OK, so instead of posting reviews we've been busy acquiring more review material! Today we take a look at Mars Mission. At first glance, I wasn't too crazy about these. I mean, hello, orange and white LEGOs? What is this, LEGO Creamsicle Mission? But months later, I'm totally into this product line. Check it out:
7648 – MT-21 Mobile Mining Unit: I love kits like this. First of all, it retails for only $10. Second, the value for your money is excellent. Included are the truck/lab, the detachable drilling unit, a miniature robot helper, one astronaut minifigure, and one alien (with jetpack!) minifigure.
The truck/lab is a neat vehicle. The sides flip up to reveal the portable lab, and the front opens and closes to allow the driver access. The drilling unit has a drill bit on an extending arm, and stabilizers that fold down to keep the unit from tipping over during drilling operations. The small robot helper clips on to the drilling unit, and has a small arm of its own to hold a crystal. The alien has a crystal-powered jetpack that snaps into his back.
The downside? Small pieces that come off easily during regular play. There’s an antenna/radar dish assembly that went straight into the parts bag, a 3-piece missile that clips on to the back, and a portable radio on the truck. The stabilizer feet on the drilling unit come off easily, and the portable saw often gets set aside. The miniature robot helper is a study in small parts in and of itself. And I’m not a huge fan of the alien’s jetpack – it looks cool, but falls off and falls apart too much in my opinion.
If you are looking to give Mars Mission a try, you really can’t go wrong with this kit. As long as you are prepared to deal with a lot of small pieces, it’s some serious fun. I give it a 7 out of 10.
7695 – MX-11 Astro Fighter: Another Mars Mission bargain ($5). You get a nifty little fighter craft, an astronaut, and an alien. The fighter’s wings can adjust up or down, as does the blaster cannon. The canopy opens and shuts, allowing easy access for your astronaut pilot.
The crystal on the cannon tends to fall off, and the cannon itself frequently comes apart right where the round pieces meet the square base. Other than that, I liked this kit so much I bought my boys a second one. 8 out of 10.
7647 – MX-41 Switch Fighter: Can you say dual-purpose? The Switch Fighter is a medium-sized spacecraft that can also turn into a six-wheeled vehicle, piloted by a stalwart astronaut minifigure. They are harried by an alien in his small black and green fighter. Once again I am pleased with what you get for what you pay.
The fighter fits together nicely, and the transition from spacecraft to vehicle is pretty smooth. There are two flick-fire missiles up top, and two missiles that clip on to the sides. Aft you will find a long orange tube with a white sled that can hold three crystals or one alien prisoner. The wingtips fold, and there are four movable fins – two on the nose, and two more on the top of the fuselage. The only downer for me were the small orange wingtip lights that seem to constantly fall off.
The alien fighter has that classic tech-meets-organic look. It is powered by two small engines and armed with four lasers/blasters. The lasers have limited movement on their small pylons. The alien pilot is secured in place nicely by a peg that fits into his back. His cockpit is an open-air affair, with two green curving beams on either side to keep him in place. The beams are tipped with some menacing red claws. This assembly flips up and down, much as a traditional glass canopy (think roller coaster safety bar). On my kit, the little claw that holds the crystal at the very front of the fighter keeps flipping upside down. And there are two green flames that attach to the engines – great for display, but not for hands-on play. Those are my only nitpicks with the alien fighter.
And since we are talking LEGOs instead of reality, you won’t mind that the Switch Fighter’s engines double as wheels when it’s in vehicle mode ;)
I give this distant cousin to Optimus Prime a solid 8 out of 10.
5616 – Mini Robot: This was a stocking…I mean, an Easter Basket stuffer. It’s one astronaut minifigure with his trusty robot pal. My kids call it the “Gonk Droid” in a classic case of cross-property pollination (in this case, Mars Mission meets Star Wars). The robot will topple over if you don’t position his feet to provide maximum stability. But his front opens and shuts, he has a pair of binocular eyes, and he can grasp his tools (a pick and a crystal detector) in his robotic arms. 5 out of 10.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Playmobil review #1 - Tub toys!
Bath time - for most kids, bath time also doubles as play time. After you get the boring stuff out of the way (like the actual cleaning and scrubbing), the fun commences. Here are some Playmobil toys that have made bath time very enjoyable for all three of my kids:
(Note: the number is the product number, the name in parenthesis is the set theme, and the name is the product name.)
5721 - (Fire) Rescue Raft: This set comes with a red Zodiac-style rescue boat, two firemen, and a swimmer. There's also the requisite accessories - outboard engine, oars, and miscellaneous rescue gear. It even has a length of nylon line that you can string around the perimeter of the raft to make getting in that much easier. I thought for sure this line wouldn't last very long. Imagine my surprise that it has held up for several years now, surviving three kids and twice a week dunkings! Overall, a great toy that has been a bath time favorite. I give it a well-deserved 9 out of 10!
5754 - (Adventure) Croc Boat: G'day, mate! For some reason, I can't help but think of Paul Hogan and his "Crocodile Dundee" movies when I hear the word 'croc.' You get a cool air boat, two croc wranglers, a croc, assorted small animals, and some swamp adventure gear. There's also a piece of swamp terrain that goes with it. The croc boat has also seen a lot of action in the tub, and has consistently been a favorite. The rubber luggage restraint up front comes off a lot, as does the fin assembly that steers the airflow on the aft section of the boat. Still, a solid toy that rates a 7 out of 10.
5749 - (Adventure) Pontoon Helicopter: This set contains a pontoon helicopter, a pilot and co-pilot figures, and a couple pieces of rescue gear. The rotors spin nicely, the bubble canopy folds forward for easy access, and it's pretty stable in the water. The canopy hasn't help up well, as it is very scratched and clouded. Not totally unexpected from clear (smoke-tinted) plastic, but still kind of a bummer. I give this one a 6 out of 10.
3155 - (Vikings) Nessie: Bath dragon! That's what my kids have always called Nessie. The sea serpent was purchased years ago on a business trip to London, and it has resided in one of our bathtubs ever since. A detachable green weight on the underside of Nessie allows her to float upright. The weight falls off from time to time, but not often enough to rate as annoying. My daughter has enjoyed playing with the smiling viking warrior girl included in this set. Nessie deserves an 8 out of 10 in my book.
Of course, all of these toys have a slot on them where you can attach the Underwater Motor (7350) for the added enjoyment of having your boat/dragon/etc. motorized!
I just can't say enough good things about Playmobil. Great toys.
(Note: the number is the product number, the name in parenthesis is the set theme, and the name is the product name.)
5721 - (Fire) Rescue Raft: This set comes with a red Zodiac-style rescue boat, two firemen, and a swimmer. There's also the requisite accessories - outboard engine, oars, and miscellaneous rescue gear. It even has a length of nylon line that you can string around the perimeter of the raft to make getting in that much easier. I thought for sure this line wouldn't last very long. Imagine my surprise that it has held up for several years now, surviving three kids and twice a week dunkings! Overall, a great toy that has been a bath time favorite. I give it a well-deserved 9 out of 10!
5754 - (Adventure) Croc Boat: G'day, mate! For some reason, I can't help but think of Paul Hogan and his "Crocodile Dundee" movies when I hear the word 'croc.' You get a cool air boat, two croc wranglers, a croc, assorted small animals, and some swamp adventure gear. There's also a piece of swamp terrain that goes with it. The croc boat has also seen a lot of action in the tub, and has consistently been a favorite. The rubber luggage restraint up front comes off a lot, as does the fin assembly that steers the airflow on the aft section of the boat. Still, a solid toy that rates a 7 out of 10.
5749 - (Adventure) Pontoon Helicopter: This set contains a pontoon helicopter, a pilot and co-pilot figures, and a couple pieces of rescue gear. The rotors spin nicely, the bubble canopy folds forward for easy access, and it's pretty stable in the water. The canopy hasn't help up well, as it is very scratched and clouded. Not totally unexpected from clear (smoke-tinted) plastic, but still kind of a bummer. I give this one a 6 out of 10.
3155 - (Vikings) Nessie: Bath dragon! That's what my kids have always called Nessie. The sea serpent was purchased years ago on a business trip to London, and it has resided in one of our bathtubs ever since. A detachable green weight on the underside of Nessie allows her to float upright. The weight falls off from time to time, but not often enough to rate as annoying. My daughter has enjoyed playing with the smiling viking warrior girl included in this set. Nessie deserves an 8 out of 10 in my book.
Of course, all of these toys have a slot on them where you can attach the Underwater Motor (7350) for the added enjoyment of having your boat/dragon/etc. motorized!
I just can't say enough good things about Playmobil. Great toys.
Friday, March 28, 2008
LEGO review #1 - Star Wars LEGOs
7654 - Droids Battle Pack: This kit includes a droid transport carrier, a STAP "bike" and 7 droids (4 Battle Droids and 3 Super Battle Droids).
In small hands, the STAP tends to come apart quite easily, especially where the two clear base pieces fit together. Same with the blasters on the droid carrier.
My only complaint is about the Battle Droids - their arms/hands are molded in such a position that they cannot grasp their weapons in the upright position - they must hold them sideways. That, and the blasters are the clunky-looking two-piece jobs. For comparison, look at the Battle Droids included in 7662, the Trade Federation MTT. Those droids have arms/hands molded to grasp their weapons upright, and have the more realistic-looking molded blasters.
Overall, it's a good value when you consider you get seven droid figures and two small vehicles in the kit. I give it a 6 out of 10.
7655 - Clone Troopers Battle Pack: This kit includes a speeder bike, a turret position, and 4 Clone Troopers.
I like the speeder bike, as it looks cool and holds up well to handling. I can take or leave the turret - I would have rather had a second speeder bike to be honest. And I wish there were a couple more Clone Troopers included. But at least they give you three different kinds of clones (one Shock Trooper, one Star Corps Trooper, and two Clone Troopers).
The helmets tend to come off the troopers frequently, so I may just end up gluing them to the black heads to save on frustration.
Another good value for the money, and I give this kit a 7 out of 10.
7656 - General Grievous Starfighter: A very cool kit! Included are the Starfighter and a General Grievous figure (complete with 4 arms, 4 lightsabers, and a blaster).
There's something about the General's Starfighter that reminds me of the air racers of the 1930s and 1940s - sleek and powerful, yet sturdy enough to take a beating.
In smaller hands, the (bleep)ing canopy comes off over and over and over...frustrating for all parties involved. Same goes for the canopy slider mechanism and the two blaster cannons. You'll spend a lot of time putting this one back together many times.
Still, it's a great-looking kit, and makes a nice addition to your collection. I give it a 7 out of 10.
7667 - Imperial Dropship: What a clever little vehicle! This kit includes a dropship and 4 figures (1 Shadow Stormtrooper pilot and 3 Stormtroopers).
I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Stormtroopers, so how could I not like this kit? The tail pivots up and forward, allowing you to detach the platform the Stormtroopers are riding on. I wish they had included one more Stormtrooper, just to have an even 4 figures sitting on the platform.
It holds up well to handling, which is always nice. Well, except for the Stormtrooper's helmets, which frequently fall off (just like the Clone Trooper's helmets). I give this kit a 7 out of 10.
7668 - Rebel Scout Speeder: This kit includes a scout speeder and 4 Rebel Troopers.
The speeder looks good and holds up nicely to handling for the most part. The little clips for the Rebel's blasters are a great detail! The blaster cannon detaches easily for quick placement, which is nice, but tends to fall off time and again in smaller hands.
Just don't get me started on the trooper's helmets - they fall off even more frequently than the helmets of the Clone Troopers and Stormtroopers! Grr...
Now if LEGO makes a similar kit with some Hoth troopers, now you're talking! I give this kit a 5 out of 10.
TopKat
In small hands, the STAP tends to come apart quite easily, especially where the two clear base pieces fit together. Same with the blasters on the droid carrier.
My only complaint is about the Battle Droids - their arms/hands are molded in such a position that they cannot grasp their weapons in the upright position - they must hold them sideways. That, and the blasters are the clunky-looking two-piece jobs. For comparison, look at the Battle Droids included in 7662, the Trade Federation MTT. Those droids have arms/hands molded to grasp their weapons upright, and have the more realistic-looking molded blasters.
Overall, it's a good value when you consider you get seven droid figures and two small vehicles in the kit. I give it a 6 out of 10.
7655 - Clone Troopers Battle Pack: This kit includes a speeder bike, a turret position, and 4 Clone Troopers.
I like the speeder bike, as it looks cool and holds up well to handling. I can take or leave the turret - I would have rather had a second speeder bike to be honest. And I wish there were a couple more Clone Troopers included. But at least they give you three different kinds of clones (one Shock Trooper, one Star Corps Trooper, and two Clone Troopers).
The helmets tend to come off the troopers frequently, so I may just end up gluing them to the black heads to save on frustration.
Another good value for the money, and I give this kit a 7 out of 10.
7656 - General Grievous Starfighter: A very cool kit! Included are the Starfighter and a General Grievous figure (complete with 4 arms, 4 lightsabers, and a blaster).
There's something about the General's Starfighter that reminds me of the air racers of the 1930s and 1940s - sleek and powerful, yet sturdy enough to take a beating.
In smaller hands, the (bleep)ing canopy comes off over and over and over...frustrating for all parties involved. Same goes for the canopy slider mechanism and the two blaster cannons. You'll spend a lot of time putting this one back together many times.
Still, it's a great-looking kit, and makes a nice addition to your collection. I give it a 7 out of 10.
7667 - Imperial Dropship: What a clever little vehicle! This kit includes a dropship and 4 figures (1 Shadow Stormtrooper pilot and 3 Stormtroopers).
I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Stormtroopers, so how could I not like this kit? The tail pivots up and forward, allowing you to detach the platform the Stormtroopers are riding on. I wish they had included one more Stormtrooper, just to have an even 4 figures sitting on the platform.
It holds up well to handling, which is always nice. Well, except for the Stormtrooper's helmets, which frequently fall off (just like the Clone Trooper's helmets). I give this kit a 7 out of 10.
7668 - Rebel Scout Speeder: This kit includes a scout speeder and 4 Rebel Troopers.
The speeder looks good and holds up nicely to handling for the most part. The little clips for the Rebel's blasters are a great detail! The blaster cannon detaches easily for quick placement, which is nice, but tends to fall off time and again in smaller hands.
Just don't get me started on the trooper's helmets - they fall off even more frequently than the helmets of the Clone Troopers and Stormtroopers! Grr...
Now if LEGO makes a similar kit with some Hoth troopers, now you're talking! I give this kit a 5 out of 10.
TopKat
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Playmobil Overview
I didn't have any Playmobil toys growing up, but I sure wish I did! My sister introduced me to the ubiquitous smiling figures when she bought them for her girls.
Playmobil figures were first introduced in 1974. The basic Playmobil figure is almost 3 inches tall, and can stand, sit, bend at the waist. You can rotate the head, arms, and hands. The hands are shaped to grasp a huge assortment of accessories.
The recommended age for Playmobil is 4+ due to the many small parts, some that can pose choking hazards to little ones, so use your own judgement - if your child is prone to putting things in his or her mouth, Playmobil may not be the best choice.
I wanted my kids to play with their Playmobil toys starting at 3, so I made sure I was the first one to open all new Playmobil sets. Any and all small parts went straight into ziploc storage bags (along with the instructions), to be saved for later use when the kids were older.
Another potential downside of Playmobil is the frustration factor, especially when dealing with small hands (ages 3 to 5). Some items tend to fall apart during play (not break, mind you) which can lead to some unhappy campers. Case in point:
The Jet Airliner (3185) is a great toy. It was one of my first Playmobil purchases two or three years ago, and it still gets a lot of use today. The problem is that some of the pieces fell off rather easily, such as the wheels and tail assembly. My solution was to take the tail and wheels off, and set them aside. Not perfect, but it worked for my kids. I also ended up using some Zap-A-Gap (super glue) to fasten the four small red connectors located in the wing, because they fell out a lot.
Overall, I would give Playmobil a solid 9 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being "Outstanding." As long as you remove any potential safety concerns (small parts) and are ready to deal with some minor frustration (mostly from your youngest players), Playmobil is a great toy. All three of my kids still love Playmobil, and I see many potential years of creative and fun play in store for both the kids and the toys.
Official Playmobil website:
http://www.playmobil.com/index.html
Playmobil figures were first introduced in 1974. The basic Playmobil figure is almost 3 inches tall, and can stand, sit, bend at the waist. You can rotate the head, arms, and hands. The hands are shaped to grasp a huge assortment of accessories.
The recommended age for Playmobil is 4+ due to the many small parts, some that can pose choking hazards to little ones, so use your own judgement - if your child is prone to putting things in his or her mouth, Playmobil may not be the best choice.
I wanted my kids to play with their Playmobil toys starting at 3, so I made sure I was the first one to open all new Playmobil sets. Any and all small parts went straight into ziploc storage bags (along with the instructions), to be saved for later use when the kids were older.
Another potential downside of Playmobil is the frustration factor, especially when dealing with small hands (ages 3 to 5). Some items tend to fall apart during play (not break, mind you) which can lead to some unhappy campers. Case in point:
The Jet Airliner (3185) is a great toy. It was one of my first Playmobil purchases two or three years ago, and it still gets a lot of use today. The problem is that some of the pieces fell off rather easily, such as the wheels and tail assembly. My solution was to take the tail and wheels off, and set them aside. Not perfect, but it worked for my kids. I also ended up using some Zap-A-Gap (super glue) to fasten the four small red connectors located in the wing, because they fell out a lot.
Overall, I would give Playmobil a solid 9 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being "Outstanding." As long as you remove any potential safety concerns (small parts) and are ready to deal with some minor frustration (mostly from your youngest players), Playmobil is a great toy. All three of my kids still love Playmobil, and I see many potential years of creative and fun play in store for both the kids and the toys.
Official Playmobil website:
http://www.playmobil.com/index.html
Welcome toy fans!
Greetings, toy fans of all ages, and welcome to my toy blog. I've always been a huge fan of toys, and thankfully never got "too old" to play with toys. I'll be posting reviews of a wide variety of toys, divided up into several categories:
* Baby & Toddler Toys
* Kid's Toys (ages 3+)
* Big Kid's Toys (teens on up)
* Video/PC Games
All reviews will come my own personal use of a given product, or from playing experience with my children (3, 5, and 7). I hope my opinions and observations are useful to you!
TopKat
* Baby & Toddler Toys
* Kid's Toys (ages 3+)
* Big Kid's Toys (teens on up)
* Video/PC Games
All reviews will come my own personal use of a given product, or from playing experience with my children (3, 5, and 7). I hope my opinions and observations are useful to you!
TopKat
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