The Hess Truck's back and it's... an App

Yes nothing is safe from the swath of destruction carved into our world by the App-monster.

Even the venerable thousand year old (my estimate- actually it's only been around since 1964) tradition that is the Hess Gasoline Christmas toy isn't safe.

Hess Corporation today announced the release of its second edition Hess Toy Truck game app, the Hess Racer Game, on Android. Based on the 2011 Hess Toy Truck and Race Car, the game app extends the company’s 47-year old Hess Toy Truck holiday tradition online and builds on last year’s successful debut of the Hess Jet Game, which ranked within the top 10 racing category on iPad and iTunes. The Hess Racer Game debuted free on iPhone/iPad and Facebook on Nov. 18 and had 1.7 million visits through Nov. 29 and a 4 out of 5-star rating.

Huh, four out of five stars (from who?) and  up to a second one already (I didn't even know there was a first one)- not too shabby. Could this little App be worth your time? Well, since it's free the answer's probably yes.

The Hess Racer Game app takes gaming to a new level, providing fans with a highly engaging and easy-to-play online experience that features the best elements of gaming today. It includes the ability to play quick and short games and earn more rewards, and provides an enhanced social media and sharing experience.

Players can choose from two vehicles in the Hess Racer Game: the Hess Race Truck, which offers brute strength and great handling, and the Hess Race Car, which offers speed and agility. Players have the choice of three courses – city, mountains or interstate – and can earn coins to unlock additional features for their vehicles. In addition, players can collect and give trading cards to one another that serve as an invite to play the game. An enhanced multiplayer function on Facebook allows friends to challenge other friends to beat their high score. Players can also play the Hess Toy Truck Game directly on the Hess Express Facebook page (www.facebook.com/HessExpress).

 If you're more of the old school type, and want the actual IRL toy to add to your shelf of all things awesome and/or kitschy, you can head on over to www.hesstoytruck.com. There you can not only see where you can find one near you, but peep the complete history of the iconic vehicle. You might want to go get one right quick though as (you guessed it) supplies are limited.

The Hess Toy Truck has been a holiday tradition since 1964, and is one of the longest running toy brands on the market. The 2011 Hess Toy Truck carries a race car modeled after an American stock car that sports a pull-back racing motor and Hess Express logo. For the first time in the collection’s 47-year history, the two vehicles in the set are both packed with sounds and lights for twice the fun. As in past years, the truck is sold exclusively at Hess retail stores in 16 East Coast states, while supplies last.