Category: Toys & Games

LOONEY TUNES RACING (PLAYSTATION 1)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2000 for North America and 2001 in Europe, Looney Tunes Racing provides a comical and exciting racing game alternative to hit games, such as Mario Kart and arcade favorite Hydro Thunder.

REVIEW:

With nineteen available characters – thirteen of them need to be unlocked. Granny and Lola Bunny represent the female characters, and only Daffy Duck has a variant: Duck Dodgers. The game’s unique levels, featuring iconic arenas in Looney Tunes lore to custom carts really do make this game feel special. There are quotes from each character and reactions when they get flattened a magical anvil, hit a road bomb, or get splatted right in the face with a pie!

Story:

Predictably, this kid-friendly game doesn’t have any true plot. Multiple game modes makes the game hard to really construct a storyline around it, but that’s actually okay! Through a multitude of arenas, users have the ‘tag’ option, where one-on-one competition requires a specific number of tags (i.e. bombs, pies, etc.) in a best-of-up to seven chances format. The ‘racing’ component has even more diverse arenas, with options on laps and best-of opportunities. The trick is sabotaging your pre-selected opponents and still hit glowing green pads on the track to gain an additional (yet brief) advantage. The game really doesn’t need a story – then again, there’s no extra incentive to play this game for hours on end.

Engine/Gameplay:

For a game this old, it shouldn’t be a shocker that the mechanics are a little wonky. Though it is outdated, there are good things about Looney Tunes Racing, too! First off, you run into these ‘tokens’ that charge up special abilities. These can charge up into abilities such as invincibility magic, throwing pies, laying down bombs, nailing opponents with an anvil, or the classic rain cloud with lightning strike. These amusing gags make the game a little more heated because it adds some extra spice. This can also be great if a player is way ahead in the lead — other players still have a (slim?) chance to get back in the game. As previously mentioned, another thing are the green speed pads that help users’ vehicles accelerate (or zip past opponents), again leveling the playing field.

In more of the gameplay aspect, games can alternate between ‘tag’ battle arenas and racetracks, in, say, a best-of-seven challenge. This helps players who may not excel in racing or tags and still be competitive. Races are your typical “Pass through this track three (or more) amount of times,” battles vs. tags where it required a limited number of hits for users to win the round. Diversity, in this aspect, makes the game less dull and can give users a break from racing or battling on the same tracks over and over. Still, only having up to two real players and no on-line capabilities makes this one feel repetitive and tedious at times.

Graphics:

For a Playstation 1 game, this one actually has decent graphics. The game presents each character with an iconic cart: for example, Bugs Bunny’s go-cart resembles a carrot. Even if the characters themselves have a rudimentary look (seeing them from the back), this feature still helps them stand out while giving the game a little flair, too. Though they’re a nice feature, the backgrounds look dull and often leave much to be desired. Sure, you can zoom through secret passages and find some in-joke surprises. Just don’t expect too much out of Looney Tunes Racing, and you won’t be disappointed.

Game Modes:

There are a few basic modes in the game: Single Race, Acme Challenge, Championship, and Multi-player. Single Race lets you pick how many rounds there are, either a best of three, five, or seven. Multi-player is pretty much the same thing except you can use “Wacky” mode to give you extra challenges, which are usually speed-related. The Acme Challenge is as close to a story as there is, where you pick up artifacts to reopen Acme museum. This mode, along with Championship are how you win gold and unlock features. Both of which are one-player modes and are really only to unlock video clips, tracks, and characters. If you don’t care to skip this necessity, never fear: cheat codes can be found on-line!

For an old school Playstation game, this one can appeal to kids and parents alike. Looney Tunes Racing shows its age, but competing as or vs. Bugs Bunny and his pals should put a smile on your face.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

None.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Decorations Dolls, Statues, & Busts Toys & Games

FUNKO BEAGLE STATUETTE

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2016, this shorter-than-usual Funko is just slightly less than three inches tall. It can turn its head slightly left and right. This Funko Beagle has the breed’s standard tri-color (brown-white-and-black) markings.

REVIEW:

For beagle lovers, this Funko statuette is adorable. Durable and well-manufactured in hard plastic, this petite pooch (sporting those distinctive Funko-style black button eyes and a shiny black nose) is an impressive likeness of this excitable breed of hound. It makes a delightful desk or bookcase decoration.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

KILLER BEES: B. BRIAN BLAIR & “JUMPING” JIM BRUNZELL (WWE/JAKKS PACIFIC ACTION FIGURES TWO-PACK)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY:

From JAKKS Pacific in 2003, this two-pack consists of a prominent WWE tag team of the mid-80’s: B. Brian Blair (with the moustache) and drop-kick specialist: “Jumping” Jim Brunzell, both in 6¾-inch form. Their attire consists of: yellow-and-black vertical striped trunks with matching wristbands for Blair (and white wrist tape on Brunzell); firmly attached black rubber knee-pads; and each with a variation of yellow-and-black wrestling boots. Blair also has white knuckle tape on his right hand. These Bees wouldn’t be complete without their yellow-and-black fabric masks to bewilder evil opponents and, whenever necessary, the referee.

Their limited mobility and ripped sculpting is a precursor to that of current WWE-Mattel ‘basic’ figures. Specifically, each figure’s articulation points allow or won’t allow: 1. Their heads turns both ways, though Brunzell’s head appears more flexible. However, Brunzell’s head is in a permanent nodding position. 2. 360-degree rotations are possible with the arms. The arms also bend at the wrists and elbows, so a classic bicep curl pose is possible. 3. The upper body will bow, but the waist & abdomen don’t move. 4. Sporting okay flexibility, the legs can bend at the knees and ankles, but they can’t extend into splits. Walking and kicking poses are workable. 5. Neither the legs nor the calves rotate.

REVIEW:

In terms of their resemblance to Blair & Brunzell, the likenesses are close, aside from the embellished physiques. Even Blair’s brown mullet and moustache are spot-on. In terms of production quality, these figures are well-sculpted and sturdily built. The paint quality is high-caliber. Their faithfully-rendered masks will tend to sag because the nose hole is slightly too big. For posing, the Bees stand up well when their feet are properly positioned. However, there aren’t peg holes in the bottom of the feet for display bases. Their elongated feet are instead protected by a ring at the bottom of each boot sole to provide balance for standing poses. For those remember Blair & Brunzell’s high-flying antics, seeing this fan-friendly duo again makes a welcome treat.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The sole extra is their detachable yellow-and-black masks. The masks are baggy enough to easily put on and take off.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic but effective. It offers some cool nostalgia re: the Bees’ wrestling legacy.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Decorations Dolls, Statues, & Busts Movies & Television (Videos) Toys & Games

ELVIRA (FUNKO’S ROCK CANDY VINYL STATUETTE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2017, this Rock Candy vinyl collectible by Funko presents actress Cassandra Peterson’s legendary Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Faithfully recreating her sultry black evening gown (including a jeweled dagger) and over-the-top make-up, this statuette is approximately 5½ inches tall. Its packaging includes two small head shots of the real Elvira to compare with one of the same size of this cartoony counterpart. The collectible has large foot pegs in case one wishes to pose her on a display base (which isn’t included).

REVIEW:

Including a spot-on paint job, Funko’s sculpted rendition of Elvira is flawless. The minute details extend to her black fingernail polish, the gleam off her black patent leather pumps, and even a dimple on her right cheek. The sole oddity are the foot pegs, as they aren’t even necessary. This statuette stands perfectly well because the molded black dress effectively anchors her. To Funko’s credit, the well-designed packaging allows consumers to see the statuette through clear plastic to confirm that it does indeed match exactly the gothic promo photo on back. Considering its tongue-in-cheek potential as a desk or shelf decoration, this vinyl statuette would make an amusing gift for any Elvira fan.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

DC-Related Toys & Games Video Games

JUSTICE LEAGUE HEROES (PLAYSTATION 2)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2006 by Snowblind Studios as an original title, Justice League Heroes became the League’s only release into that generation’s consoles (Playstation 2 and Xbox 360). DC Comics also produced this game around the same time as major competitor MARVEL released the first of its three Ultimate Alliance titles. When Justice League Heroes hit shelves, its rating was assessed as “T” – Teen.

Note: Brady Games produced the game’s strategy guide.

REVIEW:

Despite not equaling the popularity of its MARVEL counterpart, this game presents Justice League action at its finest (or, at least, the best we were going to get). The game’s main cast is Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash (Wally West), Green Lantern (John Stewart), Martian Manhunter, and Zatanna Zatara. Available for ‘purchase,’ with game credits, are eight other unlockable heroes and multiple alternate costumes/‘skins’ for the main cast. Reliable baddies, such as Brainiac, Circe, Darkseid, Doomsday, Gorilla Grodd, Killer Frost, The Key, Queen Bee, and White Martians comprise a roster that helps balance well-known DC characters with more obscure ones.

As nice as this mix is, notable exclusions, like Lex Luthor and The Joker, make this game feel like there could/should have been more. In comparison, in Ultimate Alliance’s first level alone, you face Radioactive Man, Winter Soldier, and Scorpion (just to name a few), while this game’s first opposition is an unnamed robot army. Not pushing the boundaries makes the game feel like DC has underachieved — considering all the potential its designers had to work with.

Story:

The storyline offers twists and turns that make Justice League Heroes well worth playing … except that there’s really no story. One villain tries stealing a Mother Box while others are wanting to take over the world, too. The plot can sometimes feel like a hot mess resembling a kid playing with action figures. Still, that doesn’t mean that the game can’t be fun, too, even if the minimal plot is lacking in some aspects. All in all, the game is a great way to have some DC fun with the family, even if it can feel uninspired. One wonders if the game was rushed just to keep up with the progress of Ultimate Alliance. Unsurprisingly, both games came out within a week of each other. Coincidence? I think not.

Engine/Gameplay:

In terms of a great mechanics, this is it. This third-person RPG allows for single-player and co-op functions. Now, many critics didn’t like how this game differed from Ultimate Alliance because you couldn’t pick your character on each level for most of the game. This does, however, offer a more personalized story arc that sees the progression of the main group (working in pre-assigned duos) Users gain flexibility later on when drafting their own squads.

When a character levels up, users possess accumulated virtual currency to add abilities and upgrades to their heroes to spice things up. Other upgrades, such as “shields”, which look like mac n’ cheese shapes, are used to purchase new characters and alternate costumes/skins (i.e. Hal Jordan can substitute in for John Stewart). However, you cannot purchase every character/costume on the first go-around. The good news is that the game allows you to carry over data if you wish to play the game multiple times without needing to purchase those characters/costumes a second time.

Fun factor-wise, Justice League Heroes might just break the scales! A beat-em-up style game with a few easy puzzles makes this one fun while also requiring players to deploy a little strategy. Unlocking abilities for Green Lantern and The Flash are absolute fan favorites, plus new characters with unique animations, do make this game even more enjoyable. This includes The Flash moving faster than other heroes; characters, like Martian Manhunter and Wonder Woman, being able to fly, and Batman possessing an exclusive glide ability. The animation, plus some idle chatter amongst the heroes, helps diversify the game, but it becomes tediously repetitive over time. The music is generic – frankly, having the remote near to press the mute button isn’t such a bad idea.

Graphics:

For a PS2 game, this one actually has great visuals! Close ups and cuts scenes look great, but the overall gameplay in the graphics department isn’t where this game shines. The camera angle isn’t pretty, but the overview look makes the game easier to play – it’s the norm for this style of roleplaying. Health, XP, and special ability bars are shown in the top left for Player 1 and in the top right for Player 2 with pictures of their characters, making it easy to distinguish who (still) has what. For its time, the graphics are above-average but not anything stellar.

Game Mode(s):

Unfortunately, Justice League Heroes only has one mode, and that’s the single story/campaign. However, you can choose between three levels of difficulty. There’s also up to three saves on a single memory card.

Justice League Heroes doesn’t soar to its greatest potential, but it’s a solid kid-friendly option. In that sense, consider it as an ideal bridge between the LEGO Batman franchise and DC’s far more recent Injustice: Gods Among Us games for PlayStation 3 and 4.

BONUS FEATURES:

There’s a trailer to a season of Smallville. The game’s animated film-like intro clip is accessible on the main menu.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Action Figures Movies & Television (Videos) STAR WARS-Related Toys & Games

STAR WARS – THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK’S BESPIN HAN SOLO (HASBRO ‘BLACK SERIES’ — SDCC 2018)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

It was initially released by Hasbro as a “Star Wars – Black Series” exclusive at the 2018 San Diego Comic Con (SDCC). This six-inch Bespin Han Solo recaptures actor Harrison Ford’s look from 1980’s Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. It’s barely distinguishable from the figure’s subsequent mass-market release; specifically, there’s a subtle change made to Han’s left hand.

This SDCC version allows Han to grip his blaster with either hand. The mass release version allows him to grip the blaster accessory with his right hand only, with his left hand changed to more of a finger-posing pose. Either rendition is the first-ever Bespin Han Solo action figure with a close resemblance to Ford’s likeness.

REVIEW:

Including a commendable paint job, this figure’s sculpting faithfully recreates Harrison Ford’s Empire look. The distinctive part down the middle of his sculpted brown hair and even a few creases in his forehead add welcome touches of realism. This sturdily-built Han Solo figure has better-than-expected articulation. Specifically: 1. His head nods and turns a full 360-degrees. 2. His arms rotate 360-degrees and bend at the elbows and the full-rotating wrists. 3. The figure can bend into a bowing position. 4. Though his knees bend, the articulation itself is minimal. 5. His booted ankles bend and move the feet more than expected. 6. Han’s legs are remarkably spry to simulate walking; running; kicking; and action-pose shooting. Even better, it’s easy to position Han in a standing display pose without a base.

To Hasbro’s credit, this Han Solo figure (along with its “Black Series” Star Wars IV: A New Hope counterpart) presents Han’s finest-ever depiction in six-inch form. All that’s missing is a carbonite-encased version.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

While his air mask and/or some extra hands would have been appreciated, Han’s trusty blaster is the sole extra. This pistol snugly fits in his right-leg holster. Despite foot pegs in his boot heels, a display base isn’t included.

PACKAGING:

Hasbro does a superb job displaying the figure. Everything inside the product box a consumer needs to see is readily visible.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Notes: In 2020, Kenner has re-released the mass-market figure as part of its own six-inch Star Wars merchandise. Its packaging features a photo image of Ford posed as Solo in The Empire Strikes Back. Also, a six-inch ‘Han Solo in Carbonite’ figure exists, but this reviewer hasn’t seen it in person.

Action Figures Movies & Television (Videos) STAR WARS-Related Toys & Games

STAR WARS – THE FORCE AWAKENS’ FINN ON JAKKU (2015 HASBRO ‘BLACK SERIES’)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2015 by Hasbro as part of its ongoing 6-inch ‘Black Series,’ this action figure closely resembles actor John Boyega as Finn.

REVIEW:

Sporting a top-caliber paint job, this Finn ’s costume faithfully recreates his incognito post-Stormtrooper attire he wears on planet Jakku. Curiously, unlike his molded sleeves, Finn’s jacket can be removed from the figure (with some effort), making it into a vest. In terms of articulation, this Finn is solid. Specifically: 1. His head turns slightly in both directions. 2. His arms move only fairly well, but both the forearms and hands have full 360-degree mobility. 3. The figure’s upper body can bend down into a bowing pose. 4. The legs are surprisingly nimble, as they can also rotate the full 360-degrees. 5. Due to flexible knee and ankle joints, Finn’s pose options (running, walking, kicking) are certainly available. 6. Though a display stand isn’t included, there are peg holes in the bottom of his feet for bases that will fit him.

Considering all its practical advantages (including an impressive likeness to John Boyega), this sturdy Finn action figure is ideal for either playtime or as a display item.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Although not seen below, this figure comes packed with a gold-and-silver-plated blaster, which frankly looks like a glorified power tool.

PACKAGING:

The figure is well-protected by Hasbro’s product box, which is decorated by Boyega’s image as Finn.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

DR. MID-NITE (2010 DC UNIVERSE CLASSICS/MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

The Justice Society’s Dr. Mid-Nite appears in 6-inch form Wave 12 of Mattel’s DC Universe Classics series in approximately 2010.

Excluding his attached green rubber cloak, his costume is completely painted on (including his trademark goggles). His articulation points are: 1. His head swivels slightly both directions. 2. With surprisingly good mobility, his arms and wrists can also both do complete 360-degree rotations. 3. His torso allows him to bend forward (and backwards a little). 4. His nimble legs can spread out and will bend at the knees and ankles. His lower legs swivel a full 360-degrees from a spot between the quads and kneecaps. 5. The bottom of his feet have peg holes for any display stands he might fit on, though none are included with the figure. Yet, if properly positioned, Dr. Mid-Nite can indefinitely retain a standing display pose.

REVIEW:

Kudos to Mattel for crafting such an impressively-built figure. Quite simply, there’s hardly a fault with this durable Dr. Mid-Nite. Everything a collector (including a top-caliber paint job) could want with this figure is here.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

His crime-fighting owl, ‘Hooty’ is included, as is a small Justice Society commemorative button marking DC Comics’ 75^th Anniversary. For the ‘Build-a-Darkseid’ figure, Dr. Mid-Nite comes packed with the left arm component.

PACKAGING:

Mattel does a terrific job packaging Dr. Mid-Nite.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars