Xtractaurus
© 2009 Mattel, Inc.
Coming Fall 2009, this plastic figurine/web site combination lets you try to build the ultimate dinosaur, and then use it to duel with another dinosaur. You begin by purchasing a starter kit, which includes one of 15 action figures, the software, and a light-up "Extraction Gun." You connect your Extraction Gun to your Mac or PC's USB port, and insert the tip into your dinosaur to "extract" the DNA, which might consist of several dozen attributes. You can then start an online lab where you can mix and match attributes to try to create a strong dinosaur. By purchasing more dinosaurs ($8 each), you can get more DNA, and more combinations for new games and attacks. Cash is king with this game. In addition, you can combine DNA to create your own unique Xtractaur. Additional content includes five arcade-style games, to keep things more interesting. You can brag about your accomplishments in the Show-Off Zone, but there are no other social features.
$20, Windows, Mac OSX
Teaches: logic, classification