Toy Review: Playmobil “Knight Rider” Car and Figures

 

“Knight Rider”

K.I.T.T./Figure Set
Playmobil

Our Score 4 out of 5 stars

“Knight Rider, a shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a man who does not exist. Michael Knight, a young loner on a crusade to champion the cause of the innocent, the helpless, the powerless, in a world of criminals who operate above the law. “Playmobil adds yet another classic vehicle/figure set to their ever-growing retro line of toys with the addition of everyone’s favorite talking super car “Knight Rider”. Joining the ranks of previously released vehicles and figures from such classic 80’s films as “Back to the Future “and “Ghostbusters” to television series such as “Star Trek” and “The A-Team”, K.I.T.T. and his dapper navigator Michael are right at home.

Much like every other kid who grew up in the eighties “Knight Rider” was easily one of my favorite shows. Long before Siri could answer all your questions with the click of a button there was K.I.T.T. The snarky, ever loveable mobile companion to the uber cool Michael Knight. Playmobil has captured all that charm and nostalgia with their latest release. Included in the easy to open, displayable packaging along with Michael Knight and Kitt are figures of Devin Miles and Dr. Bonnie Barstow who come with a bevy of accessories to help keep Kitt and Michael going. From Devin’s desk and computer to Bonnies mobile diagnostic lab and tool set this set spares no details. The Michael figure even comes complete with his communicator watch and signature upturned collared jacket. I mean how cool is that?! The real gem in the set much like in the television show is K.I.T.T. From its jet-black exterior to its highly detailed dash and tan interior to its removable roof, flip up headlights and rotating license plate Playmobil nailed it but, that’s not all! With a touch of the hood, you get six different voice and light sequences which only add to the products over all entertainment value. I believe my son and I had just as much fun cycling through the different voicings as we did playing with the set as you never knew what K.I.T.T. was going to say next.

Playmobil continues to outdo themselves with every release and the “Knight Rider” set is no exception. From its eye-catching packaging and easy assembly to the high level of detail included in each piece this set is perfect for both display and or play. Though we did find the front light to be a little too bright for extended play and the volume of the voice sequences to be quite a bit lower than in previous released vehicles we still had a blast playing with the set on its own and integrating it in with other Playmobil products. The easy to open packaging, detailed directions and solid build quality make for a great purchase that will last for years to come. Parents, pop that collar, que up your favorite episode from the television series, grab your youngsters and let “Knight Rider” and imagination do the rest.

 

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Filed Under: Misc, Toys Tagged With: car, figures, knight, playmobil, review, rider, ...

Toy Review: Playmobil “The A-Team” Van & Figures

“The A-Team”

A-Team Van/Figure Set

Playmobil

Our Score 4 out of 5 stars

“If you have a problem, if no one else can help” Playmobil has you covered with the debut of the A-Team Van/Figure set. Pulled from the iconic 80’s television series and delivered straight to your playroom the newest edition to the Playmobil brand comes complete with the team’s signature black and red GMC van, numerous accessories and of course Hannibal, Face, B.A. and Murdock figures.

Having been a huge fan of “The A-Team” growing up upon hearing of this release I was anxious to share my love for the series with my son who has become a fan of all things 80’s and 90’s. After giving him the backstory on the show and answering a slew of questions about each character we popped open the packaging with equal excitement. Before really digging into the assembly process, I had to appreciate the internal packaging which features a fiery insert showcasing the van along with each character which is housed above and denoted by name. From a collector standpoint this makes for a very cool display option. Assembly was pretty straight forward and compared to some other recent Playmobil releases was minimal as was the stickering process. As a parent the quick setup time was a major plus as if you have been in the situation where a toy requires extensive assembly you know how daunting an anxious child wanted to play with that new toy can be.

Once the van had its tires and signature red spoked wheels attached, we loaded up the vehicle through the three opening (rear doors, side door, removable roof) with the included assortment of accessories consisting of a multi piece tool kit, removable welding unit and various other mission-based items (binoculars, walkie talkies, flashlight). However before hitting the rode we had to do some outfitting of the included characters each of which conjured up memorable lines or moments from the show which had since been buried deep within my memory. Hannibal don’s his signature blue shirt/tan p-coat combo topped off with wispy white hair while Face remains dapper as always sporting an ascot and pocket square. B.A. comes decked out with his signature beard an mohawk while dressed in his trademark cut off vest and is adorned with multiple gold chains and bracelets. Last but not least and easily my favorite is “Howlin” Mad Murdock who is fitted with his blue ball cap and leather wolf bomber jacket. With a nod to Season 2 the figures has a “Bring Back the Dodo” shirt and also includes Murdock’s sock puppet sidekick “Socki the Talking Dog”. Yes, you might have some odd looks and additional questions as to why this guy thinks his sock is a talking dog but, that only adds to the fun and interaction between you and you loved ones as you play with these great toys.

Playmobil continues to raise the bar within the play/collector market and the “The A-Team” release is no different. From its colorful display packaging to the quality made toys inside you can be sure that if it says Playmobil you are going to get a quality product. Missing from this release however were lighting and/or sound features. Unlike previous release such as “Star Trek”, “Ghostbusters” and “Back to the Future” which all featured one or both details sadly “The A-Team” did not get this level of treatment. Don’t get me wrong this is still a great addition to any Playmobil or “A-Team” fan, but I can only imagine how much fun it would have been for the van to play the show’s theme song or to have some of those vintage explosion noises synonymous with each episode available at the push of a button. We pity the fool who hasn’t already gone out and grabbed themselves one of these great play vehicles.

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Filed Under: Misc, Toys Tagged With: ateam, figures, playmobil, review, toy, van, ...

Super7 Releases “Toxic Crusaders” Reaction Figures

Brand new from Super7, the brand that knows retro! “It’s clean-up time!” Straight outta New Jersey comes Wave 1 of the new Toxic Crusader 3.75-inch ReAction Figures: Toxie! Headbanger! Junkyard! Dr. Killemoff! Major Disaster! Radiation Ranger! All come with a variety of accessories on vision-searing card backs that pull you into Toxie’s animated world! The ultimate 90s vinyl collectible, all six figures are available now on Super7.com. 

Toxie, the Likeable, Lumpy-Headed Hero includes: 

-Toxic Bandolier with Toxic Waste Drum Grenades

-Clean-Up or Die Seeping Mop

Headbanger, the Hideous, Two-headed Hero includes: 

-Dual Dude Surfboard

-Bromo Blaster

Dr. Killemoff, the Evil Alien Leader of Apocalypse, Inc. includes: 

-Toxic Glow-In-The-Dark Proton Energizer

-Toxic Glow-In-The-Dark Plutonium Canister

Junkyard, the Trashed-Out Hideous Hound includes: 

-Anti-Garbage Gun

-Dog Bone Brainer

Major Disaster, the Plant Powered Hero includes: 

-Mulch Machine Gun

-Muddy Machete

Radiation Ranger, the Nuclearized Sinister Stormtrooping Soldier includes: 

-Radiation Rifle

-Nuclear Waste Drum Shield

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Filed Under: Misc, Toys Tagged With: crusaders, figures, reaction, releases, super7, toxic, ...

Toy Review: ReAction Figures “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”

Leonardo, Raphael, Bebop, Rocksteady

ReAction Figures

Super 7

Our Score 3.5 out of 5 stars

Within the past few years the toy makers at Super 7 have brought to market some really cool products which have helped establish the brand as one of today’s top retro toy companies. Their 3.75” ReAction Figures especially has been a continued growing line for the San Diego, CA based company and now includes over a dozen licenses including “Aliens”, “Universal Monsters” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”. Our in house toy tester Ian had the chance to check out the first four figures from the “TMNT” line (Raphael, Leonardo, Bebop and Rocksteady) and put them through the paces to see just how well they could handle the rigorous play of an active 7 year old.

Prior to turning them over to Ian I had the chance to check out the really nice artwork that adorns each package. The artwork is all new however it stays true to the original Kenner blister packaging of the early/mid 1980’s. On the back you get a witty bio of each figure along with a picture of the full line in that series. I should point out that these figures do have a 14 and up label on them as they are intended more as an adult collectible. That’s not to say someone younger can’t play with them but the figures do include small pieces some of which are quite pointy and sharp.

Each of the figures looked just as good out of the packaging as they do in it as Super 7 did a great really nailing the details despite the figures smaller size. The four figures all feature 5 points of articulation and come with between 2 and three accessories which can be placed in the hands of each figure. Though Ian is a huge turtle’s fan he seemed to have more interest in Bebop and Rocksteady partially because of their off the wall look and “cool weapons” as he put it. Raphael and Leonardo still got plenty of play but in our house it is hard to compete with a punk rock warthog and rhino.

With the Holidays quickly approaching we highly recommend checking out the Super 7 “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle” Reaction figures. All four figures we checked out are available now and in the coming months more figures including Donatello, Michelangelo and Shredder are set to become available so help that collector on your list expand his or her collection this season with the latest offerings from Super 7.     

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Filed Under: Misc, Toys Tagged With: figures, mutant, ninja, reaction, review, teenage, ...

Product Review “Disney Infinity Figures: Rapunzel & Wreck-It Ralph”

Disney Infinity Series
Platform: Nintendo Wii, Wii U, 3DS, Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3
Disney Interactive Studios
Exclusive Release

Rapunzel: 4 out of 5 stars
Wreck-It Ralph Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Since the release of Disney Infinity late August, I have been obsessed with this game. There are so many endless possibilities and Disney has been releasing so many great characters this year. Two of the latest figures released are Rapunzel & Wreck-It Ralph. They are also from two of my favorite movies of all-time…yes all-time! My daughter seriously watching “Tangled” at least 3-5 times a week and I try and watch “Wreck-It Ralph” at least once a month. I was really excited to give these characters a go in the Toy Box mode in Disney Infinity. They do not have their own world’s like “Toy Story” and “The Lone Ranger” but you can at least transform your Toy Box into their respective themes since both “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph” has Texture and Terrain Power Discs, which were available in Series 1. I would highly recommend both of these characters.

What is great about these both is that they speak to both male and female audiences. Obviously Wreck-It Ralph is no question going to be over so well with the “boys” and Rapunzel will be a must for the “girls”. My daughter in fact loves both of them equally…given she is only 18 months old but from the minute I took them out of the box she is carrying them around (even in the car) when I am not playing them in the game.  Wreck-It Ralph has a really cool special attack, in which he throws cherry bombs that when hits the ground or it’s target explodes and looks like something from an old 8-bit game. Ralph also runs and pounds the ground with his fists and he destroys everything or everyone in his path. Rapunzel is quite fun as well, she has a killer special move, which is a called Frying Pan Bash. Frying pans…who knew right? Sorry I’ve seen this movie was too many times. Plus there is nothing cooler than see Rapunzel piloting a Recognizer from “TRON” personally (another favorite of mine).

Overall, they are really well designed and look quite amazing. I love Rapunzel’s animated look and I also love her pose as well. That seen in the movie when she gets to the town and gets her hair braided is so sweet. Wreck-It Ralph has little subtleties as well that I love that he a really cool 8-bit sound when his attacks are done. Totally cool for a retro gamer like myself. There is tons of fun to have with these characters and I have a feeling that I have only just began to explore the many possibilities to enjoy with these.  I really can’t wait to see what they have planned for 2014 because this year will be very hard to top. Currently the Wreck-It Ralph and Rapunzel figures are sold exclusively at certain retail stores. Wreck-It Ralph is available only at Best Buy and Rapunzel is only available at Wal-Mart…if you can find them due to the holidays.

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Filed Under: Game Reviews, Toys Tagged With: disney, figures, infinity, product, ralph, rapunzel, ...
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