Toyology

Toy Fair Round-up

We spent more time than is probably healthy for a couple of grown-ups at last week's Toy Fair. Here's a quick lowdown of some of our favourite bits of kit and a couple of colourful characters!

Crack the Whip

All that’s needed is the famous Fedora and this FX whip and overzealous Indiana Jones fans have all they need for their imaginative escapades. Get into character with this Electronic Whip from Hasbro designed to fit hands of all ages. It even come with carry strap you attach to your belt loops so it’s easily accessible when you need scare some snakes, or the neighbours’ cat. We were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of the whip at Toy Fair and to be honest we were a bit disappointed at first sight, but then we found out it plays the theme tune and makes whip cracking sounds so we weren’t disappointed for long. It’s out in May and will be around £15.

Beatles Vehicles to Die (Cast) For

Seeing as Corgi International Limited has entered into a Licensing agreement on a multi-year deal for a range of Beatles and Yellow Submarine Die Cast Collectables (which means they’ll be producing goodies right up to 2010) we thought we’d give you a sneak preview at the fantastic range put together to celebrate one of the most and some would argue THE MOST successful band in the UK. Iconic Beatles imagery is featured on a range of die cast collectables at different scales. As Corgi produced the original Yellow Submarine die cast in the 1960’s it was only right that they should be the company to revive these mini classics.

The Ultimate Stealth Spy Mission

Want to do some snooping around but don’t have the necessary equipment to do so? Look no further than the Spy Video Car from Wild Planet – a remote controlled car with its very own built in video camera. It gets even cooler folks as the signal is transmitted to a wearable headset with an LCD screen embedded into it so you can get in on ALL the action whilst navigating your car remotely. Conducting stealth missions will never be the same with this piece of hi-tech equipment – great for spying on older siblings and other members of your family and friends. It works up to 75 feet away so no one will even know what you are up to – even in the dark with its real night vision mode.

Quack Attack

Easter is soon upon us so we thought we’d bring your attention to a game that fits right in with all that is Easter. Designed for pre-schoolers for learning but great for the whole family to have a laugh with at Easter time, the aim of Lucky Ducks is to match the colours and shapes to the little ducklings as they swim around the motorized pond. A VERY simple games yes, but loads of fun when played with your kids – or when the kids are asleep...whatever works for you!

Multicoloured Marvel

If you thought having in a Moon in your room was cool then the idea of having a Rainbow in your room must really get you excited. Using LED’s to recreate the 7 colours of the rainbow your room will be transformed into a bright and colourful wonderland by projecting the rainbow arch onto the walls and ceilings so it’s great for hanging out with friends, sleepovers and pyjama parties.

The Hulk Challenge

Do you think you have what it takes to fix Hulk without setting him off or have a wild race through the streets of New York, smashing your opponent’s vehicles along the way in a bid to make it out of the city first? If you do, we suggest you take on the only way to prove your bravery with the two challenges set out in these two very cool nail-biting games.

Hulk Smash Game

Get ready for that wild race we mentioned with your own clay vehicles, made of course with the Hulk Fist mold case. By wild we mean rolling the dice and waiting your turn to move along the path – but still very very exciting especially when you pick a card that lets you smash your opponents vehicles flat. Keep racing and smashing until someone makes it out of the city.

You have plenty of time to prepare for these challenges as both games are out in June – SRP £14.99

Ants in Your Pants

While a lot of us have no problem squishing the bugs and creepy crawlies we see trespassing in our houses and gardens, it must be recognised that there are also people who take great pleasure in being kind to gods many legged and winged creatures – especially kids. Those who fall into the latter category – The Botanicals Kits are for you. Discover the fascinating world of insects with your kids and have fun learning about insects, life cycles, metamorphosis (no not Power Rangers) and a whole range of other facts.

Become a Superhero

Everybody loves the Power Rangers and Ben 10. Well who wouldn’t want to shout “It’s morphing time” followed by a battle with some of the coolest baddies to have hit our screens or have the ability to transform oneself into an alien with uniquely awesome powers? For pure fighting action take a look at this line-up of weaponry that will prepare you for any battle. The results won’t be the same but at least you have your imaginations.

Ben 10 Transforming Alien Arm – Amazon - £20.00

How cool would it be to be Ben Tennyson and have that kind of power? Wannabe’s, this is as close as you’ll get to the real thing with the new Ben 10 Transforming Alien Arm. Connect the three alien attachments and listen to real sound effects from the show.

Taters of the Lost Ark

Indiana Jones fever is rife at the moment and eveyone wants to emulate the famous archaeologist ...Even Mr Potato Head has got in on the action. Ready for adventure Mr Potato Head comes complete with a treasure trove of accessories, a ‘leather’ jacket, the iconic whip, fedora – which plays the classic “Raiders March” when placed on top Mr Spud’s head, and a total of 12 mix n’ match parts.