November 2006
| Games and playsets Here's the list of tested games and playsets, in order of kids' preference |
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LAZER TAG TEAM OPS by Hasbro (one-player set): $30 |
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| What it is: Lazer Tag turned "techie," this version has an LCD info display, a heads-up display, and many games to choose from. It also
allows you to play the classic version of the game without the bells and whistles. For ages: 8 and up What's cool about it: Kids get exercise running around chasing each other. It can be played indoors or outdoors with no risk of injury from shooting projectiles. What's not so cool: It's complicated. There are lots of buttons and displayed information. Kids found it hard to understand and to restart games. Parents who disapprove of shooting games should think twice about this toy. What the kid testers said: It was voted a favorite toy. "It's like shooting a machine gun," said one kid. Other comments: Each set includes only one gun, but at least two of the toys are needed to play. |
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PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ULTIMATE BLACK PEARL PLAYSET by Zizzle: $40 (plus $8 for each action figure) |
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| What it is: Buildable play set franchised for the Disney movie "Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man's Chest." Assemble the pirate ship
and then you can operate the cannon-ball launchers, trap doors, zip line, and other real working features, including sounds. For ages: 6 and up What's cool about it: This toy wasn't on the favorites list, but could have been if the action figures had been included. The included action features (not to be confused with figures) can aid in more long-lasting play. What's not so cool: The box focuses on action figures not included with the playset, creating a disappointing outcome. The box shows pictures of pirate action figures from the movie, but in small print reads, "Action figures sold separately." What the kid testers said: Some of the kids were disappointed that it did not include the action figures. Otherwise, they liked it. Said one tester: "The cannon shoots out cannon balls and it looks like a real ship." Other comments: Plan on purchasing the "sold separately" action figures to get the most out of play. |
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RUBIK'S SUDOKU: $15 |
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| What it is: From the creators of the Rubik's cube, a board game that includes 100 Sudoku puzzles to be solved by number or color. The
puzzle includes hints and tips for how to play, and solutions to the puzzles. Built into a travel case for easy storage and
on-the-road use. For ages: 8 and up What's cool about it: The number puzzle game "Sudoku" has gained interest in recent years. Since paper and pencils are not required, the puzzles can be solved over and over again. What's not so cool: This special-interest toy didn't get much playtime among our kid testers. What the kid testers said: It didn't hold their attention. Many kids started it, but gave up quickly and found it too hard to finish a puzzle. Other comments: Might be a good gift for someone who already plays Sudoku. |
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