Get In On the Bakugan Craze
For those who are unfamiliar, Bakugan is an inventive strategy game based on the popular anime TV series, "Bakugan: Battle Brawlers." It pits a variety of "Bakugan warriors" against each other for points. The Bakugan themselves are magnetic, spring-loaded marbles that -- when exposed to a metal "gate card" -- burst open to reveal a fearsome warrior.
The mission of the Bakugan strategy game is to capture the opponent's metal gate cards. This is achieved by rolling your Bakugan warriors onto these cards and doing battle with defending enemy Bakugan. The game involves a surprising amount of strategy, and features various tactical cards and trap pieces that help protect your Bakugan warriors.
Room for the Imagination
This game combines skill (aiming your Bakugan) with strategy (placement of the cards). Players also enjoy the way the warriors pop open on the magnetic cards -- although sometimes they do it even when they don't land on the cards. Players unfamiliar with the TV show, may feel a little lost at first in the world of Bakugan. But with the help of the colorful, animated Bakugan Web site, they will get what the game is about and how to play.
Even without the official strategy game, Bakugan toys are enjoyable and can be played with like regular action figures. Fans of the show will like role-playing as one of the various characters, such as the fiery 12-year-old leader "Dan" or the wise "Marucho."
Maxus Dragonoid Expands Your Bakugan Collection
This particular set contains one Bakugan warrior (named Neo Dragonoid) and six Bakugan traps (Grakas Hound, Dark Hound, Grafias, Brachium, Spitarm and SpyderFencer.) These pieces can be combined together to form the massive Maxus Dragonoid monster. The transformation process is a bit complicated, but the set includes clear instructions that make assembly easy. The assembled Dragonoid is a unique toy, although a bit unwieldy -- if not positioned correctly, he will easily fall down.
Each of the Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid can be used individually in the strategy game. Avid players will be happy to know that this set also includes a special ability card, which will come in handy when you're devising a strategy to topple your enemy. Just keep in mind that, in order to play Bakugan properly, you'll need several other Bakugan marbles/cards that are not included in this package. Kids who are new to Bakugan might be better off with one of the various starter packs.
What's in the Box
Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid, ability card and metal gate card.
This is a 7piece toy comprised of 6 Bakugan Traps and 1 Bakugan Figure. The set is composed of the figures, as well as the Gate Card and Special Ability Card. My daughter has numerous Battle Packs, traps, Bakugan Deka, the arena, the launcher and Bakugan Gauntlet (in addition to the Bakugan DS game).
The toy comes in the box as separate figures and step by step instructions are necessary to aassemble the Maximus Dragonoid. Assembly took about 20 minutes, the first time. Instructions are only graphical drawings and not too easy to follow. Once assembled the figure is not as big as I had anticipated on the packaging. Personally, i was not impressed but my 9 year loves it. She likes the ability to use the traps when playing the Bakugan with her other Bakugan Figures.
As for an action set, I question the durability with non-game play (ie as standalone action figures) - given the spring loaded mechanisms and delicate small parts. I do not recommend this for households with children under 5 given the high choking potential. This set is more ideal for kids aged 7 and above - depending upon how gingerly or harsh your child plays with his or her toys.
For the price, this toy is a touch overpriced and I recommend waiting for a price drop by at least $5 to $10. However, the the unique nature of a modular toy, this set is amazing. I recommend this for the Ultimate Bakugan Fan and not for the casual gamer.
Despite its limitations, it is still a very good toy. You will love Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid.
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