Toys R Us to Open Early for Skylanders Giants Launch Product: Skylanders Giants Launch at Toys'R'Us As Activision Publishing prepares to unleash the sequel to its highly acclaimed Skylanders Spyro's Adventure gaming experience this Sunday, October 21, Toys"R"Us stores and Toysrus.com are gearing up to serve as the ultimate retail destination for consumers worldwide eager to explore the new, mystical worlds in Skylanders Giants. This brand-new videogame, which was named to the 2012 Toys"R"Us "Fabulous 15" List, is poised to prove that bigger really is better, and will be available for Wii, Nintendo 3DS, the Xbox 360 game and entertainment system, the PS3 computer entertainment system and Nintendo Wii U when it debuts next month. Back by popular demand, Toys"R"Us also will be the only place for fans to find the limited edition Legendary Series of toys, including alternative versions of the new Giant character Bouncer, Series 2 Stealth Elf and a Triple Pack of Jet-Vac, Slam Bam and Series 2 Ignitor – all of which feature enhanced in-game powers. "Skylanders Giants and Skylanders Spyro's Adventure offer a one-of-a-kind, dynamic play experience combining videogames with compelling storylines and fun inter-action figures that bridge the gap between the real and virtual worlds. Skylanders Spyro's Adventure quickly became a top-seller at Toys"R"Us in 2011 and the property has sustained its popularity ever since. From Australia and the U.K. to Canada and the U.S., there is significant pent-up demand for the new Skylanders Giants, and we're thrilled to bring this latest iteration in the series to fans around the world." - Richard Barry, Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys"R"Us, Inc. Skylanders Giants introduces sixteen new characters that build on the magic of Skylanders Spyro's Adventure, including super-sized Giant Skylanders with powers to match, as well as the new LightCore Skylanders that light-up in the game and in the real world as players transport them to Skylands using the Portal of Power that builds on the magic of the toys. Returning favorite characters from Skylanders Spyro's Adventure are wholly compatible with Skylanders Giants, so all stats and customizations remain intact. To help fans build their collections, Toys"R"Us will have the largest selection of Skylanders Spyro's Adventure and Skylanders Giants characters available – just in time for the holiday season. "We introduced Skylanders Spyro's Adventure just a year ago, and already the franchise has become one of the hottest properties in the world, all because of the power and magic of a simple idea: bringing your toys to life. Now we're bringing Skylanders to the next level with Skylanders Giants. Giants delivers the innovation, whimsy, quality and magic that kids of all ages expect from Skylanders. And we couldn't be prouder to be launching Skylanders Giants with a global retail partner like Toys"R"Us, the world's leading toy authority, who has believed in the franchise and given us incredible support from day one." - Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing Skylanders Giants Sneak Peek This Weekend in Times Square: On Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21, Toys"R"Us' international flagship store in New York City will celebrate the launch of Skylanders Giants with one-of-a-kind in-store experiences. Plus, Times Square street teams will hand out cards, posters and Skylanders Giants figures throughout the weekend to bolster awareness of the upcoming product launch. Customers who visit Toys"R"Us Times Square from 12 noon to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday will have the opportunity to be among the first to play the new game at dedicated kiosks throughout the store. In addition to the demo stations, Toys"R"Us Times Square visitors can take pictures with a Skylanders Giants character in the store's electronics and entertainment shop. Toys"R"Us Skylanders Giants Launch Details: On Sunday, October 21, all Toys"R"Us stores in the United States will open at 8am to accommodate enthusiastic shoppers eager to get their hands on the brand-new game and characters. For fans interested in amping up their Skylanders Giants gaming experience with exclusive characters, Toys"R"Us will be a must-stop destination on Sunday morning. Following is a sampling of new Skylanders Giants toys that will be available only at Toys"R"Us stores and Toysrus.com beginning Sunday, October 21. Through the company's newly introduced international shipping capabilities, customers around the world can purchase these exciting must-haves just in times for the holidays. Skylanders Giants Toys Exclusive to Toys"R"Us: Legendary Bouncer (Giant Skylanders Character): Kids will be excited to take home this brand-new Toys"R"Us exclusive Giant character as part of the limited edition Legendary Series. Legendary Bouncer is an alternative version of the new Giant character with exclusive enhanced in-game powers. Bouncer is known for his big, lively personality and catchphrase, "Deal with the Wheel." Whether using Bouncer's determination and skilled tech attack elements in-game to defend the Skylands, or recreating scenarios in their living room, children are sure to love this larger than life character. No batteries required. Ages 6 years and up. Legendary Stealth Elf (Series 2 Character): Led to her current level of stealth fighting skills by an unusually ninja-like forest creature, this returning Toys"R"Us exclusive Series 2 Skylander has already captured the hearts of fans. Back and better than ever with all-new powers, Stealth Elf will benefit gamers with her life element and Blade Slash and Stealth maneuvers. Plus, she comes with upgrades, including Dragonfang Daggers, Arboreal Acrobatics and Elf Jitsu. No batteries required. Ages 6 years and up. Skylanders Giants Legendary Triple Pack: For Portal Masters looking to add to their assortment of Skylanders Giants figurines, this Toys"R"Us exclusive pack comes with three action figures, including Legendary Series 2 Ignitor, Legendary Slam Bam and Legendary Jet-Vac. Once placed on the Portal of Power, each character will come to life in their videogame, while maintaining existing upgrades. No batteries required. Ages 6 years and up. This item was named to the 2012 Toys"R"Us Holiday Hot Toy List. Skylanders Spyro's Adventure Triple Pack (Ignitor/Camo/Warnado): These three popular characters from Skylanders Spyro's Adventure return in an exclusive Toys"R"Us three-pack including Ignitor, a Series 2 Skylander who, despite past attacks and setbacks, is returning as a steadfast spirited knight, and is fired up to protect Skylands from evil using fire as his key element. Joining Ignitor is Camo who beholds the effervescent life energy, allowing him to cultivate fruits and vegetables and cause them to explode when they ripen. Led by Master Eon, Camo is prepared to help the Skylanders protect their world. Rounding out this special set is Warnado, who has come to appreciate his whirling abilities and secrets of the air element, leading him to become a powerful force, especially when using his spin attack maneuvers in battle. No batteries required. Ages 6 years and up. -Geck0, GameVortex Communications AKA Robert Perkins Related Links: The Official Toys"R"Us Website Toys"R"Us on Facebook Game Vortex's Coverage of Skylanders