JP
Gamers of a certain age will remember Epoch’s Barcode Battler, a compact games system that relied on barcoded characters and power-ups to fight against each other. The key to its (failed) longevity was the fact that further barcodes could be used to create new characters, enemies and add-ons. In the end its tiny LCD screen couldn’t compete with the growing range of TV consoles, and it paled into bargain bins.
Now imagine an interactive system that connects to your TV but also uses a broad and expandable range of characters and power-ups that you can collect just like Top Trump cards. Since we’ve been dragged squealing into the 21st century, barcodes just won’t cut it anymore – instead picture RFID-enabled cards that register with mere proximity across a swipe sensor. You’re getting close to the incredible gaming concept of Mattel’s HyperScan.
HyperScan consists of a console, lightweight and foldable for ease of transport and storage, that not only runs games on CD-ROM but also interacts with re-writable RFID token cards (which Mattel calls Intellicards). A software title such as Marvel X-Men would run primary gameplay from the CD, but during that a player can pause the action and swipe one or more of their Intellicards to upgrade, modify and enhance both their offensive and defensive battle abilities, such as extra strength, armour and special moves. At the end of the game the Intellicards can be swiped again, this time uploading details of their winning powers so that they can be invoked in future games.
Mattel see HyperScan as a bridging system for children eight and above, fitting in-between simplistic plug & play games and high-end consoles like the PS2 and XBox 360 which can often feature mature content. It hybridises traditional button-bashing with the perennially popular collector cards concept, game packs selling with a CD-ROM and six game cards, with subsequent booster packs of game cards available to introduce new skills and features. A single game features around 100 corresponding Intellicards: 10 to 20 characters, each with between 20 and 40 hours of gameplay, and in excess of 80 modification cards.
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12 Responses to “Marvel HyperScan Console uses RFID for customised gameplay”
JC September 22, 2006
This is pretty cool idea, feels like the age of arcades again
NeutralBA Battacus September 24, 2006
I like it, though whether the kids’ll appreciate finding this thing under the tree on Christmas instead of that PS3 or Revolution they actually ASKED for is a whole different animal.
NeutralVincent Nguyen September 24, 2006
I believe this is targeted to a younger crowd – not the teens. Also, it’s well priced under $100.
[quote comment="2447"]I like it, though whether the kids’ll appreciate finding this thing under the tree on Christmas instead of that PS3 or Revolution they actually ASKED for is a whole different animal.[/quote]
NeutralPavel September 25, 2006
i think a 7 years old will be happy with any toys for xmass
Neutral10splayer September 27, 2006
I just bought this and my kid LOVES it. Perfect for the 9-11 crowd. The RFID cards make the gameplay fun and as soon as you start, you want more cards and characters. The best part is being able to save your progress on your character card. You actually have proof of how good you are. Definitely a winner.
NeutralVincent Nguyen September 27, 2006
What do you and your kid think of the quality of the graphics as well as the price point for this kind of gaming system?
[quote comment="2696"]I just bought this and my kid LOVES it. Perfect for the 9-11 crowd. The RFID cards make the gameplay fun and as soon as you start, you want more cards and characters. The best part is being able to save your progress on your character card. You actually have proof of how good you are. Definitely a winner.[/quote]
Neutralzach pearce October 2, 2006
i think teens could like this system im buying it 10/5/06
Neutralthey should try other games like football and other games you could have a team and keep the stats on the cards
Sandy October 2, 2006
The games looked decent, not as bad as you think.
Neutral$~-_Bryan_-~$ October 2, 2006
YO ima Get Dat shit it looks awesome
i mean dude n it only 70$ ima get it wit da ben 10 game n wit ben 10 cards!!!
Neutraldj October 11, 2006
how much does the game cost.
NeutralBilly Peterson December 5, 2007
Hello im just here looking for cheats then i was how many people accualy talk about the hyperscan i really like it so if anyone has some cheats for the ben ten one please tell me and i will be very happy.
NeutralBilly Peterson December 5, 2007
Ok was is backwards i hate typos but i ment saw
Neutral