Reviews (22)

Worth your money
In this day when so many toys are junk, Snap Circuits is a welcome exception.This is easier than the "labs" in which you must connect wires.These circuits have simple instructions and are easy to snap into place.There is much to be learned as well as much fun to have.Kids learn about LED's, resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, etc...... We liked the first kit we got so much that my son spent his own money on the big 750 project kit.Not a day goes by that he doesn't create a really cool circuit.We strongly recommend this toy.

Best way to learn about Electricity without *wires* !
Outstanding game which *grows* with your child -- as you can upgrade the kit. Projects range from simple to complex. Snapping connections is easy for the kids. Just as an example, my child quickly picked up the concepts of "switches" once he assembly the first few projects. Also helps in troubleshooting -- what is the diff bet. a open and closed circuit ?

Only "con" -- wish there was more details about the project and how does it work. Many project are variations of a "base" project. Say -- substitute bulb with the Motor.

As an enhancement it will be very cool to have small LEDs on the connections showing the flow of electricity !!

Overall a must have science kit for children ! You won't waste your money on this one !

Finally a toy that is fun and educational!!!
My husband and I bought this for our 11-year-old daughter for Christmas. When she first unwrapped it she looked uninterested. Then once we got it out and tried it out she was instantly hooked as was her father and I. It truly teaches all about electricity in a way that anyone- even someone as dense about electricity as myself- can understand. She did the first 6 experiments in one sitting. As a homeschool parent, I find this toy truly refreshing. I highly recommend this for anyone....boy, girl, old or young!

... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Chemistry   

Reviews (5)

Great Puzzle for Little Ones
My 28 month old son got this puzzle for Christmas and loves it.He put it together the first time out of the box himself. It is the first thing he does every morning and then several times a day.My almost 5 year old likes it too. It is not as sturdy as the Melissa & Doug floor puzzles, but it still really sturdy.

Nice picture making for an easier puzzle
My 2 year old daughter has this puzzle and thinks its wonderful.

Unlike many puzzles, with just one character on it, the picture is brilliant having lots of different trains, etc on it.It is easy to fit togehter, with parts of a different character or scene on every piece.She can easily put Thomas, the sheds, Harold, etc together thus eventually making the whole puzzle.

This is by far her favourite puzzle.For one, it's Thomas!And for 2, it's well-made and 'easy' to work out how to put together.

Most Beloved Toy
My son who just turned 4 years old in December received this for Christmas.I'm amazed at the beauty and durability of the pieces.He put it together about three times (with help) the first time we opened it!I never seen him so excited about a toy and to my greater surprise--a puzzle!Each time he placed a new piece in (sometimes with my assistance and sometimes not), he'd ask me to turn around and then ask me to look.When I looked I praised him for his accomplishment and he squealed with excitement.He literally jumped up and down almost after each piece was placed!He told me this was his favorite gift for Christmas and believe me he had quite a few more that were more expensive.I'll be buying more Thomas puzzles from this company in the near future as I'm very impressed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Floor Puzzles    4. Jigsaw Puzzles    5. Easy Puzzles    6. Toddler    7. Activity   

Reviews (1)

If you can't find this adapter
This review is to help with this Adapter if you can't find it. I went to Radio Shack and they sell a 9V/300mA AC-to-DC Power Adapter. It's $14.00. It comes with 1 adaptaplug. Size O and size N will both seem to fit in the V-Smile, but only size N really fits. [...] It is Catalog # 273-1767. It works fine for the V-Smile. Good Luck to all and of course you can use the adapter for other V-tech products.Just bring it to radioshack and you can try all the various plugs to see which one you need.
... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)   

Editorial Review

Pokémon Sapphire's updated graphics with weather effects, amazing sound, more than 200 Pokémon with over 100 new species--as well as its faithful adherence to the existing series of Pokémon games--makes for a welcome evolution in the series.

First, the game has a lot in common with Pokémon games Silver, Gold, and Crystal. For example, players can choose to be a boy or a girl trainer, an internal clock sets events at certain times, and the game's handy-dandy Pokédex helps players keep track of the many stats. You're main goal is still to beat all the Gym Trainers and become the Pokémon Master. If you've played the old games, you will be right at home. But not all is the same.

The most obvious change is in the battles themselves. Now that two Pokémon can fight on your side at the same time, you can tag-team them against an enemy by taking advantage of the strengths of your Pokémons while covering their weaknesses. For example, you can now have a water Pokémon watch your fire Pokémon's back.You can also attack more than one Pokémon at a time.

A whole new element to the game focuses on how berries are used in battle. And if you collect enough berries, you can take them to a Berry Blender and make a PokéBlock, which is a little super-charged candy that raises your Pokémon's "Condition" attributes. You can then groom your Pokémon for regional contests and compete for ribbons like "Best of Show," which will unlock additional contests. There's even strategy in how to best use your berries: pick too many and the berry tree will disappear; plant berries, though, and a tree will grow. You can also build a Secret Base in special areas of the game, which you can decorate just like you can your room.

And let us not forget that Pokémon Sapphire has a kickin' multiplayer system, too. You can trade Pokémon, and link up to four players for incredible battles. The only downside is that you can't link up with the old Game Boy Color games. --Bryan Karsh

Pros:

• You can control two Pokémon in battle
• Much needed graphic and sound facelift
• Nice multiplayer feature (requires link cable and extra game cartridge)

• Can't trade Pokémon with Game Boy Color

Features

• More sophisticated graphics on Game Boy Advance
• more varied game play, and more than 100 new characters!
• The games include two-on-two battle capabilities and a variety of battle modes. One player can take on two Pokmon simultaneously, and using a Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable, two players can control two Pokemon each, or four players can play one each, providing deeper and more strategic game play.

Reviews (252)

Sapphire Version
You might not be able to catch all the first 150 PokeMon, but the cool new pokemon and a one-of-a-kind plot, it makes up for it!This game is cool!

BUY THIS
I got this game 1 or 2 years ago and i loved it. I would recomend you start out with Mudkip. I would recomend this game Pokemon fans.

pokemon
i think this game is cool game ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Action    5. Adventure    6. Role Playing Games (Game, RPG, RPGs, CRPG, CRPGs)   

Subjects:  1. Outdoor Play    2. Pretend Play    3. Playtents    4. Camping   

Features

• Motor Type: 250-Watt Electric--Environmentally friendly and requires little maintenance.
• Scooter Construction: Steel--An extremely durable and forgiving material.
• Kickstand--Prevents scooter from falling when stored.
• Number of Wheels: 2
• Maximum User Weight : 220 Pounds

Reviews (8)

Cant !!!! wait
I ordered my own razor chopper bike today!!!I just had to get one after my friend let me use his.I really liked the style especialy the flames.Its twist control,24volt battery,250 watt motor are all great features.This makes it a nice present.overall I think its a great bike.


I cant!!!!! wait till i get mine

if your buyin ur gettin ripped
look if you want to get a mini pocket bike, or a pocket chopper i suggest that you dont buy this one.they dont run good, and fall apart easily, if you want a good pocket rocket that can go up to 40 mph you can get one for $170 on www.minipocketrockets.com

Great product and cost
Bought one for son who is just turning 7,Impressed with quality
and it works well,wish that they would have put key switch on it instead of rocker switch,would also love to see a headlight option,overall it looks and performs great,styling was major factor in purchase,instruction manual is a keeper,dont buy it if you dont want other children jealous around your child ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ride-Ons    2. Motorized   

Features

• Visit the village often throughout the day, because different activities happen at different times; plus, special things sometimes happen on holidays.
• Interact with others-up to four other players can move into the village and take turns playing in a shared village, cooperating and competing on one game pak.
• Swap Memory Cards with friends who have the game and travel to their villages to interact with different characters there. In other villages, players find different assortments of items and build new relationships with different groups of villagers.
• Pay off and improve your house by returning daily, adding floors and new furnishings; and watch how other human characters improve their houses, which adds a competitive element.

Reviews (523)

What a Game!!!
WOW! I can't believe how much fun this game is! The whole 'real time' thing is really cool. You get on, and if it's dark outside, it's dark on the game.Tom Nook's general store "Nook's Cranny" closes at 10:00 and re-opens the next day at 9:00.
When you get in the game you have to name your character and the town you live in, the only problem is that you only have 1000 bells (the currency in the game) and the teeny tiny house you get costs 19,800 bells. So you have to work part-time in Nook's store. He gives you lots of odd jobs to do, such as posting adds for his store and running packages to and fro.
There are endless things to do, you can fish, shake trees for cherries, 100 bells and other things (but be warned! You can knock a beehive out... and I'll let you figure out what happens next!) You can change your clothes, do favors for neighbors,mail letters...
There are lots of neighbors to talk to, and new ones are always moving in. Sometimes they'll send you letters with gifts attached!
I'm yet to find the 'end' of THIS game!
This is an awsome game I'd reccomend to ANYONE!

BANANAS
I recently left home to live on my college campus and let's just say that Animal Crossing soon became the only education I would be receiving. Yeah, I know it sounds bad...but it really wasnt! (I managed scrape up A's and B's at the end of semesters). I was introduced to this delightful game by none other than my lovely room-mate and the bubbly town of OBX soon became my home away from home! This game is superb and should be ranked in a class by itself...at times it doesn't feel like a game but like LIFE. There are neighbours with various personalities, traveling guests, a local shopping center, fishing, fruit-collecting, and so much more that are simple but heart-warming. NOW! Stop reading reviews and go buy the game TRUST ME on this one, it is worth the buy...:-)

Strangely addicting
Back before this came out, I remember being excited to give it a try mostly because I wanted to get those old NES games on here. Well after I got it, I became hopelessly addicted to further expanding my house and its furnishings as did some of my other friends. If you've somehow managed to stay away from this game, you really do need to give it a chance. Don't be turned off by the graphics because although they look kiddie and dated, they get the job done. Animal Crossing is one of the reasons why Nintendo is so good at delivering an innovative experience that no other company, besides a small few, can seem to create. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy (Gameboy)    3. Gamecube (Game Cube, Game-cube)    4. Action    5. Adventure   

Editorial Review

The Heroscape line of toys is like the all-star game of make believe. While other games might focus on a specific era of history, the age of chivalry, perhaps, or the Jurassic period, Heroscape puts everyone together on one enormous madcap battlefield. Vikings, World War II soldiers, ninjas, mutant monsters, samurais, dinosaurs, dragons, they’re all there, done up as tiny, highly detailed figure. It would be sort of comic if all the players didn’t look so gosh-darn serious. 85 interlocking terrain tiles are also included so you can craft exactly the landscape you wish for all the action to happen on. Multiple dice are featured along with game cards and detailed instructions on how to play. We liked the boundless imagination of this game and the open-minded versatility of its imaginary protagonists. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Features

• Construct the customizable 3-D, interlocking-tile board with terrain and terrain accessories - the field and the battle change with each game! Includes 30 detailed miniature warriors 10 game scenarios including 5 ways to build your field, and 10 ways to play.
• Intense, but easy-to-learn game play: heroes actions are governed by stats on army cards indicating movement, range, armor, attack powers and more.
• Eliminate all your enemys pieces to win.
• Collect and build your armies and pit them against your friends armies for endless gaming variety.
• Ages 8 & Up.

Reviews (28)

Excellent Game - Storage system needed
This game is very well made, very intuitive game play and all hand painted characters are well designed.The only negative on this entire game is finding a way to store it when it is not being played.The box it comes in is totally useless and will not easily allow you to put the game back into it once done (although I have come close to getting it all in on a few occasions).My advice is purchase a large plastic container to store it in when you purchase the game, but I highly recomend purchasing the game, you will be glad you did!!

Awesome Interactive Game
This game really brings my son & I together & he's learning so much that he doesn't realize he's learning - like creative problem solving!!!Definitely worth the money.

Great game even for younger children...
Recently I've been searching for more traditional (i.e. board) games for my 5 year old son in an effort to (1) get him away from all the electronic goodies he uses and (2) spend some quality family time with him.I tried some of the common old style board games (Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, SORRY!, etc...) but they didn't hold his interest for more than a few minutes.Knowing that he's just a year or two from being introduced to YuGiOh or Pokemon or whatever else his peers are into these days, I considered some of those games to try out with him.But being able to understand those games is just too far away for him right now and I couldn't see a way to simplify them so that he could at least get a foot hold on the learning curve.

So, while browsing the game isle at my local Wal-Mart I notice HeroScape.I was pretty sure the little action figures would capture his attention which is the first step in getting him going on any game.After doing some research on the game (www.heroscape.com takes you to a great site with all sorts of demos and information about the game) and after reading all of the reviews here on Amazon, I felt like I couldn't go that wrong trying it out.What made me more comfortable was the fact that there are two modes of play you can use... a basic mode and an advanced mode.So I made the purchase.I knew I made a good choice the first night I showed him the game.He was thoroughly fascinated with all of the little characters (particularly with the dragon and the guy who rides the dinosaur).However, at 5 years old, I knew he wasn't interested in the rules even in the basic mode of play so I simplified things... a lot.I set up the terrain tiles in a simple landscape layout strictly for aesthetic value and scattered some figures at either side of the board.I explained to him that he can choose which character he wants to control and which he wants to attack.No movement rules... just a good guy and a bad guy.Then I showed him that we each role ten dice (use the red or blue but not both as they're different), if he has more "face ups" than I have, he wins and gets to capture my character... if not I win and capture his.If we tie then we roll the 20 sided dice to see who gets the highest number and then that person wins. Those are the only rules in our game.And that is one of the biggest features of this game...you can make it whatever you like.I tell stories as we play that incorporate the characters on the board and his face is just lit up with imagination.

I was pretty sure that if he liked it, this game was going to help teach him creative thinking and strategy (once he evolved out of "5 year old mode") but it really hadn't occurred to me that his math skills would be polished while we play.For the 2 or so hours we played (yeah, see if "Candy Land" can hold a 5 year old's attention that long) he was clearly picking up speed counting his dice, counting mine, and comparing values.I am extremely pleased with this game, and to be quite honest, I too think its fun to play and I'm sure as we move into the more advanced modes it will be even better.

One note about something my wife said when I showed her the game... she was afraid it was going to be like Dungeons and Dragons.In other words she was concerned that it would be too violent or somehow otherwise unhealthy.Well, first of all, I explained D&D wasn't like that (but that's another story) and second, that there is nothing more violent about this game than playing cops and robbers, cowboys and indians, or even little green army men.You get out of it what you put into it.For instance, our characters don't die, they get captured.

I agree with pretty much all of the positive reviews here on Amazon for this game and also agree with the issue of the box being too small to get everything back into once you take it out.Will it all fit again?Yes, but that's no small task and its much easier to get a rubbermaid container and use that with some zip-lock sandwich bags or something for the smaller parts.

In summary, this is a fantastic game that can be adapted to younger players if the parents use a bit of imagination.I think it will grow with the child at the child's pace and rival any game that's on the shelf now.Its expandable as well with new packs of characters coming out from time to time.I hope this helps people considering this game to try it out, I really think you'll be glad you did.
... Read more

Reviews (28)

will the hover disc ever fly?
hello,and welcome to hdtv (hover disc tv),reporting at news.it seems at 11:32 a.m.,it all started. my dad & i were playing with my disc.my mom was running errands at costco , ralphs,and toys r us .when my mom got home ,the disc would not fly.i thought that if we charge it overnight,it would work.it`s even been charging for 7 hours.will the disc fly? find out on 5/4/05.

Tara Sadr's review
This toy rocks! It flies so high. Almost higher then my house!

You _Can_ Master The Drawbacks
After reading other comments on this toy I decided to buy 2 of them (as a gift for friends)--fully expecting a short life span.

When the first one died everything seemed to work fine but it would no longer take-off.

We compared the fully-charged, used (but undamaged) Hover Copter to a brand new, first time charged Hover Copter.The used Copter propellor spun slightly slower than the brand new Copter (we held them up and compared the amount of air current).

I would advise doing everything possible to avoid battery memory build-up.Fully discharge after each session (leave it on after use)!Charge it no longer than recommended right before use.Never charge any longer than recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

much better
as in the title (advanced mission) is the main feature of the game. instead of shooting only 1 space at a time like in classic battleship you get weapons for most of the ships! for example submarines have sonar which scan 9 spaces for ships but doesn't give the exact coordinate have two torpedos that fire horizontally or vertically down one row or across a column till it hits. the destroyer can hit 3 spaces at once horizontally or vertically and aircraft carrier can hit 5 spaces at once. also you can launch 2 recon planes off of the aircraft carriers. a recon plane is used to scan a small area(4 spaces) each for ships and gives exact coordinates when. although useful, it takes 2 turns to launch the plane or move it to another point and scan. of course both players get AA guns to shoot down those nosy planes. finally the battleship has the most devastating weapon in the game- the tomahawk missile. only can be used once and hits 9 spaces at once. because it is a computer that stores your ships' position if you play against the computer (you can) the computer always hits your ships when using a special weapon. the use of strategy gets BATTLESHIP 5 stars for educational value but overall the game got 3 stars because the hit and miss pegs are incredibly hard to remove and sometimes need to be removed with pliers.

Cool twist on classic battleship
I bought this game for my son but both he and I love the game.It takes the basic battleship game and adds some complexity and variety by letting you choose from among several modes of play.The salvo mode lets you attack your opponent one space at a time, but the advanced mode is really our favorite.In this mode each of your ships has a set of missles that allow you to attack groups of squares in different patterns.The submarine, besides having two torpedoes, can be used to search for the opponents ships.The more you play the game, the more sophisticated the strategy gets.For example, you have to decide whether to use your assests to scan for the enemy ships, or to use your weapons before your ships can be detected and sunk.It is an easy game to learn and we have had hours of fun with it.My son's friends come to the house and want to play this game instead of computer games!

The only negative about the game is that it is really "chatty".Every time you make a selection of your weaponry, you will hear a rather long (5 - 10 second) soundtrack telling you your weapons are ready to fire.If you play the game a lot, these soundtracks slow the game down and become moderately annoying.Other than this minor annoyance, the game has been great fun.

great toy for convicts
I would have bought this toy for a convict.Otherwise, its worthless.My children found it borish, lame and no fun at all.I thought it was pointless.I would advise anyone with a few dollars to save their money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Electronic    3. Handheld    4. Action and Adventure   

Editorial Review

Well-designed with lots of terrific detail, Learning Resources' Calculator Cash Register completely satisfies a young child's hunger to play with bills, coins, cash drawers, and big numbers. The chiming cash register features a built-in solar calculator as its keypad, thus allowing kids to act as bankers, shopkeepers, and accountants all at once. A large cash drawer holds life-sized bills in four denominations (1, 5, 10, and 20), and four coin holders make room for embossed plastic pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. There is even a credit card slot that dings when you correctly slide the faux VISA card through it.A suggested-activities booklet is included. Requires a 1.5V button cell battery (included) to make the chiming noise. No assembly required. Winner of awards from Dr. Toy, FamilyFun Magazine, and Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Solid, Great Toy
I bought this for my 2 year old daughter last year and she has played with it all year.It works well and the voice is not too annoying or loud. When you are cleaning up the money you can open the cash drawer without the voice coming on which, believe me, is a huge plus.It is a real calculator and when she presses numbers it says them out loud which is educational.And when she presses the minus key really fast over and over again, it says "Mine, Mine, Mine, Mine" which cracks us all up :)

This is the funniest toy ever
When I got this toy i played with it for such along time and still do. You only spend $29.99 on it and it is money well spent. You make the right choice if you get this toy. The age group i would say is probably 5-whenever. Let me tell you parents what when my mom and dad got this for me i lovedit and it made me happy for so long.Three words for this toy.
MONEY WELL SPENT!!!!!!!!! FUN
so you should get this toy. KNOW dont think twice get it...NOW
dont forget get the scanner and bar codes* that go with it.
*SOLD SEPARTLEY

A preschool favorite
I'm buying this toy for my son's 3rd birthday because he makes a beeline to it everytime we go to our parent-child preschool class.He usually sets up a toy phone nearby, too. I get to be the customer and bring a basket of toy food to him which he "scans" on the notepad area.It's nice when toys leave something to the imagination.He loves the play bills and coins and pretending to make change.I believe that this toy will grow with my child and still be fun for him in a few years.

I figure that if this toy has survived daily use by multiple 2-4 year olds, it will survive around our house.If it doesn't, then I will update this posting!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Pretend Play    3. Money    4. Learning    5. Math    6. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    7. Electronic    8. Preschool    9. Counting    10. Electronic Learning Aids   

Reviews (2)

My Son loves it!
I bought this toy for my son and he loves it! We have been playing with it the past 2 days because the weather has finally been so nice out! The bubbles float over our house and when they pop vapor comes out.Truly AMAZING!!He has become the hit of neighborhood boys.

Best Bubble gun ever!! BUY IT!!!!
Me and my cousin loves this thing. But the only thing we hate is when we have to dip it into the cap. It comes with vapor fluid and bubble liquid. I like when the smoke comes out of the bubbles
i think its realy cool. Whoever likes bubbles BUY IT!!! ... Read more

Features

• Action/adventure game based on the plotline of the movie.
• Play as all the film's main characters.
• Fighting, racing, and puzzle action/adventure gameplay featuring the characters' unique superpowers.
• Live the films action, adventure, and humor over 18 levels.

Reviews (21)

Not a good choice for younger kids
My 4 yr old is crazy about The Incredibles and counted the days until his Incredibles game arrived in the mail. It was very disappointing. It is a lot of punching and being shot at and that's about it. Since The Incredibles appeal to a very large and young audience (and I know older folks too). I really thought the game would be more appropriate for younger children. It's not. My son loves Zelda, Urbz, and Mario Kart but unfortunatelythis was a waste of money and a big disappointment for a great little guy.

Awsome!!!!
I saw the movie and it was Awsome and I know 99.9% or movie games are good!

This game SUCKS!
DON'T BUY IT! Movie was awesome, game is glitchy, and just plain not fun. SUCKS! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA   

Features

• Assume control of a diverse and powerful army of soldiers loyal to your cause
• Persuade powerful enemy heroes to leave their evil armies and join your growing cause
• For 1-4 players over link cable
• Marshall your forces and draw your steel -- the legendary Fire Emblem roleplaying games have arrived on the GBA
• Defend against usurpers and assassins as you aid young lords on their quest against evil

Reviews (116)

An Intelligent Nod
I have yet to play Advance Wars 1 or 2, Intelligent Systems' modern war/strategy series for the GBA, but I can venture an educated guess that Fire Emblem shares a lot in common with it.Fire Emblem is a strategy RPG reminiscent of the Shining Force series for the Genesis, but it's been forever for me to make detailed comparisons of the two. Fans of Shining Force, Ogre Battle, and/or Advance Wars will probably find a lot to like.

Fire Emblem will be fairly easy for those experienced in these kinds of games.Most of the challenge presents itself in keeping your combatants alive, because if they are killed during battle, you won't be getting a chance to get them back.Not even a chance to revive them from defeat (unlike, for example, the popular Final Fantasy Tactics, where you had up to three turns to revive a fallen comrade).This can present a problem if you don't use tight and well-thought out tactics, because the enemy will always jump at the opportunity to kill the weakest party members within range.Fortunately, there's an ability to "rescue" other members, and even pass them off to others in your group.Anyway, I think it's pretty neat that you can't get them back.It adds an urgent dynamic to the game and forces you to really think your moves through.After the first part of the game, it even tells what the characters who didn't make it to the end went on to do with their lives.Some followed the party (although injured and unable to fight), while others went their separate ways.

In battle, it is prudent that you search out the most advantageous terrain (forests, forts) and engage from there.Also, weapon selection is an important factor, as certain weapons are good against some, bad against others.Rounding out the standard and borrowed strategy-RPG elements is the class system, albeit a limited one (nothing on the scale of an FFT or Tactics Ogre; more like Shining Force).Your units can advance in class with a specific item after reaching level 10.

One thing worth mentioning in Fire Emblem is that enemy forces, on some battlefields, are concealed within fog or darkness.The limited visibility adds another layer of danger to the combat, which can be partially alleviated with some items.However, this element only somewhat succeeds.I wonder if the developers could have made it where the limited visibility worked both ways, where the enemy had no way of knowing where you are, and would occasionally stumble into a big pack of your units (I wonder, but I think I know the answer to that one).More importantly, a stealth element is missing in the game, perhaps the ability to sneak up on an enemy without them knowing about your approach.

So, what drives all this fighting in Fire Emblem?The first part of the game has you controlling Lyn, a young woman from the Plains of Sacae, whose family was murdered by bandits, and who is of royal lineage in a far off Kingdom.Her journey takes her to the castle in search of her ailing Grandfather, in order to stop his vengeful brother from usurping the throne.But we find out that this is just a small part of a bigger scheme.Big surprise, huh?The story is ok, and the characters are ok, and the dialogue and writing might be the strongest aspect.However, there's nothing remotely profound or emotional in the melodramatic delivery of the game's story, but that's the norm for video games. Oh well.Instead, you end up developing an attachment to the characters for how well they fight in battle, cheering them on during encounters and hoping they don't get killed. The game succeeds in this.

A Final Fantasy Tactics this is not.It's not dynamic or deep enough in both its gameplay and story and sentiment.However, I'd argue that it's slightly better than Final Fantasy Tactics Advance for the GBA.Both games are derivative of what has come, but Fire Emblem's not stepping backwards--only nodding to the past.

Very good strategy/rpg title for the GBA/DS
This game is an excellent strategy title for your Gameboy and will give you dozens of hours of gameply. (My first go through the game was over 24 hours total)

The characters are all pretty much interesting in this game and there are tons of them to pick and choose on missions. The variety of the units and their personalities are what make this game so enjoyable.

And if a unit dies then its dead. No 1-ups or resurrection in this game. If your character dies then be prepared to never see them again.
This really keeps you on your toes as wounded units need rescuers and backup.
However, this can be a pain to play a mission for over an hour then have the boss kill them in one hit, thus causing you to start the level over again...

All in all this is simple to learn, yet highly entertaining game. Pick it up if youre missing some a challenging and engrossing strategy game.

Saved games reset - *sigh*
A fun strategy game overall, but has a major flaw - I can't stand any game that does not let you save anytime you want.I know this game allows you to save at anytime, but the game auto saves for you at the last turn, so that when you die you cannot revert to where you originally saved.I know the designers of Fire Emblem did this so to make the game more challenging or "realistic", so that players can't "cheat" by playing from that save point over and over again, but it actually makes the game more annoying and frustrating.If you character dies, by lets say a way to powerful and out of balanced mini boss attacking you and killing you with one shot, you have to start the whole stupid level over again.

Otherwise, this game would have received 5 stars - trust me, you'll get frustrated and annoyed the 100th time you main character dies, and you are forced to play the level over again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Role Playing Games (Game, RPG, RPGs, CRPG, CRPGs)    2. Strategy (Strategic)    3. Video Games    4. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    5. GBA    6. Action    7. Adventure   

Features

• Battle with more than 200 Pokemon
• Join with friends to combine strengths in new two-on-two battles
• For 1 to 4 players
• Upload Pokemon from your Game Boy Advance and battle on your television
• Completely compatible with Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire

Reviews (153)

Awesome game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think this game is awesome! It's a really cool game!
When I first played Pokemon Stadium, I looked for other Pokemon games, so I found this. It hs a unique story plot too it. You have too rescue Shadow Pokemon, and open the door to their hearts. Ther's this guy that stole a snagging machine so he could snag shadow pokemon, and a girl who can tell which pokemon are shadows. And the cool thing is that you can nam them yourself, so they suit you.
You start out with 2 pokemon, but as youi snag more you will end up with a lot more! The only thing that isn't cool is Battle Mode.You have to have
1. a gameboy advance
2. a link cable
3. either pokemon shappire, or pokemon fire
Me or any of myfriends, don't have those games so we can't battle.(wahh!!!)
But otherwise then that this game rocks! And I think that any pokemon fan, or even people who are just experincing it should buy this game!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pretty cool game
This game is very fun even for me because i stopped playin pokemon games for like 1 year but this was really fun. The graphics to me look really cool like when your pokemon evolve.

There are good points and bad points i shall tell u about. The bad part is the people dont actually talk just the transcript comes. Also its strange because u can only catch "specific pokemon" not the ones you want to catch. You can only snag specific pokemon. And if u miss it u cant try to catch it again and that means no ho-oh!!!!!!!!!!

Now i prefer you save before goin to any of the main pple like miror b or dakim because dakim has entei! For pokemon lovers this game is really cool.

Good parts are well its really fun and addictive oh ya i forgot to tell u about group battle. You need a gameboy advance or sp and that pak!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! which is pretty sad. It looks cool on the ads and it is cool but its not wat i expected but its stil fun. There are only 48 pokemon which u can snag in the game. Even in like ruby or sapphire or any of those games there are like 150 pokemon. A pretty cool game.

Good, but could've been better
As a long time Pokemon fan I was slightly dissapointed by this game, I mean it was good, but I think it should've been 2 games. The part I enjoyed the most (the actuall "Colosseum" part), with the battle mountian and stadium, I think could've had a few more features if it had been a game by itself. The 100 trainer knock out challenge, with your Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Fire Red, Leaf Green, or Story Mode pokemon, is the funnest aspect of the game. The Story Mode could have been better, quite frankly, I'd expected a little more from the first 3D pokemon RPG. The whole concept of "snagging" pokemon from trainers, and then purifying them is a little lacking, and doesn't work as well as catching wild pokemon. It would have been better if there had been more pokemon to choose from, there weren't a whole lot of good pokemon to snag. The best pokemon in the game are your starters, espeon and umbreon. Also, it's hard to have all you're pokemon at high levels by the time of the final battle; because they can't go up any levels before they are purified, and that takes awhile! If I were to re-do Story Mose, I'd stick soley with espeon and umbreon the whole game! Another thing I'd like to note is that all battles in Story mode are double battles (where you use 2 pokemon at once), which isn't nessearely a bad thing. It's not that Story Mode isn't fun, I just didn't feel it lived up to its Gameboy counterparts. I'm eager to see if the newely annouced sequel to Colosseum, currently titled: Pokemon XD, Dark Winds Dark Lugia, does a better job than Colosseum. I have heard that there will be a wider range of pokemon to snag, that's a start. In this new game, it seems you will start with a Lv.5 eevee (the un-evloved form of espeon and umbreon, as well as flareon, jolteon, and vaporeon), it seems you will probably get to pick your "eon" this time. Anyway, bottom line is, if you're a pokemon fan, I recommed getting Coloseum, it's great to see your Gameboy pokemon battling on the 100 trainer challenge, and it is an experiance to play a pokemon RPG in 3D. Overall, it really is a good game. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Gamecube (Game Cube, Game-cube)    3. Action    4. Adventure   

Reviews (2)

The Best Game I Own, but for Hardcore Fans Only
You better know your stuff before you plan on purchasing this game and make sure you know 2-4 people who know more than they should as well about the Star Wars universe. Some of these questions are extremely tough and there are very few easy ones. I used to play the Decipher Star Wars card game, so my memory of those cards actually helped me a lot with remembering certain characters that were barely mentioned in the films. This is a truly great game that we knowledgeable Star Wars fans finally deserve.

If you're a Star Wars fan, this is fun
There's nothing like getting together with fellow Star Wars fans and play this special version of Trivial Pursuit. It's great! It's just like the old Trivial Pursuit with, of course, questions only about Star Wars. When you try for a wedge, however, you have to resort to one of two DVDs that come with the game for the question. If you don't answer the question in the time limit given, your oponents can shout out the right answer - as long as they don't have the wedge - and possibly steal it from you. If you like the classic Trivial Pursuit and you happen to be a Star Wars fan and you have a couple like-minded friends or family members, this is a lot of fun and definitely worth the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Trivia   

Features

• Comes with a free carrying case from ALS
• Just like the classic Nintendo Entertainment System
• Features the classic games Super Mario Brothers, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, and ExciteBike
• Comes with headphones designed exclusively for the GBA SP
• Game Boy Advance SP Classic bundle

Reviews (3)

Gameboy advanced sp
this toy is really fun and I don't know what durable means but this toy is awsome

WOW
This kit really makes me wish I would have waited to get my SP...The classic NES design on the SP is outstanding and the games that come included are some of the best games that I have ever played...Overall this is a great package :)

Animaniacs Jammer
I think the game boy Advance sp-platinum is a great progranmed for allto play. my two boys love playing all the game on there have. Iam think about geting the game boy advavce sp flame. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Consoles   

Reviews (56)

Kids love it
We aren't ready for a regular pool so we got this for our girls.They love it.They have to be reminded not to hang on the sides but loved how deep it is because they can move around but also swim underwater. The only suggestion I have is fill the air ring and let it sit overnight before filling.We had a hole.We didn't know it until the next morning when we had filled it with the water.We were not about to go through the expense of refilling it, that's alot of water!So we just pumped on a daily basis to keep it up until it really started going down at the end of the summer.We couldn't find the leak which was frustrating.However we purchased the extended warranty so weren't worried.When we returned it we were actually still under manufacturers warranty and the company was great.We sent the required pieces back and recieved the new pool in no time.You have to love company support like that.
I really recommend this for those who can't afford or desire a regular pool.

What about holes???
I'm surprised that no one else has had a problem with holes!It's a little hard to locate a hole in the top of a swimming pool.If you try to put it under water, all of the water comes out.You could walk around with a spray bottle, but that's like finding a needle in a haystack!I spent $100.00 on one of these pools and had to throw it away at the end of the summer.Also, no one has mentioned anything about rain.Several times our pool would fill up so high that ALL of the water would overflow onto the ground.This wouldn't happen with a metal pool.It seems like these "Easy Pool Sets" are taking over all of the stores, and it's almost impossible to find a metal pool, unless you want to spend $1,000.00 or more!

Fuuun!!!
Oh, i love this pool, it`s sooo big. You just got to buy it!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Outdoor Play    2. Pools   

Editorial Review

Similar to its LeapPad sibling, this electronic book comes with a permanently attached interactive "magic pen" that works like a handheld computer mouse pointer. Kids place a paper book and its compatible cartridge into the Quantum Pad, then use the pen to hear word pronunciations and definitions, answer quiz questions, play games, and more. Geared specifically for students, the Quantum Pad comes with one book (others are sold separately) that has a sampling of every subject: math, geography, science, history, and language arts. Also included is a parent guide that explains how to set up the book properly and download additional content. This 15-by-12-inch learning aid shuts like a laptop for better portability, has volume control, and even offers a headphone jack for quiet play. Four AA batteries are required but not included. All LeapPad books are compatible with the Quantum Pad system. --Pam Lauer ... Read more

Reviews (54)

It's very educational
I love this toy becuase it is very educational.I never had problems with it at all. It definitly durable. I play with it all the time

a fun and wonderful learning tool...
I bought this about a year or so ago for my daughter--she still "plays" with it regularly.The quantum pad books are targeted for older kids but my younger children also enjoy playing with them.My daughter has about 8 quantum books, and enjoys every single one of them.

My *main* concern was when I was deciding to purchase this or not was:

-durability (it's well made)
-diversity of books and contents (lots of books to choose from, it does take the regular leap pad books too.Also, lots of different interesting facts on the books--not boring at all.)
-battery consumption (no problem there either--I've only had to change it once--maybe twice--in the past year)

After I bought this, I bought 'my first leappad' for my youngest...and he enjoys it so much.Right now I'm searching for a good deal on the "Leappad plus writing" (possibly the one 'with microphone')--that's how much I like the leappad 'system'--the children get hours and hours of fun and learning.The price is worth it, in my opinion... :0) --actually, you can even find my husband and/or me playing with this too :0)

--my only gripe with this system is the quantum pad bag (sold separately)--it doesn't hold a lot of books (it's made for 4 book and 4 cartridge)--but my daughter squeezed all 8 in hers :0)

no books to find for kindergardeners
The book is supposed to be great...so long as you can find accessories to it.And that is a hassle--no books for kindergardeners to find anywhere [...] What was the point of spending [...] to purchase the station if there are no books to use it with? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Reading    3. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    4. Electronic    5. Alphabet   

Editorial Review

Mighty indeed! This Tonka backhoe is aptly named. Riding high above the ground (11 inches) on large, rugged tires (4.5 inches indiameter), it's constructed of heavy-duty steel and durable plastic. Realistically styled after a full-size backhoe, it has a long steel arm for digging deep or scooping up rocks and dirt. The backhoe can swivel a full 360 degrees on the truck bed, making it easy to load dirt into other trucks or get to those hard-to-reach rock piles. There's a sure-grip handle on the side of the arm for lifting and lowering, and another handle at the base of the arm lets the "driver" extend or retract the work bucket for scooping and dumping. The backhoe sits on strong steel axles that have been tested with a 50-pound load. With a lifetime guarantee to back it up, the Mighty Backhoe is built to withstand all the rough play your kids can dish out. --Chris Burns ... Read more

Reviews (14)

But .....its not a backhoe.
It looks like a cool toy, but it really isn't anything like a backhoe you would normally see on a construction site.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backhoe
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Cat-backhoe-loader07.jpg

Built Strong for Hours of Play
We purchased the Tonka Mighty Backhoe and the Tonka Mighty Dump Truck for my son for Christmas this year.As a child, I had numerous Tonka trucks, and I can remember how much fun I had playing with them.Although plastic has replaced some of the parts that used to be steel, these trucks are still built strong for hours of fun play, either indoors or outdoors.As for the backhoe, it has a strongly-built cab and handles for the child to hold on to while operating the backhoe.This is an improvement from when I was a child.The backhoe bends in two places, so picking up small objects is very easy.The wheels are made of a sturdy plastic.I highly recommend this fun toy.Combine it with another Tonka vehicle to give your child hours of construction fun.

My 3 year old grandson loves favorite trucks
I bought the backhoe, dump truck and the back loader and recently purchase the crane for him.He takes them everywhere he goes. His father takes him to see the real ones at work and he know what each one is called.

They are very durable.Great trucks. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Vehicles    2. Construction Vehicles    3. Preschool    4. Push and Pull Toys    5. Die-Cast