U-Dance - Hottest toys for Christmas

U-Dance - Hottest toys for Christmas
From Hasbro - Import

Customer Reviews

Great active toy!
My kids all love this fun, fast-paced, challenging game. My oldest son, 11, is really learning to dance by playing U Dance. His 6 y/o sister follows along side of him and is catching on too. It is a great indoor game that gets kids moving. I really love games like this that encourage activity. I highly recommend this toy. It was easy to set up, they did it all themselves!

U-Dance - Great innovation, fun & sensitive
Ok, you've seen trailer here & it's also on youtube. Here's another video on youtube under "U-dance game - I like to move it" of a girl using it in action for the whole dance sequence on HARD level: youtube com/watch?v=Td57iyOBTk8

Plastic structure: It's basic hard plastic in 3 peices that you click together. Once put together, you can't take it apart as the plastic tabs amke it very hard to pull apart. Luckily it's not that big. It take 4 AA batteries that you have to unscrew small screw on the lid. I'm surprised it's not a simple tab & why isn't it able to have a DC pout/plug out? It comes with sealed in the unit w/place for it to wind around for storage the a/v cable which is composite yellow for video & white for MONO sound which plugs directly to the tv. You cannot use any ohter cable for better a/v. The unit has a simple on/off slider switch on the back. The sensors are nice, simple, fabric, comfortable straps even for bare feet with simple grey colored semi-reflective octagon top. I'm surprised that's all it needs to work & it works great.
Video/Audio - Very simple graphics, but great choices considering all the memory/programing is somewhere small in the plastic housing. The background dancers on are a loop, but they are good choices & you don't notice while you're concentrating on the feet graphics. Knowing which is your feet & the ones you are suppose to step on is very easy to see. The background colors are bright & positive w/o being so colorful you can't see where you are suppose to go or where you are at the time. The menu is very simple & you step & hold on the "buttons" on screen to make your selection. It has profiles using 3 initials & multi player (I assume you take turns). You can choose which song & easy medium & hard (unlocked until do easy & medium). There doesn't seem to be any score retention that I can see, only a check mark by a song if you did ok, I'm not sure even how well you have to do to get a check mark. This is one of the only cons. The score is done like a reality judging show as there are a static drawing cartoon of 3 "judges" who turn over a circular card to show you a score up to 9.9. If you do very poorly, the song won't finish. The scoring on Easy is VERRRRRYYY generous which is a good touch for kids & not be too negative & keep them motivated. The sound of the songs was done very well & the songs not done by the origional artist was done very well.
Extra Mini Games: There is "Lounge lizard" with even more basic floating static drawn lizards you kick out of the way to keep them out of the center spotlight. I found it too simply done & not enough time/effort on programming. As you get into higher level, there are just more of them moving faster. There is also "Workout" which looks like a treadmill & with tiny sneakers being your feet, you step on the diamonds & lightening feet & avoid gum, etc. & the air hockey looking circular controllers since they will literally put bars to keep you from moving fwd & then untimely push you back until you can't move & ends the game.

Here's More Info:
Ok, admittedly I haven't played this myself, but there are several aspects that are not mentioned in the article description or other reviews, but on reviews on other sites. I feel this is good information the buyer would want to know:

The Good:
Udance is great for creativity; I love the idea of no dancemat, and the tracking is quite good, since they censors are on your shoes, and you can do more steps (such as sidestep, slide, etc).
There are several original songs, and the celebrity endorsement by Chris Brown can vouch for those original hits and the game's quality.
It's easy to set up.
The sales are doing very well, vouching for this game's success.

The Bad:
While there are some original songs, others are not.
There is a total of twelve songs on this game. (For comparison, DDR has around 60-75 songs a game.)

Good or Bad:
Since this game is it's own system; you will have to have this device taking up lots of space for only one game (as far as we know at the moment), but you also don't need another system to play it.
Three levels of play; no more, no less.

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Bounce & Spin Pony

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Bounce & Spin Pony
From Fisher-Price

Customer Reviews

Lots of Laughs
I purchased this for my one year old nephew, HE LOVES IT !!!We have lots of fun.What his mom likes is that it grows with him. She also likes the fact that it does not have to be used with the TV. It can be ridden as a pony alone,or hooked up too the TV for it's learning features.

Fun to ride, TV mode awful
I do home daycare so I figured this would be an excellent way to incorporate education and fun into my toddlers' daily experience. I was wrong. Although the kids love to play on the pony, the TV part of it seems useless. The kids are so enthrawled with the pony that the TV just fades into the distance for them. Even my [...] gets frustrated when I ask her to look up and see what the TV is doing while she rides. The concept is great, don't get me wrong. I just think it needs a lot of improvement.

Could be better
My 14mo old daugher likes this toy and gets on it at least once or twice a day but not for long. She won't just bounce on it but instead insists that the TV be on with it. She bounces for awhile but usually spends more time changing settings from the buttons located on the horse. I wish it would bounce easier and maybe rock back and forth. My daughter loses interest fast, maybe she'll grow into it.

Features

• The Bounce and Learn Pony is an active learning toy that interacts with the television
• The Pony uses a wireless device to connect with the TV delivering animated content
• Baby interacts by bouncing up and down and spinning a roller on the handle bars
• Mom can choose the level of play and audio options
• Without being connected to the TV, baby can play on the pony and be rewarded by songs and sound effects from the pony itself

Christmas 2008: This Year's Hottest Gifts!

Mega Brands Magnext iCoaster - Hottest Christmas Toys

Mega Brands Magnext iCoaster (New 2008 Model)
From Mega Brands

Customer Reviews

New 2008 version is great!
My son wanted this toy for awhile and finally got it this past week. We have read the negative reviews and he was worried that it would not be worth the money, but he really wanted to try it. The new version doesn't seem to have any of the problems that the older version has. The track now snaps together and is does not fall apart- he even applied pressure on purpose. The music player still needs an extra attachment ire, but that was not his biggest draw to this toy. The music box sounds are sufficient. All-in-all, it has been worth the money.

PipersPicks.TV's HoopDeeDo Magnetix iCoaster Review
Piper Reese just did a total review of this new version of the iCoaster for PIpersPicks.TV. After doing just one track from the manual, they put together a dual track design in about 20-25 minutes that works great. It's a really funny look at the iCoaster and how the whole thing works. Definitely a must see for anyone interested in the iCoaster - and anyone interested in a great podcast. It's on their site and you can find the review on YouTube if you search "piper icoaster"

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Experience fast-paced magnetic fun with the MagNext iCoaster from Mega brands. With lights, sound and the ability to plug your iPod into it and customize the background beat, this 64-piece set features a stunt-packed track that can be configured 10 different ways. This construction set provides a creative outlet for kids aged six and up. Small pieces make it inappropriate for small children who require constant supervision.

Seven stunt pieces add drama to each iCoaster ride. View larger.

A magnetic elevator takes metal rider balls back to the top of the coaster. View larger.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Track can be reconfigured for long-lasting fun The Bad: Small parts may get lost In a Nutshell: The iCoaster is a unique building set for action-loving kids. At a Glance Ages: 6 and up Requires: Four C batteries

Ten Extreme Configurations
The 64-piece iCoaster set comes with a booklet that illustrates 10 extreme roller coaster layouts to choose from. With 10 towers and seven hyper stunt track pieces, the possibilities seem endless. Each piece is identified by a symbol at both ends so that assembly is a straightforward process that encourages little engineers to be precise in building the suggested tracks. When they've mastered these layouts, they can unleash their creative instincts and invent new ones.

Once a coaster has been constructed, five 15-millimeter magnetic rider balls act as cars, zipping around the track, providing a serious adrenaline rush. Before the action starts, an adult will need to use a Philips head screwdriver to install four "C" batteries, which power the lights, sounds and cool magnetic elevator.

Lights, Music and Speed
Stunts that can be incorporated into the track include a bounce jump, vertical loop and magnetic slide. One of our favorite features was the sleek, magnetic elevator that transported each metal ball back to the top of the iCoaster at the end of a ride. Two flashing lights can be placed in any tower to complement the neon track pieces and add visual interest every time a ball goes whizzing by.

Christmas 2008: This Year's Hottest Gifts!

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo - Hot Christmas Toys

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo
From Fisher Price

Customer Reviews

A great jumper for your little monkey!!
I bought this jumper for my grandson when he was 4 1/2 months old b/c his dad loved the doorway model when he was a baby. After a short learning curve for the jumping aspect of the toy, he absolutely loves it!!! He likes the toys that are attached- I wasn't sure about the firefly b/c it just hangs over the side, but he goes for Flora Firefly every time he's in the Jumparoo. He will jump and jump to keep the music playing (you can set the music to play when he jumps or all the time or not at all) and is absolutely thrilled with the results as evidenced by the ear-splitting grin on his face. This is definitely a must-buy. I move it from room to room while I clean up or cook dinner or even eat lunch (yes, you can even have a hot meal courtesy of the Jumparoo!). We have the Rainforest mobile and he likes to see his Rainforest Friends here as well. The only drawback to the Jumparoo is the height adjustment. Even at the number 1 setting, we have to place a small pillow or folded blanket underneath in order for his toes to touch the floor as recommended because he's not the tallest monkey on the percentile charts. But I would definitely recommend getting this toy for your baby-they can just sit in the Jumparoo and watch the world or have some great jumping time to exercise those leg muscles that they'll soon be using to run around the jungle-5 Stars in my book!

jump, jump, jump
My son loves this jumper, and it was worth the money just to see his little feet jumping away! He also likes to move around and play with the different toys. Also, for anyone with a baby who is in the 90% percentile for their age, my son (now 6 months) has been in the 95% for height and weight since birth and still fits in and can use the jumper just fine. I gave it four stars instead of five b/c it is a little big. It was easy to put together though.

fisher-price rainforest jumperoo
my grandbaby loves just loves this. we had anothere jumper and his foot was pinched. this one is save and vary intertaining.

Features

• Tons of safe jumping fun (which will activate Rainforest music & lights!), but now there are toys all around-and overhead--with a spinning seat that helps baby explore them all
• A bobbing elephant, swinging monkey, spinning lizard and more that baby will just "go wild" for
• Baby spins drum to activate lights & music
• Soft spring covers keep little fingers safe
• 3-position height adjustment ensures a custom fit for your child

EyeClops Night Vision - Hottest Christmas Toys

EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles
From Jakks

Customer Reviews

The eyes have it!
There's a reason why this is the number one office product at Amazon, for nothing says "promote me" better than wearing night vision goggles at your cubicle.

Neighbors also appreciate the increased sense of security you bring while patrolling their backyards at 2 a.m. Don't forget your pants, though!

Real Night Vision Technology! For under $80
I purchase this for my 9 year old son for his birthday & he loved it!
We all gave it a shot and were amazed with it! A must have for any kid
that is into spy gadgets, etc.!

EyeClops Night Vision Goggles - Surprising Performance With Some Warnings

The EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles are being sold as a toy, and I'm not so sure this is a toy. Anybody who has seen the movie The Silence of the Lambs has probably wondered where somebody would get goggles like the kind used in one of the final scenes of that movie. These only show you one eye at a time but work just as good as those.

These performed much better than I expected. The box says it's made for ages 8 and up, but I think this is probably more suited to VERY mature kids or your older friends. An immature person could get into a lot of trouble playing pranks with a toy like this. Still, I could see this being a learning aid for kids studying nocturnal animals. I could also see this being a fun toy on a camping trip. However you use this, it's a great gift idea and a pretty good value.

PROS:
+ The performance in the dark is surprisingly good!
+ The price for this type of item is very reasonable
+ Nice adjustable power lets you see farther at night
+ Very good fit makes them relatively comfortable once you size them
+ Works well in both *green* or *black and white* modes
+ Easy installation (though time consuming! See below)
+ Nice portable unit that can be taken on camping or hiking trips
+ Allows you to wear glasses under the goggles
+ Left eye flips open so you can see a little before you turn them on
+ Included safety list is well thought out and should be read and followed

CONS:
- Plastic body and rubber straps do not feel durable; handle with care
- Somewhat large lens and sensor on the top makes this top heavy
- Only shows the image in one eye
- Your depth perception is way off while wearing these
- Takes 5 AA batteries and uses up juice fast!
- Really difficult and time consuming to remove from packaging
- You have to be careful who you give these to!

Features

• Eyeclops night vision provides kids young and old with an authentic night vision experience like never before
• Powered by actual infra-red driven night vision technology, EyeClops Night Vision enables clear visibility up to 50 feet in even complete, pitch dark environments
• Conduct covert operations in your backyard, investigate nocturnal activities in your house and take games like hide n’ seek to a whole new level
• See up to 50' in complete darkness
• Eyeclops night vision lets you see in complete darkness

LAZERTAG Multiplayer Battle System - Hottest Christmas Toys

LAZERTAG Multiplayer Battle System
From Hasbro - Freight Collect

Customer Reviews

The BEST Consumer Laser Tag Possible - Recommended!
The "Lasertag Multiplayer Battle System" is by far the best consumer grade Laser Tag we have ever seen! Having tried many laser tag systems over the years, and always being disappointed with the range or accuracy, I only had marginal hopes that this system would prove any better but this time I was pleasantly surprised with the option, quality, and performance.

The features found in this system rival those in the "professional" Laser Tag arena my son (12), daughter (16), wife (47), and I (44) play a few times a month. Highlights include:

* Great Accuracy
* Great Range
* Team Play (very cool feature!)
* Rumble Pack (provides vibration feedback)
* Hit Selector (evens out the odds when play with less experienced opponents)
* Manual "Reload" (another very cool feature adding realism)

The system is also a video game as the gun can also be attached to a video unit and connected to a TV (old style tube TV, not Plasma or LCD). The game play is OK and fun, but shouldn't be the reason to buy this system.

We liked this so much that we ended up buying two sets (total of 4 guns) and are considering buying another set so we have more players!

Highly recommended!

Fantastic toy for kids and adults alike
This toy is fantastic for kids and adults alike. Everything to set up a game is by switches on the toy, choose your strength of 10 or 25, choose team 1 or team 2 to play team games or choose solo for everyone versus everyone, press the trigger, wait for the count down and you are good to go.

They include a very accurate green dot site as well as vibrations to let you know when you are hit and a recoil with each shot you fire for real feeling. The grip is very ergodynamic for both adults and kids. Adults won't find it too small, and kids won't find it too big.

The shotblast attachment allows you to set up a shot gun type shot that allows you to hit multiple people if they are in close range to you or hit a single person with multiple tags.

Unlike other tagging systems in the past, this system actually works remarkably well on indoor mode. The risk of getting "bounce shots" off of walls with this system is relatively low. The game can also be set to outdoor mode. On outdoor mode you can tag other players up to 300 feet away in full sunlight.

I encourage anyone who is looking at getting lasertag toys for their kids or adults looking for a new sport to purchase these toys. You won't regret it.

Fun for the whole family
We bought two sets, and the whole family has had an absolute blast playing Lazer Tag. My kids are 8 and 5, and even the 5 year old mastered the game in no time. It's great to get everyone running around the yard at night (they also work in full daylight or inside). The range on these things is 300 feet or so, so you can play over a very large area. The TV game is so-so, but it's much more fun to play outside anyway. Also, I will say that the taggers have held up very well so far under typical kid conditions.

Features

• Tag or be tagged in this intense, real-life lazer combat game!
• Complete two-player system lets you battle in intense real-life lazer combat with two or more players (additional taggers sold separately).
• Train your tagging skills in single player mode with the video-game attachment!ou want
• Customize you firing power with the SHOT BLAST attachment!
• Includes 2 PHOENIX LTX taggers, 2 SHOT BLAST attachments, 2 PINPOINT SIGHT targeting units and 1 video game module.