Carcassonne

A clever tile laying game. The southern French city of Carcassonne is famous for its unique Roman and Medieval fortifications. The players develop the area around Carcassonne and deploy their followers on the roads, in the cities, in the cloisters, and in the fields. The skill of the players to develop the area will determine who is victorious. Special rules for the 12 river tiles: Remove the special starting tile from the game. Instead, begin the game by laying the spring that starts the river. Set aside the lake tile and shuffle the remaining 10 river tiles face down and draw from these before drawing from the tiles from the normal game. These tiles are played and followers may be played as in the normal game with one exception: a river tile may not be placed so that the river makes a U turn. Followers may not be placed on rivers. Once these 10 river tiles have been played, the next player plays the lake and then play continues with the normal tiles. Klaus-Juergen Wrede created Carcassonne. It is for 2 to 5 players and takes about 60 minutes to play

Carcassonne Reviews.

Most people come to this game after they have already been introduced to the European Designer Games by Settlers of Catan. This is a different kind of game than Settlers but in some senses it shares a lot of commonalities.

The game is easy to learn for a wide audience, it is reasonably quick to play (30 – 40 minutes) and is a very “immersive” game i.e. there aren’t long periods of boredom. There are elements of strategy and luck, which makes for a “fun” game experience.

This game is fun for children and adults. For children the “farmers” are a little too complex, but the game works very well without that element.

The game consists of laying tiles to build cities, roads and monasteries in the South of France. Points are gained by creating long roads, building large cities or farming multiple farms. It draws elements of building jigsaw puzzles together with a strategy game of competing for territory.
I have played this game with family members who aren’t really into board games and they enjoyed it just as much as gamers.

There are many expansions to this game which add a few more dimensions as you get more advanced. There is a very high replay-ability.

I would high recommend this game to people who are bored with standard Monopoly or Cranium type board games that are popular in the US.

If you loved Settler’s of Catan this a “must”!

Summary:
General
o 2 – 5 Players
o 30 – 40 minutes Playing time
Audience -
o Children & Adults
o Serious and Casual Gamers
Format
o Tile Laying
o Combines Strategy & Luck
Longevity
o High Replay-ability
o Quality Components

Okay, so the game has been around for awhile, I was just looking in the wrong places. I don’t remember how I was led to this game, I was looking at a game site on the Web and they said how this game is consistently rated #1. So I clicked on it, and in a carefree mood I purchased it. I LOVE IT. Even my husband who usually rolls his eyes when a game is pulled out , has said he enjoys this game. We often play it with a 9 and 11 year old, and they are easily able to grasp the concepts, although their strategies could use some work.
What is so nice about this game is that there are no dice, no money to count and no constantly moving a piece around a board. Instead each player on his turn picks a cardboard tile(nice thick quality) and places it on the table, which acts as your board. You basically create your own puzzle each game, so it is never the same. Rivers match up to rivers, or city to city, road to road. You have to decide the best place to put the piece you just picked.
Sometimes the games are lopsided, with one person building a huge city and getting tons of points, but that is often due to the other players error and not a game fault. We have only been playing it 2 weeks, but so far I have learned/figured out something new after each game to help with future strategies. It’s a quick game, and high quality. I have been so impressed with this one, that I have already purchased some expansions and Rio Grandes new game of Ark of the Covenant and Hunters and Gatherers, both using the same concept of Carcassonne but with variations.
This game definitely beats out the common store favorites of Clue, Monopoly, Life, Stratego and blah blah blah. There is a reason why it has been a #1 game, try it out!

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Doctor Who – Sonic Screwdriver

* includes a hidden UV pen & UV light which reveals your secret writing
* Button activated lights & ‘Sonic Screwdriver’ sound effects
* Includes wallet with “Wipe-Clean” paper. UV ink nib and black ink nib
* Requires 3x AG13 Batteries (included)

Doctor Who – Sonic Screwdriver Reviews.

I purchased the Sonic Screwdriver as a Christmas gift for my 7 year old daughter. It was a huge hit! She was more excited about it than any of her other gifts. My wife and I were also very impressed with the quality of the product. It is very well made and came with its own batteries. I must admit that with the interchangeable ballpoint pen and invisible ink heads I really would love to get this as a gift myself. It is so great to see a toy that is so well made. Doctor Who fans at any age will love this product.

The husband may scoff, and no, it does not seem like the most sturdy thing ever made, but I cannot stop smiling whenever I use this. I’m not too sure about getting refills and such, or if it would even be truly worth it to bother. That’s not really the point though, is it? Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s late at night and I have a lot of cabinets to put up…

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Sprig Toys Discover Rig

This battery-free vehicle is powered by “natural” energy. When a child rolls the rig forward, it triggers the generator that powers vehicle lights and plug-in characters. Made from earth-friendly material. Sprig Toys. Ages: 3+

Sprig Toys Discover Rig Reviews.

My 3 year old son recently received a sprig discover rig for his birthday. It quickly became his favorite toy to take on walks. He calls it his “jumbo” car!! (the driver of the car talks and says “jambo” which is”Hello” in swahili, but it sounds like “jumbo”) It’s fun to take on walks because the more you push it, the more sounds and music you hear.(elephants,monkeys, etc) Unfortunately, the music/lights stopped working after about a month. My husband took the car apart to see if he could fix it,but the links that turn the generator inside the car were broken. My son was heartbroken that his jumbo didn’t work anymore. Since it was a gift from relatives in another state, I didn’t have a receipt for it. I emailed the sprig company and quickly received a reply from one of the co-founders of the company. I explained my situation and he offered to send out a new chassis for the car. (for free)I received the new chassis today and the car is fixed again. I was very impressed with the level of customer service I received!!

My son is a little young (2 years), but the discovery rig is one of his favorite toys. He will push it all over the house and yard. It can easily go over the rocks and stairs, but there’s not a scratch on my hardwood floors. He loves the music and will often stop pushing to do a little dance and then he’s back on his adventure. I love that I don’t have worry about how it’s made. It may be part plastic, but it smells like wood which gets a great reaction from all my adult friends.

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Ben 10 Alien Force Deluxe Vehicles Galvanic Gunship

Ben’s Tennyson’s ultimate ride! Vehicle based on the Ben 10 animated TV series. In scale with 4-inch Alien Collection Figures. Glows in the dark!

Ben and his team now have their very own ‘glow in the dark’ gunship. Take it apart to create 3 small attack vehicles, or combine to form the awesome gunship! Based on the Ben 10 animated TV series, the vehicle comes with 8 missiles total (3 different types) and includes an exclusive Ship Figure that can also be used to disengage the spaceship. (Components will unlock if Ship is placed on the top of the Gunship.) The Galvanic Gunship can also be used with most 4-inch tall Alien Collection Figures (not included)!

Ben 10 Alien Force Deluxe Vehicles Galvanic Gunship Reviews.

This was a birthday gift for my 9 year old son & he loves it! There is a lot versitility because it can be broken down into several ships. Easy to assemble & disassemble. Great toy for a Ben 10 lover!

My 7 year old son is a HUGE Ben 10 fan and is really enjoying this ship. It is easy for him to transform, and he spends a lot of time using it.

This toy was for our son at Christmas 2009. He’s 4 yrs. old and he absolutely loves this toy and it performs as stated and is easy to assemble and disassemble. We are thoroughly pleased with it!

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Transformers Movie 2 Voyager Iron Hide

IRONHIDE has never been happier. It’s hard on a warrior to be on the defensive all the time, but thats just what most of the war was one defensive action after another. With MEGATRON defeated, and the DECEPTICONS on the run everywhere, its high time the AUTOBOTS went on the offensive. Working alongside the humans to hunt and destroy DECEPTICON hideouts around the world is the most fun he’s had in ages.

Transformers Movie 2 Voyager Iron Hide Reviews.

When I landed the first movie’s Ironhide two years ago, I was speechless. I found that the figure had two very solid modes while being pretty screen acurate at the same time. Now, with the new movie line, there has been some marked improvements in terms of presentation, durability, and overall fun factor. While the “new” Ironhide still has the same transformation(they kept the same formula ’cause it worked so well) there are some differences to his overall appearance. First, his paint applicant is spot-on which accents the curious choice of gray plastic in robot/vehicle mode. The door panels have have an autobot/sector 7/human alliance insignia that resembles a certain U.S. crest. The sculpt itself is pretty much the same aside from a few changes. The new head-sculpt is an improvement with more detail to the face. Also, his cannons are more detailed with a pretty cool mech-alive feature which includes the right cannon rotating and extending to fire the missle. Thus being very evocative of his movie counterpart. His transformation is fairly simple which most people should get in less than 15 min. However, the majority of the Transformers ROTF figures have ball & socket joints that do tend to pop off during trasformation but can just as easily be reconnected. “Hasblow” decided to do this for those who ocasionally get too stressed and rough trying to transform the toy. Rather than a piece breaking off, they simply pop off causing no damage except for ones pride. Overall, I highly recommend this Voyager Class Ironhide.

I got this figure at Toys”R”Us and it was 22.99. I Liked Ironhide ever since I got into transformers and its a great toy. I’d say get this toy for ages 7 & up because his transformation can be a little difficult at some parts. The directions can be a bit difficult at some parts. Also at his waist there is something you have to clip in that may be a little difficult that an adult may have to do. I say if you’re a huge fan of this figure get him. If you’re getting it for a kid be aware that you may have to transform him. If you really want him get him. He’s a really great figure. He’s got two guns with one firing missle that attach to his arms. If Ihad to rate this figure on a scale from one to ten I’d give him a ten. He’s the best voyager class transformer you can get better than megatron,optimus,ratchet,starscream, and the fallen. One last thing it seems like you’re going to brake it at some parts but trust me put a little more force.

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WWE Stunt Action Spring Ring

The only WWE ring with Super Springing bounce mat for the ultimate slam rebound action. All the action happens right here in the ring – two will enter, one will walk out a champion. Comes with base, stickers, posts and ropes. Action figures sold separately. Measures 3″ x 13.25″ x 13.25″.

WWE Stunt Action Spring Ring Reviews.

My son absolutely LOVES this ring! It has ropes for the wrestlers to bounce off of, and the mat allows the wrestlers to bounce back up as well. The only problem with this toy is that I have had to buy 4 of them because the posts keep breaking. A couple of times, I think my son actually tripped over it, causing them to break, but at least 1 time it broke from play. Overall, a great toy for any young wrestling fan.

this ring is the best that jakkspacific has ever made. when the figures hit the mat, the mat as a whole bounces. it is smaller than the hardcore action ring. the box says that it works with the wwe ring gear. these are the things that it does NOT work with. the ring skirts don’t work neither does the rage in the cage. the tunbuckles work, but raise the ropes up about half an inch. i got the ring after it was shown at a toy fair in new york a while ago, so i have had it for a while. i got it even before it hit stores. it has held up. it is very durable compared to other rings and toys. it is a little hard to put together, now dont get me wrong, it didnt take an hour, it only took about 15 min.. i totally reconmend this toy.

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Transformers Human Alliance – Bumblebee with Sam

BUMBLEBEE and Sam were best friends almost from the moment they first met face to face. As they learned more about one another, that connection grew deeper and deeper. Now, whether Sam is behind the wheel, or standing side by side with his friend, they work together as a team. Against BUMBLEBEE and his human friend, no DECEPTICON®* stands a chance.

Gear up for battle excitement with this dynamic duo! Sam Witwicky figure and BUMBLEBEE robot-to-vehicle figure make a perfect pair, even interacting with each other! Convert this BUMBLEBEE buddy from a robot with flip-out cannon to a Camaro® concept car in vehicle mode â and you can even fit two human ally figures inside (additional figures sold separately)! Team up with this fearless twosome and take on the DECEPTICON enemies. Recreate exciting movie scenes or create your own! Who will win the battle? You decide!

Transformers Human Alliance – Bumblebee with Sam Reviews.

Bumblebee is arguably the most popular Transformer behind Optimus Prime. Even Megatron (at least these days) doesn’t hold a candle. We’ve seen many different versions of this Autobot so how does this one stand up? **Note: This is NOT the deluxe version of Bumble that sells for less than ten bucks. This is the Human Alliance Bumblebee – an altogether bigger and higher quality toy. **

For Kids:
In either robot or vehicle mode this is a quality toy with lots of detail and fun to play with. The inclusion of the Sam Witwicky action figure is a bonus for kids as well. I’m far from a kid (on the outside) these days but I remember loving the G1 transformers and the little action figure you could put inside – pretending you’re that little guy with a big robot pal. The human factor is often forgotten these days. The main downside for kids is that the transformation is hard and like many of these movie transformers there are probably many kids who wouldn’t have the patience for it.

For Adults:
Again, this is a bigger more detailed version. The car is top notch and while the interior could have more detail that it has an interior at all is a bonus considering that’s a first for this line. This human alliance Bumblebee is almost twice the size of the deluxe version and a lot of that additional detail shows in the clear windows and seats, steering wheel and interior of the car.

In robot mode, words may not be able to describe it (I’ll try to have some pics up). There is so much detail in this guy that I’d compare to the new Leader Class Optimus Prime as far as screen accuracy. Let’s just say that this is the best representation of movie Bumblebee I’ve ever seen and I own the huge Ultimate Bumblebee… He’s got the most accurate head sculpt and includes the battle mask that no other version I own does! Despite initial misgivings I found that the seats were well hidden in robot mode (they’re out there but placed in such a way as to be unobtrusive). The back bumpers become the knee caps and another first (aside from the battle mask) the chest actually has two rotating sections to make the “tilted” look of his “pecks”. Even that his right hand is a blaster does not make a big difference as it is so well done (and believe me, I’ve been upset by that blaster hand in many versions – why not a rotatable hand / weapon?) and looks so good.

His articulation is off the charts too. Tranformers have good articulation and this guy has great! I can’t think of a pose I can’t get him into (31 points at least). Flip his battle mask up or down, place his missiles where you want, he looks good.

For adult collectors the additional 2.5″ Sam figure is not such a great deal. Sure he’s there and sure he’s pretty well areticulted but you have a giant robot to deal with. It should be said though that the robot has several options to carry the human – in his hand, on his shoulder or in his seat. That may be fun for you or the kids.

Maybe 30 plus dollars seems like a lot but maybe not once you get your hands on him. Transform and roll out with this Bumblebee. He’s great and puts past versions to shame. His transformation is challenging but rewarding.

I have bought several transformers for my Grandson over the last few years. This by far was the best made of them all. It also was the biggest hit at his birthday party. You should have a big run on these after all those little boys got a chance to play with it.

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Wall-E U Command WALL-E Robot

Using the infrared controller, U-Command Wall-E comes to life with animated movements, voice, sound, and light effects as you maneuver him forward, turn in reverse–or have him dance. Program options enable over 1,000 action combos. Features realistic eye motion with light-up effects, moving arms and turning treads. Easy to use IR controller includes button for signature Wall-E expressions. Requires 7 “AA” batteries, not included. Measures over 9″ tall.

Wall-E U Command WALL-E Robot Reviews.

The U-Command wall e is a great toy but as other reviewers have stated, it is highly unstable on carpeting. it got so annoying that my husband removed the inner wheels and replaced them with the plastic tabbing that came with the package where the ties were held (long black plastic things with holes in it). since that minor tweek wall-e has not fallen yet, and the enjoyment of the toy has very much increased.

aside from the tilt issue, this toy is a great deal of fun to play with. the expressive quality is amazing, holding true to the wall-e that we all fell in love with at the theater. He has a very amusing dance sequence.

If given the chance, I’d buy this toy again.

This was one of my five year old daughter’s presents. It wound up being one of her favorites and one of our favorites, too.

The first thing I want to mention is that our Wall-E is stable. I’m not sure why, but he is. I’ve seen some videos on youtube where the robot falls over whenever he hits something. Not only doesn’t ours fall over, he goes from our flat hard kitchen floor into our higher pile carpeted floor without falling. He also has no problem moving around the carpeted floor at all, unlike some of the reviewers mentioned. Our robot stays upright for the most part (out of over 2 hours playing time, he may have fallen over twice at the most).

The remote is simple to use. Wall-E has a sensor on both the back and the front of him, so we’ve had no trouble at all with him sensing the remote’s signals. I think we’ve been up to 20 feet away from him and he still can read the signal and perform accordingly.

He’s made out of hard (but brittle) plastic, but seems made pretty well. His arms go up and down as he moves and his treads are helped along by 2 little wheels on his underside. His treads DO move, however, so those are the main source of his motion.

He talks, sings, dances, and has many movement options. Additionally, you can program a sequence of up to 15 movements for him to follow at any given time. I’m pretty certain that you can only have ONE sequence at a time, and not more. But, we haven’t even used the programming except for testing to see if it works. My daughter has a blast using the remote and making him do what she wants him to do. He only turns to the left, but has several left turn options at any time. So, if you want to have him turn or veer to the right, you may have to make him almost to a full 360 degree turn and then quickly use the straight arrow key right when you get him to where you want him to actually be. It’s simple enough for a young child to do and learn fairly quickly.

All in all, this is a great toy and I’m very glad we bought it. Much better than a remote control car or dinosaur in our house! The remote is easy to work with (takes 3 AAA batteries) and the robot itself is very responsive (takes 4 aaa batteries).

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Fisher-Price Super Friends Batmobile

Turbo charged and ready to go — just like Batman! Just shake it up to start the engine. The more you shake it up, the longer it goes. Hear cool Batman phrases every time you let it go. To the Batcave, Batman! Requires three “AA” batteries, not included. Measures 2″L x 3″W x 5″H.

Fisher-Price Super Friends Batmobile Reviews.

If you are not familiar with Fisher Price’s line of shake n go cars, these are great toys for preschool aged kids. my 3 yo first got some of these maybe last year and has expanded his collection to include 2 Shake N Go race tracks and numerous cars.
Basically, you shake the vehicle, put it on the ground and it races off across the floor. The batmobile also has sounds and says things like “To the Bat Cave” as it races off.
The car is durable, has endured multiple crashes with no visible signs of wear and tear, and the batteries last pretty long considering the amount of use we’ve given it.

The Batmobile is also compatable with the shake n go race tracks that we have.

This is a Great toy car – the sounds and auto actions – are top of the line. My godson loves it and takes it with him – everywhere!

This shake and go Batmobile is great. My 4 year old grandson loves it. Easy to use and fun to play with.

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Bakugan Trap -Piercian Marble Color Varies

Unique designs and special attack features that will increase the variability of your matches. Take your Battle Brawling to the next level with Bakugan Trap. Featuring new, unique designs and special attack features.

Bakugan Trap -Piercian Marble Color Varies Review.

My grandson picked this out and earned the money to purchase it himself. He loves it. It made a nice addition to his large Bakugan collection.

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