Wireless interactive game having both physical and virtual elements

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail store that is usable in an interactive game that provides virtual play via computer animation. The toy may include an RFID transponder or tag which is used to store certain information identifying each play participant and/or character. Players advance in the game by finding clues, casting spells and solving various puzzles presented. Players may also gain (or lose) certain attributes, such as magic skills, magic strength, fighting ability, various spell-casting abilities, and the like. All of this information is stored on the RFID tag and/or an associated database such that the character attributes may be easily and conveniently transported to other similarly-equipped play facilities, computer games, video games, home game consoles, hand-held game units, and the like. In this manner, an imaginary role-play character is created and stored on a portable device that is able to seamlessly transcend from one play environment to the next.