Wicked Cool Toys® Introduces Cuddly Connected Scanimalz Characters and FREE App (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

Scanimalz, from Wicked Cool Toys, captures what kids love—cuddly toys, technology and playing games on smart phones and tablets! With more than 30 adorable plush Scanimalz’ characters to choose from, girls and boys will love to collect them all and play with them for hours on end. Consumers can simply download the free iOS and Android Scanimalz App to scan the QR codes on the Scanimalz belly to play games, track their collections, earn points and work their way up the leader board! Wicked Cool will debut Scanimalz to media in their Toy Fair booth #2573, Level 3.

“Between the name Scanimalz and the large QR code on their bellies, we're making it easy for consumers to understand that these are scanable animals," explained Ashley Mady, President of Brandberry, the licensor for Scanimalz. “We’re owning the scanning theme in every way, from aesthetics, to activation to play pattern”.

Kids are encouraged to scan daily via bonus points, extra Scantasy Spins and hidden reveals. Each Scanimalz has different abilities and point value power within each game and there are many ways to collect points. Kids will also delight in learning about the Scanimalz story. Scanimalz are originally from SCANdinavia, frequently have SCANic attacks, are afraid of SCANacondas, like to do SCANnon balls, eat Shrimp SCANpi and make SCANtastic pets!

“Scanimalz offers kids a true, reciprocal experience both in real life and in the mobile world,” said Michael Rinzler, President of Wicked Cool Toys. “Today’s generation of connected kids is rapidly growing, but traditional play is important as well-- we found the right way to combine traditional play with a digital component.” 

The Scanimalz App features:

• Character recognition/tracks Scanimalz collection
• Play one of four games to earn points to make it onto the leader board and then redeem those points to dress up your Scanimalz and make them even more scantastic!
• Points are accrued by having the character eat Scanimalz’ food or squishing Scanaconda, daily SCANtasy spinz, and by adding to your collection

Series one of Scanimalz began launching this Spring.  There will be 32 new styles in the first year alone. Rare styles will also be included. Series one of Scanimalz is currently available at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com, Scanimalz.com as well as specialty retail shops including select Learning Express Stores, Aahs and Puzzle Zoos.   MSRP: $9.99, ages 3+.  For more information, please visit scanimalz.com.

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My Thoughts:


I love reviewing children's apps with my girls, and oftentimes find myself getting hooked on some of them.  This was the case with the Scanimalz app and plush toy I was recently sent for review.  With the new age of technology, you are probably seeing oversized bar codes over different products. If you have a smart phone, you can take a photos of the bar code, and have more information about that particular item sent to your phone.  Neat, huh?  I thought so, the first time I tried it out. 

And, now the folks at Wicked Cool Toys is taking this bar code technology by creating a line of plush Scanimalz, and a fun FREE app that you can use to interact with your toy.

I was sent the above cute, and oh so cuddly Beta Bear Scanimalz to assist in my review of the app.  Upon receiving I downloaded the Scanimalz app and then scanned the bar code on the toy's belly to unlock fun games, earn points and even track my collections.  While the Scanimalz app is geared towards children 6 and up, my girls loved sitting next to me, and watching me play the games.  And, when I wasn't using the free Scanimalz app, the girls were able to get in some cuddle time with the limited edition pink Beta bear.

Here is a quick YouTube video showing the Scanimalz in action --

 

Children will love being able to collect different Scanimalz characters, and unlocking new virtual worlds. we will definitely be picking up a few more of these cute Scanimalz characters to add to our collection.    How about you?

 

About Wicked Cool, LLC

Wicked Cool, LLC is a Pennsylvania-based toymaker with offices in Pennsylvania and Hong Kong and has a diverse portfolio of playthings for all ages. Founded in the summer of 2012 by veteran toy executive Michael Rinzler, Wicked Cool will develop and bring to market proprietary lines and licensed product, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles®, Scanimalz™, WWE™, The Wiggles®, and Tasty Dough™. Visit http://www.wickedcooltoys.com and follow the Company on both Facebook and Twitter. http://www.facebook.com/wickedcooltoys @wickedcooltoys


Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.