Are Transformers movie toys suitable for kids?

Before parents give in to their kids’ demands to get them the current ’piping hot’ Transformers movie Revenge of the Fallen (ROTF) toys, here’s a very quick summary of whether these toys are really suited for kids to play with.

Popular ROTF toys - Deluxe (SGD 27.90), Voyager (SGD 51.90), Leader (SGD 109.90):

- involves more complex transformation process than the Transformers Animated toyline

- needs patience & analysis, instead of forcing through if the parts get in the way during the transformation

- some problem solving skills needed, hence more suited for older kids aged 10 and above, even though the package states for kids aged 5 and above

- requires gentle hands, a waste of money if broken

Alternative types of ROTF toys for younger kids:

[ ] Fast Action Battlers (FAB, SGD 27.90) - action figures with chunkier parts and much faster and simpler transformation

[ ] Legends (SGD 11.90) - small matchbox-sized action figures that can transform

[ ] Power Bots (SGD 51.90) - Leader class sized and non-transforming action figures, but less likely to break if handled roughly

[ ] Robot Replicas (SGD 26.90) - Deluxe class sized and non-transforming action figures, but less likely to break if handled roughly

[ ] Robot Heroes (SGD 12.90) - Legends class size and non-poseable figurines, less likely to break if handled roughly

Suggestions:

- Don’t rush into the ROTF hype.  It’s basically a fad that is hyped up by marketing campaigns, current movie screenings, toy collectors’ rush to complete their collections, plus peer pressure in school.

- Don’t just buy any other character to make up for a wanted character that sold out.  There are other versions of popular characters available in the ROTF toyline. 

- If there is no more stock, just wait.  The same piece will likely be available again, especially after the lessons learnt by Hasbro from the first Transformers movie toys shortages 2 years ago.

- Above all, know your kids well.  If they had always been Transformers fans, then they are more trusted to take good care of their Transformers toys.  But if it’s just sudden interest due to the current ROTF hype and peer pressure from their friends and classmates to have the ‘it’ toy like them, then it’s better to get them a ROTF toy that’s still within budget and can last longer.

- And last but not least, ROTF toys are not on discount at the moment and unlikely will be in the coming months to ‘milk’ the ROTF movie and toys craze.  Fortunately if you have the store membership cards of certain departmental stores, most of them are giving a 10% discount for the ROFT toys during this period.  Happy ROTF toy shopping!