Product Review “Disney Pop-Up Magic Frozen Game”

Since “Frozen” was released last November in theaters, it has flown out of the theaters and take over ever market in the world. “Disney Pop-Up Magic Frozen Game” is the latest game featuring the hit film from Hasbro Gaming. There is nothing special about the game but it is quite fun. It is also very easy for young kids. I have a two year old daughter and she is easily about to play. You have a got a spinner, you move spaces on a board and there is a side game of memory as a bonus. The game board is very “pretty” (in the words of my daughter) with with a pop-up ice palace right in the center.

You can play as Anna, Elsa or Olaf. The little pieces are cute as well. They are fairly detailed and I have a feeling might end up being played it outside of the game as well. Plus with this game you can expand the fun! You can connect the game board to other Pop-Up Magic games (sold separately) to create a longer path to follow. It is actually really cool because you can merge your favorite character with your other favorite Disney characters to create some exciting adventures. So this is a really great feature for a game that is already very reasonable priced. This is a going to be a weekly must play for our family!

 

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Book Review “The Art of Princess Mononoke”

Series: The Art of Princess Mononoke
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Release Date: August 26, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Princess Mononoke” was the first Studio Ghibli film that I saw in theaters and one of my favorites. This film is so epic and just visually outstanding.  Even though, I am a huge fan of this film, I have never checked out “The Art of” this film. Luckily, Viz Media is re-issuing this in their line of Studio Ghibli artbooks. The book includes fantastic interviews, concept sketches, and finished animation cels from this animated classic.

I grew up watching films like “Castle in the Sky” and “My Neighbor Totoro” but “Princess Mononoke” was the first Studio Ghibli film from Hayao Miyazaki to break out with American audiences. This film really exploded by interest in animated kids outside of Disney films. There are literally hundreds of images from preliminary sketches to dynamic animation cels. If you love “Princess Mononoke”, Then I cannot recommend this book any more. Plus kudos to Viz for delivering this gorgeous full color art cover, which is simply gorgeous!

 

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Film Review “Dolphin Tale 2”

Starring: Harry Connick, Jr., Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman
Directed by: Charles Martin Smith
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hour 47 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When we last left Winter the dolphin, she was swimming happily (thanks to her prosthetic tail) and had become an inspiration to handicapped people the world over. But that wasn’t the end of her story.

It’s been three years since Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble) and Winter became national celebrities. The pair spend their days entertaining the many visitors to the Clearwater Marine Hospital (which has now become a mini-aquarium). As the film begins Winter is visited by Bethany Hamilton, the young surfer who lost her arm to a shark a few years ago (and has her own film, “Soul Surfer”). Things seem to be going well. But they’re not. Winter is getting moody. When her tank mate, a much older dolphin named Panama, passes away, the gang at the aquarium face a predicament. Find a new pal to keep Winter company or lose her to a Texas theme park.

The first “Dolphin Tale” film seemingly came out of nowhere and swam its way into the hearts of filmgoers, earning in excess of $70 million during its run. It was a well written story with an important message that families took to heart. And while the new film has its moments, it has some plot holes that keep it from really reaching the same heights as its predecessor, most of them centered on the film’s young cast. But before I go into them, let me clear up a few things. Like the first film, “Dolphin Tale 2” is based on some true events, most of them dealing with the dolphins featured. For fans of the first film, I should point out that there really IS no Sawyer Nelson. Winter was not rescued by a lonely 11-year old boy after washing up on a beach. She was saved after being caught in a fisherman’s net. And while it’s nice to have Sawyer (and Hazel, the 14 year old daughter of the hospital director) hanging out with the dolphins, they are just TOO smart and given way too much responsibility to be believable. If I was a trained marine biologist and my day had to begin by being lectured by a 14 year old on how to do my job I’d find another one in a minute! Just because we see a giant microscope and two thesauruses on Sawyer’s bookcase doesn’t make him Matt Hooper (inside “Jaws” reference). In one scene Hazel picks up Winter’s medical charts and begins diagnosing her blood work. And I’m sorry, but for two kids that work outside IN FLORIDA year round, neither of them can seem to get a tan. Casper the ghost isn’t as white as Hazel.

On the positive side, the film features some fun scenes featuring a nosy pelican and a giant sea turtle, as well as introducing us to a cute baby dolphin named Hope. Director Smith, who also wrote the script, does a good job in moving the film along. Younger children will enjoy the antics of the various animals involved and, like the first film, the end credits, showing handicapped children visiting and interacting with Winter, will bring a tear to your eye and a lump to your throat.

Playstation 4 Video Game Review “Destiny”

Format: Playstation 4
Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Activision
Rated: Teen
Release Date: September 9, 2014

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Let me start by pointing out that I am casual gamer. If you are looking for a super in depth review for hardcore gamers, I would suggest heading over to IGN or sites like that. I have been tracking “Destiny” since it was announced and I participated in both the games Alpha and Beta stages over the last few months. This is in no way a complete review, I would consider it a first impression. Since I have played the game in both Alpha and Beta, I already had a decent knowledge of the game by the time it was finally released. Since the final game was released, I have probably put in about 5-7 hours into this. I would like to go over some the games key features along with my reactions and observations so far. Let’s start with the fact that if you love Bungie’s past games like “Halo”, I feel pretty confident saying that you will love this.

The real bulk of “Destiny”, like the “Halo” games, definitely is going to come from the multiplayer game play. If you are into multiplayer games, then this game is pretty awesome for you. I enjoyed what I played so far in the solo campaign, but I just wasn’t really blown away. The story is mediocre and didn’t really pull me in. The visuals are decent but again nothing outstanding. Honestly, I know the game costed $500 million to make and I just expected more of a “wow factor” from that price. To me it looks like a high-def version of any one of the “Halo” games. Like I said though, I still enjoyed it and I am sure that I am going to get a lot of play in the multiplayer setting. A note that you should know that this game does require a crap load of hard drive space in order to play as well as either a premium XBOX Live Gold or in my case PSN membership.

Some times the load screens are pretty brutal but to their credit, they are some really big locations. But that is actually easily fixed (or maybe fixed already by the time I am writing this) with a patch. That is one thing that is good about this game is that the fans are definitely going to be very vocal and Bungie will be listening as well and fixing what they can pretty quick I am sure. This is their baby and they will be nurturing for quite a while. I read that Bungie has big plans for “Destiny” like plans for a new game every other year with an expansion in-between.  Also a new trend is video games is including big names celebs. Kevin Spacey did it with “Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare”. This game has Bill Nighy and Peter Dinklage, so that is definitely a notch on the win side for me!

Here is the basic jist of the game “In Destiny you are a Guardian of the last city on Earth, able to wield incredible power. Explore the ancient ruins of our solar system, from the red dunes of Mars to the lush jungles of Venus. Defeat Earth’s enemies. Reclaim all that we have lost. Become legend.” You have to create your character, which is quite fun then kick some ass and along the way power-up with unique and customizable weapons, gear, and vehicles. There are tons of personalization to be had here. You can then also take your character throughout every mode in the game campaign, multiplayer etc.

There are three different classes of Guardians to choose from. First is Hunter, which is Master of the Frontier. They are known for being quick with a gun and deadly with a blade, as well as cunning and ruthless. Next is Titan, known as Armored Engine of War. They have lightning-charged fists, while their armor and shields make them nearly invincible. Last is Warlock aka Wielder of Arcane Power, who know how to weaponize their curiosity and harness the Traveler’s light in patterns never before imagined and since are capable of incredible acts of devastation. I am sure they will have more classes in future updates.

There are five different game modes to enjoy throughout the game. The first is Crucible mode, which is a very competitive multiplayer, where you can earn you rewards and bragging rights. Explore mode is an on-demand adventure, where you can revisit the worlds to seek out valuable resources in order to upgrade your weapons and gear. Of course there is the Story mode, which is the basic campaign that follows the cinematic story. Strike mode is a cooperative multiplayer, where you can form a Fireteam and kick some ass. Lastly, Tower mode, is a third person social space where you can regroup, rearm, and form new alliances. These modes are explored on four locations including Earth, Mars, Moon and Venus.

Lastly, if you are smart enough to get this game on Playstation 4, you are in luck since we can exclusive content only for PlayStation 4 owners called the Ultimate Destiny Experience. This included the following: Exodus Blue Competitive Multiplayer Map, Dust Palace Strike. There are two new weapons included: Monte Carlo and Hawkmoon. There are three super cool new ships including the Aurora Wake, Outrageous Fortune and Crypt Hammer. Lastly there are three gear sets including Maniford, Argus and Vanir. This is “exclusive” supposedly till Fall 2015 but still a year before anyone else. If you are playing this game too let me know what you think and definitely shoot me your tags, so we can join up in game as well for a multiplayer jam session.

Film Review “The Drop”

Starring: Tom Hardy, James Gandolfini and Noomi Rapace
Directed By: Michael R. Roskam
Rated: R
Running Time: 106 minutes
Fox Searchlight Pictures

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Rarely do organized crime movies have heart warming or touching moments. In fact, most of the times you’re trying to find that soft spot or likeable quality about the sociopath on screen and a lot of times…you don’t. “The Drop” is a by the books crime drama that you’ve seen before, but the character driven story, along with the elegant performances by the key players, makes it a superb movie.

The first key player is the late, great James Gandolfini. It’s ironic that his final on-screen role will be one that symbolizes what people will remember him as, a thug. Instead of being a criminal ring leader like he has been in past roles, this time he’s an aging, depressed bar owner known simply as Cousin Marv. He also runs a bar…simply known as Cousin Marv’s. He bitterly reflects on the glory days of being respected instead of his current predicament, the money launderer for a Chechnyan gang that casually threatens him through cocky smiles.

His hardest worker is the low key, shy bartender, Bob (Hardy). He has a gentle soul and his dialogue borders on unintelligible mumbling, but the British born actor creates an understandable Brooklyn accent for the endearing character. Every little thing about Bob is stupendously crafted by Hardy, who gives subtle visual cues that add to Bob’s good intentioned exterior, but his quick darting of the eyes towards the floor or to something else reflect the mind of a person that constantly is reminded of something more alarming.

The story sprinkles dread filled bread crumbs around the intriguing history behind these two. What complicates things and really adds the warmth to the plot is when Bob heads home after work one night and comes across a young, abused pit bull in the trash outside of the home of Nadia (Rapace). He instinctively doesn’t suspect that she’s the one who harmed the dog and connects with her over the torn and tattered puppy as they dress it’s wounds. Just like society’s stereotypes, Bob and the pit bull are misunderstood creatures.

Bob eventually becomes the center of this character study as tensions escalate when someone robs the Cousin Marv’s bar. One wonders how Bob will react when there’s so many contradictory character opinions about who the real Bob is. The parallels between the general misconceptions about the violence in pit bulls and people constantly warning that there’s more to Bob than meets the eye are uncanny. By the time the end comes, the reveal is a bit anticipated, but still satisfying because of Bob’s reasoning and how well Hardy makes it believable.

The script sharply keeps us in the dark while most of the other people surrounding Bob seem to know something we don’t, but dare don’t utter it. Hardy is a real joy to watch as he weaves from scene to scene, perfectly balancing mystery and charm. Despite his increasing infection for Nadia, it never feels covetous or sexual, but more of an appreciation for someone that could be attracted to someone like him; which adds more intrigue into his murky past.

While “The Drop” will most likely be overlooked come awards season, it’s important to point out that Gandolfini, being one of the main instigators for problems, comes off as sympathetic despite his hardened demeanor.“The Drop” is a reminder of the great talent that no longer graces our presence. It also provides us the reminder that sometimes the darkest of actions have the most compassionate reasons.

Book Review “Disney Palace Pets: Guess Who Castle Cuties”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Guess Who
Hardcover: 10 pages
Publisher: Reader’s Digest
Release Date: August 12, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Disney is not dumb at all. They released a free app for kids called “Disney Palace Pets”. Parents probably though…”Hey, it’s free”. But I have spent more money in Disney Palace Pets merchandise in the last few months than any other Disney product. There are not only the app but also action figures and other books as well. But let you tell you I love everything that comes out of this series. When I see my daughters face when you interacts with these characters, there is nothing better in the world.

Official Premise: Young Disney Princess fans will have hours of fun listening to the rhymes and guessing which adorable Disney Palace Pet is hidden behind each flap in this enchanting hardcover book that includes sparkly glitter on the cover. With their hug-me expressions, big eyes, and dainty curls, characters such as Aurora’s darling kitty, Rapunzels’ prancing pony, and Cinderella’s playful pup are sure to win everyone’s heart.

This new book,  “Disney Palace Pets: Guess Who Castle Cuties” features our favorite Disney Princesses and, of course, their pets. The text is simple and rhymes well. It also includes sturdy flaps to lift and find these little cuties. This is a not a flimsy book each. I have seen numerous flap books that rip right away but this one is holding up well. I have no idea how my daughter does it but she not only knows ever Princess but also their corresponding Palace Pets. A must have book

 

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Book Review “Disney Princess: Dazzling Moments”

Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 2
Series: Disney Princess
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Reader’s Digest
Release Date: August 26, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

What little girl doesn’t like Disney Princesses. “Disney Princess: Dazzling Moments” is a real win for any little girl because it is not just a storybook but it also comes with a snow globe…that’s right a snow globe. This book features stories from our favorites princesses Ariel, Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana, Jasmine, and Belle. The books also includes seven press-out cards that can be inserted to change the scene inside the snow globe.

The stories focus around Cinderella’s magical transformation, Aurora’s kiss with Prince Phillip, Tiana kissing the frog, the Beast becoming the Prince, Cinderella’s wedding, or Ariel emerging from the water in her beautiful gown to be reunited with Prince Eric. What I also like is that you are able to put in your own photographs of family or friends into the glitter globe. This to me makes the purchase worth it alone.

 

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Book Review “Raging Heat” by Richard Castle

Author: Richard Castle
Series: Nikki Heat (Book 6)
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Kingswell
Release Date: September 16, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When I think about “Castle”, I always flash back to 2009, where the first season only had 10 episodes and a slim chance of getting renewed. Luckily ABC made the right now as the show is entering its seventh season already, which is a major accomplishment for a TV show. It also developed two fantastic book series around the shows fictional character, Nikki Heat and Derrick Storm. “Raging Heat” is the sixth book in the Nikki Heat series and seriously, I can’t believe it but this series is not slowing down at all. These books are fresh and each are literally unable to be put down once you start.

Official Synopsis: In New York Times Bestselling author Richard Castle’s newest novel, an illegal immigrant falls from the sky and NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat’s investigation into his death quickly captures the imagination of her boyfriend the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Jameson Rook. When he decides to work the case with Heat as his next big story, Nikki is at first happy to have him ride along. Yes, she must endure Rook’s usual wild conspiracy speculations and adolescent wisecracks, but after reuniting following his recent assignment abroad, she’s glad for the entertainment, the chance to bounce ideas, and just to be close to him again and feel the old spark rekindle. But when Rook’s inquiry concludes that Detective Heat has arrested the wrong man for the murder, everything changes.

I also just heard word that there are plans for a Derrick Storm spin-off series, I think that would be amazing. Hint hint though, don’t forget my girl now Nikki Heat, that would make a fantastic series as well. When you are reading these books, they really are so visual. I think that is since it comes from the writers of the TV series. They write it so well that they literally jump off the pages. After the cliffhanger of season six, I cannot wait to pick up with the next season in the next few weeks. What I also love about Richard Castle books is that I know that when each season ends we get a Derrick Storm book and when the season begins we get a new Nikki Heat book, so keep them coming guys!

 

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Book Review “Doc McStuffins Doctor’s Helper”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Doc Mcstuffins
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 9, 2014

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Doc McStuffins” is a favorite in our household. My daughter walks around with her Doc McStuffins check-up kit daily. “Doc McStuffins Doctor’s Helper” is the latest book in the series. It is cute but didn’t really wow me too much. I like the animation but I wasn’t really enjoying the background colors.  If your kids really enjoy Doc, then they may like this. There are so many new Doc books coming out, I would just wait till the next one. This book also comes with an eBook of the story as well.

Official Premise: The Doc is in, and this time she has a special helper! After Doc finds Ellie, a stuffed elephant toy, alone on the playground, she is determined to find her owner. But when Ellie begins wheezing, Doc needs to diagnosis her-stat! In this beautifully illustrated hardcover jacketed picture book, children will learn that even doctors need helpers-no matter how small-to help patients get better.

 

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Book Review “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Winter Never Land”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 16, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Like their last board book, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Sailing the Never Sea”, this latest book from the hit Disney Junior series, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Winter Never Land” is shaped like a Christmas tree and is a great way to get into the holiday mood. Even though this book is coming out in September, I welcome the holiday season with open arms. The story is fun and this sums up another great addition in the “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” series.

Official Premise: This holiday board book is sure to get every pirate into the Christmas spirit! Never Land has become a Winter Wonderland! The night before Winter Treasure Day, Peter Pan leaves gifts and the Forever Green Tree on the beach for his favorite pirate crew. But before Jake, Izzy, and Cubby can celebrate together, Captain Hook steals the holiday treasures-even the tree! In their quest to reclaim their treasure, Jake and the crew realize that friendship is more valuable than any gift.

 

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Book Review “Sofia the First: Royal Prep Academy”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Sofia the First
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 2, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Sofia the First” is currently my two year old’s favorite show. This book is also easily one of her favorite new books. “Sofia the First: Royal Prep Academy” is a life the flap book, which has been a lot of fun to play with. The book takes us into Sofia’s school and it really get  and keeps her attention. She likes being able to look under each flap and letting me what is under each one. A must for Sofia fans!

Disney has been doing this a lot recently where they shape the books like their based theme, for example with the recent “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Winter Never Land”, which is shaped like a Christmas tree. This book is slightly shaped like, if you haven’t guess it, the Royal Prep Academy.  The book is very interactive and seems to be getting a lot of repeat business in our house.

 

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Book Review “Star Wars Rebels: A New Hero”

Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Series: Star Wars Rebels
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Press
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I don’t know about everyone else but I am freaking excited for “Star Wars Rebels”. My daughter and i have already been watching the shorts on Disney XD and she has already chosen her favorite of Sabine. “Star Wars Rebels” is a new CG animated series that takes place between the events of “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith” and “Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.” “Star Wars Rebels: A New Hero” is the first in a hopeful long line of books from Disney and LucasFilm.

Star Wars Rebels: A New Hero” is collection of concept art for the show put together in this action-packed picture book that introduces us to the new characters and what we can expect when this show airs. I have a feeling this is going to just be amazing. I love the classic characters but we had that with “The Clone Wars” and I think we are all excited to get a new group of misfits. Also included with this book is a downloaded code for the book in eBook format.

 

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Book Review “Big Hero 6: Hiro and Tadashi”

Author: Brittany Candau
Illustrated by Jeff Clark, Scott Tilley
Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 23, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are digging this superhero take over of Hollywood like myself, then I am sure that you are looking forward to “Big Hero 6” like myself. It is Disney’s answer or as close as we are going to get for a while to an animated superhero. From the studio that has brought us films like “Wreck-It Ralph”, “Tangled” and “Frozen”, I have a feeling that this is going to be extremely epic! Counting down the day.

Official Premise: This beautifully-illustrated picture book timed to release with Big Hero 6, focuses on tech-wiz Hiro and his older brother, Tadashi, as well as their unique styles and tastes in building robots! Readers will get a feel for their fun, compelling relationship, their mutual love for technology, and get to know the characters behind the super team, Big Hero 6!

“Big Hero 6: Hiro and Tadashi” is a great setup to the film and gives you a chance to learn a little bit about the characters as we wait until its release this November. The style of the book really drew me in the cover since it has a certain fuzzy, 8-bit feel to it which I really dug. This is only the first and Disney should be releasing a great deal of books for “Big Hero 6”, so I can’t wait to see what else they have planned for this!

 

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Vinyl Review “Disney’s TRON: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” 180g Double Vinyl Edition

Disney’s TRON
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Composer: Wendy Carlos
Double LP
180g Virgin Vinyl

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Growing up, one of my favorite films was “TRON”, now 30+ years later…little has changed. The music in the film was always my favorite. I just to listen to the cassette as kid and now I have it digitally on my smartphone. Audio Fidelity is the guys behind the the release of this album on a Double LP  with 180g translucent blue vinyl records. They are the definitely of quality when it comes to music releases. This wonderful music has never sounded better! Crack it up to 11 and enjoy the wonderful sound of “TRON” once again on vinyl!

The score itself for “TRON” an nice blend of electronic along with traditional orchestral music. Kudos to composer Wendy Carlos for her brilliant orchestral recording with symphonic backgrounds by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the UCLA Chorus. She has created some of my favorite scores including “A Clockwork Orange” and “The Shining”. The “TRON” soundtrack also has two additional tracks from the rock band Journey, “Only Solutions” and “1990’s Theme”.

The gatefold jacket inside this new vinyl reissue holds the two 180g translucent blue vinyl records and also includes colorful photos from the popular cult film. Inside there is a fantastic liner notes written by the composer as well Michael Fremer, who also served as the film’s soundtrack supervisor. Fremer also oversaw the new Audio Fidelity mastering by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. So you know it go the attention that it deserved.

Track list: 
SIDE 1
1-Creation Of TRON
2-Only Solutions – Journey
3-We’ve Got Company
4-Wormhole
5-Ring Game And Escape
6-Water, Music, And Tronaction

SIDE 2
1-TRON Scherzo
2-Miracle and Magician
3-Magic Landings
4-Theme From TRON
5-1990’s Theme – Journey
6-Love Theme

SIDE 3
1-Tower Music – Let Us Pray
2-The Light Sailer
3-Sea Of Simulation

SIDE 4
1-A New TRON And The MCP
2-Anthem
3-Ending Titles

Product Review “VTech Go! Go! Smart Animals Zoo Explorers Playset”

When you have a kid, it is very important for parents to buy them the right toys. You want toys that are going to challenge your kid and also teach them in the process. Enter VTech. They are responsible for tons of great learning products for kids. Their products are fun and yet just drive the kids to the next level and keep their minds thinking. Their latest product that I came across is the Go! Go! Smart Animals™ Zoo Explorers Playset. With this playset, you are able explore and learn about animals, colors and more.

There are SmartPoint locations for the rhino and this also recognizes other SmartPoint locations as well. This helps to teaches your child not only the respective animals name but also the colors and additional fun facts. Plus this is also able to be connected to other playsets including Go! Go! Smart Wheels, so it is expandable for your kids. I hope you have a big spot for it though because without being connected to other playsets it already takes up a nice chuck of space.

There are 80+ sing-along songs, melodies, short tunes, sounds and phrases. There are 13 track pieces, which can be put together in multiple configurations. In the week that we had had this, I have reconstructed it twice so far. So you are able to keep it fresh for your kids and they don’t get tired of the same thing. The playset comes with the rhino but there are a bunch of other animals you can purchase including a lion, monkey and zebra to expand this playset.

Parents if you are concerned about putting this big playset together, relax cause is very easy to do and because like I said it has different ways to be setup…you really can’t screw up too bad. I would have liked VTech to have listed a few different ways to setup since the box shows one way and the directions show another. I just winged it. My daughter still has not stopped playing with this playset and I have a feeling we are going to be adding on some of the other sets very soon.