When I was growing up, almost every kid I knew had LEGOs. We all enjoyed building different objects, letting our imaginations do the work. There were instructions to follow, but individual creations were always more fun. And with the LEGO Ultimate Building Set, it seems that the trend is still going strong today.

With 405 pieces, this set is enough for any child to have a great time and perfect for any first-time LEGO user. Step-by-step instructions are available for five different models, but as said before, there is no limit to what can be created. Accessories such as wheels, doors, and windows are available for the models, but can be used for any number of objects. And the included building plate allows for a sturdy foundation to all your creations.

And for any parent that might be worried, the LEGO Ultimate Building Set comes a convenient container that allows for easy cleanup and no mess around the house. This feature also doubles for the creator, as the see-through cover creates the perfect display to show off your masterpiece.

So all in all, this set won’t keep long time LEGO users interested for very long, but for first-timers, this is a great starting point. The instructions for the five models will help children get the basic idea of how to construct something, and those provide a great stepping stone of which they can branch off. After all these years, it’s great to see that there is still enjoyment to build and create at a young age and the LEGOs are still around to provide that creativity.

Well, it’s that time of the year again. Families are getting together and spending time with one another, showing how much they care for each other. And of course, there is Christmas shopping. Yes, it’s that time of year when stores are packed, traffic goes on for miles, and you just can’t figure out what to get for everybody on your list. Whether it’s finding the best Christmas gifts for boyfriend, or finding the coolest toy for your nephew, finding the right gift can be a challenging task.

To the rescue: Here is a list of 10 of the most popular toys for the 2009 holiday season. Christmas is less than two weeks away, so if there are still some empty spaces under the tree that you’d like to fill, the following suggestions are for you.

Zhu Zhu Pets

If you stand in line at any toy store nowadays, you’ll probably notice that a lot of customers have Zhu Zhu Pets in their hands. In all honesty, it would be hard to believe that these toys somehow slipped under your radar because they’re everywhere. The electronic hamsters behave as their real-life counterparts would, giving children the satisfaction of having a pet without really having a pet. Habitats also allow for players to create unique environments for their electronic pets and are sure to provide loads of fun for everyone involved.

Dora the Explorer Links Doll

Dora the Explorer is another one of the more popular children’s shows and for that, the Links Doll will make any fan smile on Christmas morning. Girls can connect the doll to the computer with the included USB cable and access Dora’s online world. There, players can help Dora and her friends solve mysteries. The doll is customizable and depending on the player’s actions, the doll will change jewelry, eye color, and even speech patterns.

Video Game Console, Any Video Game Console

The Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii are all great systems with dozens of games for everybody to enjoy. The only problem is deciding which one to get. There are advantages and disadvantages to all three, but if you’re looking for a family experience that will be easy for everyone to pick up and play, the Wii would be the way to go. Don’t rule out the other two though, as they can provide equal or potentially greater entertainment; the controls can just be harder to master for some people. No matter what way you look at it, any one of these three consoles is great for an individual or a family.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

If a Nintendo Wii already graces your household or it was chosen from the three aforementioned contenders, then this game is a must-have to accompany it. The hardest thing a game can do is interest both old and new gamers, but New Super Mario Bros. Wii succeeds. Everything that was great about classic Mario games is here, making older gamers feel right at home. At the same time, it is accessible to those new to the Mario series and still provides a decent challenge. Best of all, there is a 4-player cooperative mode that allows everyone to join in the festivities.

Ucreate Games and Artimation

At the risk of children not liking a specific game, Ucreate Games and Artimation allows them to create their own. Using the included tablet and software, children can build their own unique gaming experience and make them come to life on their computer screens. With an easy-to-use interface, children are free to let their imaginations run wild and have fun exactly the way that they want to. All that is required is a computer and a little bit of creativity.

Mindflex

Anyone who has ever dreamed of having mind-control powers will instantly be drawn to Mindflex. Using several sensors, it is able to measure the user’s brainwaves in order to levitate a foam ball several inches in the air. Players then must control their concentration to raise and lower the ball, eventually guiding it through an obstacle course. There is a limitless supply of courses, as they are designed by the player, using the various pieces provided. While it’s not quite telekinesis and it will be difficult for many to master, it is truly a step toward the future of entertainment.

A Music Video Game

Whether it is Rock Band or Guitar Hero, it’s hard to go wrong with a music-based video game these days. With players finally given the opportunity to unleash their inner-rock star, it’s easy to see the appeal. Again, these games are perfect for individuals or families, as the majority of them allow up to four people to play simultaneously to create a virtual band. With hundreds upon hundreds of songs to choose from, it’s easy to find something that everyone will enjoy. And with even more games and song packs in constant development, there is definitely no shortage of entertainment.

Board Game Revival

While they may seem primitive compared to the other suggestions, it will be a long time before board games lose their appeal. They are great for both family game nights and social events. And if a game is fun enough, it can last years. There are literally hundreds of games to choose from in various stores, with Scene-It being one of the most popular. Fans of series like Twilight or Harry Potter will love the various editions of the game that focus on their favorite saga. The beauty of games such as Scene-It is that there is always something out there for everyone.

Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid

Bakugan is a strategy game based on the animated series “Bakugan: Battle Warriors.” The game involves battles among action figures based on the series, and the 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid is perfect for any fan. The large Maxus Dragonoid is made up of seven pieces: one Bukagan warrior and six traps to assist in the conquest of other Bakugan warriors. With a game that is both fun and requires a good amount of strategy, no Bakugan warrior in training should be without this action figure.

Transformers 2 Action Figure

The Transformers were successful in the late ’80s, but who would have guessed that their popularity would explode again in the past couple years? With Michael Bay’s two recent movies, the franchise has reached a new generation and the coinciding action figures will make a great gift for any Transformers fan. With popular characters such as Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Bumblebee to choose from, there is no way to go wrong. Complete with jaw-dropping transformations, light-up eyes, and electronic speech, it truly is like having your very own Transformer.

Products like the Screature Interactive Dinosaur bring me back to early ’90s, when the movie Jurassic Park was released. After that, dinosaur toys were everywhere. Every kid at school loved the movie and loved dinosaurs. And if there were toys like the Screature when I was was that age, anybody that had it would be the most popular kid in class.

Complete with infrared sensors and lifelike sounds, this dinosaur is as close to the real thing as a child can get. Using the sensors, it detects whether those close to it are friend or prey. If it gets the wrong impression, it will attack.

But not to worry, attacking amounts to just snapping its teeth, unfolding its neck frills, and squirting water at the would-be victims, so nothing dangerous is going on.

By petting the dinosaur in certain spots, it decides if it should remain calm or attack. By understanding where to pet the Screature, kids will have fun knowing they can control and tame the “beast.”Setting it up as a miniature attack dog or loyal companion is half the fun.

The only problem that I have heard of with the toy is that sometimes the water won’t squirt out, so it might be worth holding onto the receipt just in case. But either way, this is a cool little toy with a lot of potential for fun. When I was a kid, all the attacking had to be done manually and usually amount to smashing two action figures together. But with its own actions and sound effects, the Screature will be a great treat for any dinosaur lover in the family.

Technology never ceases to amaze me. At times, there are products that seem years ahead of their time, making what once seemed impossible a reality. Recently, Mindflex has been released and already is making new advancements in the entertainment industry.

Like something out of a science fiction movie, Mindflex by Mattel is operated by the user’s mind, as the name suggests. No, you won’t be able to levitate objects after using it, but it’s as close as you’re going to get. Rather, there are sensors that must be attached to your forehead and earlobes. These sensors measure your brainwaves and how much or little you are concentrating. Based on your level of concentration, a fan inside the console will blow, causing a foam ball to rise and fall.

Once the ability to control your concentration has been acquired, you can the guide the ball through an obstacle course. Numerous parts allow players to create their own course designs, providing potentially limitless entertainment. There are also games for up to four players, allowing for further enjoyment in finding out who has the best mental control.

Of course, there are some drawbacks. For one, understanding the relationship between the mind and the ball’s levitation will not come easily to many and frustration could easily set in. For around 200 bucks, that really would be a shame. Secondly, in order to play, the Mindflex requires a whopping four C and three AAA batteries. Lastly, the sensors look nothing short of ridiculous on the user’s head, but that’s more of a judgment call.

Either way, these shortcomings seem so inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, as this truly is an experience unlike any other. If you ever see a demo of it set up anywhere, don’t hesitate to try it out, no matter how silly you look.

If you can master your mind, there’s no telling how much fun you could have.  Mindflex  retails for under $250.

But just because something is great just the way it is doesn’t mean that it can’t be improved!

Connect 4 x 4 is essentially the same game as the original, but with the ability to play with up to four players instead of just two. The object of the game still revolves around trying to get four of your pieces to line up in a row, only now there are more players to stand in your way. The grid is now double-sided, so there are twice as many spaces in which to play in about the same amount of space. There are also special new pieces that allow players to block both sides of the grid.

More Strategy Brings More Fun

The addition of two more players adds both fun and challenge to the original concept. Rather than battling wits with one opponent, you must now pay attention to three. Sure, it’s a little trickier, but it is now much more family-oriented, as everyone can now join in.

And if you want to stick to basics, you can just as easily use one side of the grid to play the original two-player classic.

So whether you like things the way they are or you want a little variety, Connect 4 x 4 is the perfect middle ground. It adds a new level of depth to a great game, but stays true to its original form. Just as the original Connect 4 left a lasting impression, Connect 4 x 4 will undoubtedly be a success and have a spot in any family’s game collection.  The game retails for less than $35 on amazon.

In the last year, Congress has passed a new law concerning toy safety. After the recall of 45 million toys imported from China, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was passed in August 2008. when it goes into effect in February 2010, extensive testing will need to be done by all toy companies, big and small, to ensure that their products are 100% safe.

The law is being put into effect because many large toy companies use lead in their products. Lead can be harmful if accidentally ingested by children. Since so many large toy companies use lead in their products, these tests will be very beneficial. And even though the law is not yet in effect, some companies have already begun the testing. Sure, it might take a little more time for new products to be released, but that’s a small price to pay for the safety of the children.

Of course, it is important to look at both sides of the story. As stated, the new law will require all toy companies to adhere to the testing, including the small, independently-owned ones. For those like William John Woods of Ogunquit, Maine, the new law could deal a devastating blow.

Woods handcrafts each and every single toy he makes in his little shop. In the 35 years that he has been in the business, he claims that no child has ever been hurt by one of his products. That’s not to say that he should not be subject to the testing, but for someone who has always used safe materials to build his toys, it leaves him and other small toy company owners wondering why they were included in the law.

The large toy companies have their own laboratories in which they can test their toys. However, independent shops such as Woods’ will have to hire a third party to test the toys, costing them a great deal of money. If enough money is lost, it is possible that they won’t be able to continue making toys.

Since the law passed, many small toy company owners have banded together, writing letters to Congress hoping to be excluded from the law since they use benign resources. There’s no telling whether or not their efforts will be in vain, but they believe they must try, as it could be the end of many small businesses.

At the same time, though, it is important for parents to be completely sure that the toys they buy for their children are safe. As to which one is more important – well, I guess that’s up to Congress to decide.

Star Wars is one of the most praised and successful franchises in history, and for good reason. While the newer iterations of the series haven’t exactly had the same impact as the original film trilogy, it’s great that younger generations have the chance to be exposed to it. Last year, a computer-animated Star Wars show on Cartoon Network began called The Clone Wars, which details the next chapters of the saga.

The show has become on of the most-watched on Cartoon Network, so it only makes sense that there would be a video game tie-in. Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes was released for all major gaming systems a few days after the beginning of the show’s second season. The game serves to bridge the gap between the two seasons.

The game is made up of over thirty missions as the player attempts to thwart the destructive plot of a mysterious assassin. The primary antagonists come from both the show, as well as the recent films. Players are able to play as various Jedi Knights and Clone Troopers, among others. These characters include classics like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, as well as more recent additions like Captain Rex and Commander Cody.

Game is True to the Series

The visual style helps show the connection between the show and the game, with the graphics looking nearly identical to those of the show. The unique style fits well into the Star Wars universe, but sets itself apart from the films and earlier video games. It will certainly be appealing to both fans of the show and newcomers.

Unfortunately, early reviews of Republic Heroes have been generally negative. Many common complaints describe the game as repetitive and plagued by awkward and clumsy controls. However, fans of the show should not let that deter them. Those who are genuinely interested in the show should at least give the game a rent and a chance. It might be right up a lot of people’s alley, especially those looking to learn more about the Clone Wars story.

One of the most popular recent phenomena has been the Harry Potter franchise. Appropriately, there are Harry Potter Halloween costumes for people of all ages. Dressing up as your favorite witch or wizard from Hogwarts is guaranteed to be a success. And hey, if Gryffindor isn’t your thing, there are plenty of Slytherin costumes to go around.

After movies like Batman and Robin, superhero films became less popular and were made less frequently.

In recent years, the genre has been revitalized and their popularity is as strong as it has ever been. Two of the more popular superhero franchises are Spiderman and the new Batman films. Sure, dressing up like the Joker from The Dark Knight was a little overdone last year, but there are plenty of Spiderman and Batman costumes that are less played, but just as fun.

For even more ideas, you don’t need to look much farther than your favorite TV show or Pixar movie. Pokemon is an excellent show, as pretty much any character would make a fantastic Halloween costume. Toy Story and Wall-E have also been huge successes and are filled with characters that would be fun to dress up as.

Just remember that there are plenty of costumes out there, other than the typical ones. Ghosts, vampires, and the like are fun, but if you’re looking for something different, just use your imagination.

Dressing up for Halloween isn’t all about looking the scariest. It’s more about having fun and expressing yourself in creative ways. Look at your favorite TV shows or movies for inspiration. They are Halloween costumes waiting to happen.

Most kids just want pets to play with and don’t understand the responsibility that comes with having a pet. Zhu Zhu Pets is a new toy line that has become very popular and solves that problem. It is essentially a hamster play set, but instead of real hamsters, there are battery operated ones.

Even though they aren’t real, the toys behave so realistically that they might as well be real.

The play set includes anything that you would buy for an actual hamster, such as tunnels and a hamster wheel, as well as some other fun accessories. The set provides plenty of fun for a child to have with a pet hamster and at more affordable price in the long run.

The hamsters themselves have two different play modes, depending on what the child is looking for. Nurturing mode allows kids to treat them like real animals, handling them with care and listening to them purr and coo. Adventure mode allows the hamsters to explore their habitat and behave like the real thing.

Maybe a hamster isn’t what every child is looking for in a pet. However, Zhu Zhu Pets have become popular with children all the way up to twelve years old. If you’re a parent with a child who wants a pet, this would be a great place to start.

More often than not, having a pet is just a temporary desire for a child. This way, your child can have a pet without you having to worry about a real animal, or your wallet.

But where are we now?  Many could argue that since then, the same game has been released several times, as no real technical advancements have been made.

Instead, it seems that developers of these music games are now trying to obtain rights to songs by popular rock groups. Guitar Hero did that with Aerosmith and Metallica; now Rock Band is following the trend with The Beatles: Rock Band. The Beatles may be one of the most popular and cherished group in music history, but is it enough to keep the idea from becoming stale?

Beatles: Rock Band Has Vocals, but Little Else

Like the name suggests, the set list is comprised entirely of songs throughout the Beatles’ acclaimed career. Players can choose to play guitar, bass, drums, or sing vocals as in the past games. Any musician will know that the songs will not be too challenging to play, but it also has moments where it can be more interesting than fast guitar licks and frenetic drum fills.

The instrumentation used by the Beatles later in their career, during their experimental phase, should keep it from becoming boring. Sitar parts arranged for guitar and various percussion instruments in place of drums are sure to be fun for many players.

However, the Beatles were known more for their vocal harmonies and this addition to the Rock Band formula is definitely welcome. Up to three vocalists can perform at a time (meaning six altogether at once) to test their singing and harmonizing ability.

The booing or cheering crowd that tells a player how well he is doing has been removed in order to prevent Beatles songs from being drowned out. This seems like an unnecessary subtraction as it pretty much defeats the purpose of the music genre. In other words, you’re supposed to feel like you’re actually on stage.

In all honesty, the only reason I see to get this game is if you’re already a Beatles fan. The set list isn’t entirely long considering the number of hits from the band’s career, but downloadable content is sure to come in the near future.

Again, the Beatles-themed instruments you can buy for the game are pointless if you already have the instruments from previous games, but are cool if you’re a serious Beatles fan.

But for the rest of us, the Rock Band series is losing its appeal.

In the case of Tonka, it wasn’t always plastic, though. The toy company that specialized in making miniature metal trucks was founded in 1946. Mound Metalcraft, as the company was originally named, was run by three partners, with the intent of selling gardening tools.

Tonka Started out with Gardening Tools

As a side project to their main business, the men began manufacturing metal toys. As it turned out, the toy sales skyrocketed and it soon became their primary business. They adopted the Dakota-Sioux word for “Great” as their company name and in 1955, Mound Metalcraft officially became Tonka Toys Incorporated.

The most recognizable and popular line of toys didn’t come until a decade later. The construction line featured various vehicles and construction equipment. The signature dump truck is what most people think of when they hear “Tonka truck.”

Click here for another vintage tonka trucks article from us. Over the past half century, these vintage toys have been keeping young kids entertained, even when the company made the switch from metal to plastic in the late ’80s. After all, a tough truck is still a tough truck, even if it’s been plasticized. Tonka also expanded early on to include girls in its market with a line of dolls and the original Pound Puppies.

Though the company was purchased by Hasbro in 1991, Tonka toys are still being made today, with a similar level of detail, much to the joy of many children. In fact, you can still find a good Tonka Truck for under $50. It’s a purchase that you only have to make once.

Uno was invented in 1971 by a man named Merle Robbins. Supposedly, he had an argument with his son about the rules of another popular card game, Crazy Eights.

As a resolution to the disagreement, Robbins invented a new card game and dubbed it “Uno.” This makes sense as the game is very similar to Crazy Eights. The player has to match the color or number played before him or her. There are wild cards, essentially taking the place of the “crazy eights,” but there are several other action cards that distinguish Uno from its inspiration.

After becoming the card game of choice of the Robbins’, the family saved up $8,000 and manufactured the first 5,000 Uno decks, selling them out of Merle’s barber shop. By 1981, the game was hugely popular, so Merle sold the rights to the game to International Games for $50,000 plus royalties. The card game is now produced by Mattel and is still going strong.

In lieu of the success of Uno, there have been countless versions of the game, similar to the editions in Monopoly. These versions range from Peanuts Uno to NSYNC Uno. There is also a version of Uno for various sports teams, mostly from the MLB and NFL. There have also been various spinoff games, the most popular of which is Uno Stacko, a game that bears a striking resemblance to Jenga.

But now, in this electronic age we live in, this classic card game has naturally progressed to the world of video games. A handheld version of the game exists, and for only a few bucks, one can download the game on any current generation console on the market today. And yes, it can even be downloaded to your cell phone, meaning you can now play it literally anywhere.

What’s next for this increasingly popular card game? It’s impossible to tell. But as long as technology keeps advancing and the game remains popular, you can bet that it will continue to bring fun and entertainment to people of all ages.

But times have changed, and so have today’s youth.  That same little plastic brick company now works on robotics and three years ago, the first Lego Mindstorms NXT was released.   With the success of the past Mindstorms, all that is left to figure out is whether or not this new 2.0 version is enough of an improvement to be worth buying.

In a nutshell, this new Mindstorm product is the culmination of the robotics projects before it and is essentially an updated kit that allows people to build their own robots that can react to touch, light, and other senses.

What’s new with the Mindstorm 2.0

First, for those that are unfamiliar with the NXT series, let’s take a closer look at what makes up the new Mindstorms robot kit.  The main component is the NXT Brick, which has three motor ports to allow for movement and four sensor ports to attach the sensors.  Essentially, the brick is the “brain” of the robot.

Color and ultrasonic sensors and a new level of computer connectivity are new with the 2.0

It also has a USB port to allow it to connect to one’s computer, while the corresponding software allows the inventor to program the robot in any way he or she pleases.  New to this version is the color sensor, which, as its name suggests, can detect and distinguish between several colors.

The older Lego Mindstorms also have the aforementioned light sensors and touch sensors. But what’s new is the ultrasonic sensor, which serves as the “eyes” of the robot. The various servo motors can be placed in the various ports, allowing for a wide array of movements.

The sound editor and image editor are also welcome additions. When connected to one’s computer, pictures can be uploaded to the brick and be displayed on the robot. Likewise, voice samples and other sound effects can be recorded and played back through the brick’s speakers.

While the various motors and sensors allow the persona’s creativity to come to life, these extra aesthetic touches give a sense of personality to each robot, as well as a connection between the robot and its creator.

Building a LEGO Mindstorm Robot

With Mindstorm 2.0, the only limit is your imagination

The robots you build can be humanoid or animal-like. They can pick up objects and throw objects. The possibilities are seemingly endless, allowing the robot’s creator to let his or her imagination run wild.  Even if you are familiar with the Lego Mindstorms, it is hard to deny how fun and incredible it is to build your own robot.

Toys have come a long way. But advancements in technology come with a price, literally. The only question that is left is whether or not Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 is worth its $280 price tag.

After seeing everything that the toy is capable of, I think the answer is yes, but only if this is the buyer’s first experience with the Mindstorms series.  Honestly, there is not enough of an improvement over the original NXT to justify shelling out another 280 bucks if you already have the older model at home.

But if you late to the party, the LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 is the leading edge of toy robot electronics.

Final Fantasy IV: the After Years is a product of the 20th century.  Way back in 1991, Final Fantasy IV was released for the Super Nintendo to much critical acclaim.  Its character-driven story and improvements to the combat system brought new improvements to the role-playing genre.

So, after several remakes and 18 years, Final Fantasy IV: The After Years has been released through Nintendo’s WiiWare service.  How does it measure up, practically a generation later?

After all, 17 years have passed since the end of Final Fantasy IV, and this is reflected in the game’s narrative.  The new game revolves around Ceodore, the son of two of the protagonists from the original game, and his struggles with his obligations as heir to a sacred bloodline. Players assume the role of Ceodore and other characters throughout the adventure to discover the secret of the mysterious Crystals.

A New Twist on an Old Favorite

The look of the game may resemble the 1990s, but gameplay is fast and challenging

Many characters from the original game make an appearance, as well as several brand new characters. The creators of the game wisely chose to retain the graphics of games in the early ’90s, as they demonstrate a natural progression from game to game.

Gameplay also follows the same format as its predecessor. Rather than the turn-based combat that is common in most role-playing video games, this game has “Active Time Battle,” in which battles occur in real time and keep the enemy encounters fast-paced and exciting.

A new addition is the “Age of the Moon” feature of the battles.  Based on the in-game lunar phases, physical and magical attacks will be altered for both the player characters and the enemies.

These additions, as well as several others, set the game apart from others in the genre by keeping Final Fantasy IV: The After Years fresh and fun.

However, this time the toys are more detailed, catering to true Transformer aficionados, as well as more varied in age groups to help parents decide which is the safest or best for their children.

For example, many of the new figures are smaller and more child-friendly, with simple or no transformations at all.  With a wide variety of characters, Hasbro’s newest generation of toys even includes some character who did not appear in the film.

Transformer Toys for Younger Kids

Toys that cater to a younger audience include the Robot Heroes and the Power Bots.  The Robot Heroes come in pairs, with one Autobot and one Decepticon. These action figures are non-transforming and cannot be posed in alternate positions, ensuring safety with the toys.

This Bumbleebee Powerbot is perfect for younger fans

The Power Bots are also non-transforming, but are larger and feature electronic lights and sound effects.  Among these Power Bots is Devastator, one of the most awe-inspiring Transformers from the film that is comprised of at least six different Decepticons.

BumbleBee is a favorite among younger kids too.  In fact, he is the most sought-after character in the entire line.

Also, check out the Robot Replicas that are similar to the Robot Heroes, but are larger and are packaged individually, retailing for less than $15.

Gravity Bots are also a unique option as they are three-inch vehicles that transform automatically when tilted upright. Individually these retail for about $15, but you can also buy the entire wave for less than $100.

Classic Transformer Toys

Don’t worry, if you are a true fans of the movie, plenty of characters from the film will not disappoint, especially fan favorites like Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Bumblebee.

Voyager class Megatron, Larger than Ever

These classic figures are the crux of the toy line: the Deluxe Class, comprised of 24 characters, each with more complex transformations and individual moving parts. While the majority of characters are present in the film, several characters will be new to more recent fans, but familiar to those of us who remember playing with Transformers 20 years ago.

The Voyager Class has the same features as the Deluxe, but the figures are larger, even more detailed, and include the more popular characters, retailing for less than $30.

I know these toys will keep their value because of the great detail and fun transformations. And despite the multiple moving parts, they are still plenty safe and will undoubtedly be enjoyed by young fans of the movie too.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 for Wii now comes to the rescue.

This game was recently released for all consoles, but the Wii version has something unique. Similar to the golf in Wii Sports, players swing the Wii remote like a golf club, but now with more precise movement that allows for more realism and better control.

The Secret Behind Wii’s Precision Golf Swing

The real winner here is the new Wii Motion Plus, a controller attachment that can sense acute motions, from turning one’s wrists to swing speed.  The controller is astonishingly accurate. The Wii Motion Plus is currently bundled with the game for an extra $10 and is definitely worth it for this unique gaming experience.

Wii's Motion Plus comes with Tiger's Latest.

Even as a long-time gamer, I think it is so surreal swinging the Wii remote and having my actions reflected on-screen with such accuracy.

Slight turns of the wrists can affect the ball’s path, much like in real golf. The learning curve is somewhat drastic, but with a little practice, anyone will be able to understand the controls. While it is undoubtedly a fun game on all consoles, players will get a more exciting experience on the Wii.

Multiple Player Option Adds Excitement

In addition to the US Open and USGA Championship, players can also go online or set up local multiplayer to challenge other players.  A feature called “Play the Pros” is also available, as online users are able to post their scores against the leader boards of the real PGA.

Tournament Challenge is also available, in which players attempt to recreate famous moments from PGA history.  Also, exclusive to the Wii version of Tiger’s PGA 10 is Disc Golf, which allows for further use of the Wii Motion Plus to mimic the act of throwing a disc.

Finally, besides the ability to create your own player, there are also 23 professionals to choose from as well as twenty-seven of the most famous courses from the PGA tour, including Bethpage, Sawgrass, and Pebble Beach.

This, in addition to the Wii Motion Plus, creates one of the most dynamic games in the Tiger Woods series, not to mention one of the best golf games available.