo DSAnonymous Notes Chapter 1 - From the AbyssThis week's batch: Anonymous Notes Chapter 1 - From the Abyss, A Fairy Tale, and Absolute Baseball. Each is $2-$5 and can be yours... if you have a DSi.

Anonymous Notes Chapter 1 - From the Abyss looks really neat, sort of like a 16-bit-era Squaresoft or Enix action RPG. Reviews aren't up yet, but if you're going to drop a two bucks this week, it looks promising.

--AP

Reckless
April 6, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayPlaymobil Specials Mongollian Warrior FigureSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

Pillage! The Playmobil Specials Mongollian Warrior Figure is a cute representation of a warrior culture, complete with a nicely detailed blue uniform. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsC-3POFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the C-3PO figure which just came out last year-- and you can totally take some of his panels off. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

New They Might Be Giants Album, Fan Club

MusicYou've wasted it!Preview tracks are going up from the new They Might Be Giants album called Join Us on Pitchfork, which kicks off what appears to be a large promotion for their new album, tour, and another new project. "Can't Keep Johnny Down" is previewed, and it sounds... a lot like the bulk of the post-Elektra output of the band.

Also new is the They Might Be Giants Instant Fan Club which costs $80-$100 (the more expensive option includes a vinyl LP of Join Us), but as you can see by that link, they pulled it down. It includes a number of exclusive digital tracks, a vinyl EP, and tickets to a concert plus other goodies. Laughing Squid has this page up to prove I'm not making it up. It appears the club may have "filled up," which given the nature of digital products, seems ridiculous that they wouldn't open it to more people. (Yes, I missed it.)

If the idea of premium digital tracks via subscription sounds familiar, they dabbled with it before with the ahead-of-its-time TMBG Unlimited from 2001-2002. If memory serves it was about $120 for about 7 hours worth of music. Prior to this, they ran the Hello CD of the Month Club spanning several bands, and this lasted for about 3 years. In this age of digital music, it seems like this is a robust enough package of stuffs that it should do pretty well, were they to let more people into it.

--AP

Ad: New LEGO Series 4 Minifigures and More New Stuff at Entertainment Earth

Entertainment Earth Ad: They're out! The LEGO Series 4 Minifigures are now in stock at at Entertainment Earth, and feature several all-new never-before-made figures as well as new versions of returning favorites. Entertainment Earth also received new Green Lantern Classics and Transformers too!

LEGO Series 4 Minifigures Green Lantern Classics Wave 2 Action Figure Set Transformers Generations Legends Figures Wave 4 Set
LEGO Series 4 Minifigures Case Green Lantern Classics Wave 2 Action Figure Set Transformers Generations Legends Figures Wave 4 Set

Also, feel free to pre-order Star Wars figures, props, and collectibles. Sites like this one get a kickback from the sales, so if you were going to order them anyway, please order them from this link-- it helps!

iGear Made E-Hobby Colored Kup Heads, Too

TransformersBluerNot being one to waste good tooling, iGear has E-Hobby Transformers United Compatible Kup Heads in a blue (rather than green) color. This color costs $18 per set, including the mini-screwdriver.

The standard colored heads are $12 per set.

--AP

PS3: PSN Updates This Week

PS3StarDroneNew to download this week: StarDrone and Red Faction: Battlegrounds. They're $8-$10 each.

PSOne classics this week are... not posted.

--AP

PSP: PSN Updates This Week

PSPFish TankNew PSP Minis include: 3,2,1ŠSuperCrash! + Dr. MiniGames, and Fish Tank. They're $3.99 each.

--AP

Cross Fear
April 7, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayFunko Beetlejuice Pop! Vinyl Beetlejuice Vinyl FigureSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

The 1980s are back, again, AGAIN! The Funko Beetlejuice Pop! Vinyl Beetlejuice Vinyl Figure is a newish and certainly neat take on the Tim Burton character. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsR5-C7Figure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the R5-C7 figure from 2009, which was a colorful build-a-droid of an astromech you probably never saw on the big screen. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

Mini Playstation Gashapon & Vintage Computer T-Shirts

Video GamesMini Sized!NCS has posted new Playstation Gashapon images and pre-orders, and promises the complete set for $30. Previous sets have included Nintendo and Sega hardware, so this might be worth a look. The original Playstation is shown, along with the PSOne and other accessories. Neato!

Shirts Happen!Also, a company named Abandonwear is selling retro computer and game logo t-shirts for about $25 a pop. SSI, Origin, Sierra, Byte, Tandy, and many others are up for grabs, and it's really neat to see this. They also say they're taking requests. Can Vectrex be far behind?

--AP

Masters of the Universe Q&A Digest

Masters of the UniverseShe-RaEvery month Mattel answers a ton of questions and He-Man.org has a Masters of the Universe Classics Q&A Round-Up you may as well read. Stuff about She-Ra's horse, new accessory packs, all that stuff.

Not much in the way of specific new toys were confirmed, but if you like little insights into the toy business there are a few good ones in here.

--AP

Three New Games for the Xbox 360 Live Arcade Released

Xbox Live ArcadeThe Dishwasher: Vampire SmileXbox 360 owners, it's time to look into The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile, a $10/800 points platformer. Microsoft says:

"Three marks remain! Unlock The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile to dig further in to Yuki's bloody quest for revenge. The full game features the Dishwasher's campaign storyline, online and offline coop play, 50 Arcade Challenges and Dish Challenge, including a ton of nasty new weapons and techniques."

Also released is Red Faction: Battlegrounds for $10/800 points. It's described as a twin-stick shooter. Also released is The Lost Hobo King which sounds way cooler than it actually is, and it's $5/400 points. It's DLC for "Stacking."

--AP

Now It's "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
April 8, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayHasbro Transformers Generations Thunderwing Action FigureSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

A pegwarmer as of late, the Hasbro Transformers Generations Thunderwing Action Figure is another great update of a Pretenders toy. So why aren't you buying it? Are you too good for Thunderwing?!? So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsImperial JumptrooperFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Imperial Jumptrooper figure, the revised edition as sold in the Toys "R" Us-exclusive 2010 gift packs. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

K'Nex Gets Nintendo License, Mario Kart Wii Kits

WiiMario BikeWhile most people know K'Nex for their big store displays, their Sesame Street construction, or the giant in-store ferris wheel displays, it turns out they just grabbed the license for Mario Kart Wii Construction Kits, complete with some articulated mini-figures.

Figures so far include Yoshi, Mario, and Luigi. The line has an added gimmick-- printable track panels to drive your vehicles on, if you're so inclined. Sets start at about ten bucks.

--AP

Nickelodeon Holds TMNT Summit, Apparently

Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesMikey 2012Now that the cable network owns the green teens, Nickelodeon invited fans to some grand TMNT summit to talk toys and the new show, complete with details from Playmates and IDW. Ninja Pizza covered the event and has several posts with details on the future of the line, so you'll probably want to read all of that right now.

Particularly notable is a cartoon line designed to look like the 1980s TV series, which never even had cartoon-specific figures back in the day despite having a line of "Toon Turtles" with unique action features.

--AP

Konami's Otomedius Excellent Coming to USA

Xbox 360The GovernatorThe Xbox 360 has been getting tons of shooters in Japan, many of which are entirely (or mostly) in English, but few are coming out over in the USA. Eschatos just came out and Bullet Soul Tama Tamashii is even region-free. But are they coming out here? No. (But we did get Strania, and that's pretty great so far-- review incoming.)

Konami, trying to help this horrible shooter deficit, will bring Otomedius Excellent to Japan in April with a US release... coming eventually. No date has been given yet, but even though it's a little ridiculous, it's something. The game is effectively a reskinned Gradius sequel with girls-(barely)-dressed-as-spaceships rather than the actual Vic Viper. It's not exactly doing wonders for gender equality or the advancement of anime, but it does have options and upgrades. Whatever man, all I want is a Salamander sequel.

--AP

Ad: Green Lantern Movie Masters Already In Stock at Entertainment Earth

Entertainment Earth Ad: Hot off the truck! Entertainment Earth has new arrivals-- Green Lantern Movie Masters Action Figures! They're in stock now, along with hundreds of other new (and recent) action figures.

Green Lantern Movie Masters Hal Jordan Action Figure Green Lantern Movie Masters Tomar Re Action Figure Green Lantern Movie Masters Rot Lop Fan Action Figure
Green Lantern Movie Masters Hal Jordan Action Figure Green Lantern Movie Masters Tomar Re Action Figure Green Lantern Movie Masters Rot Lop Fan Action Figure

You'll want to see the new Green Lantern Classics too, so click here for pricing and availability. Sites like this one get a kickback from the sales, so if you were going to order them anyway, please order them from this link-- it helps!

Match It
April 11, 2011
Star Wars Q&A, Figure of the Day Updated at Galactic Hunter

Q&A by Adam PawlusGalactic Hunter Star Wars NewsGalactic Hunter has posted a new Q&A column this week! Be sure to click through and read up on the latest!

Be sure to send in your questions for next week's thrilling update-- or a few weeks down the road.

Captain LockFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Captain Lock figure from earlier this year, and it's a Kmart exclusive. Don't worry if you don't remember this character, nobody else does either. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayFour Horsemen Outer Space Men Holiday Xodiac Action FigureSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? Probably not!

He's clearer in some places than others! The Four Horsemen Outer Space Men Holiday Xodiac Action Figure came out last year and while cool, is mostly worth getting for the vac-metal accessories. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Battleground Teela Bio, Packaging Reveal

Masters of the UniverseTeelaIt's never too early to show off something new, so Matty posted packaged shots of Battleground Teela on Facebook and if you want to see the bio, they have that too.

If I can read the signs right, both figures are slated for a September 2011 release.

--AP

Transformers Headmasters DVD Art, Date, Price

TransformersTransformersA user on Deviantart has posted the Shout! Factory Transformers Headmasters Box Art with Sixshot and Chromedome.

At TVShowsOnDVD.com, find the release date and pricing in case you missed it. The date is July 5, the price is about $30, and it's spread over 4 DVDs... and probably only subtitled.

--AP

The Lost Modern U.S.S. FLAGG Found
April 12, 2011
Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsDengarFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Dengar figure from 2008, a lavender-bedecked version of the bounty hunter as seen in Marvel's comic books. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayHasbro G.I. Joe Pursuit of Cobra Storm ShadowSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

Today's figure is Hasbro G.I. Joe Pursuit of Cobra Storm Shadow, which seems loosely inspired by the latter-era Ninja Gaiden games. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

G.I. Joe Convention "Lost Toys" Panel 2: More Lost Toys

G.I. JoeGodless Killing MachineAnother massive display of toys from the Hasbro "decommissioned" toy panel has been added to Hisstank.com with new 12-inch, vehicle, and Sigma 6 (non)releases including Joe vs. Bear and some other goodies.

The latest thing to make you scream in frustration is a new concept model of a U.S.S. FLAGG for G.I. Joe Resolute. It's smaller, but seems like it was designed with lots of play fun in mind-- big storage areas, and a smaller form factor to make it, you know, actually sellable in the modern world of toys. You'll want to check these out.

--AP

New Video Game Gashapon Robot Series

Video GamesVideo Game Robotics 2NCS revealed Video Game Robotics 2, a series of 4 toy robots from Japan. Like Shooting Historica, this Gashapon collection takes diverse robots from various games and puts them out for you, the consumer-- although they're not as well-known as some of the shooters.

Gun Griffon, Power Dolls 2, Border Break, and Metal Slader Glory are represented this time around, and these are made by Takara Tomy.

--AP

Transformers G1 Returns to Japan, Again

TransformersTransformersA listing on Robotkingdom.com reveales G1 and Dark of the Moon Optimus Prime 2-Packs and similar Megatron 2-packs are coming to Japan for over $100 a whack. These are not coming to the US, or at least, Prime hasn't been announced yet. I'd wager heavily on Megatron never getting a rerelease in the USA.

subtitled.

--AP

Nintendo Wii Downloads This Week

WiiPlay with BirdsThis week's WiiWare offering is Play with Birds. It's $5/500 points.

The Virtual Console has nothing so suck on that. Just enjoy avoiding the policeman with your birds.

--AP

Nintendo DSi Downloads This Week

Nintendo DSEscape Trick: The Secret of Rock City PrisonThis week's batch: Art of Ink, Slingo Quest, and Escape Trick: The Secret of Rock City Prison. Each is $5-$8 and can be yours... if you have a DSi.

Escape Trick sounds the most interesting, largely because any game with hand-drawn toilet-inclusive escape maps is worth a mention.

--AP

Solid Snake To Write Dragonriders of Pern Script
April 13, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayLEGO Ninjago 2112 Cole Action FigureSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

Spin to win, I guess! The LEGO Ninjago 2112 Cole Action Figure is a surprisingly expensive repackaged Ninja with a top base and fewer bricks than small-boxed, cheaper sets. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsStormtrooperFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Stormtrooper figure which hit earlier this year, and is loaded with articulation-- unusual for most modern Stormtroopers-- includes a second weapon. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

PS3: PSN Updates This Week

PS3Dungeon Hunter: AllianceNew to download this week: Dungeon Hunter: Alliance, Assassin's Creed, and Might And Magic Clash Of Heroes. They're $12-$20 each.

PSOne classics this week are... not new.

--AP

PSP: PSN Updates This Week

PSPPatapon 3Only one new PSP full game has been added to PSN this week, and it's Patapon 3. It's $19.99.

New PSP Minis include: 3D Twist & Match. Just the one. It's $2.49.

--AP

Have You Ever Heard The Polysics Cover Enter Sandman?
April 14, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayFunko Thor Pop! Vinyl Thor Vinyl Figure Bobble HeadSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

From the as-of-yet-unreleased movie! The Funko Thor Pop! Vinyl Thor Vinyl Figure Bobble Head has a hat, a hammer, and a beard. In short: it's right. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsClone Trooper LieutenantFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Clone Trooper Lieutenant figure from 2005, which was a huge deal in its day. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

Black Again: WFC Optimus Prime and Megatron

TransformersMini Sized!Famitoy has posted new Transformers United Dark Side Optimus Prime and Megatron information, and the illustration is a mock-up-- not the real thing!

These will be Tokyo Toy Show exclusives and, most likely, expensive. So who's going to get me a set?

--AP

New Space Invaders Infinity Gene Soundtrack Released

Video GamesSpace Invaders Infinity Gene Evolutional TheoryiTunes now has up Space Invaders Infinity Gene Evolutional Theory soundtrack album which is a collection of songs from the many incarnations of Space Invaders Infinity Gene which, I should add, is a great game with a fantastic soundtrack. And here's more music, 25 songs for $12 if you're in to that sort of thing.

Space Invaders Infinity Gene Evolutional TheoryBonus points for track titles like "I Can Not Ape" which I would love to have on a t-shirt under a giant pixel Space Invaders alien. Someone ought to make that happen. I think it would look a little something like this.

...yes, that's very cool.

--AP

Takara-Tomy to produce Customizable Hamburger Key Chains

ToysLunchWith Zoids on hiatus, the bulk of the Transformers being made being US-originated, and not much exciting for robots, what's a manufacturer to do? Takara-Tomy is now making the Custom Burger Keychain Set in numerous flavors and meats. You say you don't like beef? There's a fish option, just in time for Lent... to keep going.

Weird, but neat!

--AP

Three New Games for the Xbox 360 Live Arcade Released

Xbox Live ArcadeYar's RevengeXbox 360 owners, it's time to look into Yar's Revenge, a $10/800 points update to the classic VCS shooter whose popularity eludes me to this very day. Microsoft says:

"Assume the role of Yar, a deadly agent of destruction brainwashed by the Qotile race to hunt down innocents. After realizing the terrible truth behind her captors, Yar sets off on a mission to exact revenge and save her kind from extinction. Wage all-out war against the Qotile with an arsenal of armor and weapons and local co-op."

Also released is Red Faction: Battlegrounds for $15/1,200 points. It's described as a role-playing puzzler.

--AP

Rise of the Planet of the Apes Trailer's Up
April 15, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayPlaymobil Specials Cave Man Action FigureSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

Soon to be rendered obselete, the Playmobil Specials Cave Man Action Figure is a nice release with lots of great detail. It's also about to be replaced by an entire theme of stone-age peoples. Ah well! So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsYsanne IsardFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Ysanne Isard figure, released not-too-long-ago as a part of the (seemingly) final wave of comic packs. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

First Man or Astro-Man Recording Found?

MusicLost TapeThe Astro-Man ad nauseam blog just posted scans and info on the Supersonic Toothbrush Helmut demo tape which is, to say the least, a rare find. It belongs to Henry Owings of Chunklet fame.

Alternate demo versions of eight tracks are included, most of which would find a home on early 7-inch records or their first LP. Obviously, you want to go check this out.

--AP

Rise of the Planet of the Apes Trailer

Matty Sale Today: MOTU, Superman

Masters of the UniverseRed SkullThe guys at Matty Collector have a new figure sale today, including Superman movie 12-inch figures and a smattering of Masters of the Universe classics, plus a car from Pixar's Cars.

New Masters offerings include Sy-Klone (pictured, Panthor, and a new Weapons Rack. Moss Man is also being reissued.

--AP

New Dual Figure Stand: Carded in Back, Loose in Front

ToysStand and DeliverThe G.I. Joe club is selling a new dual GIJoeCon 3.75 Action Figure Display System which is pretty amazing. It holds a carded figure or backdrop in the back, and has a place for a figure (or figures) in the front. It's such a great idea, I'm stunned nobody thought of it before.

A set of 3 is between $9 and $14, depending on if you are or are not a member of the club. It's a heck of a good idea.

--AP

First Look: Hasbro Marvel Red Skull, HYDRA Soldier

MarvelRed SkullHasbro gave the site IO9 the first look at Red Skull and HYDRA Soldier action figures, weapons and all. As far as I know, these haven't been seen much before.

No packaging was shown yet, and these should be out in a couple of months.

--AP

Beans Beans Beans Beans
April 18, 2011
Star Wars Q&A, Figure of the Day Updated at Galactic Hunter

Q&A by Adam PawlusGalactic Hunter Star Wars NewsGalactic Hunter has posted a new Q&A column this week! Be sure to click through and read up on the latest!

Be sure to send in your questions for next week's thrilling update-- or a few weeks down the road.

Battle DroidFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Battle Droid figure from a couple of years back, and he started life as a Target exclusive. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayKenner Q*Bert Wind-Up Q*Bert Action FigureSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? Probably not!

Before it was cool to make game toys, Kenner was on it! The Kenner Q*Bert Wind-Up Q*Bert Action Figure came out in the 1980s and is one of several small plastic toys based on the now generally-forgotten mascot character. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Mattel Batman Action League Singles at 99-Cents Only

DC ComicsAquamanOver the weekend I dropped in my local 99-Cents Only store (the blue and pink and white ones) and was surprised to see a peg packed with single Mattel Batman: The Brave and the Bold Action League Aquaman. additional research on eBay reveals Batman, Aquaman, and Plastic Man are available and it's entirely possible more are out there. These figures are very similar to Galactic Heroes and Superhero Squad toys, and for a buck a whack you really can't knock them.

New 2-packs of this style of figure normally sell for about $7. So $1 for a single ain't half bad.

--AP

Outer Space Men: News from Mel Birnkrant

Outer Space MenTransformersIf you want to see Mel Birnkrant's annotations on the Outer Space Men line-- and I know you do-- be sure to check out Mel Birnkrant's Outer Space Men Tales Updated. Mel (the mind behind the franchise) wrote up his thoughts on the first eight characters!

--AP

Masters of the Universe Q&A Digest

Masters of the UniverseNOPE Mattel answers a ton of questions and He-Man.org has a Masters of the Universe Classics Q&A Round-Up you may as well read. They also posted their own questions, which were answered so there's a lot to read there.

It looks like we're days away from the Comic-Con exclusive reveal, plus it turns out Hurricane Hordak will indeed sport vac-metal parts. So be careful!

--AP

It's Iggy!
April 19, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayApplause Super Mario Bros. Super Mario with Koopa TroopaSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

Today's figure is Applause Super Mario Bros. Super Mario with Koopa Troopa, a PVC figure from roughly 1987. It's pretty crude-- even by standards of its own time-- so naturally you'll want a good look at it. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsJuno EclipseFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Juno Eclipse figure from 2010, revised with a new torso. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

G.I. Joe Unreleased Steel Brigade Pack Revealed

G.I. JoeGodless Killing MachineYet another item from the Hasbro "decommissioned" toy panel has been added to Hisstank.com with the Steel Brigade gift set. It looks like the idea was to take existing characters and have them suit up as members of the Steel Brigade group, as one of the figures seems to be Flint.

While this will likely never see release at retail, it does look like it might have been a follow-up to the Toys "R" Us exclusive 5-packs.

--AP

Packaged NECA Iggy Pop Picture

MusicJames OsterbergNECA revealed packaged Iggy Pop action figure, due in stores around May. There's no sign of the alternate head as shown at Toy Fair but the final piece does look to be improved from the original.

--AP

Transformers Japan Gaia Cross Revealed, Not Painted?

TransformersTransformersA form post on HK-TF has seemingly final Gaia Cross toy pictures and from the look of things, it ain't painted. The set appears to be 6 smaller toys which combine, as is their way.

Figures are red-and-white or blue-and-white, and I guess there aren't labels or anything included. A pity, I was looking forward to this one.

--AP

Masters of the Universe Carded Clawful

Masters of the UniverseClawful Mattel revealed the packaged front of Clawful recenty as well as a shot of the reverse, complete with bio.

It turns out his real name is pronounced through a series of claw clicks. meaning he's right up there with Optikk on the awesome scale.

--AP

Nintendo Wii Downloads This Week

WiiMega Man XThis week's WiiWare offering is My Little Baby. It's $6/600 points.

The Virtual Console has Mega Man X from the Super NES, an unusual event in that they actually released something. It's $8/800 Wii points.

It's also worth noting that the Wii had a price drop-- it's down to $170 from $200 in the USA.

--AP

Nintendo DSi Downloads This Week

Nintendo DSGO Series Captain SubThis week's batch: Music On: Learning Piano Volume 2, DodoGo! Robo, and GO Series Captain Sub. Each is $2 and can be yours... if you have a DSi.

--AP

They Were Always Talented
April 20, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayHasbro DC Super Heroes 9-Inch Green Lantern Action FigureSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

Something green for 420! The Hasbro DC Super Heroes 9-Inch Green Lantern Action Figure is the 1990s' answer to Mego figures, and these were cranked out by Hasbro. And obviously, they're better than real Mego figures. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsBoba FettFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Boba Fett figure which hit as a Toys "R" Us exclusive last year-- in a very expensive gift set. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

Portal 2 Launches, New Portal Stuff

Video GamesYou've wasted it!It looks like it's time to cash in-- not only is Valve making money off the robot hats as in-game DLC. but The Valve Store added T-Shirts in numerous flavors, mixing all sorts of new and old imagery. Not only are there shirts from both games, but there are also old-tyme 1940s Aperture Science shirts and stuff.

There are also pint glasses and art prints.

--AP

Transformers Headmasters DVD: Sub, no Dub

TransformersTransformersShout factory confirmed no dub will be offered on the Transformers Headmasters DVD, which was expected. An English-language dub exist of many of these shows, but they're so bad it's legendary.

If you want to read more about this legendary RTM 1 dub from Malaysia-- and trust me, you do-- check out this article on TFWiki.net. "Blaster" and "Scorponok" become "Billy" and "Chandler." Yes, really.

--AP

PS3: PSN Updates This Week

PS3Fancy Pants AdventuresNew to download this week: Fancy Pants Adventures, Arcana Heart 3, the original Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Puzzle Agent, and Neutopia. They're $5-$30 each... and Fancy Pants Adventures has the name of the week.

PSOne classics this week are Dino Crisis 2 and Threads of Fate, each is $5.99. So yeah, Dino Crisis 2.

--AP

PSP: PSN Updates This Week

PSPFinal Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection DigitalNew to the PSP this week include full gameslike Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection Digital, Puzzle Guzzle, and Neutopia. Final Fantasy is $29.99, the others are $5.99.

New PSP Minis include: Farm Frenzy, Snake Warriors: Training, Duael Invaders, and Mad Blocker Alpha. Each is $3.99-$4.99.

--AP

Nothing, Nothing, Nothing, Indianapolis
April 21, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayLEGO Bionicle 8563 Tahnok Action FigureSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

From the now-dead toy line! The LEGO Bionicle 8563 Tahnok Action Figure was one of the first villains to come in a canister, so it was cheaper and arguably more appealing than their large-box counterparts. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsAnakin SkywalkerFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Anakin Skywalker figure from last year, which was a redeco with a new head sculpt. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

Japan to get New Stepper (Ricochet) Exclusive United Transformers Toy

TransformersRetro!It looks like the United line will continue in Japan. Million Publishing will be offering Transformers United Targetmaster Stepper soon, based on the molds of Jazz and Nightstick-- Cyclonus' little buddy!

No word on pricing yet, but expectations are indicating it'll probably cost you. If you find it cheap, do remember me.

--AP

Masters of the Universe Carded Faceless One

Masters of the UniverseThe Faceless One Mattel revealed the packaged front of The Faceless One recenty as well as a shot of the cardback, complete with bio.

It turns out his real name is Nikolas Powers, which is very DC Supervillain and not very Eternian.

--AP

Two New Games for the Xbox 360 Live Arcade Released

Xbox Live ArcadeThe Fancy Pants AdventuresXbox 360 owners, it's time to look into The Fancy Pants Adventures, a $10/800 points game with an awesome name. Microsoft says:

"The Fancy Pants Adventures is the definitive action-adventure platformer you can play with your friends."

Also released is Section 8: Prejudice for $15/1,200 points. It's described as a first-person sci-fi shooter.

--AP

PSP Go Dead (To Me)
April 22, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayToy Biz Spider-Man Animated Series Spider-ManSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

Once really fancy, the Toy Biz Spider-Man Animated Series Spider-Man was once the high mark of excellence in action figure articulation. Today? Well, not so much. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsPadme Amidala Figure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Padme Amidala figure from January-- you can still find it, if you're lucky and keep your eyes open. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

Transformers Japanese DVD Boxed Set Coming

TransformersTransformersShout factory confirmed they will be making a Transformers Japanese Collection Complete Series DVD Set, which will include the previously announced Headmasters as well as Victory and Super-God Masterforce which has the best name of any TV show ever.

It's due in July for about $90, which seems like quite the deal. 13 DVDs and, roughly, just under 120 episodes of (generally) previously unseen TV show should be reason enough to scout this one out.

--AP

New Man or Astro-Man Stuff You Missed

MusicOne Of A KindThe Astro-Man ad nauseam blog posted images of tons of stuff sold at recent shows which really shows a level of ingenuity you rarely see. Repackaged $1 store items, plus some custom printing items, seem to make the bulk of it.

Pictured is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted light switch plate, which is pretty dang swell. The blog posted lots of other things about posters and gear, so be sure to check it out. It's worth seeing.

--AP

Nothin' To Me
April 25, 2011
Star Wars Q&A, Figure of the Day Updated at Galactic Hunter

Q&A by Adam PawlusGalactic Hunter Star Wars NewsGalactic Hunter has posted a new Q&A column this week! Be sure to click through and read up on the latest!

Be sure to send in your questions for next week's thrilling update-- or a few weeks down the road.

SnowtrooperFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Snowtrooper figure from 2003, which has been repackaged a few times and was an example of the amazing accessories Hasbro would give us in a $5 figure between the second and third prequels. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayKenner Jurassic Park Chaos Effect CompstegnathusSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? Probably not!

Remember when Kenner still made great, weird toys? The Kenner Jurassic Park Chaos Effect Compstegnathus comes from those days, and is part of the late, great 1998 Chaos Effect line. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Konami Offers Otomedius Excellent Update

Xbox 360Shoot the Core If you're a fan of Gradius-style horizontal shooters like I am, you're both excited and a little disturbed by Konami's upcoming Otomedius Excellent, which keeps the old-school gameplay of flying shooting things, options, and lasers but replaced the space ships with flying, dressed-as-you-might-expect anime-inspired girls, one of which is supposedly related to the Castlevania Belmont clan.

The wonderful people at Konami were kind enough to share some information and screenshots with us. [ FULL STORY AND PICTURES ]

--AP

Transformers Sightings, Clearances, and Attempted Distribution Explainings

TransformersWarpathOver the weekend I found a lone Warpath along casemates Sgt. Kup and Scourge at a Toys "R" Us. (Also shipping in his assortment are Thundercracker and Wheeljack, neither of which were present.) The instructions were updated from the earlier releases in that most of the instruction manual art has been updated to show Warpath's head rather than a head that looks like Hardhead. The toy is really great, and may be showing up at a store near you soon. I mean, if I found it, you might too.

With this assortment, that means that all Generations-packaged toys have shown up in a US retail store and online as well-- so hunt, or order as your needs require. These items do exist.


But what about the other hard-to-find 2011 toys from the Power Core Combiners and Reveal the Shield toys? Hard to say in many cases. But here's an update with what we know so far.

But first! Stores order toys in assortments which are identified by a 5-digit code on the shipping cartons and toy packaging. If a store is like Target which orders largely by what the computers tell them they need, they will look at a number of on-hand inventory and even if multiple older toys are in stock, they will not order new ones. Case in point: assortment 98447 contained both Reveal the Shield Deluxes as well as Hunt for the Decepticons Deluxes. Target's computer can't tell the difference, so if Target decides it is done with 98447, it a) will not order any more and b) may put all (not some) the toys under the SKU (or DPCI) on clearance. It's very all-or-nothing, as these big stores do not request specific waves. (That's why we have assortments-- the idea is that Hasbro does some degree the product popularity planning for stores so they don't have to.)

Asst. 98447: Reveal the Shield and Hunt for the Decepticons Deluxe Toys shipped under the same SKU (or to you Target-centric people, the same DPCI-- their system can't tell them apart, it's all 98447 to them.) This assortment shipped-- all the toys have been available in the USA since at least January, although they may be tough to come by. I routinely see Wreck-Gars, Optimus Primes, and their friends but I don't see a lot of Fallback or Mindset as of late. I've seen these items at Kohl's, Target, Toys "R" Us, and a smattering of other regional chains. [ Support 16bit.com, Check Availability With Our Sponsor ]

Asst. 98438: Reveal the Shield and Hunt for the Decepticons Scout Toys. Every wave of the "Reveal the Shield" packaging is tough to come by. Hasbro never solicited the Downshift/Demolition Rumble wave, so it's possible those may not show up in the USA for some time or at all. Windcharger and Chopsaw started showing up overseas last November, but no US retail big box stores are known. The wave has shipped online so, presumably, it's possible some store in the USA somewhere got them but as far as can be told, the big stores have not yet received them. Also, reportedly some Target stores are discontinuing this SKU-- I have not found this in my runs yet, but current clearance Transformers varies by each Target I've visited. [ Check Availability With Our Sponsor ]

Asst. 98457: Reveal the Shield and Hunt for the Decepticons Voyager Toys. The "Reveal the Shield" Voyager toys have, as far as can be told, shipped overseas but not to the big US retail stores. (For the record, this includes Lugnut, Deep Dive, Strafe, and Solar Storm Grappel.) The last two "Hunt for the Decepticons" toys were Highbrow and The Fallen, both of which remain somewhat tricky to come by in the USA. (I see them both at a Kmart regularly.) Word on the street is Target is axing this assortment, so I'd say keep your eyes online or at Toys "R" Us. These things are being shipped, just not to the usual big retail chains. [ Check Availability With Our Sponsor ]

Asst. 98433: Reveal the Shield and Hunt for the Decepticons Legends Toys. All the "HTFD" toys shipped, but the blue-tinted bestickered 2011 figures have not shown up in US retail stores-- again, they are shipping online and overseas. If you want Trailcutter, Prowl, Optimus Prime, Megatron, Gold Bumblebee, or Starscream, you may need to go online. Again, this is reportedly being axed by Target but I have not been able to confirm this. [ Check Availability With Our Sponsor ]

Asst. 98461: Power Core Combiners 5-Packs. It appears this assortment is being axed-- stores keep slashing prices and new stock is hard to come by, but Grimstone and Steamhammer shipped last November with Spastic/Over-Run shipping to US online accounts in 2011. I have not heard of a sighting of Spastic/Over-Run in the USA retail marketplace yet, so it seems you're unlikely to trip over him if you only hunt the big retail chains. Grimstone and Steamhammer remain elusive in many markets, but they have indeed shipped to the wild. [ Check Availability With Our Sponsor ]

Asst. 98443: Power Core Combiners 2-Packs. Target is absolutely discontinuing this assortment, right now. Waves have been spotty by region, but waves 1 and 3 seem common while waves 2, 4, and 5 are tricky-- but only waves 4 and 5 seem to have been hit by the "no retail store is getting this" curse. Online accounts do get them from time to time, but there have been no US sightings of these at the usual big boxed stores. The pains in the neck seem to be Heavytread, Skyhammer, Salvage, and Undertow. [ Check Availability With Our Sponsor ]

This is just a snapshot of right now-- these toys could show up anywhere at any time. They could get dumped at Ross, it's possible Toys "R" Us will get a massive stock along with the movies, or it's possible they'll just fade away and you'll never hear from them again. (This is what happened with the final wave of Transformers Universe Legends in 2009, as Wheelie, Cosmos, Rodimus, and Warpath were more than a little tough to come by.) It's not at all uncommon for a modern era "rare" figure to show up in abundance later, but sometimes it could be months or even years.

I don't have a clear conclusion to offer someone looking to buy these items who dislikes shopping online.

--AP

3D Final Fantasy III hits iPad

Video GamesAquamanWe got a surprise announcement from Square-Enix last week while we were hammering away on the PSP Final Fantasy IV. At the same time it hit shelves, the company published Final Fantasy III for iPad for $16.99 (the iPhone port is $15.99, why?) They say: "The iPad version of FINAL FANTASY III features improved 3-D graphics, taking full advantage of the platform's capabilities. The smooth, intuitive touch-panel controls have been adjusted specifically for the iPad, making the game easier than ever to play."

This now means Final Fantasy I-III are on Apple devices. Final Fantasy III is $16.99 and appears to be largely based on the existing Nintendo DS port from 2006.

--AP

This Needs To Be Updated
April 26, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayFour Horsemen Outer Space Men Holiday Astro-Nautilus Action FigureSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

Today's figure is Four Horsemen Outer Space Men Holiday Astro-Nautilus Action Figure, a red repaint from last year. And it looks delicious. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsGeonosian WarriorFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Geonosian Warrior figure from 2009, revised with a new set of legs. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

Transformers Japan Gaia Cross With Stickers

TransformersTransformersA new post on Higekuma Toy Blog has Gaia Cross toy pictures with labels which is effectively the "final" version of the toy-- it looks... OK. Sort of cheap.

This is why I think paint is so important. It'd look better with actual decoration.

--AP

Nintendo Wii Downloads This Week

WiiWord Searcher DeluxeThis week's WiiWare offering is Word Searcher Deluxe. It's $5/500 points.

The Virtual Console has nothing.

--AP

Nintendo DSi Downloads This Week

Nintendo DSInchworm AnimationThis week's batch: Airport Mania: First Flight, Ubongo, and Inchworm Animation. Each is $2-$5 and can be yours... if you have a DSi. And points, lots of points.

--AP

RIP Poly Styrene
April 27, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayPlaymobil Specials Palace Guard Action FigureSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

Great gear! The Playmobil Specials Palace Guard Action Figure is an older toy, but the collector's market has seemingly kept the price down if you still want one-- and this is good for you! So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsAnakin SkywalkerFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Anakin Skywalker figure from 2008, the first from the current animated series. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex Fame Dead

MusicGermfree AdolescentsIt seems we have some bad news. Henry from Chunklet has informed us that Poly Styrene (Marianne Joan Elliott-Said) of X-Ray Spex has died, and he has reposted an interview with the singer from 1996. The cause of death was listed as cancer.

If you don't know her work from X-Ray Spex, you may have heard the band Servotron cover the band's song "Genetic Engineering" on their "I Sing! The Body Cybernetic" EP. If you haven't heard 1978's "Germfree Adolescents," probably their best-known album, do check it out.

--AP

Transformers DOTM Toys Hitting Targets, How To Check

TransformersTransformersMy pal Phil told me that there's a way to tell if your Target has Transformers Dark of the Moon toys in stock, most likely until someone closes the loophole. People are reportedly finding toys on the shelves already.

Happy hunting!

--AP

GoBots to Challenge Your DVD Player

TransformersGoBotsFans have noted old episodes of Challenge of the GoBots were pulled from YouTube, and that's because a Challenge of the GoBots Classic Collection DVD is coming in May.

For those of you not in the know, the GoBots were Tonka's attempt to do with Japanese toys what Hasbro did with Transformers, from roughly the same time-- they premiered about 30 days apart as TV shows in 1984. Through superior branding, crazy color-change stickers, and arguably better names, Transformers was declared the victor in the transforming robot wars of the 1980s. But hey, GoBots have their fans, and Hasbro still uses names from the franchise in other toy lines now that they own them.

--AP

PS3: No PSN Updates This Week

PS3No Updates Due to the continued PSN outages, there are no new games to download for the Playstation 3 or Playstation Portable this week. Instead, we got a notification that your PSN account has been hacked and your information has been stolen. At least Sony's honest.

If you're paranoid about identity theft and things of that nature, you've potentially got reason to worry. Read Sony's post for more information including what little you can do to cover your butt in this potentially awful situation.

--AP

PSP: No PSN Updates This Week

PSPSee above.

--AP

Directly Into the Sun
April 28, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayFunko Thor Pop! Vinyl Loki Vinyl Figure Bobble HeadSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

From the upcoming movie! The Funko Thor Pop! Vinyl Loki Vinyl Figure Bobble Head is pretty cute, as evil prankster gods go. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsStar Tours OfficerFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Star Tours Officer figure from last year, a brightly recolored figure inspired by the Disney cast member uniforms. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

New Transformers Club Toys On Sale, Selling Through

TransformersHere's your stupid spy camera!After months of teasing, the Transformers Collector Club listed Exclusive G2 Ramjet and Animated Cheetor figures yesterday, for $58 and $52 respectively. Ramjet is reportedly over 75% sold in under 12 hours with Cheetor at over 50% sold.

While expensive, they may be even more expensive if you don't pick them up now.

Also exciting, numerous new store exclusives for Wal-Mart and Target. The most notable thing is that we're actually going to be getting Space Case, which is the remolded head repaint of Terradive from last year. Hooray!

--AP

New Outer Space Men Series 3, 4 Updates

Outer Space MenAlpha-7's Many PartsThe Four Horsemen posted Outer Space Men Series 3, 4 Production Updates that you should read which showcase the next four figures, presumably all we're going to be getting this year.

They show the new parts, explain that some parts will be recycled, and generally give you a great look at your next toys. Check it out!

--AP

Toys "R" Us Getting Hasbro Giant-Size X-Men 6-Pack

MarvelX-MenYou probably knew this, but I just saw it for the first time last night. Hasbro has produced a Giant-Size X-Men Action Figure Set which is being sold at Toys "R" Us for about $35. It has a fifth-panel flip-open package as well as Wolverine, Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus, Cyclops, and Thunderbird. For the asking price, it feels like quite a deal if you're not a collector, but if you are there are some familiar faces which may make this seem like not much of a deal.

No word on when we can see Hasbro's giant-size Man-Thing. I didn't notice an exclusive sticker on the sample I saw, but were I to make a bet, I'd say it's a de facto TRU exclusive.

--AP

Masters of the Universe and other May 16 Matty Sale Items

Masters of the UniverseCatra Mattel revealed the May 16 slate for MattyCollector.com's next sale with lots of Green Lantern, Masters of the Universe, and other stuff.

The big-deal new He-Man figure is Catra, plus a bevy of reissues and DC goodies.

--AP

New Games for the Xbox 360 Live Arcade Released

Xbox Live ArcadeOutlandXbox 360 owners, it's time to look into Outland, a $10/800 points platformer that presumably has little to do with any similarly named films or comic strips. Microsoft says:

"In the middle of Balance and Chaos, now stands one man whose efforts may bridge the ancient divide, or doom the world to destruction. The award-winning studio Housemarque, maker of Super Stardust HD, has teamed up with Ubisoft to create an ambitious platformer inspired by epic adventures such as the Prince of Persia series. Each playerıs adventure will take him between light and darkness and force him to adapt to an ever-changing world."

Also released is Trouble Witches Neo for $10/800 points, and it's a decent-looking and very Japanese-looking shooter. Also new: Nin2-Jump which... well, it looks neat, and difficult.

DLC sale warning: Castlevania HD and its DLC levels will be on sale next week so get your points ready!

--AP

Cloverfield Monster Toys Found
April 29, 2011
16bit.com Figure of the Day Updated

Figure of the DayHasbro Transformers Dark of the Moon Cyberverse Sneak Preview Optimus Prime Action FigureSomething new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting non-Star Wars Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? So far, only Star Wars!

Small and now easy to find, the somewhat new Hasbro Transformers Dark of the Moon Cyberverse Sneak Preview Optimus Prime Action Figure kicks off a new small-scale segment of Transformers. Will it work? Heck if I know. So read on, read our Star Wars one too, and come back soon for more!

--AP

Star Wars Figure of the Day Updated

Galactic Hunter & Star Wars NewsClone Turbo Tank GunnerFigure of the Day has updated once again! 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 Vintage Collection, it's almost like a history lesson!

Today we look at the Clone Turbo Tank Gunner figure from January-- you can still find it, if you're lucky and keep your eyes open. Go to Figure of the Day for the next update, with the latest installment in our ongoing series!

--AP

Ad: New Exclusive Star Wars Bust and Rare Cloverfield Monster at Entertainment Earth

Entertainment Earth Ad: A new Gentle Giant Entertainment Earth Exclusive Obi-Wan Kenobi Kenobi Bust is just one of the many exciting items up for order at Entertainment Earth right now! If that isn't enough, you can also take advantage of buy 4 Funko Bobble Heads and Pop! Vinyl figures, get a 5th free and an exciting warehouse find-- the super-rare and twice as large Cloverfield Monster Action Figure is in-stock today for far less than the eBay going rate! There are even hard-to-find single figures from Vintage Star Wars Wave 6 and the newest series of Transformers Power Core Combiners! Click through for pictures, pricing, and availability.

EE Exclusive Star Wars Episode 3 Obi-Wan Kenobi Bust Cloverfield Monster Action Figure LEGO 8804 Minifigures Series 4 In Stock Now Hard-To-Find Vintage Star Wars Singles
EE Exclusive Star Wars Episode 3 Obi-Wan Kenobi Bust Cloverfield Monster Action Figure LEGO 8804 Minifigures Series 4 In Stock Now Hard-To-Find Vintage Star Wars Singles
Star Wars Darth Vader Pop! Vinyl Figure Bobble Head Transformers Power Core Combiners Over-Run (Stunticons) Hard-To-Find Transformers Power Core Combiners Singles Lost Polar Bear Bobble Head - SDCC Exclusive
Star Wars Darth Vader Pop! Vinyl Figure Bobble Head On Sale Transformers Power Core Combiners Over-Run (Stunticons) Hard-To-Find Transformers Power Core Combiners Singles Lost Polar Bear Bobble Head - SDCC Exclusive

Also, feel free to pre-order Star Wars figures, props, and collectibles. Sites like this one get a kickback from the sales, so if you were going to order them anyway, please order them from this link-- it helps!

New Transformers Club Ramjet Sold Out

TransformersHere's your stupid spy camera!After about a day, the Transformers Collector Club listed Exclusive G2 Ramjet sold out yesterday.

Yes, the one that costs a whole bunch of money.

Still available, Cheetor. I'm not sure for how long, though.

--AP

New MattyCollector SDCC Exclusives Revealed

GhostbustersStay-Puft!A number of Mattel Comic-Con Exclusives were revealed yesterday on the G4 cable channel including Swamp Thing, a giant Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man with diorama, and a super-articulated Voltron.

No He-Man items were shown but we're told the full slate of exclusives with better pictures should be on MattyCollector.com real soon, possibly tomorrow if I heard right.

Image courtesy/stolen from @jonmmoll

--AP

Portal + LEGO = This

LEGOStill a BrickFlickr user Catsy posted several LEGO creations of Portal including GLaDOS and the protagonist of the first game, and they all look pretty great. This is why you save parts from Star Wars sets.

--AP

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