ConsoleHyperscan Video Game System
HyperScan is the combination of two pursuits big among today's kids: video games and collectable cards. The system takes the novel approach of actually incorporating the cards as assets in the video game through the use of IntelliCards, trading cards with tiny RFID chips buried inside that can send information to, and sometimes receive info from, the HyperScan console. In the included X-Men 2-D fighting game, players select their character by swiping one of the included character cards over the flashing red scanner built into the console's clamshell design, much the way a grocer would scan a can of beans. Should the player win the battle, their character is rewarded with increased experience, strength points, and other stats that are then transferred back onto the card with another scan. Players can get deeper into a game by using other cards to add attacks, level up other X-Men characters, and execute cool finishing moves. The system's graphics aren't much to write home about--think original PlayStation--but they're in line with the system's price when you consider that the first game is included. The cards feature full-color graphics of the characters or items they represent, along with beginning stats--updated stats are viewed only on the console. HyperScan makes a good system for avid card traders provided they have access to other HyperScan players. By itself, though, HyperScan is not much of a system. The console comes with one controller (but has ports for two), X-Men game, six X-Men cards, AC power pack, AV connection cables, and instructions.--Porter B. Hall