Hasbro

Review: Trivial Pursuit: Digital Choice Edition

Dale — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:51:12 -0500

Trivial Pursuit took the world by storm in the 1980's, followed by a series of editions based on time periods, TV shows, Disney properties, and more. The problem is that, if you want multiple editions, you have to keep buying more boxes. Hasbro has now solved this problem with Trivial Pursuit: Digital Choice Edition.

The "Pie" marker comes with the usual wedge pieces, but like other recent versions, the wedges are shaped such that they can't be put in the wrong way and get stuck the way early editions did. The playing board looks like the classic spoked-wheel, but you'll notice the lack of pictures on the colored spaces demonstrating the category, because you choose the categories. Instead of a pack of question cards, the game includes an electronic unit with 6 pie-shaped buttons and an LCD screen that displays the categories, questions, and answers. The unit comes pre-loaded with 600 questions so you can play it right out of the box, but the real fun comes when you install the software on your PC (Mac version coming but not yet available, and because of no Mac device driver, the software will not work with Codeweaver's Crossover). The software allows you to download thousands of new questions in dozens of new categories to the device.

Each Master Category (Wild, People & Places, History, Entertainment, Science & Nature, and Sports & Leisure) offers several sub-categories, like Myths & Legends under People & Places or A Good Read (book trivia) under Sports & Leisure. Each sub-category is further divided into mini-categories like "Chick Lit Books" or "Legendary Animals & Monsters" These mini-categories are then downloaded and loaded onto the electronic device. We were disappointed that you have to choose 1 mini-category for each color per game, so under Entertainment, we wanted to include "Marvel Comics" and "TV Ads," but we had to choose one or the other for each game. This is great if you can all agree on a specific sub-category for each Master Category, but more likely, you'll have to settle for a lot of compromise, and categories where only one person in the family excels will tend to not be used to preserve game balance. You also can't choose kids' mini-categories for kid players and adult categories for the adults in the same game. Hopefully a future version of the software will allow for multiple mini-categories to be used within the same game, even if just shuffled so you never know which mini-category you'll get within a certain Master Category (color).

The software also allows you to create your own question sets, so you could create a "Last year's vacation" category, but since questions need to be entered one at a time, whoever types in the questions can't play in the game. I'd love to see an option to export homemade categories to share with friends online, so we could create a "Podcast Trivia" or "Hot Gadgets" mini-category and make it available to all of you, or Grandma could type up a set of questions about family genealogy and send it as a (tab-delimited) text file to be imported into the game. Here's hoping a software update in the future will make these possible.

When downloading mini-categories, you're given a certain number of credits. We're not sure the point of these, but spend them wisely lest you run out, and Hasbro says that additional points are not available "at this time," so maybe in the future, you'll be able to purchase more points for new categories. With the downloadable content, we hope to see many new categories in the months to come, although no new ones have been announced. This may also be the reason user-generated mini-categories can't be shared and/or imported, since they don't want users creating their own sets that would negate upcoming sets, although we'd recommend the game much more highly with an open system.

That said, if you're a PC user and a Trivial Pursuit fan, this is a great game and worth picking up, and kids' categories open it up to the entire family. A more open system would make it a must-have for everyone, but it's still a whole lot better than having to buy an entire new box just to get more questions.

Review: Electronic Guess Who? Extra

Dale — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:47:46 -0500

Guess Who? is a classic game for 2 players in which players try to guess which face from a board full the opponent is thinking of by asking about specific features and narrowing down to the chosen face. The game consists of 2 folding boards that open like a laptop to conceal the chosen face from the opponent, and each board shows all faces with a door to close over each face when eliminated from possibility.

Electronic Guess Who? Extra takes that basic game into the 21st Century, and our kids love it. First, you'll notice that the entire game condenses into one case, making storage easy with no stray parts except some optional scoring pegs for series of games. (Get a zipper bag for those--there's room for storage.) Setup, also much easier, uses single sheets instead of individual cards that are easily lost (which is what happened to our original game). Speaking of single sheets, each player gets 3 double-sided cards for a total of 6 different sets, so if you'd prefer a change from the "usual suspects," you can choose from other "funny faces," animals, monsters, and more, which adds great variety to gameplay. (You could even theoretically create your own cards on your computer using photos of family members, the periodic table of the elements, or your favorite podcast logos!)

Instead of answering the questions with a "yes" or "no," you press a green or red button respectively, which makes a random noise from a small set. The noises produce giggles from parents and kids alike. But these buttons really come into play when activating the timed mode, requiring players to make quick decisions or run out of time. Young kids may have trouble with this mode, but it's optional and adds an element of excitement to the game for older players. For even more challenge, the game includes a mode where each player chooses two faces.

Electronic Guess Who? Extra will greatly entertain elementary-school-aged kids, and with the extra modes, the game will retain a lot more staying power than the original. This is a "Red vs Blue" that doesn't get old. Put this one on the Christmas list--it's a keeper.

Review: Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer Helmet

rmgreg — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:35:38 -0400

I was 9 years old when Star Wars IV: A New Hope dominated the 1977 Summer Box Office. At about that same time I learned a new phrase, “Movie Merchandising.” Star Wars-branded action figures, vehicles, lunchboxes, bed sheets, toothbrushes, T-shirts, underwear… If you were a boy at the time, you weren’t considered ‘hip’ unless you had at least one Star Wars-related piece of merchandising. As for me, well I wasn’t lucky enough to have any action figures, but I did have a 2-part, oversized comic book version of A New Hope and an iron-on decal of Darth Vader, which I never got around to ironing onto a shirt. Anyway, what my friends and I really dreamed of was owning a Darth Vader helmet. Unfortunately, the only one to be released at the time was for the serious collector and not really for kids. I’m not entirely sure, but I think it was priced at around $200, if not more. To a kid with my allowance, it might as well as been $1000. There was also a Storm Trooper helmet and a C-P3O mask, both of which went for over $100. Alas, the best we could do as kids was a Halloween Darth Vader mask, which was held over our faces with a piece of elastic string.

Then a few years ago, Hasbro Toys released a Star Wars Darth Vader Voice Changing helmet ,and soon every ‘kid’ was able to fulfill their dreams of playing the Evil Lord of the Sith, yours truly included… Well, I should point out that it was actually my 7-year-old son Nikolai’s Christmas present. Anyway, on the heels of the Darth Vader Voice Changing helmet and taking advantage of the movie merchandising associated with the new Clone Wars movie and television series, Hasbro Toys has released a Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changing helmet and 4-year-old Caleb, Nikolai, and I got a chance to put it through simulated battle conditions.

Suiting Up For Battle

Now because we already have the Darth Vader Voice Changing helmet, we’re able to compare the two helmets to each other, and the first thing I noticed in my role as ‘Dad’ is that the Clone Trooper helmet requires a lot more assembling. The Darth Vader helmet is basically made of two pieces: the faceplate, which is attached to adjustable head straps, and a breast plate for controlling the pre-recorded phrases, breathing sound effects, and voice changing effects. Once the faceplate is donned and the head straps adjusted, the back of the helmet is snapped into place. To remove the helmet, one has to detach the back first, and then remove the faceplate.

As for the Clone Trooper helmet, well it arrived in 6 pieces. First there was the head strap device, which was separated from the helmet. This was brilliant, because it allowed me to place the straps on Caleb’s head and easily adjust them because they weren’t attached to a bulky helmet. It should be noted that if you are setting the straps for one child, this is really great because you only have to set it once and forget about it until the child grows. However, even if you have two boys, as I do, once the straps were adjusted for Caleb and installed in the helmet (once completely assembled), it still wasn’t too difficult to reach in and adjust the head circumference strap to fit Nikolai’s head. After the straps are set, they are slid into place on their posts in the helmet. Oh, one more thing to note with the head straps, there is a back and front, though they are not at all labeled. You will quickly discover if you sized and assembled it wrong because one of the straps will end up obstructing the visor. The rest of the helmet pieces are quickly assembled and that’s it. The helmet easily slides on and off of the wearer, be it a child or adult… Well, I had to test it out also and, as I pointed out before, adjusting the size of the straps once assembled into the helmet wasn’t too difficult. The only time you have to disassemble the helmet is to replace the 3 “AA” batteries, and that only requires you to separate the back half of the helmet from the front half and remove the crest section over the battery compartment door. And like most modern toys these days, the battery compartment door is held in place with a screw.

Nikolai looks good in the helmet. His vision is adequate, but I would recommend staying away from stairs and low lying objects that can be tripped over. Caleb unfortunately looks like a Clone Trooper Bobble Head, however he did not have any difficulty moving around and seeing things.

Voice Commands

Like the Darth Vader helmet, the Clone Trooper helmet comes with a set of pre-recorded phrases, only more of them, which are broken down into “Clone Trooper Commands” controlled by the Clone Trooper Commands Button located on the right side of the helmet and “Clone Trooper Phrases” controlled by the Clone Trooper Phrases Button located next to the Commands Button. Commands include; “Green light! Go! Go! Go!” “Come on, hurry, hurry!” “All units, fire at will!” along with 4 more commands. Phrases include: “Roger that, sir.” “Sir, we’re taking heavy fire.” “I’ve got a bad feeling about this, sir.” along with 5 more phrases. Below the Commands and Phrases Buttons is the Radio Static Button, which when depressed activates radio static sounds and voice amplification. The microphone for voice amplification is located inside the helmet and can be adjusted to easily capture one’s voice. It should be noted that the voice amplification does require one to speak in nice loud voice, ie, whispering is not an option.

The speaker for all of the audio is located on top of the helmet away from young sensitive ears, which makes my wife, Tonya, extremely happy. However, the volume of the audio is what Tonya would classify as an “Outdoor Voice.” Her request for future products such as these would be a setting for “Indoor Voice,” which would be 50% quieter.

Battle Ready

Like the Darth Vader helmet, the Clone Trooper helmet is made of tough plastic and appears to be well constructed. Mind you, I wouldn’t necessarily wear it into battle, however if should take on the normal wear and tear of childhood and still come back for more. From a parent’s point of view, Tonya and I both agree that some serious thought went into designing this helmet to make it practical and easy to use for a child.

Overall Impression

So I asked Nikolai and Caleb to compare the Clone Trooper helmet to the Darth Vader helmet and they both said that they liked to Clone Trooper helmet better because first and foremost, it was easier to get on and off, ie, you don’t need Mommy and Daddy’s help. So they decided to give the helmet 100 Thumbs Up out of 100 and 10 Stars out of 10. As for me, well I wish someone gave this much thought into designing toys when I was 9-years-old. With that in mind, I’m giving the helmet 7 Dancing Elephants out of 8.

Parting Thoughts

Earlier I mentioned how Nikolai and Caleb looked in the helmet and neglected to comment on my appearance… Well suffice it say, I could easily pass for one of the original members of the 501^st Legion if I had some Star Wars Clone Trooper Armor to go along with it.

Review: Littlest PetShop VIP plush and LittlestPetShop.com

Dale — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:26:39 -0400

Each virtual world for kids offers different features, and Littlest Pet Shop VIP's bring their own unique take on the online experience.

The Stuffed Animal

The huge-eyed cutetastic stuffed animals are just the right size to accompany kids to bed at night and play with during the day. Made from sturdy fabric and tight stitching, they look and feel like they'll hold up a long time.

The Online World

LittlestPetShop.com offers easy access to all its activities through a dock-like menu across the bottom of the window. The commands are as follows:

Map: By clicking on one of the squares on the map, your pet is taken to that location. Once there, you can click on different points of interest. Your pet will go to those places and sometimes interact with the objects there, like building a sand castle at the beach, etc., similar to the interaction of the old "Living Books," but the pet actually moves around the environment. Movement can be a bit slow as you watch it move from one point to another, though. Some points also bring up minigames instead of just an animation. This also gives one way to purchase items like food, clothing, and furniture from stores in the village and elsewhere.
My Stuff: This shows you your inventory. Here, you change clothes and otherwise use the stuff you bought.
My Pets: This lists all of the pets you've bought and registered under your account.
Feed Pets: If you don't feed your pet, it will be sad. From the food you bought, feed your pet to make it happy again. If you're not sure, click the heart to get a visual status update.
LPS Post: The LPS Post is your daily newspaper. It shows up as soon as you log in, and it's always accessible. It lists upcoming events, new games, a list of high scores on the games, and the pet of the day and home of the day.
Games: This section includes a selection of a couple dozen single-player minigames. I found them to be choppy and sometimes frustrating on my iBook G4/1GHz, but newer computers should be able to handle the animation just fine. My 6-year-old found the games to be an appropriate challenge level.
Decorate: Your pet has a home that allows you to decorate the interior, yard, and garden. By bringing your pet into the house, it can interact with furniture, like jumping on the bed. The garden offers interactivity, requiring kids to rake, then dig, plant, water, and fertilize the seeds bought at the garden center. These plants must be watered daily, though, or they'll wither. While offering a simple challenge, it penalizes those who can't play regularly. That said, the garden is one of my 6-year-old's favorite spots.
Shop: Choose from the Supermarket for food, Pet Boutique for clothes, Department Store for outdoor and indoor furniture, and the Garden Center for garden supplies. Furniture prices can run a bit high, but you can always play more games to earn more "Kibble," the LPS coinage.

Gold Members

By "adopting" 4 or more pets, you become a gold member and have access to additional bonus areas, much like the add-on packs of some role-playing games.

Overall

The game is text-heavy enough that you'll want to make sure your child can read if you're considering a LPS VIP as a gift. The site offers a guest access trial to get a feel for the site, which we consider a big plus. Unlike other online worlds, this site seems to emphasize individual play over interaction and chat with other pet owners, which will appeal to some but will be missed by others. This is what makes LPS unique: while other kids' virtual worlds offer limited "safe" chat, LPS abandons chat features completely and works more like a game collection that changes every so often. For my kids, this was no problem, since they don't like the safe chat systems. In all, it's a decent world with enough to do to keep kids entertained.

Review: Operation: Hulk Edition

Tonya DeWithe — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 22:59:39 -0400

On the surface, Operation: Hulk Edition (Milton Bradley Games, approximate retail price $19.99, Ages 6 and up) is very like its classic Operation counterpart. In both editions, game play involves diagnosing a patient’s illness by drawing a “Doctor” card, then using the supplied tweezers to remove the stated offending plastic malady from the patient’s body, laid out on a plastic operating table. If your tweezers touch the metal sides of the operating cavity, the patient complains loudly and you lose your turn, unless you were dealt the “Specialist” card for said malady in the beginning of the game. Whichever player holds the “Specialist” card for that malady has the opportunity to take on the job and try their hand at removing the piece. A successful operation earns that surgeon the amount of cash specified on the appropriate card.

The Hulk Edition differs from the original in that, obviously, the patient is the Hulk, that beloved seething torrent of uncontrollable rage found in Marvel comic books and most recently in the 2008 movie “The Incredible Hulk.” Some of the Hulk’s health problems stem from such punny gems as “Puny Banner,” (a flag on a stick that has somehow become wedged in his hand), a somewhat unfortunately placed cloud of “Toxic Gas” (ostensibly coming from his inner calf, but you have to do a double take to realize that), and “Gamma Hams” (which looks like a dinner ham, and is surprisingly challenging to remove from his thigh).

When a clumsy surgeon misses his mark, Hulk gets angry. His eyes glow a menacing green, and he yells “Aaaarrrrggghhhhh,” “Hulk,” “Rrrrrrrrrruuhhh,” “Hulk smash,” “Roaaaarrrr,” or “Oooooooohhhh.” On paper, those look like pretty good phrases for an angry Hulk to say, unfortunately, the voice that they chose for the sound chip makes him sound less like an explosive fountain of unrestrained fury, and more like a whiny, put upon, second cousin of Archie Bunker. For instance, rather than roaring, the voice actually says the word “roaaarrrrrrr” with all the emotive force of a middle-aged bachelor uncle reading to a toddler. I’m not sure if the designers were worried about scaring the 6-year-olds playing this game, but those young Hulk fans who are eager to hear his voice boom “Hulk SMASH!” will surely be disappointed by the peals of laughter from those they play with. Sorry, Hulk; in this case, we are laughing at you.

One surprising change from the classic game is that the amount of money you can earn from the “Specialist” cards is greater than the amount from the “Doctor” cards. I always wondered why “specialists” got less in the classic game than the “doctors.” If they’re more specialized, shouldn’t they be better at their jobs and earn more? After playing this version, I now know the answer; if you hold a “Specialist” card for a malady, you have no incentive to try to get it right on the first try. Even the 6-year-old very quickly learned to “accidentally” touch the side the first time, then pull out his “Specialist” card to make the big bucks.

One nice thing about this board that differs from my old, beat up classic Operation game is a nifty slide-out drawer underneath the operating table to keep all the little pieces from flying around the inside of the box when it’s manhandled a bit too roughly. You’re still on your own for keeping the cards tidy, though. I suggest a rubber band.

On the whole, if you’re looking for an Operation game featuring a very-young-kid-friendly version of the Hulk, this may be the game for you. If you’re a true Hulk fan, you might want to pass on this one; this is not the mean, green, smashing machine you’re looking for. As for me, give me the classics every time.

Review: Bulls-Eye Baseball

Dale — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:16:38 -0400

Baseball is more than just a sport. It's a way of thinking. It's a metaphor. There's a reason baseball is as much an American institution as hot dogs and apple pie: instead of a set of rules, it's a collection of concepts.

The basics of baseball can be (and have been) adapted to contless forms: video games, darts, board games, and more. Milton Bradley's Bulls-Eye Baseball presents baseball as skeeball with a trampoline.

This tabletop game includes a handful of metal balls, a trampoline-like base (feels like nylon tights), and a backboard with 7 holes, layed out like a baseball field with single through home run, strike, and out. Bounce balls off the trampoline, and get them into the good holes to accrue points. It's a simple concept, but by adding in an electronic component, the game offers all kinds of options.

The game offers 4 modes of play. The first three are single player modes, trying to rack up the most points in 30 seconds or before three outs or the most home runs before 10 outs (for multiplayer, take turns and try to beat each others' scores). The fourth mode, Nine-Inning Match-up runs two players through an actual 9 inning game, complete with possible extra innings in case of a tie score. LED's by the bases show where runners wait to be "batted" (or bounced, as the case may be) in.

The game plays a collection of sounds to add to the feel of the baseball spirit, including an announcer, and the volume is adjustable, but when turned on, the volume is REALLY LOUD and needs to be turned down. Defaulting to a lower volume would have been preferable.

The games says it's intended for age 7+, but my 6-year-old daughter held the high score in our home for quite a while until my wife finally beat it, so I'd suggest a 5 or 6-year-old with decent hand coordination would likely enjoy this game.

On important suggestion for playing: sit down. We had the game on a table, and the kids played while standing, and the balls bounced all over the room. Just because of the extra energy exerted by their standing, they consistently threw the balls too hard. Once they sat at the table or on the floor, they had much better control, possibly just by nature of being closer, because the ball needs to be dropped more than thrown.

In form, this game is fairly compact. A compartment in the bottom stores all the balls, keeping the parts together and decreasing the chance of losing parts, but the angled case doesn't store well. If it could fold shut, it would be significantly more portable and stackable on your games shelf.

This is a simple game that's easy to pick up and play, but consequently a bit shallow, so it's the kind of game you and your kids will play for a little while, set aside for a few days, then come back to periodically. They won't likely play for hours on end, but it's something different and a family game that can be played either with the family or even when the rest of the family can't play. If you enjoy games like bowling and Skee-ball, you'll enjoy this one.

Hasbro Unveils Innovative New Toys, Games and Entertainment Experiences at Toy Fair 2008

Dale — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 23:22:23 -0500

PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) reveals its exciting new product offerings at New Yorkâ€™s annual American International Toy Fair with innovation in a wide range of entertainment categories.

Hasbroâ€™s beloved portfolio of classic brands, known by kids of all ages across the globe, observes remarkable milestones and introduces news ways to experience the fun in 2008. The PLAYSKOOL brand celebrates its 80thÂ anniversary with an exciting and diverse line-up of products for the younger set including KOTA THE TRICERATOPS an animatronic baby dinosaur full of personality and big enough for little tots to sit on. Both the MY LITTLE PONY brand and TRIVIAL PURSUIT turn 25 this year and are celebrating with exciting new introductions such as the MY LITTLE PONY PONYVILLE SWEET SUNDAE AMUSEMENT PARK playset and TRIVIAL PURSUIT DIGITAL CHOICE. SCRABBLE celebrates its 60thÂ anniversary in style with the SCRABBLEÂ®Â GAME DELUXE EDITION DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY VERSION. Hasbro also goes global in 2008 with the introduction and excitement of MONOPOLY HERE & NOW: THE WORLD EDITION. Another kind of celebration is underway in 2008 as Hasbro welcomes CRANIUM and its stable of creative games to the Hasbro family of distinguished brands.

Among the traditional toy and game categories, highlights include new products in support of several upcoming blockbusters includingIndiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,Â Iron ManÂ andÂ The Hulk. The entertainment doesnâ€™t stop there as a stellar line of products will be released is support of the upcomingÂ Star Wars: The Clone WarsÂ theatrical release and animated series. Hasbro also fetches the latest highly realistic offering from FURREAL FRIENDS by introducing BISCUIT MY LOVINâ€™Â PUP pet puppy, an interactive golden retriever thatâ€™s amazingly life like. In 2008 doors will open to the LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPâ€™s; plush characters that unlock an online LITTLEST PET SHOP world. Hasbro will also introduce NOODLEBORO, a new series of PLAYSKOOL branded games that let parents nurture kidsâ€™Â social skills naturally through multi-sensory play.

With so many toys and games that have touched the childhoodsâ€™Â of several generations, Hasbro is thrilled to be able to expand the ways people can experience its brands. Hasbroâ€™s long-term strategic licensing alliance with Electronic Arts (EA) will bring together two of the most powerful entertainment companies and will enable such Hasbro brands as NERF, MONOPOLY and SCRABBLE, to be enjoyed in the digital arena as well as in the traditional toy and game aisles. Hasbroâ€™s extensive licensing program does not stop there and consumers can experience its brands such as TONKA, MY LITTLE PONY and LITTLEST PET SHOP in a variety of different ways.

â€œHasbro has an incredible portfolio of brands and is thrilled to bring to market exciting, new and innovative products,â€Â said Brian Goldner, Hasbroâ€™s chief operating officer.Â â€œWe aim to offer families and kids of all ages entertainment experiences that suit their lifestyles. By maximizing our world class portfolio of brands, leveraging the latest technologies and listening to consumer insight, Hasbro is committed to delivering the very best in toys and entertainment.â€

Licensing: Building core Hasbro brands into global powerhouse lifestyle properties

HPG, the licensing division of Hasbro, continues to translate one of the industry's richest portfolios of brands into powerhouse lifestyle properties for children and adults around the world. On the heels of last year's TRANSFORMERS licensing program which boasted more than 230 licensees, initiatives supporting that brand are still going full tilt in 2008. Moving forward, HPG will seek to carry the global momentum surrounding the live-action TRANSFORMERS movie over to the animated world of TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED to build an equally powerful licensing campaign for years to come.

LITTLEST PET SHOP is also poised to be a bright spot in HPG's 2008 lineup. As the fastest growing girls brand in the toy industry, the licensing program supporting this hot tween property has nearly tripled in the past two years from 45 to 130 worldwide licensees and continues to expand across all major categories, especially apparel. More than 150 licensees will also target younger girls with MY LITTLE PONY products this year.

In addition, HPG will continue to strike significant deals that extend other core Hasbro brands such as G.I. JOE, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA and MONOPOLY across a host of platforms including publishing, lifestyle and entertainment.

Hasbro Highlights in 2008 include:

BOYS

THE INCREDIBLE HULK

For nearly 50 years, Marvelâ€™s The Incredible Hulk has been one of the most popular and recognizable Super Hero characters in the world. As Hulk fans await Bruce Bannerâ€™s alter ego smashing back into theaters on June 13, 2008 in Marvel Studiosâ€™Â The Incredible Hulk, Hasbro unveils a monstrous new series of toys, games, and collectibles inspired by the movie. Highlights from the strong toy line-up include the ultimate Hulk role-playing toy HULK SMASH HANDS, (Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages 3 & up; Available: May 3, 2008)movie action figures that appeal to kids and collectors alike, and even a singing and dancing HULKEY POKEY HULK plush figure that shows a more cuddly side of the Super Hero for the pre-school crowd. (Approximate retail price: $29.99; Ages: 18 months & up; Available: May 3, 2008)

INDIANA JONES

Hold on tight, becauseÂ INDIANA JONESÂ -- the worldâ€™s most adventurous archeologist -- is donning his fedora and will be conquering the big screen once again this May, and Hasbro is along for the fun. With his trusty whip, well-worn leather jacket and an uncanny ability to attract trouble, Dr. Jones heads to points unknown in the upcomingÂ INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL,Â from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Pictures, which arrives in theaters May 22. Hasbro captures all the edge-of-your-seat excitement with its newÂ INDIANA JONESÂ toy line. Fans of any age can ward off villains using the newÂ INDIANA JONESSOUND FX WHIP (Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Ages 6 & up; Available: May 1, 2008). Aspiring adventurers can also share the thrills with friends by navigating Indy through some of the movie seriesâ€™Â most iconic escape scenes with the new INDYâ€™S ULTIMATE ADVENTURE PLAYSET. (Approximate Retail Price: $39.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Fall 2008)

IRON MAN

Marvel Studiosâ€™Â big screen adaptation of Marvelâ€™s legendary Super Hero Iron Man will land in movie theaters nationwide on May 2, 2008. But fans of Iron Man and the Marvel Comics Universe will not have to wait that long for the action to launch! On March 23, 2008, Hasbro, Inc. will introduce its line ofÂ Iron ManÂ toys to support the first Marvel Super Hero flick of the year. The toy line features items for kids who are just discovering the Iron Man fantasy as well as diehard collectors. Highlights from the line-up include the REPULSOR-POWER IRON MAN action figure, styled after the characterâ€™s Mark III armored suit (Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: March 23, 2008) and the IRON MAN N.R.F. 425 BLASTER that features10 rapid-fire repulsor darts and even comes with FLYPAPERâ„¢Â Iron ManÂ targets and poster and to enhance every childâ€™s Iron Man roleplaying experience. (Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Ages 6 & up; Available: March 23, 2008)

SPIDER-MAN

After his blockbuster movie sequel in 2007, Marvelâ€™s ever popular wall-crawling, web-spinning Super Hero is back in full swing this year, serving as the inspiration behind a web of new Hasbro Spider-Man toys, including a line based on the new animated TV series,â€œThe Spectacular Spider-Man.â€Â The crown jewel of Hasbroâ€™s 2008 Spider-Man lineup includes the first-ever Spider-Man toy that actually scales walls,Â REMOTE CONTROL WALLCRAWLER SPIDER-MANÂ (Approximate Retail Price: $49.99; Ages: 5+; Available: Fall 2008). For kids wanting to join Spidey in his crime-fighting escapades, Hasbro offers the SPINNING WEB BLASTER. And action figures featuring characters fromÂ The Spectacular Spider-ManÂ join new offerings of action figure heroes and villains from the entire Spider-Man universe.

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS

Fans around the world are about to travel to a galaxy far, far away as never before, and once again, HasbroÂ â€”Â as it has for more than 30 yearsÂ â€”Â will translate all the excitement of the brand-newÂ STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARSÂ into toys that bring this new animated action to life. Lucasfilm Ltd., Warner Bros. Pictures and Turner Broadcasting System will debutÂ STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARSÂ in theaters Aug. 15, followed by the premiere ofÂ THE CLONE WARSÂ as a weekly series on Cartoon Network and TNT. Produced by Lucasfilm Animation,Â STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARSÂ takes audiences on incredible newÂ Star WarsÂ adventures, combining the legendary storytelling of Lucasfilm with an eye-popping, signature animation style.Â On July 26, 2008, Hasbro brings home all of the fun ofÂ STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARSÂ to kids of all ages. Fans can live the excitement ofÂ CLONE WARSthemselves with the new STAR WARS CLONE TROOPER HELMET (Approximate retail price: $29.99; Ages 5 and up; Available: July 26, 2008) and the AT-TE (Approximate retail price: $99.99; Ages 4 and up; Available: July 26, 2008) -- the ultimate clone trooper transport.

TRANSFORMERS

In 2008, Hasbro will build on the buzz generated by last yearâ€™s blockbuster TRANSFORMERS movie by offering a variety of new products in both the TRANSFORMERS Movie and TRANSORMERS Universe segments. In addition, the TRANSFORMERS brand returns to its origin as an animated series with the debut of the new TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED series on Cartoon Network. Co-produced by Cartoon Network Studios, the series is set in Detroit in the near future and airs on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. (ET/PT). The new TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED toy line features an array of characters from the series that will appeal to both young and long-time fans alike. Highlights of the line include Animated styled action figures, ROLL OUT COMMAND OPTIMUS PRIME (Approximate retail price: $49.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Fall) along with the SHIFT TECHÂ OPTIMUS PRIMEÂ handheld game.Â (Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages:Â 6& up; Available: June 2008)

BABY ALIVE LEARNS TO POTTY

Little girls will love to playÂ â€˜mommyâ€™Â to their BABY ALIVE doll as sheÂ â€œlearnsâ€Â how to use theÂ â€œpotty,â€Â an important rite of passage for toddlers. Further expanding the nurturing play of the beloved brand, BABY ALIVE LEARNS TO POTTY is the doll thatÂ â€œeats,â€Â â€œdrinksâ€and goesÂ â€œpottyâ€Â like a real baby. Girls simplyÂ â€œfeedâ€Â the BABY ALIVE LEARNS TO POTTY doll her specialÂ â€œfood,â€Â give her aÂ â€œbottle,â€and then she will let herÂ â€˜mommyâ€™Â know she needs toÂ â€œpeeâ€Â orÂ â€œpoop.â€Â Girls then take their BABY ALIVE LEARNS TO POTTY doll to her specialÂ â€œpottyâ€Â - but be careful, just like real life sometimes she can hold it until she gets to theÂ â€œpottyâ€Â and sometimes she canâ€™t! Similar to a real baby, BABY ALIVE LEARNS TO POTTY reallyÂ â€œlearnsâ€Â to use herÂ â€œpottyâ€- the more girls nurture and care for their baby, the better she gets atÂ â€œholding it.â€Â (Ages 3 years & up; Approximate Retail Price: $59.99; Available: Fall 2008)

FURREAL FRIENDS BISCUIT, MY LOVINâ€™Â PUP

Manâ€™s best friend is about to become a dream come true for kids this fall as Hasbro introduces the FURREAL FRIENDS BISCUIT, MY LOVINâ€™Â PUP pet puppy, the newest, most realistic pet to ever join the FURREAL FRIENDS family. Kids will love to interact with this adorable life-size golden retrieverÂ â€“Â through highly innovative voice recognition technology the FURREAL FRIENDS BISCUIT, MY LOVINâ€™Â PUP pet puppy will obey six different voice commands includingÂ â€œsit,â€Â â€œsit up and beg,â€Â â€œlie down,â€Â â€œgive me a paw,â€Â â€œspeakâ€andÂ â€œdo you want a treat?â€Â Just like aÂ â€˜realâ€™Â dog, BISCUIT, MY LOVIN PUP will move his head and ears, blink his eyes, wag his tail and bark. This playful pup will also sniff hisÂ â€˜boneâ€™Â and chomp away on his tasty treat.

The FURREAL FRIENDS BISCUIT, MY LOVINâ€™Â PUP pet puppy will also respond to touch; kids simply pet their new best friend on the sensors located behind his ears, on his head and on his back and their new pal will wag his tail to show his delight. Additionally, the FURREAL FRIENDS BISCUIT, MY LOVINâ€™Â PUP pet puppy includes an innovativeÂ â€˜bark-backâ€™Â feature that will enable him to respond when he is spoken to! The FURREAL FRIENDS BISCUIT, MY LOVINâ€™Â PUP pet puppy comes complete with his very own comb and dogÂ â€˜bone.â€™Â SixÂ â€˜Dâ€™Â batteries are required but not included.

(Approximate Retail Price: $179.99; Ages: 5 and up; Available: Fall 2008)

LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs (VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE PETS)

LITTLEST PET SHOP fans will be able to enjoy 11 new, cuddly VIPs such as a bunny, pig, monkey and lady bug as they roll out around the globe at retail and online. In addition, the VIPs virtual world will serve up a broader array of online activities and games where girls can explore, play and decorate. Girls will find a significantly expanded Pet Boutique with many more clothing, accessory and home dÃ©cor items and a visit to the Vet is always a fun time to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and groomed well! With nearly 20 games and activities, VIPs provide endless hours of fun. (Approximate Retail Price: $14.99; Ages: 6-11; Available: Now)

MY LITTLE PONY PONYVILLE SWEET SUNDAE AMUSEMENT PARK

When the ponies of the PONYVILLE collection are looking for an afternoon filled with fun, adventure and good friends, they head over to the MY LITTLE PONY PONYVILLE SWEET SUNDAE AMUSEMENT PARK playset, an exciting new addition to the PONYVILLE line. Ponies will love to explore this fun-filled theme park that features three exciting play areas in one! Ponies can enjoy the best view of PONYVILLE from the top of the whimsical Ferris wheel, complete with working lights, sounds and gondolas shaped like delicious desserts. Next up, the ponies can enjoy a thrilling ride on the exciting roller coaster. When the ponies want to take a break, they can head over to the parkâ€™s tasty snack shop shaped just like an ice cream sundae or take a relaxing ride on a swing shaped like aÂ â€œboatâ€! (Approximate Retail Price: $39.99; Ages: 3 and up; Available: Fall 2008)

TOOTH TUNES

TOOTH TUNES continues to innovate in the oral care aisle with the introduction of improved sound technology and toddler-friendly tooth brushes.

TOOTHTUNES JUNIOR

Specially designed for little hands and mouths, the TOOTHTUNES JUNIOR toothbrush is perfectly sized for young children with their first teeth. Each TOOTHTUNES JUNIOR toothbrush is uniquely edited with one minute of preschool-friendly music and encouraging phrases to motivate and congratulate little ones while they brush. This TALK-TO-ME technology is combined with TOOTHTUNES proprietary technology which transmits sound and music vibrations from the bristles, through the teeth, to the inner ear so kids hear the music and phrases in their head. (Ages 3 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Fall 2008)

The TOOTHTUNES JUNIOR assortment includes: exclusive songs such asÂ â€˜If Youâ€™re Happy and You Know It Brush Your Teeth;â€popular Walt Disney songs includingÂ â€œBear Necessities,â€Â fromÂ The Jungle BookÂ andÂ â€œHakuna Matata,â€Â andÂ â€œI Just Canâ€™t Wait to Be Kingâ€Â fromÂ The Lion King; theme music from the popular Transformers and My Little Pony brands. Making its debut this fall, the TOOTHTUNES JUNIOR toothbrush will be available in the tooth brush aisle.

TURBO TOOTHTUNES

With the introduction of the TURBO TOOTHTUNES toothbrush this spring, kids will enjoy a two minute musical tooth brushing experience delivered in a new and improved way. All toothbrushes in the TURBO TOOTHTUNES collection feature new and improved sound technology that encourages two minutes of brushingÂ â€“Â the amount of time generally recommended by dentists. Only TOOTHTUNES toothbrushes feature patented Denta-Mandibular Sound Transmission technology which transmits songs and music vibrations from the bristles, through the teeth, to the inner ear. Users hear two minutes of the hottest music from some of todayâ€™s biggest stars which keeps them brushing.

The TURBO TOOTHTUNES collection includes an outstanding library of content including new titles fromÂ High School Musical 2, Miley Cyrus asÂ â€œHannah Montana,â€Â The Jonas Brothers and Aly & AJ. In addition, the brand will introduce special edition brushes featuring exclusive TOOTHTUNESÂ â€˜remixesâ€™Â includingÂ â€œBrush Itâ€Â recorded by Devo andÂ â€œWaking Up Is Hard To Doâ€Â recorded by Neil Sedaka. Also available in the collection: TOOTHTUNES best sellersÂ â€œLetâ€™s Get It Startedâ€Â by Black Eyed Peas andÂ â€œWe Will Rock Youâ€Â by Queen. (Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Spring 2008)

PRESCHOOL

DANCE CAM

Featuring music and dancing with cute on-screen characters, preschoolers will delight in the DANCE CAM system from PLAYSKOOL. Loaded with over 20 favorite preschool songs such as Old McDonald and compatible with MP3 and CD players, kids will enjoy admiring their moves on the TV screen as they dance alongside adorable animated characters. Unlike dance systems designed for older children the DANCE CAM is not based on competition and doesnâ€™t require a lot of coordinationÂ â€“Â itâ€™s designed for preschoolers to simply enjoy dancing and see themselves being silly on their own TV. Preschoolers can enjoy the DANCE CAM system in three different dance modes: kids can choose to dance along with the animated characters to the pre-loaded songs, learn a cool new move in one of four dance routines with a character, or freestyle to their own tunes by connecting a CD or MP3 player. No matter which type of dance party they choose, kids will love to watch themselves bust a move! The DANCE CAM system is a great outlet for little ones to have fun, be active and burn off some of their endless energy. The DANCE CAM console is ready to play in two easy set up steps and comes complete with everything parents need to play their families favorite music by connecting an MP3 or CD player. No batteries are required. (Ages 3 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $49.99/Available: Fall 2008)

GLIDE 2 RIDE Bike

Learning to ride a bicycle can be challenging for both kids and parents. The GLIDE 2 RIDE bike from PLAYSKOOL provides children with a better way to learn by teaching them balance firstÂ â€“Â the most essential skill in learning how to ride a bike. The GLIDE 2 RIDE bike features two modes and grows with the child. Kids begin using the GLIDE 2 RIDE bike inÂ â€˜glideâ€™Â modeÂ â€“Â in this mode, unlike traditional bicycles, the GLIDE 2 RIDE bike does not have pedals or training wheels. InÂ â€˜glideâ€™Â mode children are closer to the ground and use their feet to push along, giving them more control and allowing them to build self confidence. When children are ready to graduate toÂ â€˜rideâ€™Â mode, the bike easily converts with one step screw-on pedals. The GLIDE 2 RIDE bike does not require assembly, the chain and gears are already on the bike in a protective housing - just screw the pedals on and the GLIDE 2 RIDE bike is ready to ride! The GLIDE 2 RIDE bike comes complete with both hand brakes and pedal brakes (aka coaster brakes) and features adjustable handlebars and seat along with spoke wheel covers. The GLIDE 2 RIDE bike is available in sleek designs for both girls and boys. (Ages 3 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $99/Available: Fall 2008)

HELMET HEROES

Little boys love to pretend they have big boy jobs. With the PLAYSKOOL interactive HELMET HEROES role play sets preschoolers can race to the rescue playing policeman or live life in the fast lane as a racecar driver. Each HELMET HEROES set features a realistic-looking helmet with colorful lights, the familiar sounds of each profession and a microphone so boys can hear themselves as they broadcast their adventure. Whether theyâ€™re after theÂ â€˜badâ€™Â guys or racing for the finish line, little boys love a good chase so each HELMET HEROES set comes complete with a driving device, encouraging them to get active. The HELMET HEROES policeman set comes complete with a handheld motorcycleÂ â€˜drivingâ€™Â device so the little law-enforcer can go on patrol. The HELMET HEROES racecar driver set features a steering wheelÂ â€˜drivingâ€™Â device so he can enjoy a day at the races. ThreeÂ â€œAAAâ€Â batteries are required and included in the helmet and twoÂ â€œAAâ€Â batteries are required but not included for the steering device. (Ages 3 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Fall 2008)

KOTA THE TRICERATOPS

PLAYSKOOL goes prehistoric with the introduction of the KOTA THE TRICERATOPS. Featuring sophisticated electronics, animatronics and design, this 'life-size' baby dinosaur 'comes to life' creating a magical experience for preschoolers. Measuring over 40-inches long, KOTA THE TRICERATOPS reacts to touch and sound with realistic dinosaur noises and movements. Featuring sensors in eleven areas on his body, KOTA will react to touch by moving his head, tail and horns. With KOTA THE TRICERATOPS children will enjoy the simulated experience of 'riding' a dinosaur; kids can ride comfortably on his back in a spring-loaded seat, holding onto a handle hidden behind the dinosaur's head. To enhance the fantasy play of going for an adventure, while 'riding' KOTA children will hear fun jungle sounds. Kids can also flip a switch on the riding handle to play adventure-themed songs while enjoying their prehistoric journey. KOTA THE TRICERATOPS comes complete with leafy greens that the dinosaur will 'munch' when 'fed.' And, like a good friend, KOTA will roar back when spoken to. Six "D" batteries are required but not included. (Ages 3 years and up / Approximate Retail Price: $300; Available: Fall 2008)

TWEEN

I-DOG COLLECTION

With more than 4.7 million I-DOG products sold since the brandâ€™s introduction in 2005, Tiger Electronics introduces three fun and funky new products into its popular I-DOG collection. Plugged into a portable music player or sitting near a stereo speaker, I-DOG DANCE Interactive Music Companion will stand on its hind legs and dance to the beat when it hears music and return to a sitting position when the music stops. Available in black and white, I-DOG DANCE also features cool, new geometric styling and the signature array of colorful LEDs on its face. Users can also enjoy I-DOG on the go with the I-DOG CLIP Interactive Music Companion. Simply attach this portable puppy onto a belt or backpack and plug it into the headphone jack of any hand-held music player to broadcast tunes through the built-in speaker or directly into headphones. The plush I-DOG SOFT SPEAKER (ages 6 years & up) allows users to plug an MP3 player directly into this huggable pup and play music through a built-in speaker. Available in white, pink or blue, this cuddly I-DOG SOFT SPEAKER features the signature array of colorful LEDs located on its face which will light up as it plays your favorite tunes. (Ages 8 & up unless otherwise noted/$14.99-$34.99/Fall 2008)

LAZER TAG 2-IN-1 System

Get ready to experience LAZER TAG like never beforeâ€¦the LAZER TAG 2-IN-1 system brings video game action to life with tactile features that allow players to customize their taggers and actuallyÂ feelÂ the thrilling game of electronic tag. Each LAZER TAG 2-IN-1 system comes complete with two taggers, two green dot sights for trouble-free targeting and two SHOT BLAST attachments featuring pump action for bigger blasts. Whether taggers are playing head-to-head or engaging in team play, the thrill of LAZER TAG is heightened by lights, sounds and new features including: a Rumble Pack tells players when theyâ€™ve been hit, a Recoil Feature is engaged with every shot fired, the Shield Button protects players from incoming fire, and a Manual Reload feature to restock ammo after ten shots. In the mood for a battle but donâ€™t have an opponent? The LAZER TAG 2-in-1 system also allows taggers to enjoy the fast-paced action of LAZER TAG anytime, in the comfort of their home. The high-tech system features the videogame attachment that connects to the tagger and plugs into the TV for a first person blaster game of LAZER TAG. (Ages 8 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $79.99/Available: Fall 2008)

NERF N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25

The top-of-the-line blaster for mission supremacy, the NERF N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25 blaster is a 25-dart belt-fed fully automatic blaster that will intimidate any opponent. This impressive blaster comes complete with a fold-up tripod to steady your aim, 25 sonic micro darts that whistle through the air when launched and a 25-dart belt. The NERF N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25 blaster features the Tactical Rail System allowing players to customize their blaster for each mission - for example, players can use the greenÂ â€˜night visionâ€™Â Tactical Light accessory (sold separately) for nighttime missions. SixÂ â€œDâ€Â batteries are required but not included. (Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $39.99/Available: Fall 2008)

GAMES

CLUEÂ®

Do you have secrets?Â This year, so do weâ€¦Â CLUE, the classic game of secrets and mysteries, will be changing in 2008. But rumor has it that our secrets involve everything about the game -- from the characters to the weapons and from the mansion to the way the game is played. The mystery you love to solve again and again will be even more intense. Stay tuned for more details. (Ages: 9 & up; Players: 3-6; Approximate Retail Price: $14.99; Availability: Fall 2008)

CRANIUM FAMILY EDITION

CRANIUM FAMILY EDITION is a family twist on classic CRANIUM with 16 sensationally collaborative, laugh-out-loud activities that transform game night fun into a family affair. Team up to figure out the three planets closest to the Sun. Use a teammateâ€™s hand to drawÂ â€œjellyfish.â€Â Tackle silly stunts like standing on one foot while balancing CRANIUM CUBES on your other foot. CRANIUM FAMILY EDITION is hilarious, high-fiving fun thatâ€™s as much fun for parents as it is for kids! (Approximate Retail Price $19.99; Ages 8 & up; 4 or more players; Available: Fall 2008)

GLEEMAXâ„¢

GLEEMAX is an online destination for strategy gamers hosted by Wizards of the Coastâ€™s digital offerings. Scheduled for official release in 2008, GLEEMAX was created to provide todayâ€™s evolving gamers with access to the best digital games and gaming information. Rounding out the siteâ€™s offerings, GLEEMAX consists of an online social network, editorial content, blogs and profiles as well as a gaming portal housing digital versions of the best Wizards of the Coast strategy card, board and roleplaying games. As an added bonus, the games portal will feature various Indie games, each selected based on their innovative use of strategy and compelling gameplay. Additional information can be found atÂ www.gleemax.com.

MAGIC ONLINEâ„¢

Launched in 2002, Magic: The Gathering OnlineÂ®Â (MOL) is the digital version of the original trading card game, Magic: The GatheringÂ®. In the fantasy universe of MAGIC, gamers, deemedÂ â€œPlaneswalkers,â€Â cast spells and magical creatures to strategically overpower their opponents. MOL provides a unique virtual experience allowing gamers to collect and trade virtual cards, build the perfect deck, find opponents at all skill levels and compete for prizes every day without ever leaving the comforts of home 24-hours seven days a week. The next version of MOL, MAGIC ONLINE III, is launching in the first half of 2008 and will provide gamers with streamlined gameplay, enhanced graphics, in-game store fronts and superior community chat. Additional information can be found atwww.wizards.com/magiconline.

MONOPOLYÂ®Â HERE AND NOW: THE WORLD EDITION

MONOPOLY fans around the globe cast votes in Spring 2008 to determine the 22 greatest cities in the world that will be featured on the first-ever worldwide game board. The city receiving the most votes atÂ www.monopoly.comÂ will land on the high rent property known as Boardwalk in the US. Additionally, the gameâ€™s traditionalÂ â€œrailroadâ€Â spaces will be modified to highlight four types of transportation used by people around the globe: land, sea, air and space travel. The game will also feature modern-day scenarios on the Chance and Community Chest cards and will include an electronic banking unit for faster transactions. The cities to be featured on the MONOPOLY HERE & NOW: THE WORLD EDITION game board will be unveiled in August 2008 and the game will go on sale in September 2008 in 45 countries. (Ages: 8 & up; Players: 2 to 6; Approximate Retail Price: $34.99; Availability: Fall 2008)

NOODLEBORO

Noodleboroâ„¢Â games let you nurture kidsâ€™Â social skills naturally through multi-sensory play that leaves everyone laughing! Each Noodleboro game comes with a storybook and audio CD so kids can see, hear, play and then live each Noodleboro life lesson. (Ages 4 & up; Brand: PLAYSKOOL; Availability: Fall 2008)

NOODLEBORO LEARNING TO SHARE FUN PARK GAME

NOODLEBORO FUN PARK SHARING GAME teaches preschoolers the importance of sharing so everyone can win. In this game, kids play together to collect as many sharing stars as they can before the park closes. Itâ€™s all about having fun and helping friends by sharing. Whenever they are successful in the Fun Park, kids earn a sharing star for the group and game play becomes a matter ofâ€œhow do we all win?â€Â versusÂ â€œhow do I win?â€Â (Players: 2-4; Approximate Retail Price: $29.99)

NOODLEBORO LEARNING ABOUT MANNERS PICNIC GAME

NOODLEBORO PICNIC PARTY MANNERS GAME teaches preschoolers how to use their manners. Itâ€™s hard to have a perfect picnic party when ants keep trying to steal your food! Just sayÂ â€œpleaseâ€Â andÂ â€œthank youâ€Â to send those pesky ants packing and collect all the items that will make the picnic a success. Everyone joins together for a picnic and when players ask for pieces of food they need, they must sayÂ â€œPleaseâ€Â andÂ â€œThank youâ€Â or else an ant will land on the food. (Players: 2-4; Approximate Retail Price: $19.99)

NOODLEBORO LEARNING TO LISTEN PIZZA PALACE GAME

NOODLEBORO PIZZA PALACE LISTENING GAME teaches preschoolers how to listen carefully and remember whatâ€™s said. Pepperoni, eggs, stinky socks--you never know what toppings your customers will order at the Noodleboro Pizza Palace. That's why in this game it's important for kids to listen and pay attention to orders before heading into the kitchen. Order's up. Players take pizza orders and must deliver a pizza with the correct toppings as ordered. The better they make the pizza, the closer they are to earning a blue ribbon. (Players: 2 OR 3; Approximate Retail Price: $19.99)

PARTINI

Open the game box, sprinkle friends around the room, mix up coasters then pick them at random to play 6 games:

Mime Twist: Zip your lip and act out
Straight Up: Write something true or funny about a teammate
Clay Smoothie: Mold and Fold clay into objects
Whatâ€™s Not: Donâ€™t say what it is, say what its not
Bouncers-Ready: Aim, Fire balls into a cup
Hum Punch: Hum it up in a musical challenge, no singing allowed

[Ages: Adult; Players: 2 Teams (4+ Players); Approximate Retail Price: $29.99; Availability: Fall 2008]

SCRABBLEÂ®Â GAME DELUXE EDITION DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY VERSION

The ScrabbleÂ®Â Game is celebrating its 60thÂ anniversary in style. In light of its Diamond Anniversary, the redesigned gameboard holds the tiles in place so they will not slip during gameplay and has curved tile racks to make it easier to keep your tiles a secret. With seven randomly drawn letters to work with, build at least one word off an already existing word on the board. With special squares such asÂ â€œTriple Word Scoreâ€Â orÂ â€œDouble Letter Score,â€Â placement of the new word becomes important as well. (Ages: 8 & up; Players: 2 to 4; Approximate Retail Price: $34.99; Availability: Fall 2008)

TRIVIAL PURSUIT DIGITAL CHOICE

A whole new way to play Trivial Pursuit. Create your own trivia experience for every occasion. Play It: comes pre loaded with 600 questions; Load It: go to playtrivia.com and download categories you choose; Customize It: keep your game fresh, over 100 categories to choose from. (Ages: 12 & up; Players: 2 -6; Approximate Retail Price: $49.99; Availability: Fall 2008)

Review: Electronic CatchPhrase: Music Edition

Teresa — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 21:03:25 -0500

We've had this game for a few weeks now and were anxious to review it, but figured what better time to review it than when we were together with family for Thanksgiving. While the kids were running around, the parents and grandparents sat down to play.

The box says the game is for 4 or more adult players. There's nothing offensive or innappropriate for younger children. It just might be difficult for them to give clues and definitely hard to guess the answers. Players need to split into 2 teams. Each team takes turns giving clues to their teammates, trying to get them to guess the song title on the screen.

You first need to select either the "Classic" or "Singing" game. Then choose a category. Your choices are: 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, Classic Rock, Hip Hop/R&B, Country, Oldies, and Pop Mix, which contains songs from all the other categories.

The first person presses start; the timer will start ticking and a song title and artist will appear on the screen. That player needs to get their teammates to guess the song title. You can makes gestures, sing, hum, whistle, or recite song lyrics, give clues for words in the song title, and give clues for the artist if you think it will help your team guess the song. You cannot say any part of a word on the screen, say a word that rhymes with any word on the screen, or give the first letter of a word on the screen.

As soon as your team guesses the song title, you pass the game to the person on your left. That person presses "next" to reveal the next song. Play continues this way until the buzzer sounds. The team not holding the game at the time has a chance to steal. If they can, they earn 1 point. Also, the team that is not holding the game when the buzzer goes off earns 1 point. Press your team's button (A or B) once for each point earned.

In the Classic game, the team not holding the game when the buzzer goes off scores 1 point. In the Singing game, the team not holding the game when the buzzer goes off scores 1 point, also. Then, for each team, score 1 bonus point for every time a player sang part of the song only if the song title was guessed. You keep playing until a team reaches 7 points (in the Classic game) or 15 points (in the Singing game).

While the volume is not adjustable, it was not a problem for us and actually was just right. However, it might be nice to have an adjustable volume for certain situations, like a party with loud music playing in the background. Also, when we were playing the Pop Mix category, it seemed to repeat songs fairly often. You can just push the "next" button to go to a different song, but we were surprised by how soon repeats appeared. We didn't have that happen in the other categories that we played, however. The game was still very fun. I think the adults were louder than the kids who were running around. :-) I can't wait until we have a chance to play it again.

Review: Hasbro's i-List Music Party Game

Dale — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:16:45 -0500

When I was in high school, I had an uncanny knack for word association with lyrics. Just about any word would trigger a song in my mind, and I'd start quietly singing to myself. Some of my friends picked up on this and would start throwing words at me to challenge me to come up with a song with that word in the lyrics.

Little did I know that this skill would someday come in handy, because that is one of the many skills useful in Hasbro's new i-List Music Party Game.

Here's how it works: Place the game, which is roughly the size of a portable CD player, on a table or other flat surface. Open the underside doors to reveal four 1/8" stereo mini-plugs (That's the standard size for nearly all portable music devices.). Each player plugs in a portable media player (iPod, Zune, iRiver, etc.) into one of the jacks. After a quick setup and dealing out some cards, a player draws a card from the middle pile and reads it to the rest of the players. The description on the card might be, "A song with the word tears," A song that was a band's first hit," "A jazz song," or "A song by a group that's no longer together." Players then search through their playlists for a song that matches the criteria and press "play" on their devices when they find it. The first player to find a matching song will hear his or her song playing through the game's speakers, all others being blocked. The rest of the players must decide whether this song meets the criteria, and if so, the player keeps the card, or loses one if the song doesn't match. Once the draw pile is depleted, the game is over, and the player with the most cards wins.

The obvious drawback to this game is the requirement that every player own a portable media device with a screen (iPod Shuffles need not apply). If you use a cell phone to play your music, you'll need a headphone adapter, or you could always hook it up to the headphone jack of a laptop and use iTunes or other music management software, although in my opinion, if your software has a search feature, you're cheating. Certain devices have advantages over others when it comes to finding a song as well--I wouldn't want to use my old iRiver IFP-790 against an iPod--the click wheel would beat me hands-down.

That said, iPods and similarly fast devices are common enough that most people age twelve and up (as recommended) likely own one, so this is not a major obstacle. The person with a large music library will also have a distinct advantage over a more casual music listener.

Another problem I ran into--and this is no fault of the game--is that I can't fit all of my music onto my iPod because of all the video and podcasts I have loaded onto it. Consequently, I'd often have the perfect song in mind, but when I'd go to the artist or album, I'd find that the song I sought didn't happen to be on my iPod at the moment. I found myself really wanting a 160GB iPod Classic.

All in all, this reverse version of "Name That Tune" is the perfect game for 2-4 music-loving kids and adults who like to test their musical knowledge against each other. The portability of the console (Even the rules are printed on two cards that pack right in with the game.) make it great for taking to slumber parties, car trips, or campouts (No, we're not camping purists.). Kids younger than 12 might be able to play it, but our 9-year-old wouldn't likely know enough about the details of her music collection to be able to compete with older kids and adults. My other recommendation might be to have a computer handy to double-check an answer, like the date of a song, a lyric, etc. to handle disputes.

For the record, the first time Teresa and I played together, we tied, although if I was wrong about the date of that Abba song, Teresa may have won, so I guess I may not be able to cash in on my skills yet.

Review: Hasbro's Hyper Slide

Teresa — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:08:31 -0500

I have always liked to play "speed" games, where you have to think and react quickly. My family doesn't like to play against me very often, and Hyper Slide can be played by either one or two people, which is probably why I like the game so much.

Hyper Slide is an electronic, table-top game. You have to slide 4 color-coded Hyper Discs under the arch. Sensors detect whether you slid the correct disc or not. The game also earns instant brownie points with me for having pieces that store in the game, so all the pieces are together, and you don't have to search for them when you want to play a game.

3 different games can be played with either 1 or 2 players. When you play alone, a stretchy "Hyper Band" fits in the unit so the discs rebound to you. When you play with 2 people, you can either play cooperatively or competitively.

The first game is "Fast Pass". The game will tell you what color disc to slide under the arch. The goal is to get the highest number of completed passes in the time limit. The faster you pass the discs, the faster it will call out the colors. This is my favorite game of the 3. Needless to say, I have the record score for this one. :-)

The second game is "Add One". The game will tell you what colors to pass but will start with only one color. The next time, it will list 2. Each subsequent time, it will "add one" more to the list. You need to remember the order after it calls out the sequence and pass the correct colors through. It reminds me a little of the game Simon, where it would list colors and flash lights, and you had to push the correct buttons in order.

Game three is "Code Buster" where you need to figure out a pre-determined color sequence. It will tell you the starting color to pass under the arch. Then you need to figure out what the next color is (It could be the same color.) and slide it under the arch. If you are right, the game will ding, so you can keep going to guess the next color. If you are wrong, it will buzz and you will have to start over with the original "start" color plus any you may have discovered before you can begin guessing again. You have 90 seconds to figure it out.

The instruction booklet says ages 8+. My 12-year-old played this and likes it. I tried playing a cooperative game with my 6-year-old and she did OK, although she did get a bit frazzled when it said what color disc to move, and she did miss the arch a few times in her eagerness to move the right piece. I think with a little bit more play time, she'd probably do just fine with it, although Dale had a problem finding the colors quickly, too. :-)

I think this game will be a favorite in the family for a long time to come.