Rounding out my subscription services for February, and the last to arrive in the mail following the most recent snowstorm, was my (personal favorite box,) Loot Crate. February’s theme was “Play,” a nod to all things gaming- be it video games, board games, card games, etc. Right away, I saw one item that I was thrilled about (I’ll get to that in a bit!) but the entire crate was packed full of fun stuff.

I wouldn’t expect anything less!

First up were the usual items included in every month’s box- the collector’s pin and the mini-magazine. February’s edition included pages of fan photos and a breakdown of each item inside the crate, as well as a pretty good article explaining why co-op gaming is actually healthy for people and helpful in building lasting relationships (my best friend Sean and I can attest to this, having learned to rely on each other’s skills during hours-long “Resident Evil 6” sessions,) and a fun picture graph depicting various video gaming controllers throughout the years. Oh, Intellivision. How I miss you.

The first item in the box, tucked away in a black velvet pouch, was this pair of ceramic “Rock, Paper, Scissors” dice from Loot Crate Labs. Having received a 20-sided die in a Loot Crate last year, I thought this was a pretty unique addition to this month’s crate as opposed to just including a regular pair from a board game (or another 20-sided die.) Each side is printed with an orange picture depicting- you guessed it- rock, paper, or scissors, and will definitely get some use the next time my friends (or my niece) and I need to kill a little time.

The aforementioned item that I was really excited to receive was this deck of “SUPERFIGHT” cards. I’d read about the game online a while back, but until now- I hadn’t had the chance to play it. The premise of the game is essentially a way to debate your friends about which superhero/villain would win a fight in certain situations. I love a good argument from time to time (all in good fun, of course-) so I’m really looking forward to breaking this out at the next party and letting the bloodbath commence.

The one item I received in February’s crate that I couldn’t quite figure out how it fit into the “Play” theme was this mechanical larvae from HexBug that moves and scuttles around on flat surfaces. I’m still trying to figure it out- but until I do- I’ll be gifting this to my niece. I’m sure she’ll get a kick out of it!

I’m always on the prowl for a page-turner to flip through, so when I saw this novel- “Ready Player One,” I was really looking forward to diving in and giving it a read. A synopsis, via Amazon:

“In the year 2044, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he’s jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade’s devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world’s digital confines—puzzles that are based on their creator’s obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. 

But when Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade’s going to survive, he’ll have to win—and confront the real world he’s always been so desperate to escape.”

According to Loot Crate’s mini-magazine, this book is going to be made into a feature film soon. The story sounds really interesting- so I’ll be sitting down and starting this within the next couple of weeks!

I’ve got myself a pretty big collection of POP! Vinyl figurines from Funko, raging from “The Walking Dead” to Disney and Marvel characters. They’ve all found spots on my shelves and in various spaces around my bedroom (and kitchen,) Munnys are similar styled figurines, and this one- which came with a set of washable markers- gives me the opportunity to design and create my very own!

Like the HexBug, I think this particular item would be a great activity to share with my niece- who is very artistic- and will no doubt enjoy drawing and coloring on this figurine over and over.

Pac-Man will always, ALWAYS- withstand the test of time. Even now, after all these years- it’s still fun (and stressful) to play- and has anyone seen those recent Bud Light commercials where they set up a human Pac-Man game using amazing costumes and lights? It aired during the Super Bowl and I thought it was so awesome (even though Bud Light is pretty terrible.) I really love this deconstructed Pac-Man poster, drawn by Manny Peters- and although I’m not 100% sure I have a place to put it right now- I have a friend I know who would LOVE this in his house!

Finally, February’s “Digital Loot” was this voucher to unlock an exclusive ship/spacecraft in the online “Firefly” game. I’m not sure I’ll get around to playing it anytime soon, but this will be nice to have on hand if I do! (But if anyone who plays the game would like the code, just let me know and I’d be happy to pass it on to you!)

Overall, I thought February’s Loot Crate was well put together and included a little something for everyone. I can’t wait to play the “SUPERFIGHT” card game with friends and jump into the book I received- and it’s always nice to get little things that I can give to and share with others.

I’ve already been notified that March’s theme will be “Covert,” which has me just as excited as I was back when I had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of October’s horror-themed box. I’m still coming off of an “Agent Carter” high following Tuesday night’s season finale, and am preparing to create a Black Widow costume for the 2015 comic convention circuit (I’ll write about that soon!) so I am ALL about spies, secret agents, double agents, etc. I can’t wait to receive it and share it with you all!