You got your Pokémon in my Magic: The Gathering -- and, hey, who invited the Busy Ball Popper? Aimed at ages 7 and up, Wild Planet's Verticon Air Battle Arena ($24.99) combines the combative fun of trading-card games with the arena-style gladiator action of Robot Wars, and sends it one more level over the top by having the battle take place in midair. Just activate the airstream and use the snap-on weapons to arm your ping-pong-ball-style warrior (from "Soroms" to "Brattezans," over 25 floating fighters in all are sold separately): Two orbs enter, one orb leaves.
Besides the warrior packs, Wild Planet makes a few add-ons that aren't necessary but definitely enhance play if you've got money to burn: The $19.95 Sound Battle Attachment locks onto the Arena and adds motion-activated sounds and three electronic games, while the $14.99 Team Combat Attachment includes two additional warriors, weapons and a strategy map, as well as the ability to kill your opponent's airstream in mid-combat. Play nice, kids.
Verticon Air Battle Arena and accessories are available at Amazon.com (use links above) and offline retailers everywhere, as well as through Wild Planet's online store.
