Friday, December 19, 2008

Bakugan Toys - What Are Bakugan Battle Brawlers?

Every year there's a short list of hot toys that prove to be the most popular Christmas gifts for kids. And 2008, of course, is no different. One of this year's must buy Christmas toys is definitely going to be Bakugan battle brawlers, so here's a quick guide for parents on what Bakugan is all about.

What is Bakugan

Bakugan is similar to Pokemon in that it isn't just about the toys or the game. Bakugan Battle Brawlers is also a Japanese anime series in which the main characters, a group of youngsters, play the Bakugan strategy game in order to save the earth. It now airs in a variety of countries, including on the Cartoon Network in the US. The toys and the tv series were developed together, so one supports the other.

The Bakugan Battle Brawlers Game

Much how a trading card game works, Bakugan is a strategy game. It involves both cards (made of metal) and marbles. The marbles morph into monsters and such, i.e. dragons and things of that nature. The transformation occurs as the marble lands on the metal cards, which is the large part of the appeal of these toys. They are fun!

After each player has rolled their Bakugan (the marble), then battle commences. Battle consists of adding up the values on the Bakugan and the cards and the winner takes both of the Bakugans and the cards. The game continues until there aren't any cards left.

The Bakugan Toys

The main items necessary to play Bakugan are the cards and the marbles that turn into creatures. Bakugan starter packs are a fairly inexpensive entry item into the series of toys, at about $15 each. Fair warning though, much like Pokemon and Webkinz, don't expect your kids to be happy with just one set. Like trading game cards, the toys are designed to be collectible. You can expect your house to be overrun soon enough!

In addition to the starter packs and Battle Brawler Battle packs, there are also accessory items such as a launcher and a battle arena (i.e. game board) that can be bought too. There are also other tie-in items such as books, lunch bags, calendars and eventually there should be a videogame available in the US for the Nintendo DS.

For tips on the game, my instructions on how to play Bakugan should help out, plus you can get an idea of the different Bakugan toys available as well.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Silverlit PicooZ Helicopter Review

Silverlit PicooZ Helicopter

by Silverlit

Silverlit PicooZ Helicopter



Technical Details

  • Transmitter Requires 6 x AA Batteries - not included
  • Product Dimensions: Main Rotor Diameter 130mm (5.25)
  • Length 170mm (6.5) excluding rotors. Rear Rotor diameter 30mm (1.25)
  • Product Weight: Only 10g, including Flight Battery
  • Rechargeable Flight Battery: High capacity integral Lithium Polymer battery
  • Charger: Integral Transmitter/Charger supplied with LED indicator/Auto shut off
  • Simply plug in and charge, with easy to use connections
  • Charging Time: 20-30 minutes for full charge
  • Flight Duration: 10 minutes between charges
  • Batteries Required: 6 x 1.5v AA Alkaline Batteries for Transmitter/Charger
  • Control Specification: Supplied completely assembled and already charged
  • Ready-to-fly, with pre-installed 2 Channel Proportional Infra Red Control System
  • Take off, hover and descend, turn left and right
  • Range: Up to 10m (30ft). Frequency: Infra Red Control System - Bands
  • A, B & C allow up to three Silverlit Models to be flown together
  • Instruction Manual included: Providing helpful tips for the new Helicopter Pilot
  • Gift Box Dimensions: 360 x 160 x 100mm
  • Gift Box Weight: 0.4kgs



Customer Reviews










89 of 89 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Fun!, 8 Jun 2007
Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars Educational:3.0 out of 5 stars
It's a great toy and alot of fun for the price. The controls allow you to alter the speed of the main rotor to alter the lift, also the speed of the tail rotor to turn the helicopter. With judicious application of the stick on weights you can balance the model so that it drifts forward when in stable flight. It takes a bit of practice to get this thing to go in roughly the direction you want it too but that is half the fun.


4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Picoo Z Helicopter, 3 Jan 2008
Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars
I got this from my wife as a Christmas present. I can't stop playing with it. It is so light and easy to control. The controls take some getting use to, but once mastered it is no problem. My two girls like watching flying low over there heads. I would highley recommend this as a gift.


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