Kodai Djinns

Juniper Foo | Nov 21, 2006

If you're stumped for ideas this festive giving season, these Kodai Djinns could just be this season's boy toy for your geek pal. It took us a while to figure this out, but it's essentially Tamagotchi meets yoyo with a battle slant that should appeal to gamers. Gameplay involves spinning the yoyo to power up and train your warrior (one of 12 random virtual fighters based on the Chinese Zodiac). Lots of flashy lights in red, yellow or blue LEDs and sound effects pile on the fun factor. There's a random 1-in-150 chance of scoring your own super-warrior, though your trembling arm would probably have dropped off by then. Just don't take on a yoyo-meister, though. Battles are fought with seven video games played on the LCD display using four built-in buttons. These include a follow-the-leader-style yo-yoing game, a scissors/paper/stone-style challenge and a monster vs warrior battle. A wireless option (infrared) lets players go head-on with rival yoyo warriors, with an online game expected to spin off soon. There's already a comic series, so don't be surprised to see the Kodai Djinns get big-screen treatment, if the more-dead-than-alive DOA: Dead or Alive can make it to Hollywood.

Check out the warriors | the yoyos | the packaging

Price: US$28.80 for single, US$53.20 for pair
Availability: At firebox.com

Device: Gyro-charged, seven built-in games, infrared, LEDs illuminate while spinning with sound effects

Filed under: Gadgets
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