Toys Reviews |

ARMY OF ZERO
GAME
Army Of Zero, from
Point Zero Games, is two games in one. Firstly, it's a card and dice game
in which two players pit their team of warriors against each other. Players
use their judgement to pick the right character to use at the right time,
and second-guess their opponent to choose when to attack and when to
defend. The game is designed to be quick and easy to both learn and play,
encouraging children and their parents to play together. You can learn the
game in five minutes, and play it in fifteen, so parents can get into the
game easily and play it with their children.
But Army of Zero
also holds a secret. The deck of eighty-four character cards hides a series
of puzzles and the person who submits the best solution before the closing
date will win a cash prize. The puzzles are aimed at older children and
adults, so the game can be enjoyed by older and younger generations alike.
For more
information, please visit
www.pointzerogames.com.
The game is
available at pointzerogames for
an introductory price of £10.00. It's also available on
amazon.
Totz2teens Member Review:
A new game to play for both adults and children. The game is for 2
players but we were able to work it to a tournament so everyone got a turn
at playing. The children picked up the rules fairly easily although we
did have to keep referring to them. I personally would have preferred
the rules to have been on a piece of paper rather than on cards but that was
a personal preference and doesn't harm game play at all. The box comes
complete with the cards and dice. Each card has 4 components
speed, combat, weapon and armour. Using the dice to add to these
scores is great because it becomes so much more random and you cant really
plan your army. Once we picked the game up the games flowed better and
we were able to get a match going quite easily. My children love clans
and army style computer games so it was exciting playing for them to be
doing a pokemon style card game instead.
The second part of this game is the
puzzle. We didn't really get very far with this for the review but no
doubt my husband and sons will attempt this further as I am sure curiosity
will get the better of them.
This is a calm
game to play and doesn't take up too much space either boxed nor when
playing which is a bonus.
I believe this makes a lovely present
for any young man. young or old!!! Perhaps even a Fathers Day
present as I am sure they would get caught up in playing with their children
and trying to solve the puzzles within the cards.
Totz2teens Member Rating: 4/5
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Cluedo £14.99
An
‘A-list’ starlet with a shady past; an ageing football legend turned pundit;
a former child star and a billionaire video-game designer – these are just a
few of the suspects for Hasbro’s new and exciting version of Cluedo.
In the game where everybody’s a suspect,
everything has been brought up to date with a bang. New weapons and new
rooms are all part of the modern twist, and to add a little more pressure,
players will have to track down the murderer before they strike again!
In this thrilling new version players can
choose from new murder weapons such as poison, an axe, a dumbbell and a
trophy, and search through brand new murder scenes, including a patio, a
theatre, a spa and a guest house.
Hasbro have also added more intrigue to the
game play as each suspect has their own special skill such as looking at
other people’s cards or starting a double rumour. There are also chances
for players to avoid questioning and send some snooping opponents back to
the start of the game. In this new version of Cluedo it’s all about looking
after number one!
Totz2teens Review:
Amazing how a revamp gets everyone buzzing. Well in the house that
was certainly the case. I noticed some changes almost immediately.
But all good ones actually. The rooms hav been updated and some of the
weapons have too. I have to comment about the rules booklet.
FANTASTIC. I have never come across a rules book done in an easy to
read style like this one. I was able to read through with the family
to get everyone up to speed. We referred to it a couple of times and
it was so easy to find where we wanted. Some exciting additions such
as the intrigue cards really helped bring the game up to date. The
worst bit (for me) but the best bit for the rest of the family was the clock
cards. This is when playing with children comes into its own.
You risk picking up cards and once 7 are out the 8th card means you are out
of the game. Well I got the 8th card unfortunately. We all had a
real laugh and it was great teaching the children. I think they are
just at the right age now for this sort of game which was perfect.
The new version is great - We know you wont be
disappointed and I would definately go for this version so stick the old one
in the loft and get this one - its brill.
Totz2teens Rating: 5/5
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Moon Sand construction Set £14.99
Children
can build bricks and then transport them to the construction site in the
dump truck to build walls and buildings. Dig holes using the scooper and
move your sand around the construction site with the hand crane.
Moon Sand is a new modelling compound with all the fun of
the beach but without the mess! Squish it, shape it or mould it! Moulds like
dough but it never dries out, you can reuse again and again, indoors or out.
Moon Sand won't stick or stain and any spills can be easily vacuumed up.
Includes Dump Truck with dumper and scoop, hand crane,
play mat, plunge and play brick maker, construction worker moulds and two
colours of sand.
Totz2teens Review: Moon sand is fantastic. The pack comes
with its own mat, dumper truck and the most amazing moulds. You can
build yourself a builder which can be played with without crumbling unless
you want too of course. The brick maker is really cool - pop in the
sand and press down - voila you have some bricks to build or transport
around. I put the sand in containers but my son left lots out as he
was running the truck through it. 2 days on and its still perfectly
useable which is great. When he had got some on my table cloth I thought OH
NO but sure enough it just brushed off. The set has tons of play value
and would make a super present for someone. I notice there are lots of
different sets which look like lots of fun too. Obviously their
advertising has done well as my son was singing the tune from it all day
too. My son played for a long time with this and I am sure that any
child would find it hard to resist playing with moon sand. It was
really nice to play with a different construction moulding type substance
and to be able to adapt it so well to have fun with.
Totz2teens Member Rating: 5/5
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LITTLEST
PET SHOP VIP'S
Calling all Littlest Pet Shop lovers!
Introducing the brand new world of the VIP’s (Virtual Interactive Pets).
These fantastic collectables have taken Pet play to the next level by
launching an online virtual world.
The range includes cool soft toys - panda, penguin, turtle, dog and cat -
each with
a secret code on their collar. On inputting the code online at
www.littlestpetshop.com users will be able to watch their pet spring to
life on screen!
The exciting VIP world gives users the chance to feed and accessorise their
pet, decorate their home outside and in and make friends with other pets.
There are lots of fun games to play too as well as the chance to win kibble
coins (VIP’s special pet currency) to spend on the site.
If your pet is feeling tired from all his adventures, take him to the new
VIP beach to relax and catch some sun. There is even a tropical Island out
at sea for you to discover!
The site is really safe too, with your own personal code, so no one else has
access in to your world. Simply type in your username and password whenever
you want and you can pick up where you left off, your cute little virtual
pet will be there waiting for you!
And you don’t even need a Pet to get involved thanks to the free demo on the
site – pop online and have a go!
VIPS are available now priced £12.99 (SRP) from all good retailers.
For Your Free Trial log on to
www.littlestpetshop.com!
Totz2teens Review: First impressions of this toy was very positive.
My son was in charge of testing this out. We were trying out the cat.
He didnt even complain that it was pink! He was very keen to find the
code and get on the games. Our Cat was given a name of Bella.
The toy is beautifully plush and incredibly well made. Whilst playing
it was lovely to have her on our laps or desk. Bella's Big eyes
watching you play. Once logging onto the computer, you key in your
secret code which is provided with the toy.
The site is excellent. It keeps the
child (and adult) entertained for absolutely ages. There are a
multitude of games to play which all seem perfectly designed. Some
more difficult than others but all with the reward of Kibbles when finished.
The character can be moved around the different areas including the village
and dock. All areas have different things to see and games to play.
Both my son and I took it in turns and I have to confess I went on even
without him and had a good time. Its nice to share something and
understand what your child is playing on the internet. Your pet is in
its own world so you are not connecting with other users so therefore its
safe for the child to access. We liked doing the scavenger hunt which
meant you searched around the world looking for specific times.
Some valid points that my son made:
He says that the site isnt easy to navigate round. Even though there
is a map its alot of faffing about to get where you want. We discovered that
you can access the games through one of the buttons for ease but we did like
visiting the different areas. He said that the games were really
enjoyable and would like to carry on playing them. He did feel though
that perhaps the whole site and toys were aimed at girls but that didnt stop
him enjoying it at all.
We very much enjoyed reviewing the Littlest
Pet Shop VIP's and would be happy to recommend them for other totz2teens
members. Totz2teens Member Rating:
4/5 |
FurReal Friends -
Baby Duckling

Mother duck has been working hard to hatch her eggs in time for Easter so
children can be given the most egg-citing gift of all; a Newborn Baby
Duckling!
These adorable Baby Ducklings are the perfect alternative to
chocolate eggs and are just waiting to be picked up and cared for.
The Newborns Collection, from the popular FurReal Friends range, has a
number of cute baby animals, all with realistic movements and sounds. The
cute Baby Duckling features softer than soft yellow fur and a feeding
bottle. When you feed him, he’ll move his head and make realistic
‘quacking’ sounds in delight.
Baby Duckling joins Baby Parrot, Pig, Lamb, Kitten, Puppy and Bunny in the
Newborns Collection and later in the year, more baby animals including a
Seal, Chipmunk and Penguin will join in the FurReal fun.
The Perfect gift this Easter, Baby Duckling is priced at £12.99 (SRP) from
all good retailers. Visit
www.hasbrotoyshop.co.uk for more information.
Age 4+
Totz2teens Member Review: Here is the perfect replacement to an
Easter Egg. Yes perhaps a little bit more money but well worth it in
my opinion. This lovely little furry is strangely adorable and my kids
are arguing as to who can play with 'her' first. Currently she is
called Quackers and has a bed made for her next to his bed.
The fur is very soft and I must say as I sit her with her on
my desk I find myself stroking her soft fur. Her blue eyes are looking
at me asking for food. We have a white duckling which is fabby as I
love white ducks. Her head is positioned to suggest she is asking for
food. When she is given the bottle she makes little noises and then a
quack or two. then she will make random quacks and wing or, head
movements.
I'm not sure about the concept of having a duckling with a
milk bottle but my sons havent worried about that and have thoroughly
enjoyed playing with her.
I am currently laughing as the duckling has just started
asking for food LOL and is trying to get my attention.
She is about 18 inches tall and full of
character. I think £12.99 is an acceptable price for the product which
is suitable for girls and boys alike.
Totz2teens Member Rating: 5/5
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Play-Doh Make and Display
It’s been 50 years since Play-Doh first
appeared in the nation’s toy boxes, but its appeal hasn’t faltered. It’s
still the No 1. Pre-school brand and thousands of children across the
globe
continue to enjoy hours of creative play with this fun modelling
clay.
But for 2007, Play-Doh’s allure is set to capture the imagination of
Mums just as much as children, with the launch of a brand new ‘Make and
Display’ range. The Make and Display range allows kids to save their
favourite creations in special see-through domes that keep the modelling
compound fresh and the model protected, meaning much loved creations can
be preserved and given as gifts to family and friends.
The Make and Display domes can give a new spin to personalising your
desk space you’re your child’s work can proudly be displayed forever.
There are a range of scenes available meaning that kids can wile away
hours of imaginative 3-D play.
MAKE & DISPLAY DOMES
Include a step-by-step guide for making a colourful Play-Doh 3-D
scene (or kids can use their own imagination) and then display it with
pride in the clear display dome. Includes the dome and four 1oz packs of
Play-Doh compound.
MAKE & DISPLAY STAGE SHOW
Kids can unleash their theatrical side with this kit. Inside are 5
packets of Play-Doh compound and instructions for making an exciting
stage scene. The finished model then goes inside the dome, which is
placed on the Stage Show base to light it up and bring the whole scene
to life. The lights bring out the fluorescent neon colours of Play-Doh
for a dazzling 3-D scene.
- Make & Display Starter
Scenes RRP £4.99
- Make & Display Stage Show
RRP £9.99
Totz2teens Review:
We tested the Make 'n' play scene starter set which is like a
desert. The pack comes with 4 colour strips of play-doh, a tool to
create the scene, a great cactus and a dome to cover your scene.
The cactus is great fun. It can be used to create strings of
play-doh to use in your scene. Once the scene has been completed
you can just pop over the dome and there it is for everyone to see.
I let my young son have it in his room on a shelf and I am sure he has
had it down and done a few alterations to it since which is quite sweet.
The scene kits can be used on their own or added to the Stage show
for different scenes.
This is a great attribute to the play-doh range and I would
recommend it for any little fiddly fingers. (and big ones too)
Totz2teens Rating: 4/5
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Postman Pat Friction Van
Friction Van with opening doors.
Removable Pat and Jess Vinyl figures. Just push and watch it go!
Also look out for Ajay Bains and The Greendale Rocket, Ted
Glen and Truck, Dr Gilbertson and sports car all in the same range.
Price £9.99 Main stockist
telephone number is 01706 346 500
Totz2teens Review:
For a Pat fan this is a must. It says from age 3 but the parts
arent very small so I think it would be ok as a supervised toy for a younger
child. Friction cars are great and work really well on our floor.
So we really did watch Pat and Jess whizz across the floor. Pat and
Jess can come out which meant Pat went to the loo and in the garden too.
I also found postman pat on the website mentioned on the box
www.postmanpat.com and on
www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies so I
printed out some pictures to colour in too. "Pat Van" has been
everywhere and its really been played with well.
Totz2teen Rating: 4/5
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Postman Pat Letters Pack
ISBN: 978-1-84750-129-5
Developed for
pre-schoolers the ‘Postman Pat® Letters Pack’ helps develop key reading and
writing skills whilst encouraging family fun alongside learning, as children
work with their parents to complete various activities. The pack includes a
series of fun activities and tools such as envelopes and special Postman
Pat® letter paper; colouring-in sheets; a felt-tip pen; four wipe-clean
activity sheets and stickers of Greendale’s most popular characters.
‘Postman Pat® Letters Packs’ will be distributed free with every Postman
Pat® Purchase over £15 in all Toys ‘R’ Us stores and online at
www.toysrus.co.uk from 10 September
2007.

The pack is the first in a line of projects created by the partnership and
contributes towards the National Literacy Trust’s push to get parents
involved in reading and writing with their children. In January of this year
the National Literacy Trust launched the ‘Family Reading Campaign’ which has
been set up to highlight the importance of encouraging reading in the home.
Nikki Grass, Head of Marketing, Entertainment Rights, said: “Postman Pat® is
the perfect ambassador to help parents and their children discover the joys
of reading together. Reading together is a great way to improve early
learning skills and helps children in the formation of basic writing skills
such as the alphabet.”
Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, said: “Good
reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are key to getting the most
out of life and the best way a child can develop these is to grow up in a
house where reading is regularly encouraged and enjoyed. We’re delighted to
be working with Postman Pat® – I’m certain he will help inspire families to
have fun with reading and writing together.”
Totz2teens Review:
A great pack for Postman Pat fans everywhere. It contains wipe
clean activity sheets which is really handy. A pen to use.
Colouring sheets, Postman Pat Paper and envelopes. The pack comes in a
super folder. This would be a great extra when buying some Postman Pat
toys at Toys R us.
Totz2teens Rating: 5/5
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