Toys & Games Investigated
The Gormiti are creatures who are dubbed “the Invincible Lords of Nature”. They live on an island called Gorm. Being a battling card and figure game, Gorm is a place of much woe. Gorm wasn’t always like that, it used to be lovely there. However, I’ll leave the contrived legend to the game’s own literature.Continue Reading
Monopoly fans of all countries united earlier this year to vote for their favourite cities to be included in the “Here & Now: The World Edition” of the most popular game of ruthless capitalism.
The new version is now available in 37 languages and as well as a the newly named coloured squares there are also new Chance and Community Chest cards, modern looking houses and hotels; and instead of acquiring filthy lucre in Monopoly currency all transactions are electronic, via a bank card that needs to be swiped.
A world record attempt occurs on the 27 August to either create the most people playing Monopoly at the same time or the most people arguing and scattering bits of plastic and fake money on floor surfaces the world on one day.
Starting from Go:
Voice changing helmets are fast becoming an expected part of many action film and TV toy ranges. The Clone Trooper Voice Changing Helmet is the latest such toy based on the computer animated film, Star Wars: The Clone Wars.Continue Reading
The detective game, Cluedo, has received a modern make-over in time for its forthcoming 60th anniversary.
Murder takes place in a new mansion with the library and ballroom being replaced with an entertainment room and a spa.
Rich and famous descendants of the original characters are now the guests at the mansion. Professor Plum is replaced with wealthy computer games developer Victor Plum. The Reverend Green is now Jacob Green, a member of high-society. Miss Scarlet is now a movie star called Kasandra Scarlet, while the cook Mrs. White becomes Diane White, child superstar. Colonel Mustard is substituted by Jack Mustard a former footballer (Association or American depending on your geographical location, perhaps).
The weapons have also been changed, with a baseball bat and dumbbell replacing the likes of the lead pipe. There is also a new twist to the game; the murder can occur during the game.
Hasbro have said that the new version brings the game “bang up to date”, let’s hope Cluedo fans have not witnessed the murder of their beloved classic game.
In response to the widely reported toy recalls by well known toy suppliers, such as Mattel and RC2, new legislation has been passed in the US to improve toy safety.
The amount of lead in toys is to be dramatically reduced, while three types of phthalates (used to make plastic less brittle) have been banned, with another three temporarily banned until further investigation has taken place.
The government body which polices US product safety, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, will also receive increased funding and greater powers to inspect manufacturers’ laboratories and impose fines.
Electronic games are often looked upon as a quite sedentary form of entertainment but acceptable for passing the time when confined to an aeroplane seat or on a long car journey. However, Catcha’ Beast is an electronic game that will get children moving; in fact, in a spin.Continue Reading
Warner Bros. have announced that Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, the six film in the series, will have its original 17th November 2008 release date put back until summer 2009.
A number of retailers are now taking pre-orders through their websites for the highly anticipated Elmo Live soft toy, which officially goes on-sale 14th October 2008.
The following US retailers are taking pre-orders:
If you live in Great Britain then you’ll be able to place a pre-order with play.com, who currently state that 30th September 2008 will be the release date for Elmo Live.
Elmo Live made his first public appearance at the New York Toy Fair 2008. Click here to watch.
The latest Batman film, The Dark Knight, has prompted the most complaints that the British Board of Film Classification has ever received in a single week.
Electronic games are often blamed for the relative inactivity of today’s children. However , the makers of the popular Tamagotchi toy, Bandai, have launched an electronic game which cannot be played laying across a bed nor slumped in a beanbag.