ToysBulletin.com reviews a classic game from Winning Moves Games.

“Winning Moves Games” has released an updated version of “5ive Straight,” a well-known strategy game that has had a huge following for a number of years.  This re-issued game includes a plastic pegboard that measures approximately 11” x 11”, 3 sets of colored pegs (50 in each set) and a deck of 100 cards numbered from 0 to 99. 

The object of the game is to be the first player to successfully place five pegs in a row on the numbered pegboard, either diagonally, horizontally or vertically.  Of course, the competing players also try to block each other, by placing one of their pegs along the same path...

ToysBulletin.com reviews the latest new doll from Paradise Galleries.

If you have a love for cats, or even if you don't, this doll is perrrrrfect for you.  “Mama Kitty,” from Paradise Galleries' Treasury Collection arrives in an attractive sturdy box and embodies the company's passion for dolls that stir your spirit, warm your heart, and nurture your soul.   You will be more than thrilled as you open the box and see this stunning one-of-a kind porcelain doll.  When you hold "Mama Kitty" in your arms for the first time, you understand the lyrics of Frank Lloyd Weber when he wrote his musical "Cats,” "if you touch me, you'll understand what happiness is.” The joy of getting a new doll is doubled when you realize that this one-of-a-kind doll is actually two characters in one adorable body - a little girl dressed up as a cat...

“Peaceable Kingdom” has certainly filled a niche with its line of children’s cooperative games.  They now offer over a dozen different titles, including several that can be played by kids as young as 3 years old.  We are going to take a look at two of their cooperative games, “Lost Puppies,” and “Race to the Treasure.”  Both of these games are suggested for a slightly older child (5 years old and up), but each still offers amazingly easy play in a short amount of time.

A cooperative game is one where all players work together throughout the game.  Players help each other, and there is never a single winner or loser.  Instead, the team of players either wins or loses together as they play against a common opponent or obstacle...

“Ravensburger” has released an intriguing game combining chance and skill that takes us to six different casinos to make our fortunes in “Las Vegas.”  The game contents include 40 six sided dice (8 in each of five different colors), 6 die cut heavy cardboard casino cards, 54 banknotes ranging from $10,000 to $90,000, and 1 starting player card.

Today, we are going to take a look at two toys from “Patch Products.”  The first is a magnetic dress up activity kit called “Fashion Spotlight,” and the second is a game featuring the big red dog, Clifford, entitled, “You’re Invited.”  Both are suggested for pre-school youngsters and older.

“Fashion Spotlight” is one of several “Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere” items sold by “Patch Products,” and even comes in its own metal tin, measuring 8” x 10”.  Inside, the front and back portions are connected by a hinge and when opened reveal side by side play areas.  “Fashion Spotlight” includes two different magnetic dress models, and nearly 50 different magnetic accessories, including dresses, skirts, purses, shoes, hairpieces, bows and even a dog on a leash...

Every once in a while, we play a game that makes us smile the entire time we are playing.  “Gubs,” a card game from “Gamewright” provides just that type of experience.  The game arrives in a sturdy 4” x 6” tin, containing 70 cards and a colorful folder containing the “rules to play.” “Gubs” is suggested for 2-6 players, ages 10 years old and up, and an average game can be played in just 20-30 minutes. 

When first examining the game, the Toys Bulletin staff immediately wanted to know “what exactly is a Gub?”  Well, it appears to be a small snail like creature, with two antennae sprouting out of its head.   The object of the game is for players to build a larger colony of Gub cards than their opponents.  They do so by carefully collecting, protecting, or stealing them.  Players can also lay traps, use tools or even hazards to improve their chances of building a winning colony of Gubs...

“Interactive Toy Concepts Ltd.” (ITC), based in Toronto, Canada, and founded in 1988, has earned a well-known reputation as one of the leaders in the highly competitive radio control (RC) category. They offer a full line of high performance toys, and the one we are reviewing today was honestly one of our very favorite toys at the February 2013 New York Toy Fair.

“Learning Resources” continues to release learning tools and games for youngsters aimed at increasing their ability to think and reason.  “Mental Blox” is that type of game, and it can be played at home or in the classroom.  The game comes with two sets of 10 blocks, each set identical, but every block different in either color or shape, and each measuring approximately 2” long x 2” wide.  There are also 20 double-sided numbered cards, each displaying a different combination of three or more blocks.  As the numbers get larger, the structures get more complex.

There are two games suggested by “Learning Resources.”  The first is called “Look & Build.”  In this game, players are divided into two teams, with each team getting a complete set of 10 blocks. 

We have been working with puzzles of all types for many years, and one category of puzzle that has seen very few changes during that time is the standard jigsaw puzzle.  Well, “4D Cityscape” has created something very new in this category.  They have designed a series of puzzles that depict the landscape and architecture of some of the largest and most beautiful cities in the world.