Editorial Review

Many high-tech toys start with a fun and fascinating idea only to make it frustratingly complicated in the execution. Leave it to LEGO to make a technologically advanced toy fun to play with. The enormous 718-piece LEGO Mindstorms Robotic Invention System lets you construct a variety of moving robot vehicles and then program them from your Windows 98- or Windows Me-compatible computer. The robots are all based around a bright yellow basic unit, which serves as the functional heart of whatever is being built. The brick receives commands from the computer via an infrared tower unit. The computer interface is incredibly user-friendly and intuitive. What's most impressive about the system, however, is the variety of robots that can be built. There are detailed instructions for each one, and since these are LEGOs, builders are free to come up with an endless variety. --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (76)

rocks
This toy rocks!!!!!!!!! you get to build a robot, program it, and add sensors!!!!!!!!!!!!

Invention, Robotics, Computer Programming
If you want your child to take the steps necessary to prosper in the future, this is the kit to purchase.

The kids of my generation had telescopes, microscopes and chemistry sets.We only could dream of building and programming a functioning robot!

It truly will create a positive mindstorm in your child !!

Windows XP fix
With regard to users having problems using this kit with windows XP.The dreaded freeze problem will only occur on computers using hyper thread processers.(...)

Save this zip file to your harddrive.You should have previously installed the mindstorms software and the USB tower.Unplug your USB tower, restart your machine and follow the installation instructions.The freeze issue should now be a thing of the past. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Electronic    4. Motors    5. Robotics   

Editorial Review

Honk! Honk! It's gridlock and the little red car can't move.The player is a traffic cop in the Rush Hour Traffic Jam Puzzle wherethe objective is to get the red car off the road. To play, pick one of40 challenge cards; solutions are printed on the back of each card.Then set up the cars and buses in a specified pattern on the6-inch-square road grid. Move the vehicles one by one (obey those trafficlaws!) until the red car can escape the traffic jam. There are fourlevels of difficulty. Kids can alternate turns with another player orjust "play in traffic" alone. The game from Binary Arts received anational award from Mensa and is used in elementary school mathclasses. The design includes clear instructions printed on the sturdybox, which can be used both as a playing tray and for storage. The gamecards stow away in a drawer in the road grid. This is a 1999 Parents'Choice recommended toy. --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Reviews (96)

Excellent intelligent game for all ages !!
Games has a simple objective -- get the Red car out of traffice. And boy! it is difficult and changelling at higher level. Set up the *cars* as described in cards and figure out a way to get the Red Car out.The best thing is complexity raange from very easy to very hard. So it captures kids interests and provides the extra incentive to move to the next level !!

Simple rules -- once you have placed the cars on the Grid, you can only move them forward or backward.

A great addition to this game is "Rush Hour 2, 3 and 4 Gift Pack" for less than $12/-. Each set has 40 cards or in total 120 different levels. The highest level is really really difficult. Meant for the "Pros" only !!!

Awesome Game!!
I first encountered this game at a friends house while I was house-sitting, and I tell you...without it, I think I would have lost mt mind!It is basic yet challenging all at the same time...and it really is for all ages!Since I bought it off amazon.com, my niece and my father-in-law have both enjoyed the thrill of playing Rush Hour.I would strongly recommend this game for anyone who thinks they would be too good for this game...cause they won't be!!

Great fun and awesome game!!!
My husband and I gave this game to our daughter for Christmas. When she first unwrapped the present she looked uninterested. Later that day she pulled it out and asked what it was about. We got it out and tried it out. Instantly she was hooked as was I. This game is really a great game, but it is also a wonderful educational product. It truly teaches thinking skills and as a homeschool parent I can truly appreciate that. I highly recommend this for anyone regardless of where or how your children are schooled!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Board Games    2. Family Favorites    3. Puzzles    4. 3-D Puzzles    5. Strategy Games    6. Brain Teasers    7. Activity    8. Games    9. Grid Games    10. Brain Games    11. Learning   

Reviews (1)

Tooting in the Tub
My 6 and 9 year old boys both love this toy. They usually take showers now because they're big boys but the first day we had the flutes they both spent about 2 hours in the tub. The song book pages are laminated so they won't fall apart if they fall in the water. I even heard my husband trying them out, so they were a big hit in the house. I'm going to get the water drums for them for Christmas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Music    4. Musical Instruments    5. Wacky    6. Activity    7. Preschool    8. Bath Toys   

Features

• The Supreme Edition Collector's Life Size Yoda Replica with base.
• This 26 inch tall Yoda replica looks and feels like the real thing.
• A truly amazing piece.
• Green lightsaber comes detached and needs to be secured with adhesive (not included).

Reviews (3)

Real thing?
How can this "look and feel like the real thing"?To what would Toys R Us be comparing it?

Great Collectible
The picture does not do this item justice.The actual item is not that glossy in reality and the color is closer to the films.I have the first life-sized Yoda from Illusive Originals which was made out of latex and based on the original trilogy.That's a nice piece but it deteriorated rapidly and I had to have it restored.This is made out of a far more durable foam that has been hardened with real clothes on.I only give it 2 stars for durability because it is a display only item.It has had some slight problems with paint chipping off even with limited handling but 2 moves.It still looks terrific and is one of my favorite pieces in my vast collection.

life-size,thatsawesome!!!!!!!!!!!!
i love, yoda, and i always wanted to get one. it's so cool. it even comes w/ a lightrsaber!!!!!!!!!
a definete must buy! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Ever wish you could see into the future? If you answered"without a doubt" or "signs point to yes," you are in luck. It is easyto get a sneak preview into the future with Mattel's Magic 8 Ball. Takeall the guesswork out of finding the answers to life's more perplexingquestions. Yes, this is the same Magic 8 Ball you remember from thepast, and it is just as reliable as ever. If you don't get the resultsyou are after, you can always "ask again later!" --Alison Golder ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Boring, stupid questions
It's obvious that 8 balls suck, it's just some random answers that may not be true; or you could get a repetitive question and does no more but to waste your time over un-true questions.

If a robotic company invented a talking 8 ball with no random questions and can be your pal as a lie detector, than that one I like..

Wish I got this MUCH sooner
When my parents questioned me a few weeks ago about my finances, I knew I was in trouble.
I had missed 7 car payments and they had wondered how I let that happen. I told them about how I consult my psychic before I purchase anything. They looked upset, very upset. My psychic hasn't been making good decisions lately, so that's how I was in so much trouble.
When they asked how much my psychic charges, I let them know, she is $35 for a 10 minute session. And, I do have to advise her a lot because I make a lot of purchases.

To help my financial status, my parents gave me one of these to cut down on psychic fees.
Believe it or not, the 8 Ball is actually more accurate than my previous psychic, Helga The Unbeleivable!

I have done very well for myself since I got my 8 Ball and now I think I might be able to buy those buttock implants I've been looking to get for a few years now!

FUN,FUN, AND MORE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this toy is the best toy ive ever gotten!!! The magic 8 ball knows all!I love it!I just got it today and i know i could play with it for countless hours!!!all my friends love it and i ask silly questions too!If u want a great toy come to toys r us and start askin questins!Its also low prise!i love it and ull love it too!
... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Wacky    3. Balls    4. Grownup   

Reviews (18)

Excellent "intelligent" game for all ages !!
Games has a simple objective -- get the Red car out of traffice. And boy! it is difficult and changelling at higher level. Set up the *cars* as described in cards and figure out a way to get the Red Car out.The best thing is complexity raange from very easy to very hard. So it captures kids interests and provides the extra incentive to move to the next level !!

Simple rules -- once you have placed the cars on the Grid, you can only move them forward or backward.

A great addition to this game is "Rush Hour 2, 3 and 4 Gift Pack" for less than $12/-. Each set has 40 cards or in total 120 different combinations are possible. The highest level is really really difficult. Meant for the "Pros" only !!!

Challenging and fun
This game is a real attention-grabber for my 5 year old. Keeps him busy and quiet--great for me, too! :)

A game help children learn to use their minds!
I bought this game for my 5 yr old.She loves it and is challenged by the game.Even some of her older cousins enjoyed playing with it over the holidays. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 3-D Puzzles    2. Brain Teasers    3. Activity    4. Games    5. Strategy Games    6. Learning    7. Board Games    8. Family Favorites    9. Brain Games    10. Puzzles   

Editorial Review

This is a strategy game with a twist--if you lose, you'relunch. You've taken your trusty Safari Rover deep into the bush; nowmaneuver it through the maze of hungry animals and get back to camp inone piece. An 8-by-7.25-inch plastic game tray forms a kind of grid foryour vehicle and the 3-D plastic animal pieces (including elephants,rhinos, and a termite mound). Draw one of 50 cards (10 of which areextra-easy, for younger players) to determine the initial board setup.Then move pieces, according to strict rules, to make your escapethrough the only exit. A cloth bag for all the game pieces is included.--Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Fun but bulky
Our family truly enjoys the Rush Hour game and tried this one as well - it is bigger and bulkly and convenient for travel.I alos find the puzzles to be a bit easier.The pieces don't slide as well as Rush Hour.

Good toy for everyone
I knew this game at a friend's house and love it even I was 30 already at that time.I bought several when I went back to visit my family and they all love it.When I told my mom that I would give my brother's 1st grad boy a set, she told me he won't like it since he doesn't like the brain games.But he loves it soon after my sister explain to him the rules and he enjoys to do it.My little one, almost 23 months old now, likes those animals and loves to put all of those animals to the board one by one and kind of learn the size and arrange the place.It's not only for 8 and up.

Great game; an attention grabber
I bought this for my 6 year old. She played with it for an hour the first time.It is a game she can play solo. After using the Junior cards, she went on to the beginner. She is still progressing.This is a great thinking game. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Wild Animals    3. Learning    4. Games    5. Board Games    6. Family Favorites    7. Brain Games    8. Puzzles    9. 3-D Puzzles    10. Strategy Games    11. Brain Teasers    12. Activity   

Subjects:  1. Action Figures    2. Movies    3. Collectible Action Figures   

Reviews (1)

Excellent "intelligent" game for all ages !!
Games has a simple objective -- get the Red car out of traffice. And boy! it is difficult and changelling at higher level. Set up the *cars* as described in cards and figure out a way to get the Red Car out.The best thing is complexity raange from very easy to very hard. So it captures kids interests and provides the extra incentive to move to the next level !!

Simple rules -- once you have placed the cars on the Grid, you can only move them forward or backward.

A great addition to this game is "Rush Hour 2, 3 and 4 Gift Pack" for less than $12/-. Each set has 40 cards or in total 120 different combinations are possible. The highest level is really really difficult. Meant for the "Pros" only !!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Games    3. Board Games    4. Family Favorites    5. Brain Games    6. Puzzles    7. 3-D Puzzles    8. Travel Games    9. Strategy Games    10. Brain Teasers    11. Activity   

Editorial Review

You are about to begin a new amazing hobby that is sofantastic it staggers the imagination! You will create instant life!Single-handedly, you will give rise to the world's only living,breathing, instant pets--live sea monkeys! The instruction book for theSea Monkeys Ocean Zoo is an entertaining read, packed with enthusiasticrevelations about those ubiquitous brine shrimp from yourcomic-book-reading days. They're fascinating creatures, able to live up to a yearor more, reproduce ("dozens of adorable babies!"), even "performtricks" in their 5.75-inch magnifier-studded "Micro Vue" aquarium. Thekit comes with shrimp eggs, food, plasma, a water purifier, and ahandbook. Just add pure water. A great set of pets for a smallishdomicile, they'd also make a scintillating science project. Plus,they're just plain fun! --Julie Ubben ... Read more

Reviews (62)

great item
Sea Monkeys are the best! They are so easy to raise! It only takes about a day to prepare the tank! Speaking of tank, the tank is so cool! It has a flip light, and lots and lots of magnifiers.



Sea monkeys are great for kids who are allergic to fur. Be careful to not spill the tank! And remember to feed your fine little friends!

Entertaining and Fun
Before I begin, please note that this is from an eleven year old's point of view.
Sea Monkeys are really great! They are perfect for kids who aren't allowed to have furry animals.
Sea Monkeys Ocean of Light comes with exactly the following-no more, no less:

-aquarium with flip light
-instructions in a variety of languages
-water purifier pouch
-instant egg pouch
-growth food pouch
-plasma III pouch
-food and egg spoon

The kit is great for starters who don't wan't to get too fancy-just using what you need. The tank is really great, with the light and built in magnifiers, but beware that the lid is EXTREMELY loose. For those who don't know, Plasam III is some powder that will make your sea-monkey babies grow faster.
The instruction booklet has its ups and downs. It's packed with advice and science facts are crammed in, making it fun. However, the box clearly states that it has a 32 page booklet, in full color, but I did not find any.
I took one star away because the kit was simply not enough for a serious beginner trainer. For instance, an Aqua-Leash will let you transport your critters from one place to another, and the Million Bubble Air Pump is a handy device in which it pumps air. I was slightly dissapointed when I did not find either in the kit. But, I went onto the official sea-monkey website, www.sea-monkeys.com, where they sell the leash and the pump, plus other great stuff. Go on there to buy and to get valuable customer care information.
All in all, the Ocean of Light is really a pretty good kit, and sea-monkeys are the BEST and easiest to raise!

"IDidn't really get it but i had some thing like it"


It was really cool waching the sea monkey's swiming in the water it wasn't much of a problem feeding them either it was a fun thing to look at and past the time.I think my parent's will buy this for me again.I think this gift would be a scientific experiece for any child.Tip:keep younger kids away if they arent smart they'll think its a glass of water and drink it.
... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Learning    3. Science    4. Animals   

Reviews (1)

Very nice
I purchased this lamp for my son without a lot of information available....it was a very nice surprise.It is the perfect night light (not very bright).It simulates Spider-Man jumping from building to building while light escapes through the city building windows from inside.Very cute ... Read more

Editorial Review

With five levels of play, from junior to expert, Railroad RushHour offers a challenge for kids and grownups alike. The puzzle consists of a sturdy plastic grid, 40 puzzle cards (with solutions on the back) for ages 8 and older, 10 junior challenge cards for ages 6 to 8, 17 brightly colored blocking trains, two blocking baggage platforms, a blue-and-white striped travel pouch, and "you," the little red escape locomotive. Trains are placed on the grid as indicated on each puzzle card. The object is to steer your escape locomotive through the freight yard and out the exit gate indicated. You can warm up your problem-solving skills by getting the puzzle out of the box. All aboard for fun! --Alison Golder ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Railroad Rush Hour - new moves, new pieces, great fun!
Like Rush Hour, Railroad Rush Hour has you "escaping" the traffic jam... this time in the railroad yard, where the traffic can include rail cars and cargo.Rearrange the pieces to get the engine out.

40 challanges included; nylon bag stores pieces when not in use.Larger than Rush Hour pieces makes this puzzle easier to handle for eager young solvers.And with the new pieces, the challanges are all new and different, even for Rush Hour lovers!

Teriffic fun, great value
This game really is great.My autistic 11-year-old gets
a good mental challenge and feeling of accomplishment out of it,
and I have fun as well.My only negative comment is regarding
travel.We've taken it on many plane trips, and it's great
because it fits in a small area to play as well as store, but
it has a lot of small parts (duh! :-), and they are easy to lose
track of when travelling.So be vigilant, and find all those
train cars when putting it away! :-)

Railroad rush hour - a great game for all
This is a fabulous game for people of all ages.Even little kids can play the easy cards.The harder ones can be very engrossing for adults.My son started playing it when he was 4 years old. I have also given it to somebody as a present for their 40th birthday.I recommend it for anybody who wants a bit of a mental challenge. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Puzzles    2. 3-D Puzzles    3. Strategy Games    4. Brain Teasers    5. Activity    6. Games    7. Grid Games    8. Brain Games    9. Learning    10. Board Games    11. Family Favorites   

Subjects:  1. Cards    2. Playing Cards    3. Wacky    4. Activity    5. Games    6. Card Games   

Reviews (1)

nice surprise
I ordered this for my son's 6th birthday.From the picture it's hard to see many of the details- but when we turned it on it was so neat!The entire scene rotates around the lamp with several different dinos pictured and the background light looks realistic.I was very impressed and he was ecstatic! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Sea Monkey Fun
Thought a review in english would be appreciated!Very easy to set up - and easy to care for.Really cool to see how they hatch immediately and grow so quickly.They don't resemble the grinning illustration on the packaging ,of course, but still cool.And easier to keep than most pets!Very inexpensive introduction to science, and even my four year old is very interested.Hard to find extras like food though.Great value!

Por Favor: enseñen esto a sus crios!!!
La maravillosa expectación que creaba hasta los años 70's ver como estos bichos cobraban vida y la necesidad de cuidarlos diariamente y ver como crecian y encontrar entre ellos a un favorito era una experiencia que ignoro por que se ha perdido entre otros maravillosos placeres lúdicos de la edad infantil; recomiendo muchísimo a los padres, tíos y abuelos que regalen y luego acompañen a sus pequeños en la aventura de los "Sea Monkeys"; que aunque eso, el cuidado diario de una mascota discreta y fascinante sea su legado. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science   

Reviews (18)

Sea Monkeys worked for me
My daughter (aged 7) was given a Sea Monkeys starter pack for her birthday. I was the one who read the instructions and started off the whole process of growing them. I used tap water (though Scottish tap water might be fairly pure) and didn't do anything outside of what the instructions told me. Within a week, we could see the teensiest evidence of /something/ inside the tank. The instructions were very specific about aeration, and I've been diligent about it since discovering signs of life. The result - one month later, we've got a thriving colony of about 40 Sea Monkeys and they are very entertaining and meditational to watch. I think they must be breeding, because there are several tiny Sea Monkeys swimming around. I would say that the current instructions included with Sea Monkeys emphasize the aeration element strongly enough, but that is THE key to enjoying a durable Sea Monkey colony. BTW, the method I use is to pour the contents of the tank into a jug then back into the tank, maybe 6-8 times each day (I don't have Million Bubbles). You can be quite coarse about this task, as that seems to introduce more oxygen to the water and they seem to be hardy little critters. Keep the tank light, but not in direct sunlight and don't overfeed them (if the tank gets cloudy, you've given them too much food), then I'm sure you'll create a healthy batch.

What are sea monkeys anyway?
My dad bought me a sea monkeys kit when I was really young. I fed them every week and waited so patiently for something to appear. Nothing ever did though. It was very disappointing. Sometimes I would look really hard to see them but I just couldn't. I became convinced that they were really there, but were just too small to be seen. They seemed to be more like imaginary pets (like kids have imaginary friends). What are sea monkeys anyway? Are they real? Maybe I'll try it again someday.

SEA MONKEYS ROCK, TOTALLY!
I love my sea monkeys to death! I asked for these other type of sea creatures like sea monkeys for christmas but instead I got sea monkeys, at first I was really dissapointed, but as I hatched my sea monkeys and watched them grow, I couldn't imagine buying anything else!They are really a good tutor for responsibility and pet ownership, my parents would never let me get a cat, or dog, or something else, so I use my sea monkeys as an alternative and as proof that I am responsible and can take care of a pet. I have just one tip: never place your sea monkeys near a stove or hot kitchen utensil. My friend got sea monkeys a long time ago and while her mom was cooking in the kitchen, she accidentally knocked the sea monkeys over into the hot blazes of the burners. SHE LITERALLY FRIED THEM TO DEATH! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science   

Subjects:  1. Electronic    2. Interactive    3. Walking    4. Talking    5. Noise-Making   

Editorial Review

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello spread their jollity all over war-time America, and on through the 50s. They are remembered for one act in particular: "Who’s On First?"The skit was as much a classic as the pastime it spoofed: baseball. When you press the red button on this collectible figure set, the original skit runs a full six minutes, re-enacted line-by-line by the duo. The electronic Bud and Lou (13-inches tall, including the added heightof the pitcher’s mound they stand on) talk to each other as they gesture with their mouths, heads and arms. It’s quite a spectacle. The manufacturer calls it "synchro-motion," this coordination between their realistic motions and the spoken words. It makes a great novelty gift or party accessory, especially for older folks, perhaps. The figure comes with an AC cord, but if you want to hit a homerun with friends at work, just insert 4 "AA" batteries, and let ‘em fly. --Diane Beall ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electronic    2. Interactive    3. Walking    4. Talking    5. Noise-Making   

Subjects:  1. Wacky