Review Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye

I spy with my EyeClops eye, December 24, 2007
By Amanda Richards "Modest to the extreme" (Georgetown, Guyana)
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)

Things you should know about the Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye

1. Even though set-up is relatively easy, kids may need some help in putting it together, connecting it to the TV and bringing the bionic eye into focus.
a. The lens attachment has to be placed over the bionic eye, and twisted until the red groove is aligned with the arrows.
b. This toy needs five AA batteries for the "brain case"
c. It needs to be connected to the TV video input
d. It has to be focused using the focusing disc (included) before use

2. It's not for smaller children who may shine the LED light in their eyes

3. It comes with a viewing tube (for looking at bugs and other small objects); a viewing dish (for stuff that needs a little more room to spread out for examination); and a base for hands free viewing. These items are made of transparent plastic, and if you're not careful you may throw them away with the packaging.

4. It comes with an easy to understand, illustrated instruction booklet, that's actually written in proper English, and includes a treasure hunt section.

Good things about the Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye
1. Kids will be fascinated by the 200X magnification, and are likely to spend lots of time looking for objects to view
2. This is a good learning tool for showing kids what everyday objects look like up close. Hair, skin, salt, coins and banknotes, magazines, cloth and carpets are good examples, as are ants, fruit flies, shells and leaves. You can actually see fibers in cloth, and hair and follicles in skin.
3. Great gross out fun when disgusting objects appear on your TV screen

Bad things about the Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye
1. The object for examination needs to be very close to the bionic eye, touching the lens attachment
2. You can only view objects in the proximity of the TV, up to the length of the cord.
3. Sometimes the image appears fuzzy and adjustments have to be made to get it into focus
4. Some colors view better than others
5. Once the batteries start running down you get lines through the image and discoloration
6. If you're using this with your kids - DON'T LET THEM SEE A CLOSE-UP OF YOUR SKIN. This device clearly illustrates the aging process, and the difference between young skin and ummm older skin is very apparent. Unless you want them laughing at you for years to come, don't show your epidermis without a fight.
A cool educational toy for kids with a little parental guidance required.
Amanda Richards, December 24, 2007

Review Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye

Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye is among the very best, October 15, 2007
By EWS "Research Engineer" (Northeast)

I purchased the Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye for my six year old son's birthday.
When first powered up, the quality of the Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye -- how easy it is to use, and how good the image is -- are surprizing. To have such high magnification and such a clear color image in a *toy* is impressive. Maybe the sharp image is what motivates my three year old son to pay attention when big brother is using it. The internal light source means no fuss with aligning a mirror, sunlight, or some bogus "light kit" like with usual microscopes.
The other doodads in the box -- the focusing card, the containers, and the stand -- are neat goodies that make the Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye a cool system.
We look at the fine details of other toys, photographs, and printed matter, including dollar bills. We look at wood and cloth, too.
One note: our rechargable NiMH batteries do not provide enough voltage to make the Eyeclops provide a color image. With freshly-charged NiMH batteries, the Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye provides a very good black and white image, but that is far less satisfying than color.
After having the Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye for a few months, my son has started asking me about atoms and electrons. So I think this "toy" has had a lasting educational effect on him.

Review Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye

Learning without knowing it, October 11, 2007 By SuitedPair (New York, NY) I bought Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye for my five year old and she was absolutely captivated. Started out bored and after 2 minutes was running around the house looking for things to view. The quality of the image is very good and there are some nice attachments that make it easier to view different types of things. Really a great toy that ignites scientific curiosity in kids without them knowing it.

Review Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye

Cool Educational Toy for the Whole Family, October 21, 2007 By Mother Hen One cord to plug it into the TV, and it's ready to go...couldn't be easier to set up and use! Amazing detail with all things fibrous -- cloth, hair, fur, paper. Unexpected details in things like plastic, laminates, metals. Easy even for little ones to use, though they need to understand they can't lick, scratch, or otherwise mar the lens. Comes with a petri dish accessory, and a little plastic tube that can be screwed into the eye for close-up examination of liquids, bugs, and who-knows-what-we'll-think-of-next?! Ease of use and the effect of seeing things magnified on your TV set is exactly what makes Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye straddle that line between great toy and educational tool.

Review Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye

Really more suited for older kids, November 12, 2007
By J. R. Clark "Mysticheadlouse" (The hills of ol' Kentucke)

Pictures of the Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye to the contrary, this thing ain't as easy to use as it looks. The camera has a very specific focal length, and it takes a lot of practice and a steady hand to get an "in focus" image. At 200X the slightest movement of the camera or object being viewed is quite exaggerated, and you end up spending most of your time trying to find what you are trying to look at, and when you finally find it, it isn't in focus, and when you adjust the focus, the camera moves and you have to start all over again. Would definitely be frustrating for impatient kids.

Product Review about Monopoly Here & Now Limited Edition

Great game for the whole family!, October 23, 2007
By Emily & Corey's Mom (UC, TX)

Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars

I got this game free with my purchase and thought I would give it away for a gift. My son asked to keep it, and I am so glad he did! We really had a great time playing! It seemed so much less "cluttered" as we played due to the way they designed the new game. My kids were even noting places and we had great conversations about the different locations that they had on the board. I would definitely recommend this game even if you already have the older version like we do!

Product Review about Monopoly Here & Now Limited Edition

A fun new twist on an old favorite, the money part is HARD!, November 1, 2007
By Benjamin Franklin "Scientist, Inventor, State... (Walt Disney World)

Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars

I really like this new twist on an old favorite. My children, 13 and 6 enjoy playing this game immensely. The pieces are fun and recognisable such as Starbucks, McDonalds Fries, New Balance shoes, a jet, etc. The places are also recognisable such as Times Square and Wakiki Beach. The game concept is pretty much the same, with the spaces having the same function as the original Monopoly. The only part we really found confusing was the money part. Especially when you are having to pay 10% tax, or mortgage several properties. It can get confusing with dealing with millions at a time. I wished they had kept the money part the same as the original, as millions of dollars at a time serve no purpose.

Product Review about Monopoly Here & Now Limited Edition

A Pleasant Change, November 21, 2007
By Sushil Premjani (Los Angeles, CA USA)

Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars

Its a good change from the classic version.

Pros:-
-Millions and Billions of dollars transacted , so it does improve calculations.
-New and Modern places. (Times Square, White House , Hollywood)
-Better Houses and Hotels
-Innovative tokens.

Cons:-
-Those who are used to the classical game might find the transition difficult but onces used to this , you will love this one.

Product Review about Monopoly Here & Now Limited Edition

Fun, updated version, November 25, 2007
By Cathi "Blessed Mommy of 4 girls" (Indiana)

Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars Educational:3.0 out of 5 stars

We bought Monopoly here in order to start a new tradition for our 11 year daughter on Family Fun Night. It is neat, updated version. We miss the "kitty" on "FREE PARKING" with the new version. But, the money amounts are more realistic than the original and there are airports, instead of railroads. The Community Chest and Chance haven't changed much, except for money amounts.

The utilities are now internet services. Luxury tax is now income tax.

Some of the updated playing pieces are a Labradoodle, New Balance tennis shoe, airplane, Starbuck's mug, laptop and cellphone.

We find it annoying that you have to separate the money before putting the game up. It won't fit in the box when it is still in the bankers plastic area.

Overall, we think this is still a great game, maybe even better than the Monopoly here original

Product Review about Monopoly Here & Now Limited Edition

Reality Beats Nostalgia, December 15, 2006
By a girl (Seattle, WA United States)

I bought this version of Monopoly as a gift for a child I know who has never played Monopoly.

I considered the classic version to satisfy my own wistful nostalgia, but overcame that urge in the name of having a game actually be educational. My goal is for the child to actually be counting sums of money and making change from larger bills, considering strategic moves, having some sense of finances even if they don't realize they're picking that information up ...

Monopoly here This version is better for kids today. The absurdly low monetary amounts and references to railroads and such in the classic game serve no purpose. Railroads replaced by airports ... it's about time.

Beyond just making it more relevant and changing , the rules of the game are exactly the same, and it's the same fun family game!

Product Review about Monopoly here & now limited edition

Monoply always a great game,March 9, 2007
By MJM (Oregon)

I got this for my adult son who gets together with friends for game nights. He loved this modern version. It's really a great concept with all the new pieces.

Product Review about Monopoly Here & Now Limited Edition

A Great Innovation,April 15, 2007
By Bu-chan (Aotearoa)

The up-dated Monopoly had to come some time, and this made a great game still great to play. I am still a fan of the original, but I enjoy this version too.

I have to agree with some comments about the money being harder to use, and that is true. However, I think it is a minor problem. The extra zeros on all the denominations make things a bit tough to work out, but this is something one gets used to when they play it a few times. The modern highrise buildings, (rather than houses and hotels), are a great little touch, allowing you to build "up" rather than across.

The new locations are great, and the new up-dated pieces are fun. Being made of metal, they are very durable too. The board folds in quarters, which is pretty common these days, (rather than in half with some of the older designs).

Overall, this is a great version of Monopoly and adds something to the experience. Although I would not abandon the original version for it, it is a great game.

Product Description of Monopoly Here & Now Limited Edition

Amazon.com Review

The back of the box poses the question, "What would the Monopoly game be like if it were invented today?" One could sum up most of the difference in one word: inflation. If you're used to playing the traditional game, you might feel a little woozy handling Monopoly money denominations that start at $100k and top out at $5 million. Players are no longer vying for control of Atlantic city but now the entire U.S., from sea to shining sea. Entry level properties like Baltic and Mediterranean Avenues, which sold for $60 back in the day, have been replaced by Texas Stadium in Dallas and Cleveland's Jacobs Field, each selling for $600,000. The most disturbing piece of property for sale in this game is the White House--one can only assume it's someone's subtle political humor. Railroads have been replaced by airports like O'Hare and JFK. Utilities have been supplanted by cell phone and Internet service. And, of course, the game pieces have all been updated: laptop, cell phone, hybrid car, commuter coffee mug, jumbo jet, super size fries. Gameplay, however, is still the same. The idea is to buy properties, build houses and hotels, and charge other players rent when they land on your land. Thankfully, transactions are still handled in cash and not by some convoluted electronic banking scheme. There's a lot of changes here that will make cynics and traditionalists sour. That's okay. The original game is still available to them. What's interesting about this edition is that it brings back a kind of jaw-dropping thrill--one that made this game a household word in the middle of the Great Depression, when people dreamt of becoming a millionaires. This game will let you dream of becoming a billionaire. --Porter B. Hall

From the Manufacturer
A modern makeover for today's would-be billionaires! Play America's favorite game as if it were invented today. Move with cool tokens that are iconic to life here and now. Own popular destinations from across the United States. Buy and sell at values reflecting current market prices. Own it all to win. 2 to 6 players.

Product Detail of Monopoly Here & Now Limited Edition

1. Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 10.4 x 15.8 inches ; 2.3 pounds
2. Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
3. Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
4. Our Recommended Age: 8 - 127 years
5. Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 - 127 years

Product Features of Monopoly Here & Now Limited Edition

1. It's a whole new twist on the classic property trading game!
2. The four railroads are now airports, including LAX, JFK and Chicago's O'Hare!
3. Hot property includes Times Square in New York City, Boston's Fenway Park, Las Vegas Blvd., Houston's Johnson Space Center, Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, and Minneapolis' Mall of America!
4. New tokens include the Toyota Prius, New Balance Shoe, McDonald's French Fries, Labradoodle, Motorola RAZR Mobile Headset, and a Laptop Computer
5. The goal still remains the same: buy, sell and trade well-known U.S. properties to win the game!