A look at Transformers Age of Extinction toys for small children

Our kids are getting older, as they do, and some of the brands and toys that I grew up with are entering their radar. The eldest is 4 and while he’s too young to watch the Transformers movies, he’s good-to-go on some of the toys and knows a bit about them from Transformers Rescue Bots.  With Transformers Age of Extinction coming out there is a slew of new toys coming out, here’s a look at some that are good for younger children.

Mr. Potato Head as Optimus Prime

Mr. Potato Head as Optimus Prime is recommended for children two and up.  It’s a pint sized Recue Bot that little hands can put together, chew and throw without any damage.  The figure comes with two bases, two tops, a torso section with the arms and an accessory that goes into the back of their head.

One of the bases is a vehicle that corresponds to a top, while the other base is the feet for when they switch to Rescue Bot mode.

Our two year old liked the toy, but hasn’t discovered the joy in taking it apart and putting it back together.  Of the two modes he likes the one where it’s a vehicle better than the Rescue Bot.

The good news on this toy is that its price point is only $6.99, which makes it great for a birthday gift or ‘special treat’.  I can see our youngest liking this toy more and more, once he figures it out a bit.

Transformers Age of Extinction Dinobot Slash, One-Step Changer

This is the One-Step Changer.  There is an Eight-Step Changer that is more difficult and geared for children 8 and up.  The Transformers Age of Extinction Dinobot Slash is good imaginary play for children 5 and up.  Our oldest is 4 and a half and loves the toy.

 

He has a little bit of trouble locking it down into place when it’s in the dinosaur phase.  All you need to do is push the dinosaur’s knees together and he locks into place.  To transform back into a Transformer just push the other way and have him stand up.

Dinobot Slash has gone with us to all of the local stores and our son put up quite the protest when we had to photograph him.  There are a couple different One-Step Changers and cost $11.99.  However, if you look around you can find them on sale for $8.50

Fight Night Battle Masters: Optimus Prime vs. Megatron

Fight Night Battle Masters: Optimus Prime vs. Megatron is a handheld version of boxing robots.  Move your fingers back and forth and their arms swing like transforming pugilists.  It’s intended for ages 5 and up.

We played this with a 6 year old fan and he couldn’t get enough of the boxing.  Our 4 year old had a bit of trouble making the arms move back and forth quick enough to punch the head, which causes it to pop up.

The 6 year old had to get used to it, but had a great time once he got the hang of moving the arms back and forth quickly.  When we placed the bots were on the controllers, so we used our hands.  However, if you take the bots off of the controllers and place them on a flat surface you can move their arms by placing your fingers in the back of their feet.

Battle Masters retails for $24.95, but you can find it for a couple bucks less if you shop around.