Category: Toys & Games

LEGO 75267 STAR WARS: MANDALORIAN BATTLE PACK (LEGO Set)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

As part of LEGO Star Wars’ Winter 2020 wave, the battle pack seeks to capitalize on the success of the Disney+ hit TV series, The Mandalorian. This set contains 102 pieces, instructions, and four mini-figures. The recommended age range is for ages six and up.

REVIEW:

Though none of the Mandalorians are actually named, the figures themselves have great detailing. All four have exclusive printing on the torso, legs, capes, and helmets to make each one seem unique. There is also an add-on pack of accessories to add to each of the four helmets. This small set also sports four stud shooting blasters for the Mandalorians to use and two builds. First is a rock base dugout for the mini-figures to hide in, with a spot to place a stud shooter. This makes a nice side build; plus, it’s all on a small plate, making it sturdy and easy to transport.

The other build is a speeder bike with two stud shooters on the sides and mismatching colors. Its rugged look is actually nice and offers a reasonable size, as compared to most speeders and bikes LEGO produces. The stud shooters and its flexibility to experiment with pieces offer a great experience for kids, too!

There is definitely value in this set, but the problem lies with the mini-figures. For a set that is meant to be an army builder, the presence of four completely different mini-figures detracts from the purpose of this set. For people looking to get just one of this set, that notion works, too. It’s just that these Mandos aren’t named characters.

From an adult perspective, this battle pack doesn’t cut it, but the play features and a mix-and-match style should make the set a definite hit with kids. Overall, for fans seeking a remake of the Mandalorian Battle Pack from The Clone Wars, or The Mandalorian from the TV series, they are available as separate sets. This particular pack is great for those kids who aren’t collectors, or those who really couldn’t care less who is hiding under the helmets.

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

LEGO 70913 LEGO BATMAN MOVIE: SCARECROW FEARFUL FACE-OFF (LEGO Set)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2017 as part of The LEGO Batman Movie, this set contains 141 pieces, two mini-figures, and an instruction manual. It’s recommended for ages 6 and up.

REVIEW:

Though not playing a major role in the movie, Scarecrow and his chopper serve as an easy way to pick up this bad guy in a relatively small set. He has two faces, foot printing, and arm printing – it’s a testament that LEGO actually does in fact put effort into sets that aren’t 1,000+ pieces. Batman is nice, too, but, due to having a glider piece, the Dark Knight can’t wear the new belt piece that appeared in other sets from the line. Instead, this Batman comes with a torso released in 2012, which is frankly a detriment to this set. However, Batman boasts a brand new head piece based off the movie and is packing a nice-looking grapple gun, too!

This set comes with two builds: 1. Scarecrow’s helicopter and 2. scenery from the Gotham City Gas Facility early on in the movie. For the gyrocopter, there are stickers on the sides – the detailing is nice, but pre-printing them would have been better. On the back flap, it still has a great design and look, except for the stud shooters on the sides. Stud shooters are meant to be loose, but the fear toxin bombs slip out too easily. It’s not too bad, but, with those fear toxin bombs attached, the copter is a pain to transport. For the other small build, it too features more stickers and a nice sleek look. There’s another play feature that acts as a catapult to launch a third fear toxin bomb up into the air, but it doesn’t work all that well.

For a set this small, it really does rise up to the occasion. A nice Batman figure, an amazing Scarecrow, and two builds in such a small package really shows how much effort LEGO poured into The LEGO Batman Movie line.

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

LEGO MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

LEGO 76129 SPIDER-MAN: HYDRO-MAN ATTACK (LEGO Set)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

This Marvel set was released in the Spring wave of LEGO sets in 2019. The set contains 471 pieces, four mini-figures, and an instruction booklet. It’s recommended for ages 7+

REVIEW:

Starting with the mini-figures, this one comes with Peter Parker, Mary Jane, Mysterio, and Hydro-Man. While he’s not Spider-Man, Peter Parker has a pretty generic look beyond an open jacket revealing his Spider-Man suit. He wears a cap that acts as a pulled-up version of his mask. For Mary Jane, her exclusive piece is her head, which looks on point — with two faces to choose from.

Mysterio is the most common, but he is also the most detailed figure of them. Specifically, it’s the amazing printing on the torso, legs, and feet. His cape is the newer fabric material, and his bowl piece is removable, leaving a silver head. Hydro-Man is actually a great figure, too, with a mix of different blues to imagine that he is living water. He also comes with a brick-built base that he can just stand in to make it look as if he is riding a wave. Overall, these are great figures, with Peter, MJ, and Hydro-Man all being exclusive to this set and coming with exclusive pieces.

As for the main build, it’s littered with detail and play features to appease both older and younger builders. Starting with the bridge, it is a study design with a great look and holes to pop Spidey’s webs into. Under the bridge is space to fit a black gondola, which comes with an oar. The boat has lots of space to move, and both the bridge and gondola don’t feel crammed.

As for the other section of this build, there are more holes to put webs into. The tower uses great build techniques, but it doesn’t have any real play features. There is also a coffee shop, which can be accessed from the side of the build. Inside there is a basic interior to accommodate a mini-figure and a coffee dispenser. There’s not lots of space to play, but it’s a nice touch. The table and chairs have a lever off to the side that can be pushed to send someone overboard!

For LEGO Spider-Man fans, this package works as a playset and for display purposes.

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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LEGO BATMAN {Remastered} (PLAYSTATION 3)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY/STORY:

Released in 2008 by Warner Bros. and produced by TT Games, this adaptation of the Dark Knight would be one of the first games from TT Games and its first to star Batman. The game would drop at various points throughout 2008 depending on the territory. The story itself is pretty simple. Taking inspiration from many sources, the kid-friendly storyline, therefore, is unique when matched up against almost any other LEGO game.

There are three mini-stories for not only the Dynamic Duo, but there’s another three for the villains. The good thing about not having an ongoing plot is that it’s easier to couch co-op with friends. The downside, however, is a lack of urgency to play this classic for hours on end, like most other addictive video games.

Note: Popularity of this game’s original release has led to two (and counting) sequel games, as well as the direct-to-DVD/big-screen film franchise.

ENGINE/GAMEPLAY:

All things considered, the LEGO engine has remained the same since TT games’ masterpiece in LEGO Star Wars I to newer installments of LEGO gaming. There are still four hearts of health; the ability to be a single-person or dual-player game at all times; there’s no online capabilities. But why should it change? LEGO Batman’s success is one of the reasons why the simplistic formula has stayed the same for so long — because it works!

Quirky Bat-humor, puzzles, combat, music cues, and story twists all make the gameplay, though sometimes tedious, a fun experience for kids and adults alike. Collectibles such as gold bricks, red bricks, mini-kits, civilians in peril, and the true hero/villain bar still remain an intricate part in LEGO gaming today. An upside is that this PS3 saves games-in-progress, etc. much better than its PS2 counterpart having to rely on possibly glitchy memory cards.

Disappointingly, players can only use Batman & Robin in the story mode for every single hero mission. Hence, all fifteen times that you suit up – it’s with the Dynamic Duo. However, there’s something fun about the villain levels, though, as a new character introduced in every level. That same character then becomes unlocked for future use. All of this aside, there are unique aspects to this game that other franchises don’t have. Tons of new puzzles were introduced into this game — thanks to Batman & Robin both getting around in eight different alternate outfits (players can choose which to use, each with specific abilities).

Need to blow something up? Batman and his array of Bat-bombs have you covered. Want to go swimming in the deep end with Killer Croc? Robin has the necessary diving suit. As cool as it would be to get more Bat-Family members involved, never before had we seen the same two characters get this many alternate outfits. Overall, this game is off the charts, when gauging the fun factor.

GRAPHICS:

Though upgraded from PS2, the graphics are still nothing special. The cartoony style resembles its predecessors, like Indiana Jones, at least on the surface. However, this game’s detailing just feels more immersive. The backgrounds and locations do feel straight out of Gotham City, with torn-up buildings and plenty of goons littering the streets. One difference between this game and newer LEGO games is that LEGO Batman isn’t nearly as glossy. It retains more of a nostalgic feel, which is always nice.

GAME MODE(S):

Outside of the main story, there are two bonus levels, where players have to reach 1,000,000 studs to complete. The only prize to earn is the ability to purchase the last six ‘fun facts’ and Ra’s al-Ghul in the game’s store. Frankly, though, the facts can just be googled. The parts to make Ra’s can be found in the create-a-mini-figure section of Arkham Asylum. It’s an feature consistent with from slightly older titles, such as Indiana Jones or Star Wars. The levels aren’t as fun as one might expect – at times, the intended obstacles really feel like an afterthought after playing. The levels themselves can become far more a chore than a challenge.

REVIEW:

Unlike its sequels, this game keeps its focus on Batman’s Gotham City, not the entire DC Universe. With a total of thirty levels, it remained the most levels of any LEGO game alongside Star Wars: The Complete Saga until 2016. For fifteen levels, players suit up as the Dynamic Duo in three mini-stories headlined by The Riddler, The Penguin, and The Joker, all with five levels each, before becoming the bad guys for another fifteen levels. In addition to the Dynamic Duo’s extra suits, the game includes 46 different characters, giving any player great background info on Batman’s rogues gallery.

Is this one of the best LEGO games out there? To most fans, it really isn’t. Is it even the best LEGO Batman game? Well, probably not that, either. Still, there’s a storyline that’s easy to follow, allowing players to casually jump in at any moment without losing track of what’s going on. In that sense, for anyone who wants to kill an hour to kill in Gotham with their buddy, this undemanding 2008 classic rocks.

BONUS FEATURES:

This particular release of LEGO Batman comes with a Blu-Ray of the 1989 Batman film. Borrowing some of the same Danny Elfman music cues, this version of the iconic video game is worth checking out, if only for some cool continuity.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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LEGO Movies & Television (Videos) STAR WARS-Related Toys & Games Video Games

LEGO STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA (PLAYSTATION 3)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY/STORY:

Originally released in 2007 worldwide, this LEGO game combines LEGO Star Wars I and LEGO Star Wars II, so the first two trilogies are now one video game. The game would be developed by TT Games and published by LucasArts. The game is entirely based off the first six Star Wars films.

ENGINE/GAMEPLAY:

Despite being TT Games’ first game as a company, this banger still manages to remain amongst the best in LEGO gaming history! Classic abilities, like using The Force, or trap doors for shorter characters, would come back. This game adds new abilities like a Force choke or Force lightning. Other goodies, like mini-kits, gold bricks, red bricks, true jedi, and other achievement markers are still a major element behind modern LEGO games too. Hence, this game is not only a great re-master of the original properties, but it’s an innovator influencing future LEGO gaming.

When it’s all said and done, this game isn’t as fluid as today’s games. Though revolutionary for that time, including having over 120 playable characters, this one just doesn’t cut it now. Well, at least for newer fans, that is. If someone played LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens and then this game, it’s a whole different experience. Sure, the new games are shinier, have actual dialogue, and other ‘classy’ exclusives, but such complexity can also be distracting. This game recognizes its original purpose for fans, and that’s to have fun!

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga is a nostalgia trip jam-packed with humor and action. It’s meant to make the game worth playing as a homage, rather than being immersed into a complete replica of the original movies. This depiction remains a great adaptation of the source material that appeases adult and kid fans alike.

GRAPHICS:

They’re not too great, at least when looking at it through today’s eyes. Still, the game looked good for its time. Like its original cinematic counterparts, LEGO Star Wars is great, even when rough around the edges. Yet, it doesn’t possess the clean-cut, almost theatrical feel that the newer LEGO games have – those games feel almost entirely different.

GAME MODE(S):

Aside from reliving the movies, there isn’t a whole lot else to do. Arcade modes like smashing things to reach 1,000,000 studs or a versus mode make for some nice features. They’re just not anything worth putting hours of effort into.

REVIEW:

With LEGO Star Wars I and II coming out a few years prior to this game, there wasn’t much to improve on. Well, so we all thought. The game is a near-complete remaster of the originals, while its gameplay remaining mostly the same. Some levels are edited or cut all together, but it’s still a faithful adaptation to its predecessors. At times, this game remains truly spectacular.

The downside is, without any input from newer programs (i.e. The Clone Wars or even The Old Republic), this Complete Saga feels noticeably outdated. It becomes even more so, with LEGO’s release of Force Awakens and the all-encompassing Skywalker Saga as a fresher, more contemporary PS4 take. It’s no wonder the classic Complete Saga has faded into a relic almost two console generations behind.

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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LEGO Movies & Television (Videos) STAR WARS-Related Toys & Games Video Games

LEGO STAR WARS III – THE CLONE WARS (PLAYSTATION 3)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY/STORY:

Coming out in 2011, this game would serve as a follow up-game to the first two released in the mid-2000’s. Specifically, this LEGO game focuses on the TV series The Clone Wars. This title was developed by TT Games and produced by LucasArts. It’s rated: everyone 10+. The game adapts both The Clone Wars movie and The Clone Wars TV series’ first and second seasons, as well as some later elements in the prequel trilogy.

For instance, the first level is based on the Geonosis arena scene from Episode II: Attack of the Clones. The main storyline splits up to three parts starring Ajaji Ventress, Count Dooku, and General Grievous. Each antagonist gets a few levels with an individual mini-story pieced together from movie scenes and TV episodes.

ENGINE/GAMEPLAY:

This game is just like the show — too complicated and overwhelming. It’s not a necessarily bad experience because Clone Wars at least challenges players. When was the last time that a LEGO game had 50+ battle droids on screen shooting at you? That aura that had been on the original games has been lost in the shuffle of a newer engine and new abilities. There are some good things, too, such as lightsaber throwing and new Force mechanics, but again, it just tends to over-complicate the gameplay. In that sense, the excessive tinkering takes the magic the original games had. Mini-kits, gold bricks, red bricks, and other staples of the franchise are present and still play a serviceable role.

The game’s new features would come as a culture shock to many fans, making it a scapegoat. It shows in many fans’ assessments. Gameplay features, such as splitting up players working alone vs. together, seems the complete opposite of the LEGO game ideology that fans came to know and love. Another mentionable is that, due to the TV program’s dark undertones, the original humor and aesthetics are stripped back in this game. Advanced puzzles, tougher AI, and in some levels, if you mess up, one has to actually restart the level.

GRAPHICS:

This game, with a new engine, gives a makeover to the graphics. The shiny, glossier look of LEGO games started here, which proved another shock to fans who adored the original LEGO Star Wars games. Even though now modernized, the present look of LEGO games doesn’t mean there wasn’t any backlash, either.

GAME MODE(S):

After beating the initial story, there are two bonus levels. First, one is based off the movie and is centered around Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta. The other level lets you play as the treacherous Cad Bane, which unlocks the Bounty Hunter Missions. While it’s a nice add-on to the initial story by adding other mini-levels, it feels more like a DLC product rather than a part of the game itself. ‘Battlegrounds’ provide another new mode that is almost like playing Risk in a LEGO format. After a few minutes, like a lot of games, Clone Wars can get dull and tiresome.

REVIEW:

This incarnation of Clone Wars is somewhat infamous for its repetitive and often dull experience; and it’s for good reason. Though considered the worst among the LEGO Star Wars games, LEGO Star Wars III still serves as a nice yet complicated game for single player or co-op. The main difference is that players need a certain degree of background knowledge on the plot before playing.

Prior to Clone Wars, knowing the storyline really wasn’t an issue in prior iterations of LEGO gaming. This really comes down to personal preference. Despite the game feeling outdated, it will likely appeal fare more to Clone Wars buffs than any casual fans.

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars

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Action Figures Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

HULK HOGAN – DEFINITIVE MOMENTS (WWE/MATTEL ELITE ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

In 2014, the WWE released this ‘elite’ (approximately 6.5 inch) Hulk Hogan figure through Mattel. As a member of its ‘Definitive Moments’ collection, this figure recreates Hogan’s likeness in his 1985-1987 prime (primarily, 1987’s WrestleMania III). For its ‘elite’ status, this Hogan figure boasts the following noticeable articulation upgrades: 1. His mid-section & torso can move up and down; 2. His thick calves have a 360-degree rotation capacity; and 3. His legs can expand into splits.

REVIEW:

Starting with his head, Hogan’s facial likeness and balding peroxide blonde hair are spot-on. His ripped yet bulky physique is also spot-on. The yellow and red costuming is an exact replica, as only his securely-attached red knee-pads aren’t painted on. The figure’s articulation points include: turning his head; elbow bends; easily putting his arms into the curled-bicep pose; 360-degree rotation of wrists/hands; swiveling his waist; bending his upper body; his calves allow a 360-degree rotation of his legs; bending his knees as well as 360-degree rotation at the knees; the ankles bend; and easily standing, as long as his feet are properly positioned. The bottom of Hogan’s feet have holes for display base pegs.

As for the sculpting, it’s plenty realistic, as his thick abdomen/torso isn’t re-imagined with exaggerated six-pack definition. His arms are slightly bigger than normal WWE ‘elites,’ so they are consistent with Hogan’s reputed 24-inch ‘pythons.’ Sturdily built, the figure is impressively durable. All relevant factors considered, this Hulk Hogan homage proves a stellar choice for his fans. It’s really the definitive Hogan figure!

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

As an ‘elite’ figure, his removable extras are: a yellow Hulk-a-mania bandanna; a yellow Hulk-a-mania rip-away t-shirt; and the 1985-1987 era WWE World Championship title belt. An added extra is Hogan’s trademark gold crucifix necklace, which might easily break off. A display base isn’t included.

PACKAGING:

Well-designed and securely packaged, its box is decorated by air-brushed images of Hogan’s legendary 1980’s run.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars

Action Figures Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

HULK HOGAN IN RED HULKAMANIA SHIRT & BLACK PANTS (WWE/MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

From Mattel in 2011, this 7-inch WWE figure represents an older Hulk Hogan casually dressed with a painted-on ensemble.

His outfit consists of: a red-and-yellow “Hulkamania” headband (non-detachable); yellow-and-black sunglasses; a matching red-and-yellow “Hulkamania” cut-off shirt; black slacks with a silver-buckled black belt; and black hiking boots. A black italicized “I am that I am” (worthy of Popeye) tattoo adorns his right forearm. His articulation includes: 1. His head barely nods and turns slightly both directions. 2. His buff arms are easily flexible, in part due to the well-built joints in his elbows and wrists. The arms easily rotate the full 360-degrees while the wrists bend back and forth. 3. His waist also rotates 360-degrees, but his abdomen & ribs don’t bend. However, his full upper body will bow. 4. The legs sufficiently bend at the knees, so sitting pose and running poses are viable options. The legs also easily swing back and forth. 5. The ankle joins allow his boots to tilt slightly in both directions.

REVIEW:

With or without the sunglasses, its resemblance to the Hulkster is spot-on. Even his blue eyes and blonde hair & handlebar moustache are depicted with impressive care. The paint job (especially the red T-shirt) is immaculate. Impressively, surprising flexibility ensures that this Hulk Hogan is available for either playtime or display options. Peg holes are included in the bottom of the hiking boots for any display bases. Whether he is posing with his 24-inch pythons, or pounding his next adversary with a leg-drop, this Hulk Hogan figure is a great buy at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Though a bit flimsy, Hogan’s yellow-and-black-shades are detachable. To re-attach them, these sunglasses must slide through his bandanna. A display base isn’t included.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective. The Hulkster’s photo shows him wearing the same red cut-off shirt.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games TV Series

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED’S OBSIDIAN (MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released by Mattel several years ago in its long-running Justice League Unlimited (JLU) action figure line, this 4.75-inch Obsidian is likely the first-ever toy of this particular DC Comics hero. As the twin brother of Jade and the son of the Golden Age Green Lantern (Alan Scott), the shadowy Obsidian has been a recurring presence (sometimes, as a villain) in DC storylines since his 1983 debut with Infinity, Inc.

REVIEW:

Resembling his animated counterpart, this Obsidian has a stellar dark-blue-black-and-silver paint job. His gray rubber cloak is firmly attached. In terms of articulation, the figure has: 1. His head has full 360-degree mobility. 2. The arms can rotate the full 360-degrees. 3. His upper body can bend into a bowing position. 4. The legs can simulate walking, running, and kicking poses. 5. There is a single peg hole on the bottom of Obsidian’s right foot for the small clear plastic display stands that some JLU figures are packaged with.

For ages 4 and up, this figure is certainly ideal for playtime or display purposes (as this Obsidian will indefinitely stand without a support base).

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Accessories aren’t included.

PACKAGING:

Finding him sold separately means it’s likely a loose figure. This reviewer is aware that Obsidian is included in Mattel’s JLU three-packs with the cowboy Vigilante & Brainiac. He also appears in Mattel’s JLU – The League United six-pack with Mr. Terrific; Superman; Elongated Man; Supergirl; and Hourman.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars