This site will remain as an archive, but all new posts will appear at the Tumblr location. I've also moved the old posts here over to Tumblr, as well.
This is an online space for fans of Mattel's HyperScan video game
console. The HyperScan was introduced in 2006 and discontinued in 2007.
Skylanders and the HyperScan
I haven't yet had a chance to play any of the Skylander games, but I've been following the success of this game series with interest. For anyone familiar with the HyperScan, the Skylanders series will be familiar in its basic concept of video gaming merged with collectibles--in the case of Skylanders, collectible toys versus collectible cards. Skylanders uses NFC technology, rather than the HyperScan's RFID, but I think it's clear that the HyperScan was a bit of a pioneer in what Skylanders is doing now.
I'm happy to see Skylanders doing so well, and I have to admit that's partly because I feel it's a bit of a retroactive justification for the HyperScan's basic premise.
I'm happy to see Skylanders doing so well, and I have to admit that's partly because I feel it's a bit of a retroactive justification for the HyperScan's basic premise.
Instruction manual for the console itself has been added to the "Instruction Manuals" page
I happened to find a manual for the HyperScan console itself on Archive.org, so I've added a link to that under the "Instruction Manuals" page.
Instruction manuals page has been added
A page for HyperScan game instruction manuals has been added to the top. So far, the manuals for X-Men and Marvel Hereos have been added, and Ben 10 and Interstellar Wrestling League manuals will be added soon. All the manuals have a list of HyperScan cards in the back, which is really helpful if you're interested in completing your card collection.
I don't own a manual for Spider-Man, but if I can get my hands on one, I'll post that too.
I don't own a manual for Spider-Man, but if I can get my hands on one, I'll post that too.
Mini personal review: Marvel Heroes
Marvel Heroes is a game that's gotten classified by the small HyperScan community as one of the better games for the system. You play as a variety of different Marvel heroes (I've got a limited number of cards, but I've been able to play as the Incredible Hulk, Daredevil, Captain America, the Human Torch, and Thing) through a variety of 2D scrolling levels against sundry baddies. There's not one overarching storyline, as far as I can tell, but rather a series of shorter storylines resulting in three-level mini games (taking about 15 to 20 minutes to beat, depending on your skill level).
Graphics are pretty decent. The backgrounds are detailed and crisp, though the characters look pretty pixelated. The Human Torch has some neat flame effects, though. The music is appropriately dramatic super heroey.
If you want replay value, you'll want to stock up on cards. Area mods and story missions provide new levels and villains, and as each one provides a half hour or less of gaming, just a handful won't take you very far. Having plenty of characters cards is worthwhile, too. The various heroes are differentiated enough that you'll want to play all of them, so you can experience Hulk's huge earth-pounding jump, Daredevil's swinging, etc.
I agree with others who've said this is one of the better HyperScan games--it's a lot of fun to play superhero and bash up baddies with the kind of all-star roster available. (I'll be posting lists of all the available cards for HyperScan's games in the near future, so keep an eye out!)
Graphics are pretty decent. The backgrounds are detailed and crisp, though the characters look pretty pixelated. The Human Torch has some neat flame effects, though. The music is appropriately dramatic super heroey.
If you want replay value, you'll want to stock up on cards. Area mods and story missions provide new levels and villains, and as each one provides a half hour or less of gaming, just a handful won't take you very far. Having plenty of characters cards is worthwhile, too. The various heroes are differentiated enough that you'll want to play all of them, so you can experience Hulk's huge earth-pounding jump, Daredevil's swinging, etc.
I agree with others who've said this is one of the better HyperScan games--it's a lot of fun to play superhero and bash up baddies with the kind of all-star roster available. (I'll be posting lists of all the available cards for HyperScan's games in the near future, so keep an eye out!)
What could have been: Star Wars on the HyperScan?
While looking for HyperScan videos on YouTube recently, I ran across this demo reel:
At 1:04, there's apparent video game footage from a Star Wars game, and the video description claims this is "3D modeling/texture/animation for Mattel's Hyper Scan Star Wars game that never made it to market."
This is the first I'd ever heard about a possible Star Wars game! Wow. It looks like it was going to be a 3D game, too. I'm pretty bummed that this never made it to completion.
At 1:04, there's apparent video game footage from a Star Wars game, and the video description claims this is "3D modeling/texture/animation for Mattel's Hyper Scan Star Wars game that never made it to market."
This is the first I'd ever heard about a possible Star Wars game! Wow. It looks like it was going to be a 3D game, too. I'm pretty bummed that this never made it to completion.
Topping the charts (though not in a good way)
The HyperScan has the distinct, uh, dishonor of being named to many "worst of" lists dealing with video game systems. And I can't say it's undeserved, if I'm being honest--as I was playing Ben 10 last night, the game froze on me twice, forcing me to reboot. Sadness!
So, anyways, read on ... it might give you a chuckle or a knowing nod.
PC World's "The 10 Worst Video Game Systems of All Time"
GamerNook's "Ten Horrible Game Consoles, Most of Which You've Never Known" (commentary on the PC World list)
WeirdWorm's "6 Weird Video Game Systems"
So, anyways, read on ... it might give you a chuckle or a knowing nod.
PC World's "The 10 Worst Video Game Systems of All Time"
GamerNook's "Ten Horrible Game Consoles, Most of Which You've Never Known" (commentary on the PC World list)
WeirdWorm's "6 Weird Video Game Systems"
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