My boys got Spike for Christmas, and it was a huge hit. It is really cool and fun to play with. It does a lot, and has the neat jungle music like the display in the store. I can't say they play with it more than the other new toys, but when asked, that is their favorite toy for Christmas.
I ended up paying about $80, including shipping, for him, and I'd say he was well worth it. I'd have a hard time saying he would have been worth the full price. I did order him full price, but did the whole re-order and return deal when I got him on sale later. Of course, since this was from Santa, I would have paid anything (well...almost anything) to get him. The looks on their faces make him well worth what I paid!