theToyGuy

Review: Elmo Tickle Hands

2009-11-30T10:50:00.003-05:00

Manufacturer: Fisher-Price

Brand: Sesame Street

Age Recommendation: 2 and up

MSRP: $29.99

Intro Year: 2009

Put Elmo's Tickle Power in your childs hands with Elmo Tickle Hands from Fisher-Price!

These big, furry, red Elmo hands (featuring Elmo's friendly face on one side) allow your kids to tickle and dance just like Elmo does! The Tickle Hand gloves easily slide on to little hands and when Elmo's nose is pressed, the fun begins! When your child touches a surface to tickle, the Tickle Hands start to vibrate and move allowing your child to feel like he can tickle just like Elmo! But thats not all! Touch Elmo's nose again and its time to dance! Elmo will give instructions on how to do his brand new dance called, "The Tickle Hand Groove!" This new dance encourages kids to get moving and grooving!

The hands also come with an instructional DVD that teaches kids how to do the new dance step by step! The DVD features Elmo and his mystery friend! Your child will be tickling, wiggling and giggling in no time at all!

This Week's New Video Games

2009-11-30T09:39:00.000-05:00

Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (Nintendo DS, Wii. rated Everyone)
In Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, players can play as Alvin and The Chipmunks (Alvin, Simon, Theodore) or The Chipettes (Brittany, Jeanette, Eleanor). Musical sparks ignite as they jet around the world, rock the house in 25 concert locations on Wii and 11 in the Nintendo DS version, and perform together in the ultimate concert finale. Featuring songs from the Grammy and American Music Award-winning Alvin and The Chipmunks library, the game lets players use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk or Nintendo DS stylus to keep the rhythm in the main game and in three mini-games.

Avatar: The Game (All game systems. rated Teen)
Step into a dazzling world from the imagination of James Cameron and take your stand in the battle to determine the fate of a civilization. James Cameron's Avatar: The Game allows you to step inside the world of the feature film and go deep into the heart of Pandora and its people. Choose to fight for either RDA or the Na'vi, arming yourself with any of dozens of customizable weapons and a variety of clan-specific skills. Acquire new skills as you advance through the game, giving your all in the epic battle for a planet and a people.

Space Station Tycoon (Nintendo Wii. rated Everyone 10+)
Follow the adventures of Shawn and Tam on an intergalactic journey through Pirate infested space, meteor fields, supernovas, and countless dangers as they seek out fame and fortune in the high-stakes world of Space Station management Station Tycoon is a fast paced, simulation game focusing on character interaction and humor, light puzzle solving, and customization in a free form, non-linear world.

Review: Trio Building Set with Storage

2009-11-25T09:22:00.002-05:00

Manufacturer: Fisher-Price

Brand: Trio

Age Recommendation: 3 and up

MSRP: $29.99

Intro Year: 2009

Fisher-Price's Trio building system is specially designed to make building easier for even the smallest of hands. Three "grow with me" building levels make building a snap. Kids can feel and hear the click when they've connected the building pieces and the pieces will stay together throughout play, only coming apart when kids are ready to take them apart. Each set can be built and rebuilt in a variety of ways, letting kids build whatever they can imagine! And the pieces from the different sets can be mixed and matched for even more imaginative building.

The Trio Building Set with Storage comes with bricks, sticks, and panels that click and hold together for big building play. The set comes in bright colors and includes custom parts such as figures, wheels and chassis, and a durable tub for convenient storage and portability. The storage bin lid also doubles as a building base! Kids can build suggested designs or use their imaginations to create something all their own! This 100-piece set is a great way to get kids started with the Trio building system.

Review: Shred Sled

2009-11-24T11:12:00.003-05:00

Manufacturer: Shred Sled

Brand: Shred Sled

Age Recommendation: 8 and up

MSRP: $119.99

Intro Year: 2009

Are you ready to SHRED!? Start shredding in no time with the Shred Sled, the next generation caster board. The first 4-wheel, dual-deck inline caster board, the Shred Sled makes it smoother and easier to start carving up the streets. How it works: Shred Sled's two boards and flexible connector allow both boards to rotate around the vertical and horizontal axes so it's easy to maneuver the board. The best part is you don't even have to push off! For better control and traction, each deck has a grip surface to maximize traction and stability while the concave decks make for better foot control. The 4 x 80mm polyurethane wheels and ABEC-5 bearings are smoother and stronger than standard hardware and unlike other boards, rarely need to be replaced. Riding the Shred Sled feels like a combination of snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing and it's much easier to control than older 2-wheel generation boards. Great for strengthening the legs and waist muscles, Shred Sled encourages kids to get off the couch and get active outdoors. Available in black, blue or red. Weight: 8.7 lbs; Dimensions: 9.055"W x 32.87"L x 4.72". Be sure to wear a helmet and safety gear when using the Shred Sled.

Toys R Us Holiday Express

2009-11-23T09:40:00.000-05:00

Here is the ad for the new Toys 'R' Us Holiday Express. Has anyone seen this in their mall yet?

Reviews: EyeClops Night Vision Goggles

2009-11-20T09:19:00.000-05:00

Manufacturer: Jakks Pacific

Brand: EyeClops

Age Recommendation: 8 and up

MSRP: $59.99

Intro Year: 2009

For fans of the original EyeClops Night Vision Goggles, get ready for an improved, action-styled handheld design and the power to see with both eyes! Go into stealth mode as you sneak around in the dark, but still have the ability to see where you're going! The new handheld Night Vision Goggles allows visibility up to 50 feet in completely dark environments. Covert operations, nocturnal maneuvers-with EyeClops Night Vision Goggles, kids rule the night!

Thanks to advances in technology, Jakks has been able to redesign one of the coolest toys of 2008 into this new format that delivers all the play value, but costs $20 less. If you waited to buy this product last year, you're in luck. This is still one of the most fun items we've found for after-dark play.
Naturally, you'll want to set ground rules with your kids for how they use these and when and where they play.

Review: Ride & Learn Giraffe Bike

2009-11-18T13:02:00.000-05:00

Manufacturer: VTech

Brand: Jungle Gym

Age Recommendation: 1.5 and up

MSRP: $49.99

Intro Year: 2009

Refresh the jungle of toys in your child's playroom with VTECH's Jungle Gym line. Products in this line are a smart way to give rambunctious toddlers active play because they provide an engaging experience with colorful animals and interactive features sure to tame any wild child. Inspired by mom's own exercise equipment, kids can get moving with these active toys small enough for their growing bodies.

Young learners can pedal their way to smart play with the Ride & Learn Giraffe Bike. Kids can ride the stationary bike through a safari of letters, objects, numbers, animals, and melodies. The more kids pedal and bounce, the more they learn! The bike features five rewarding modes of active play including racing, ABCs, numbers, music, and animals. Children can learn letters and word association by cycling on the giraffe's pedals and watching the built-in LCD screen as they chase their favorite animal friends. The adjustable grow-with-me bouncy seat adapts to three different positions with a wide, stable base for lots of riding fun. This is a great way for kids to learn, have fun, and get active!

Review: Super WHY! Touch and Learn Super Duper Computer

2009-11-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

Manufacturer: Learning Curve

Brand: Super WHY!

Age Recommendation: 3 and up

MSRP: $39.99

Intro Year: 2009

It seems like everyone has a touch-screen these days and kids are no different. The Touch and Learn Super Duper Learning Computer, features a fully interactive touch screen and keyboard in a laptop-like design. It comes loaded with storybook adventures and more than 35 learning games that teach alphabet skills, reading comprehension, word families, rhyming, letter sounds, spelling, phonics, problem solving, and fine & gross motor skills. This laptop also features a grow-with-me curriculum, which makes it appropriate for all skill levels!

Because so many kids are on their parents' laptops and home computers from an early age, toy computers are really only relevant to kids who are too young to use those and who want to engage in role play as much as in learning play. That's why this is such a good choice for families. It combines the Super WHY! curriculum of reading and exploration with a laptop that mimics what mom and dad do.

The learning games are appropriate for the 3-4 year olds who love the TV show, and the touch screen is easy to use.

This Week's New Video Games

2009-11-16T10:40:00.000-05:00

Chaotic: Shadow Warriors (DS, Wii, PS3, Xbox360 rated Everyone 10+)
Battle to Victory in a World where Might Equals Right! Enter the realm of Chaotic and assume the role of one of its Creatures in this turn-based arena combat fighting game. Engage in explosive animated onslaughts that combine brutal melee attacks with vicious ranged assaults.

Hot Wheels: Battle Force 5 (DS, Wii rated Everyone 10+)
Play as all five Battle Force 5 characters in unique battle and racing zones featuring locations and settings from the hit Hot Wheels: Battle Force 5 TV show.

Lego Indiana Jones 2. The Adventure Continues (DS, Wii, PC, PSP, PS3, Xbox360 rated Everyone10+)
LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues combines the fun and creative construction of LEGO bricks with the wits, daring and non-stop action of one of cinema’s most beloved adventure heroes. With a unique, tongue-in-cheek take on all the Indiana Jones films – including for the first time ever Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull – LEGO Indiana Jones 2 follows Dr. Jones’ escapades from the jungles of South America to the Peruvian Ruins and beyond.

Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution III (Wii rated Teen)
Now you can face off against competitors from all across North America over the internet. Featuring an all-new storyline and updated cast of characters from the NARUTO Shippuden series, NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 is sure to re-ignite your passion for an ultra competitive, ninja fighting experience.

Planet 51 (DS, Wii, PS3, Xbox360 rated Everyone)
Based on the new animated movie from the writer of "Shrek" and "Shrek 2", Planet 51 revolves around astronaut Captain Charles "Chuck" Baker who lands on Planet 51 thinking he's the first person to step foot there. The game will allow players to test their skills in a series of action-filled adventures that are out of this world. Try to outrun and outwit the Planet 51 Police and Army, find Chuck's spaceship and help Chuck return home to Earth.

The Princess and the Frog (DS, Wii, PC rated Everyone)
Join Tiana on an exciting journey through jazz-infused 1920s New Orleans with the official video game for Wii, inspired by the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures release of The Princess and the Frog.

Scene It? Bright Lights! Big Screen! (PS3, Wii, Xbox360 rated Teen)
Scene It? Bright Lights! Big Screen! is the ultimate movie trivia game for the trivia masters and casual gamers alike.

Tony Hawk: Ride (PS3, Wii, Xbox360 rated Everyone10+)
Experience the true thrill of skateboarding as never before through the revolutionary new skateboard controller in Tony Hawk: Ride. Bundled with the Ride game, the unique motion-sensitive board controller redefines the action-sports genre by translating your body motions into the game. No buttons, no thumbs, no analog sticks, just you on the board. For the first time in video game history, anyone can jump on a skateboard and feel the freedom, creativity, and accomplishment of skateboarding.

Toy Review: Crayola Crayon Maker

2009-11-13T11:32:00.001-05:00

Manufacturer: Crayola

Brand: Crayola

Age Recommendation: 8 and up

MSRP: $29.99

Intro Year: 2009

Did you know that the average kid will wear down more than 750 crayons by the age of 10? The Crayola Crayon Maker is the perfect solution for what to do with all those crayon bits that kids accumulate. And it's a great way to get creative.

Just place the crayon bits (with all paper labels removed) in the covered melting tray, turn the Crayon Maker on, and then pour the melted material into the crayon mold. The end result is a brand new crayon mix of whatever colors you choose to use. The Crayon Maker requires a 60w candelabra bulb to produce the heat.

This maker is a reintroduction of a very popular toy from 1999. It's been designed so the cover won't open until the wax is cool to the touch.

The whole process takes about 20 minutes or so, and we found that kids were engaged both in watching the melting and then loved pouring the melted wax into the molds. We found that it works best for them if they're coloring and creating while the molded crayons cool. We also found that this is something they like doing again and again and they even liked using fresh crayons because a huge part of the fun is making the swirled and mixed colors.

Because the crayons that come out of the molds are slightly shorter than a traditional crayon, Crayola has included an ingenious clip that allows two of the freshly made crayons to be put together to create something that's easy to draw with.

Toy Review: Battle Strikers

2009-11-11T09:30:00.003-05:00

Manufacturer: MEGA Brands

Brand: MagNext

Age Recommendation: 6 and up

MSRP: $14.99

Intro Year: 2009

This is a classic play pattern revved up for a new generation of kids.

Say goodbye to the strings and ripcords of traditional tops. Now kids can experience turbo-powered battling. Here come Battle Strikers, the ultimate kid-controlled spinning top battling system!

The Battle Strikers tops attach to a handheld unit-aka the Turbo Launcher. With the push of a button they spin and are revved up. Learning just the right amount of power to give them is a key strategy. When the tops are spinning, a quick flick of the wrist drops them-and they're ready to take on all comers.

But that's not all. Once the tops are spinning, a magnetic finger cover, featuring MEGA Brands' MagNext technology, lets kids guide their tops into attack mode -or dodge an oncoming opponent. As always, the last top standing is the winner.

With the Battle Strikers Starter Pack, kids can power up the Battle Strikers Turbo Launcher, load it with a themed Striker, and get ready to battle! As the Striker accelerates to 7,500 RPM, kids will feel the magnetic power as they use the controller to command the Striker to do battle. The Starter Pack includes the Turbo Launcher, a controller, and one exclusive Striker.

This is classic play-competitive, collectible, creative and absorbing. It's an excellent value, and collections are easily extended to add play value.

This Week's New Video Games

2009-11-09T10:18:00.002-05:00

Jonas (DS. rated Everyone)
Inspired by the latest hit Disney Channel Original Series, JONAS allows fans to play as the Jonas brothers and band members, Nick, Joe and Kevin in a non-stop, hilarious adventure. Play as any one of the Jonas brothers and help them tear up the stage, juggle school and friends and still make it home in time for dinner.

NBA 2K10 (Wii. rated Everyone)
The #1 selling NBA video game set the standard for all basketball video games, and NBA 2K10 aims to surpass that that by delivering an even better basketball experience this year with all-new gameplay components, out-of-this-world graphics, even more realistic Signature Style animations, all-new presentation elements and an unrivaled online system -- this season you won’t just play the NBA, you’ll live it.

New Super Mario Bros. (Wii. rated Everyone)
Taking advantage of the flexibility and power of the Wii and Wii Remote, New Super Mario Bros. Wii manages to preserve the retro experience that fans love about the series, while adding new game features. Notable additions among these include, expansive play levels and new powerups and characters, but by far the most important, and in fact game-defining new feature is simultaneous multiplayer. At the end of each stage during the simultaneous multiplayer mode, you are ranked based on your score, the coins collected and the number of enemies defeated

Toy Review: Dr. Seuss Super Stretchy ABCs

2009-11-05T10:46:00.002-05:00

Manufacturer: I Can Do That! Games

Brand: Dr. Seuss

Age Recommendation: 3 and up

MSRP: $19.99

Intro Year: 2009

I Can Do That! Games has done it again with another zany and hilarious children's game that keeps kids active and helps reinforce basic learning.

In Dr. Seuss Super Stretchy ABCs, kids will twist, turn and stretch as they try to touch spaces on an over-sized and colorful floor mat with their feet, hands and ears. Thing 1 and Thing 2 get in on the fun with the "toy-nado" tube, a clever spinner that deals out the letter to body part challenges. Kids earn tiles when they successfully complete challenges that are both physical and instructional as they help develop word-building and early letter and picture recognition skills.

Adults may realize how super stretchy they are NOT, but kids delighted in playing this and in challenging themselves. They were very proud when they were able to do things and thought it was hilarious when they or their friends couldn't quite reach. This is an engaging game that children wanted to play again and again-always a sign of a good game.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Complete Season One

2009-11-04T10:08:00.000-05:00

Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Complete Season One is now available on DVD and high-definition Blu-ray Disc from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner Home Video.

This four disc set contains all 22 episodes including seven extended Director's Cuts and companion featurettes for each episode. Expect to pay $44.98 for DVD and $59.99 for Blu-ray.

Toy Review: AniMagic: Honey My Baby Pony, Dotty My Cute Puppy, Snowflake My Cute Kitty

2009-11-03T10:41:00.000-05:00

Manufacturer: Vivid Imaginations

Age Recommendation: 3 and up

MSRP: $49.99

Intro Year: 2009

We don't often describe a toy as cute AND hi-tech but that is just what the AniMagic pets are-some of the cutest stuffed animals you will ever see that happen to be stuffed with some incredibly cool robotics. Each lap-sized pet interacts with you and features multiple movements such as Honey's blinking eyes, Dottie's wagging tail, and Snowflake's clapping paws. These adorable pets also feature realistic, life-like sounds and come with a favorite snack for you to feed them.

What makes these unique in a crowded field is that they are larger than many other animatronic pets, have more functionality, and are actually cuddly to play with.

This Week's New Video Games

2009-11-02T10:44:00.007-05:00

Band Hero (DS, Wii, PS2, PS3, Xbox360. rated Everyone 10+)
Brought to you by the makers of Guitar Hero, one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, Band Hero features the hottest chart-topping hits from everyone’s favorite acts including Taylor Swift, Lily Allen, The All-American Rejects and Jackson 5. Band Hero allows fans to create the band they always dreamed of using any combination of guitar or drum controllers and vocals, providing rockers and performers of all ages the chance to experience and interact with their favorite music.

Barbie And The Three Musketeers (DS, Wii, PC. rated Everyone)
It’s “All for one and one for all” as Barbie and her friends star together in Barbie and the Three Musketeers, a classic story with a girl power twist! Join Barbie on the adventure of a lifetime! Play as Corinne, a girl from the French countryside who dreams of becoming a musketeer.

LEGO Rock Band (DS, Wii, PS3, Xbox360. rated Everyone 10+)
LEGO style and humor take Rock Band to an all-new level; experience fun for the whole family on a wild journey to rock stardom culminating in the ultimate rock gig that will take you out of this world! Songs You Know and Love rock out to everything from current radio hits to past favorites the whole family will enjoy.

My Baby First Steps (DS, Wii. rated Everyone)
Take care of your baby from his 1st birthday until they'll be 3 years old. Your baby will discover its environment and learn from it, they will walk, babble and speak, try to catch every object they can, and put everything in their mouth ... Your baby will be the apple of your eye!

Ni Hao, Kai-lan: New Year's Celebration (DS. Rated Everyone)

Ni Hao! Get ready to enjoy the greatest Chinese New year celebration ever with Kai-lan and her friends! Join in the fun with Kai-lan, Rintoo, Tolee, HoHo, LuLu and YeYe as you help them craft paper lanters, cook Chinese dumplings, march in a parade, play in a band and much, much more!

Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron (DS, PSP. rated Teen)

Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron is the deepest and most action-packed Star Wars Battlefront game ever. Experience battlefronts that span ground, space and capital starships, a robust original storyline and expanded gameplay features that deliver endless replayability.

Reviews: Liv Dolls

2009-10-27T11:04:00.002-04:00

Manufacturer: Spin Master

Age Recommendation: 5 and up

MSRP: $19.99

Intro Year: 2009

There's a dramatic new introduction in the fashion doll arena-one that's targeted to pre-teens who may be too old to play dolls in a traditional way, but who are into fashion, collecting and online communication.

The new Liv line is a collection of four dolls, each with a unique personality. The dolls have been designed to represent "real" girls, or at least idealized versions of attainable goals that pre-teens can relate to, rather than a total fantasy world. (After all for a pre-teen, that magical day when they become teenagers is a very real fantasy!)

Sophie, Katie, Alexis, and Daniela are fun, bold, funny, and have their own personalities. Sophie loves trying out new hairstyles on her friends because she wants to be a celeb stylist one day. Daniela loves to sing and randomly breaks into song wherever she gets the urge. Alexis hopes to launch her very own fashion line someday. Katie can totally grind on her skateboard, but trips just crossing the street. The beauty of Liv girls is that they embody real girls through their hobbies and fashion.

And just like real girls, the Liv girls love playing online. Their owners can join in the online fun at livworld.com. When you purchase a doll, you will also receive a secret access code that unlocks the Liv world. In this safe online play area, you can read Liv girls' super secret diaries, watch videos, play games, try on virtual outfits, and take photos of Liv girls having fun!

The dolls are just as much fun to play with offline as online. Each Liv girls doll comes with awesome outfits and two hairstyles, but this is no ordinary hair play. With Liv dolls, girls can really change a doll's hair through the use of wigs! Does Sophie want to go from blonde to green? How about giving Daniela super straight hair? There are two wig assortments, bold and sleek (sold separately), featuring exciting, colorful, and stylish new hairstyles for girls to try out on their dolls. Girls can even create the new looks in a salon setting with the Salon Set, which comes with a styling chair, two wigs, hair extensions, and extra accessories.

Once the hair is changed, Liv dolls will need new outfits to go with it! Girls can update their dolls' looks through Fashion Accessories Assortments, which come with a variety of items, such as scarves, boots, and sunglasses, or Fashion Assortments, which come with six fashion pieces and two pairs of shoes. These fashions are super trendy, while at the same time staying age-appropriate.

For on-the-go fun, the My Room Foldout Playset is the perfect 2-in-1 storage and play environment. Fold out the playset for a bedroom environment with armoire, dresser with drawers that really open, and a pull-down bed! This is the perfect place to store a Liv doll and her accessories-fold it up and take it with you!

These beautiful dolls will inspire play and interaction. The combination of real world and online play has been well developed and the world of the dolls is very nicely done and rich for play.

This Week's New Video Games

2009-10-26T12:30:00.000-04:00

Ben 10: Alien Force Vilgax Attacks (DS, Wii, PS2, PSP, Xbox360. rated Everyone)
BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE: Vilgax Attacks is the latest game in the multi-million unit selling videogame franchise based on Cartoon Network's hit television series, BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE. Players will experience an action packed adventure in the vast ALIEN FORCE universe, as they take Ben and the Omnitrix into outer space and alien home planets for the first time ever in the series.

Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party 3 (Wii. rated Everyone 10+)
Hottest Party 3 is a dance/party game for Wii that takes the long-running DDR party to the next level. Bundled with the game's iconic floor peripheral, and including controller support for the Wii Remote/nunchuck controller configuration, and for the first time the Wii Balance Board, it is sure to be the life of the party and get you into shape. Game also include local 2-4 player multiplayer support, a diverse 60-song soundtrack, entirely new modes and more. Some of the song include the following:
"Disturbia", Rihanna
"I'm Coming Out", Diana Ross
"Ice Ice Baby", Vanilla Ice
"Just Dance", Lady Gaga
"Let's Get It Started", Black Eyed Peas
"Praise You", Fatboy Slim
"So What", Pink

DJ Hero (PS2, PS3, Xbox360, Wii. rated Teen)
The makers of Guitar Hero introduce an entirely fresh and innovative way to experience music and rhythm gameplay. DJ Hero features an amazing variety of music across genres – tracks that you love and reflect who you are. Using an authentic turntable controller, you will spin and scratch more than 100 songs into unique mixes and become the life of the party.

Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom (Wii. rated Everyone)
A greedy King as taken all of the crystals that make Crystal Kingdom colorful, and without them the Crystal Kingdom is starting to lose its color! Join Dora, Boots and Allie on an adventrue through storybook lands to recover crystals and save the Crystal Kingdom!

Hasbro Family Game Night 2 (Wii. rated Everyone)
All the excitement of a prime time TV game show in your very own living room! With Mr. Potato Head, himself, as your host, you are guaranteed to have a thrilling night of family-friendly fun. Hasbro Family Game Night 2 lets up to four players become contestants with a wide variety of fun and engaging party games. Win and collect parts for the coveted Golden Potato to become the ultimate game show champion! Pictureka Play with your Mii in the Hasbro Family Game Show!

Madagascar Kartz (DS, Wii, PS3, Xbox360. rated Everyone)
Madagascar Kartz is a kart/racing game set against the backdrop of the popular DreamWorks animated franchise of the same name. Experience the zany characters and unique locations of the Madagascar movies wrapped in the over the top fun of arcade style kart racing. Put the pedal to the metal Madagascar style with wacky karts, wild tracks, tons of power-ups and crazy kart racing action.

SpongeBob's Truth or Square (DS, Wii, PSP, Xbox360. rated Everyone)
SpongeBob SquarePants has gotten himself into quite a predicament. After being entrusted by Mr. Krabs to keep the Krabby Patty formula safe, he is overcome with grief for losing the recipe. He then relies on the help of the most unlikely companion, Plankton, who wants the secret Krabby Patty recipe to himself. With the help of his friend, SpongeBob must use Plankton's memory machine to retrace the happiest moments of his life to find the Krabby Patty formula in time for the Krusty Krab's Eleventy Seventh anniversary.

This Week's New Video Games

2009-10-20T10:23:00.000-04:00

Astro Boy: The Video Game (DS, PS2, PSP, Wii. rated Everyone 10+)
Based on the movie, Astro Boy, the game is set in the futuristic Metro City, home of Astro Boy, a young robot with incredible powers. Astro Boy heads out on a journey in search of adventure in a world of robot gladiators, before he returns to Metro City where he finds his place in the world.

Backyard Football 10 (PS2. Xbox360, Wii. Rated Everyone)
Backyard Football is the best selling kids’ football video game of all time. The game features top NFL Superstars including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, LaDainian Tomlinson, Michael Turner, Tony Romo, Brady Quinn and more as kids.

Bakugan: Battle Brawlers (DS, PS2, PS3, Xbox360, Wii. rated Everyone)
Based on the wildly popular card game and television show, Bakugan: Battle Brawlers, is a video game experience requiring skill, strategy and imagination. Featuring a fierce assortment monsters, uncanny powers and amazing environments in an alternate dimension called Vestroia, the game lets you and your own unique Bakugan join forces with Dan and his fellow Brawlers as they battle to save Vestroia and ultimately, Earth from destruction.

Charm Girls Club: My Fashion Mall (DS. rated Everyone)
Charm Girls Club My Fashion Mall takes girls through a series of mini-games and mall drama" that allows them to make it the most fashionable mall ever! Emilie's uncle just opened the new Teen mega-mall but it's so not cool. As the experts on what's in", you and your BFFs are called in to transform the mall from drab to fab! Over 50 virtual charms to earn throughout game play.

Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop (DS. rated Everyone)
Mama’s heading back to her culinary roots with Cooking Mama 3: Shop and Chop. Packed with six game modes--including two new to the game franchise--all new recipes, ingredient shopping, dish combinations and multiplayer cooking challenges, Cooking Mama 3: Shop and Chop lets players explore their inner creative chef with everyone’s favorite kitchen cutie at their side.

FIFA Soccer 10 (DS, PC, PS2. PS3, PSP, Xbox360, Wii. rated Everyone)
The seventeenth overall release in Electronic Arts' popular FIFA Soccer franchise, FIFA Soccer 10 enables gamers and soccer fans alike to enjoy the nonstop action and fun of the #1 soccer game simulation, regardless of their skill on a real or virtual pitch. With FIFA Soccer 10, players can create themselves in game, join a club and compete against gamers around the world in online competition.

Littlest Pet SHop Friends (Wii. rated Everyone)
The second edition of the Littlest Pet Shop video game brings the party to you with a new cast of quirky pets and their best friends. Play tons of new mini-games and explore new towns with your favorite pets. With enhanced multiplayer features, you can even double your fun by playing with your best friend.

Marvel Super Hero Squad (DS, PS2, PSP, Wii. rated Everyone 10+)
Assemble your squad and fight your way to victory to save the citizens of Super Hero City from evil schemes of Dr. Doom and the Lethal Legion in this multi-player adventure game inspired by Marvel's animated, kid-friendly series.

The Toy Guy on MomTV

2009-10-16T10:02:00.000-04:00

Today (Friday, October 16), The Toy Guy, Chris Byrne, will be on MomTV! Tune in at 1pm (Eastern) to see Chris along with Jim Silver.

To watch, just go to http://www.momtv.com/toyguys.html

An Early Look at LEGO Rock Band

2009-10-15T10:17:00.000-04:00

by Jeff McKinney (follow me on Twitter)

The Rock Band hits keep on coming with the latest installment in the franchises' popular music-experience video game, LEGO Rock Band. Hot on the heels of one of the most successful video game launches of the year--The Beatles: Rock Band--LEGO Rock Band combines the familiar Rock Band play pattern with the world of LEGO to create a comical, band-building, music-jamming game. In the game, players will build a band using the iconic LEGO people and then take the band on the road, sea and off the planet as they rock out to current and classic rock songs.

The songs included in the game should ensure that everyone playing can find a favorite, including: "Free Fallin" by Tom Petty, "So What" by Pink, "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr, "You Give Love A Bad Name" by Bon Jovi and "Song 2" by Blur.

Unlike other Rock Band and Guitar Hero games, LEGO RB is the first to appeal directly to families, kids and tweens and includes a new Super Easy difficulty level for beginners of all ages.

The game is sold alone and there are no plastic instruments like the ones The Beatles and Rock Band 2 came with. Those instruments as well as most Guitar Hero and other music game instruments will work with LEGO Rock Band. The game will be available for Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo DS and Wii, Sony PS3 on November 3.

Check out our Video Game Review section on TimeToPlaymag.com for a full review when the game arrives in stores.

This Week's New Video Games

2009-10-05T10:37:00.001-04:00

Disney Sing It: Pop Hits (PS2, PS3, Wii. rated Everyone)
The third game in the video-based karaoke video game franchise from Disney Interactive Studios, Pop Hits features songs and videos from Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and Hannah Montana. Fans can also sing to chart-topping tunes from Colbie Caillat, Coldplay and One Republic.

NBA 2K10 (PC, PS2, PS2, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii. rated Everyone)
NBA 2K10 is ready to tip off another championship season. NBA 2K9, the #1 selling NBA video game set the standard for all basketball video games, and NBA 2K10 aims to surpass that that by delivering an even better basketball experience this year with all-new gameplay components, out-of-this-world graphics, even more realistic Signature Style animations, all-new presentation elements and an unrivaled online system -- this season you won’t just play the NBA, you’ll live it.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars -- Republic Heroes (DS, PC, PS2. PS3, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii. rated Teen)
For the first time ever, players can fight as their favorite Jedi and clone troopers from the animated television series in a brand-new storyline, which bridges the gap between season one and two. Built around two-player cooperative action, the accessible controls and family-friendly gameplay bring Star Wars fans across generations together like never before to fight the evil Separatists and restore peace to the galaxy.

The Time To Play Holiday 2009 Most Wanted

2009-10-02T13:08:00.000-04:00

Predicted to be the most popular and best selling products of Holiday 2009, the Time to Play Most Wanted list is organized in ascending age order. Following is a detailed description of each of the 16 products named to the list. Would you like to see the items and find out why the editors selected each one? Then, check out the official Most Wanted page on TimeToPlayMag.com by clicking here!

BARBIE FASHIONISTAS

(Mattel; Ages 3 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: basic dolls: $11.99)

Barbie has a whole new look-and it's all fashion all the time. Every girl can express her fashion personality with the Barbie Fashionistas. Each doll has 12 points of articulation, more than 100 different poses, and a distinct personality (Glam, Cutie, Girly, Wild, Sassy, and Artsy) reflected in her clothes and accessories. These dolls are really gorgeous and reflect today's girls' awareness and appreciation of fashion. The Barbie designers have gone all out to create dolls that work as play dolls and even as entry level collectibles. Plus, the lower price delivers great value without cutting corners on high style.

CRAYOLA CRAYON TOWN

(Wild Planet; Ages 3 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $9.99 & up)

Color, build, and play in the world you create with Crayola Crayon Town where kids create an entire town, complete with three-dimensional structures to color and build. There are five themed collections, and each set includes Crayola crayons, coloring sheets, corrugate pop-up buildings, and accessories. Once the environments are colored and constructed, kids use the accompanying figures and vehicles to engage in their own imaginative scenarios.

But there's new use and life for the crayons, too. Use them to build different characters or pieces such as trees, animals, and other objects to populate your town. It's a perfect use for old or broken crayons, too.

ROCKY THE ROBOT TRUCK

(Mattel; Ages 3 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $59.99)

The classic dump truck just got a burst of personality! Meet Rocky the Robot Truck, a bright yellow and black, fully functional dump truck. Rocky is a free-wheeling dump truck, but he’ll have kids laughing and dancing as he stands up, squats, shakes, tells jokes, and even dances. Kids will delight as Rocky says, "Shake what your mama gave you!" and wiggles and jiggles to his own fun music.

Activated by interactive sensors and featuring motorized movement, his headlights flash and he says more than 100 phrases such as "Rocky reporting for duty" and "Let's get to work." His rugged design and full-tilting bed add to the great play value. Boys will be fully engaged as they get ready to load 'em up and move 'em out with real hauling and dumping action.

CANDY LAND SWEET CELEBRATION GAME

(Hasbro; Ages 4 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $29.99)

Design your own path to King Kandy's party in the Candy Land Sweet Celebration Game. Players link together individual paths to make up the freestanding game board, allowing players to shorten or lengthen the game depending on the time allotted. (This is a great asset for parents who can adjust the game based on their kids and the time they want to spend).

Game play is similar to the original Candy Land game, using color matching, counting and other basic preschool skills to create a colorful adventure. Players race through a variety of 3-D locations, and outwit Lord Licorice, to win the game.

ZHU ZHU PETS

(Cepia; Ages 4 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $7.99 & up)

Zhu Zhu Pets are innovative, interactive battery-operated hamsters. Kids will spend hours watching the hamsters talk and move around in specially designed playsets that kids can customize. The hamsters include two play modes: nurturing mode where the hamsters coo and purr and adventure mode where the hamsters explore their habitat with intelligent audio and mechanical responses to various habitat stimuli. It sounds high-tech, but these cute hamsters are easy for all ages to play with. One of the things we love about this is that the technology is virtually invisible. All kids see is a cute pet they'll love playing with.

BAKUGAN 7-IN-1 MAXUS DRAGONOID

(Spin Master; Ages 5 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $39.99)

Bakugan, a collectible game combining cards and dimensional transforming playing pieces has been a major hit among boys for the past two years, and the momentum shows no sign of slowing down. The next evolution of the game takes the popular pieces and allows seven of them to interconnect, creating the largest Bakugan character yet, Maxus Dragonoid. The pieces can also be used individually in the game. Your boys can follow the story; you just need to know they’re cool and in high demand.

DORA’S EXPLORER GIRLS

(Mattel; Ages 5 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: Dora Links Doll: $59.99, Dora Fashion Doll: $19.99)

Dora the Explorer is growing up! She's moved to the big city, attends middle school, and has a whole new fashionable look. What's more, she now has a rich online world in which girls can explore, play games, customize, and solve mysteries with Dora and her new friends.

The line includes two dolls - fashionable interpretations of Dora as a tween. The first, the Dora Links doll, plugs into the computer and opens up an interactive, online world. As girls are playing online, they can customize their doll and watch as it magically transforms right before their eyes! Plus, as girls explore and solve mysteries online, the doll's speech will change to correspond with their play.

The Dora Fashion Doll is a basic fashion doll has the great look and fashions of the new, older Dora and inspires basic, open-ended play with a newly “grown up” friend.

TRANSFORMERS MOVIE CONSTRUCTICON DEVASTATOR

(Hasbro; Ages 5 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $99.99)

The top-of the line Transformers toy is really five amazing vehicles in one. It was featured in the battle-fueled climax of the blockbuster movie, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Devastator is actually several vehicles (called the Constructicons) - Scavenger, Scrapper, Hightower, Overload, Longhaul, Rampage, and Mixmaster-in one giant robot. This is the must-have toy for Transformers fans who want to recreate the film's awesome action sequences or create their own.

BATTLE STRIKERS

(MEGA Brands; Ages 6 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $9.99-$34.99)

Battle Strikers are the ultimate kid-controlled spinning top battling system! The advanced design allows kids to customize their tops for ultimate performance - speed, power or strength. When the top is assembled, attach it to the handheld Turbo Launcher, push the button, and they power up. When the tops are spinning, a quick flick of the wrist drops them and they're ready to take on all comers. Plus, magnetized finger covers let you control your tops’ movements as they battle. The last top standing wins.

NERF N-STRIKE RAIDER RAPID FIRE CS 35 BLASTER

(Hasbro; Ages 6 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $34.99)

This is the highest dart capacity Nerf blaster yet, the next big thing from Nerf's popular N-Strike line of dart blasters. It features a collapsible stock and a new drum magazine that holds 35 darts and is interchangeable with other Nerf N-Strike blasters.

By holding the trigger and pumping, players can instantly transition between single fire and slam fire mode, unleashing a rapid stream of 35 darts! The removable shoulder stock and Tactical Rail System allows players to customize their blaster for each mission.

PRINTIES

(Techno Source; Ages 6 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $19.99)

This creative activity toy leverages technology already in the home (computer and printer) to give kids hours of creative play. Design online at MyPrinties.com (a safe, secure COPPA compliant site), print on both sides of the Printies fabric sheets using any inkjet printer, tear along the perforated shape, and pop out the Printies design! Then stuff it and put it on display. The MyPrinties.com online studio features thousands of design tools and art elements to help kids design their Printies. The site includes quick-start templates, a sketch book, design inspiration, online tutorials, and more! It's so easy for kids to use and get creative!

AIR HOGS SWITCHBLADE

(Spin Master; Ages 8 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $69.99)

Believe it or not, it’s the 10^th anniversary of Spin Master’s Air Hogs. The new Air Hogs Switchblade is a two-in-one flyer unlike anything ever seen before in remote-control action. Hover like a UFO or fly like a plane - the Switchblade can do both through a magical in-air transformation using the latest in-flight technology. The incredible flyer takes off like a UFO and transforms in the air into a high-powered aircraft.

EYECLOPS NIGHT VISION GOGGLES

(JAKKS Pacific; Ages 8 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $59.99)

First launched in 2008, the Eyeclops Night Vision Goggles, have been improved with a better design that lets users see with both eyes instead of just one and a major drop in cost. The new handheld Night Vision Goggles allows visibility up to 50 feet in completely dark environments. This is real technology that really works, and provides a unique and versatile play experience for kids. Naturally, parents and caregivers will want to set ground rules with kids for how they use these and when and where they play.

GIRL GOURMET SWEETS CANDY JEWELRY FACTORY

(JAKKS Pacific; Ages 8 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $29.99)

Look deliciously sweet and stylish with your own unique, candy jewelry creations! The Girl Gourmet Sweets Candy Jewelry Factory allows girls to design, bake, wear, and eat scrumptious candy jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, and rings! The set features a small baking oven and a variety of molds to create jewelry charms and sweet gems. The Sweets Candy Jewelry Factory includes a baking oven, molds, accessories, and more.

LEGO STAR WARS

(LEGO; Ages 8 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $12.99 and up)

It’s rare that we would acknowledge an entire product line, or, as one might say, a universe of product. But LEGO Star Wars truly ranks among the best of the best. Celebrating 10 years and as one of the all-time top-selling construction toys, these models and sets allow kids (and many grown ups) to replicate key items from the movies and create their own Star Wars worlds and adventures. There are lots of different sets at different complexities and various price points to delight the hardcore fan or the casual player.

THE BEATLES ROCK BAND

(Harmonix Systems; Rated E for Everyone; Approximate Retail Price: $59.99-$249.99)

Who could have guessed that the band our parents listened to on vinyl records 40 years ago would become one of the most talked about video games of 2009? The Beatles: Rock Band is the latest Rock Band game and gives players the ability to jam along with the Fab Four or, at least, digitally animated versions, through a collection of songs that span the band’s career. Songs include hits from the early small club days in 1963 Liverpool such as “Twist And Shout” and “I Saw Her Standing There” to that famous final performance on the Apple Corps rooftop of “Don’t Let Me Down”. Plus, this will introduce a whole new generation to the music of The Beatles.

This Week's New Video Games

2009-09-28T10:29:00.001-04:00

Family Party: 30 Great Games Outdoor Fun (Wii. rated Everyone 10+)
Family Party: 30 Great Games Outdoor Fun delivers dozens of unique outdoor activities for hours of all ages fun. An unbeatable combination of variety and value, it lets anyone become a martial arts, track & field, or recess superstar!

Deca Sports 2 (Wii. rated Everyone)
Deca Sports, the hit sports compilation game is back with exciting multi-sport competition across 10 new sporting events in Deca Sports 2. With its easy-to pick up and play controls, Deca Sports 2 will make everyone in your family experts in a wide range of new sports.

Family Feud: 2010 Edition (DS, PC, Wii. rated Everyone)
The Family Feud games features all of the favorite elements of the show as played on television, with two families playing against each other in a contest to name the most popular answers to survey questions posed to 100 people.

Safari Adventures Africa (DS, Wii. rated Everyone)
Safari Adventures is a collection of 3D adventure games dedicated to children from 6 to 9 years old. The game includes five 3D games mixing discovery & exploration on each continent, where the child discovers the various planet ecosystems and resolves the problems linked to the environmental degradation.

Wii Fit Plus (Wii. rated Everyone)
Now Wii Fit Plus offers a range of new features and enhancements to help players reinvigorate their workouts, along with exercises and balance games designed to keep them fun. Players will find a new dimension to the Wii Fit experience as they easily set their own customized workout routines, or choose 20-, 30- or 40-minute workouts based on how much time they have available.

Deal Digger: Babies "R" Us Sale

2009-09-24T11:30:00.002-04:00

Babies "R" Us is holding a Fall fashion event now through October 4, 2009. During the sale, you can take 30% off your entire clothing and shoe order on sizes newborn up to 48 months old. This sale is in stores only.