Stratego is a great choice if you are looking for a strategy board game that’s simple enough for kids to play but also offers a good amount of challenge. It’s a 2-player game you can play with your child or have your kids play together.

Stratego Board Game Review

What Are You Buying?

1. 2-Player Family Board Game

You can play Stratego at whatever level of complexity you want, making it a great family game ideal for kids as young as 8 (though some parents say 6 and 7 years olds are also able to quickly get a hang of it).

Younger kids and new players can play it in a more straightforward style, while teens and adults can execute more complicated strategies. The game is just as fun and challenging for an 8 year old as it is for an adult.

2. Strategy-based Board Game

If you or your kids love games like chess where winning depends on strategy, not luck, then Stratego is a good choice.

It is a wargame where the goal is capturing the flag of the opposing army. There are 40 pieces, each with different rankings and abilities. Each player must plan their tactics for attacking the enemy pieces, while at the same time trying to read the other player’s tactics.

Winning at Stratego requires bluffing, a bit of mind-reading, long-term thinking, and lots of confidence. It’s the perfect board game if you want a good mental challenge for your family.

3. Easy to Learn Rules

Many strategy board games tend to have rules that are more difficult to master than the game itself. Stratego is nothing like that. Despite having 40 pieces per player, rules are simple, brief, and straightforward.

One reason for this simplicity is that winning or losing moves are based on the rank of the pieces, which is a number that’s printed on each piece. When one piece attacks another, the highest rank wins and the lower ranked piece is taken off the table. It’s as simple as that.

There are only four special pieces: bomb, miner, spy, and marshall, so it’s easy to remember the special rules that apply to them.

Most kids are able to learn the rules quickly and play the game comfortably after 1-2 rounds.

How Fun Is Stratego?

The combination of easy to learn rules, strategy-based gameplay, and the ability to play at any level of mastery makes Stratego one of the most fun board games to play.

It’s designed such that each game doesn’t last too long that it gets boring. The average length of a game session is 30-45 minutes.

The fun is all in the tactics and strategy. The fact that you can’t see the rank of your opponent’s pieces adds an element of tension. When you attack, you have no idea whether it’s a winning or losing move. You could take out a lower-ranked piece or find yourself going against a higher-ranked piece or one of the six bombs, in which case your piece is taken out of the game.

Once you’ve mastered Stratego, you could try one of the many variations online to add a new twist to the game. One of my favourite variations is the option of ‘rescuing’ one of your lost pieces by adding it back to the board when you reach certain squares.

What Accessories Are Included?

The kit includes:

• A game board.
• 2 packs of 40 pre-printed game pieces.
• A screen that’s used to hide each half of the board when you are setting up pieces.
• 2 Sorting trays.
• A storage box.

Pros

• Easy to learn rules.
• Fun and challenging to play.
• Great for older kids (8+) and adults.
• High quality pieces.

Cons

• Numbers on the pieces are too small.

Anything Else You Should Know?

In addition to the ‘rescue’ variation I mentioned, a couple other popular variations to the classic rules are Silent Defense and Aggressor Advantage.

In Silent Defense, only the attacker reveals the rank of their piece. The defender declares whether they’ve won or lost, meaning the attacker doesn’t know which piece they’ve taken out or been taken out by. This allows players to hide their strategy more effectively.

In Aggressor Advantage, when two similar-ranked pieces fight, the attacker wins. In the classic rules, if neutral players battle, both go out. This variation rewards an attacking strategy.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a board game that’s simple to learn, fun to play, and challenging to both kids and adults, Stratego is probably one of the best around.

Where To Buy?

• Amazon UK: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE

The post Jumbo, Stratego – Original, Strategy Board Game appeared first on Kids Toys Club.

That about sums up gameplay in this blockbuster sequel to the 2018 Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Set in a medieval era, Kingdom Come Deliverance II delivers a cinematic, immersive, and satisfyingly challenging experience that rivals the best RPGs in the market.

Get ready to spend north of 50 hours on the game as your character Henry traverses 16th-century Bohemia either getting caught up in mundane tasks or getting himself into deadly adventures.

Kingdom Come Deliverance II Review

What Are You Buying?

1. Immersive Role-playing Game

A lot of initial reviews from players are focused a lot on the difficulty of playing Kingdom Come Deliverance II. But there’s something else worth talking about; just how immersive the game is.

KCD2, as it’s shortened to, is a mix of an RPG (role-playing game) and an open world game. The main story line as well as the side quests are all about you, as Henry of Skalitz, making decisions that determine your very survival.

While the main game activities like blacksmithing and combat are set in breathtaking and historically accurate environments, you could also spend hours just wandering around aimlessly.

Whether you are getting lost in the sprawling medieval city, chatting with peasants in rustic villages or exploring the forests and open fields, everything feels so real and sharp. The map is huge and there is so much to explore and discover.

2. Tough But Rewarding RPG

If you are thinking this will be a regular RPG game with fancy sword fighting and low-stakes combat that you can quickly get good at by buying points or completing a single quest, you are wrong.

Kingdom Come Deliverance II has a slow, tedious and frustrating start that humbles the most experienced of gamers. It’s not slow because it’s boring, but because you actually have to do the work and practice to level up your stats.

Want to get better at combat? Fight a lot. Want to haggle better with people? You’ll need to have lots of conversations to level up your speech stat. Even your stamina and recovery rate depends on your doing lots of running, just like in real life. Basics like sleeping, eating and dressing up well also play a major role in your success on your quests.

Getting good at combat is a whole other mountain to tackle. At first, you are going to lose every single fight and die over and over. But with time, it’s satisfying to see Henry go from a lowly son of a blacksmith to a fearsome warrior.

If you have loads of patience and don’t mind a slow laboring start, then you’ll enjoy KCD2.

3. Engaging Storyline

It’s not just the graphics that make Kingdom Come Deliverance II immersive. The developers at Warhorse Studios also did a fantastic job with the story itself.

KCD2 picks up right from where the first game ended, with Henry and a small entourage on a mission to deliver a letter to one of Sigismund’s allies. They, of course, soon find themselves in mortal danger as they fight off bandits.

The story is steeped with emotional highs, full of twists and turns, and enriched with humorous moments. It’s part of why the 50-120 hours gamers spend playing through to the game don’t feel that long; the game is highly engaging throughout, even during the initial slog when you have to learn a lot of skills.

But what really makes the story so engaging and immersive is that you, as Henry, take an active role in shaping it. Your decisions influence the direction of the story, affecting conversations and causing real impacts on your virtual world.

4. Numerous Quests to Keep You Busy

One of the best ways to explore the Kingdom of Bohemia and earn Perk Points is going on one of the many side quests — there are 100 of them to be specific.

You can focus on the main quest and finish the game in about 50 hours. But where’s the fun in that? The side quests add a lot of excitement, adventure and immersiveness to the game. If you play all of them, plus the main one, it’ll take you about 120 hours to finish the game.

The best part is that each quest is exciting enough to feel like a mini-game on its own; they are not just game fillers.

5. Mostly Smooth Gameplay

Several people have complained about bugs in Kingdom Come Deliverance II, but they are mostly small non-consequential bugs that don’t interrupt gameplay. That’s actually impressive considering the complicated mechanics and vast world the game is set in.

How Easy Is It To Play Kingdom Come Deliverance II?

Kingdom Come Deliverance II is probably one of the most difficult RPGs you’ll ever play, at least in the beginning. You get what you put in; so you’ll need to be patient and be ready for lots of practice, and trial and error.

But once you start to level up, all that work pays off.

Where Can You Play KCD2?

KCD2 is available on PlayStation 5 as well as Xbox Series X. You will receive the physical game that you can then load onto your console.

Pros

• Immersive game with breathtaking graphics.
• Great storyline with engaging characters.
• Plenty of sidequests for more adventure.
• Smooth gameplay with minimal bugs.

Cons

• Can be frustrating at the beginning as you learn new skills.

Anything Else You Should Know?

Currently, you can choose between two editions of the game: Day 1 and Gold editions.

The Day 1 edition is the standard one with just the base game. The Gold Edition costs slightly more and includes the base game, an expansion pass to upcoming additional content (including three expansions), and a Gallant Huntsman’s Kit for your character.

Conclusion

It’s early in the year but Kingdom Come Deliverance II is already a strong contender for one of the best RPG games of 2025.

It is a challenging game that requires a lot of painstaking practice, and that’s where the fun is. Combined with the beautiful medieval world and the endless opportunities to explore, KCD2 is a must-play for any fan of role-playing games and anyone who wants to give them a try.

Where To Buy?

• Amazon UK: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE

The post Kingdom Come Deliverance II Review appeared first on Kids Toys Club.

The PS5 digital edition eliminates the disc drive found in the slim and original editions, making it a lot more compact and lightweight. Many gamers love the minimalist aesthetic, and you also get to save on space.

But you compromise by losing the ability to play any games you have on discs and you have to download all your games from the PlayStation Store. If you don’t mind that tradeoff, read on for my full review of the PS5 slim digital edition.

PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Slim Console Review

Our new PS5 at home…

What Are You Buying?

1. PS5 Slim With No Disc Drive

The disc-less PS5 is not new. When the original console launched in 2020, you could choose between the version with a disc drive and the digital version without.

When the slim PS5 came out in November 2023, it similarly came in two editions: the regular one with a disc drive and a digital edition without.

The main difference between the regular and the digital edition PS5 slim is the absence of an optical drive.

This makes the digital edition console much slimmer and lighter. It measures 35.8 cm x 21.6 cm x 8 cm and weighs 2.6kg. In contrast, the regular slim PS5 weighs 3.2kg.

So the digital edition is easier to carry around and takes up less space on your TV stand. And since it doesn’t accept physical games, you save even more space that would have gone to storing game discs.

Keep in mind however that the PS5 slim digital edition is still fairly large compared to other compact consoles like the Xbox Series S.

2. Games Downloadable from PSN

With no disc drive, the PS5 digital edition cannot play physical games. If you already have a large cache of game discs, including those from PS4, consider going with the regular PS5 slim instead.

But if, like most games, you increasingly find yourself downloading games instead of buying discs from a store, then the PS5 slim digital edition is perfect for you.

To download games, sign in to your PlayStation Network account and go to the PlayStation store.

Downloading entire games takes longer compared to the patches and updates you normally have to download for physical games. So take your internet connection into consideration when deciding between the regular PS5 and the digital edition.

If you often have poor or unstable connection, get the PS5 slim with a disc drive. It will be less of a hassle.

If your internet connection is good, then the PS5 digital edition is fine. But, depending on just how good your connection is, you’ll need to wait several hours for games to download.

3. 1TB SSD Storage

As I mentioned, the only notable difference between the regular PS5 slim and the PS5 slim digital edition is the disc drive. This also creates differences in size and weight.

Beyond that, there is no difference between the two. Performance specs are similar.

Whether you get the regular version or digital edition, the PS5 slim comes with 1TB SSD storage. This is an upgrade from the 825GB hard drive in the original PS5.

The SSD storage is also a huge upgrade — in terms of speed and performance — from the PS4’s RPM hard drive.

If you are wondering about expandability, yes, the PS5 slim comes with an expansion slot similar to the original PS5. You can add up to an 8TB M.2 SSD into the console.

4. Stunning 4K 120Hz Output With HDR

Display specs are also the same between the two PS5 Slim editions. You get stunning 4K 120Hz output with HDR capability.

Of course, the final display quality will depend on your setup, particularly your TV. To get the best out of the PS5 slim digital edition, hook it up to a TV with similar display performance.

5. Ray Tracing for Added Realism

The PS5 slim digital edition includes ray tracing, a feature that enhances lighting, shadows and reflections in video games. It results in more realistic graphics.

Unfortunately, you probably won’t want to use it often. It takes up a lot of resources and the console has to lower frame rate to compensate.

If you want to really enjoy the added realism of ray tracing, we recommend the recently launched PS5 Slim Pro. Its more powerful specs, including a faster GPU and larger 2TB SSD storage, allows you to turn on ray tracing without compromising much on frame rate.

How Easy Is It To Set Up?

Setting up the PS5 slim digital edition is fairly easy and quick. You simply plug it into a display and connect it to power.

Once you turn it on, onscreen instructions will guide you through the rest of the setup process. The only part that takes time is downloading games from the PlayStation store.

Note that the PS5 slim digital edition doesn’t come with a vertical stand. Instead, you get two small plastic feet that hold up the console horizontally.

But if you still prefer keeping your console vertical to save on space, you can place it vertically without a stand or order the stand separately.

What Accessories Are Included?

Here’s what you get with your PlayStation 5 digital edition slim console.

• The console itself.
• 1 DualSense wireless controller plus a USB-C charging cable.
• HDMI 2.1 cable.
• User instructions.

Pros

• Cheaper than the regular PS5 slim console.
• Smaller and lighter.
• No need to buy physical games.
• Lots of storage – which is further expandable.
• Great performance.

Cons

• Not ideal if you already own a lot of physical games or you prefer physical games.
• Ray tracing doesn’t work very well – it slows down refresh rate.

Anything Else You Should Know?

If, at some point, you feel a nostalgia for physical games, you can get a disc drive separately and connect it to the PS5 digital edition.

So don’t worry about getting stuck with a console that can’t play physical games. That said, you’ll save more money getting the regular PS5 slim complete with a drive compared to buying the disc drive separately.

So if you think you might need the ability to load game discs in the future, just get the regular PS5 slim. You’ll still be able to download digital games, so you are not missing out on anything.

Final Thoughts

As much as we love nostalgia and the assurance that we perpetually own the games we buy, the reality is that more and more games are moving away from physical games.

Disc drive-free consoles like the PS5 Slim Digital Edition are more convenient, cheaper and more compact. Expect to see more such consoles in the future.

Unless you already have a collection of game discs that you can’t bear to part with, then the PlayStation 5 slim digital edition is a great buy.

Where to buy?

• Amazon UK: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE
• Argos: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE

The post PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Slim Console Review appeared first on Kids Toys Club.

If you spent hours playing Manic Miner, Pyracurse, The Hobbit and other retro games, you’ll be glad to know they are all there in The Spectrum.

Here’s my full review of The Spectrum.

The Spectrum Retro Gaming Console Review

What Are You Buying?

1. ZX Spectrum, Reloaded

When it comes to sound, memory, power and other tech aspects, The Spectrum is miles ahead of the original ZX Spectrum. But it’s hard to tell just by looking at it.

That’s because the new console retains the retro design and look of the ZX Spectrum. This includes the large rubber keys, the quirky blocky design and even the rainbow stripe on the bottom corner.

But while the ZX Spectrum was an 8-bit home computer that was used for everything from gaming to running word processing software, The Spectrum is more or less a gaming console.

4. 48 Built-in Games

The call back to the original 80s computer doesn’t stop at the design. The Spectrum comes pre-loaded with 48 ZX Spectrum games, so you can enjoy the full retro experience.

These include Manic Miner, Football Manager 2, Horace Goes Skiing, Jack the Nipper, Stonkers and others.

For an even more immersive retro experience, you can boot the computer in Classic Mode (instead of the normal Carousel Mode). In classic mode, The Spectrum runs in BASIC programming mode, just like the ZX Spectrum.

You also get access to a virtual cassette tape that creates the effect of loading games from an actual cassette.

5. Ability to Load Your Own Games

In addition to the 48 built-in games, you have the option of loading your own games using the included USB micro drive.

The Spectrum is compatible with all games from the 48K and 128K ZX Spectrum models.

6. Save & Rewind Mode

Game play is easy on The Spectrum. Refer to the included user manual to get familiar with the keyboard controls.

During gameplay you can save your game in one of the four virtual slots available, so you can easily get back to your games at any time.

In addition, you can rewind any game by up to 40 seconds, making it possible to replay your favourite moments or attempt a difficult level multiple times.

7. 720p HDMI Output

Similar to the ZX Spectrum, you have to connect The Spectrum to an external display. It doesn’t come with a built-in display.

The Spectrum comes with a 720p HDMI output. So you can connect it to any TV or monitor that has a HDMI port and can display 720p graphics.

You can set the frequency to 50Hz or 60Hz, but the console recommends 50Hz for the best retro experience.

8. Compatible With USB Game Controllers

In addition to the HDMI output, The Spectrum comes with four USB ports for connecting various peripherals including the USB drive.

The Spectrum is compatible with most USB game controllers including gamepads and joysticks, so you can plug those in as well.

How Easy Is It To Set Up?

The Spectrum is easy and quick to set up. The included introduction book comes with all the instructions you need.

To Set it up, you connect it to a USB power source and then connect the HDMI output to your display. Turn on the display to the correct HDMI input then turn on The Spectrum.

The screen will take you through the setup process including selecting language and frequency settings. Once you are in, go through the game carousel and select any game to play.

What Accessories Are Included?

You will receive The Spectrum personal computer with 48 built-in games, a USB micro drive for loading your own games, a USB power cable (adapter not included), a HDMI cable and an introduction manual.

You can also order THEGAMEPAD, a retro DPad for faster and more comfortable gameplay.

Pros

• Comes with lots of games pre-loaded.
• Beautiful retro design similar to the ZX Spectrum.
• HD output.
• Easy to use controls.
• Ability to load your own ZX Spectrum games.

Cons

• Joystick not included.

Anything Else You Should Know?

Here are a couple more features of The Spectrum that we haven’t mentioned above.

• Unlike the ZX Spectrum that had a 15-colour palette, The Spectrum supports the ULAplus colour mode, allowing it to display up to 256 colours in any game. This results in richer and better graphics.
• If you don’t want a black border around the gameplay screen, you can select among 12 beautiful frames.

Conclusion

Whether you grew up with the ZX Spectrum or this is the first you are hearing of it, The Spectrum is a fantastic retro gaming console.

While it’s not flashy and feature-packed like modern consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, it’s simple design and old school games make it all the more fun.

Where to buy?

• Retro Games: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE

The post The Spectrum Retro Gaming Console Review appeared first on Kids Toys Club.

However, you may have decided that your child has enough, or you’d rather people bought something more meaningful. But how to say no gifts for kids birthday? This can be tricky, so we have worked out the best ways to do so.

How To Say No Gifts For Kids Birthday

This can be a bit of a tricky one, especially when it comes to grandparents who want to spoil their little darlings!

When you invite half the class from your child’s school, you may end up with a pile of unwanted things that your kids will never play with, but you might feel uncomfortable about asking for no gifts…

However, it is important to remember that people will generally respect your wishes – as long as you are polite about it.

Simply telling people, “We have enough toys so we would prefer that our little one doesn’t receive presents this year” should be enough – but it isn’t always!

You can try adding a funny rhyme to any party invitations, or simply saying “Nothing, thank you,” when asked what your child would like for their birthday.

You could also request that each guest contributes a small amount to one big present that the child has requested; that way people still feel as though they are giving something.

Sending photos or proof of purchase after the event to show people what their money has gone towards is a good follow-up.

Another idea is to find something that your child is passionate about, and ask people to get involved that way instead. Adopting an animal, or naming a star are both great ideas!

Here is a useful video giving you tips on how to have a no-gift birthday party:

Is It Rude To Not Give A Birthday Gift?

Gift giving etiquette can be slightly confusing. To gift or not to gift? How much should you spend, if anything?

If it is a “standard” birthday party where people have not specifically requested no gifts, then it may be considered rude to turn up empty handed.

If you are close with the birthday person then you may wish to arrive with a gift, in other cases a card may suffice.

As with most things in life, communication is key – you may not be in a financial position to afford a birthday present, but you will find if you are honest about this then no one will mind.

Conversely, if you are invited to a party where “no gifts” is specifically stated, it may be seen as rude to turn up with one!

Make sure that you know what the expectations are, maybe by having a quiet chat with the parent of the child, to find out what is the best thing to do.

Remember, receiving an invitation is not an instant demand for birthday presents, but you should check what the expectations are before you turn up.

How To Politely Say No Gifts But Money?

People do love to give gifts, especially to a small child who is a friend or family member. But how to decline more “stuff” and ask for cash instead?

This is actually pretty simple, although it may require some direct, polite honesty! Let’s face it, all our houses are cluttered enough already, aren’t they?

Simply saying,

“We already have more toys than we know what to do with, but a small contribution to our child’s piggy bank would be appreciated,”

should suffice.

Telling people that their contribution will go towards something that your child really wants but is more expensive than you can afford will make people feel included.

Another great thing to do, once you have achieved this, is to send a picture of what their money has helped to buy; this makes people feel included.

Basically, as long as you are polite about it, you should be able to ask for whatever you and your child want – even if this is nothing – for their birthday.

This article contains some super suggestions for wording “No gifts please:”

What Are The 5 Rules Of Gift Giving?

Obviously, giving someone something that they really want is a good rule of thumb for gift giving, but if you’re stuck for ideas then choose from the following:

Something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, or something they don’t know that they want.

These gifts can be practical or whimsical, depending on the person you are giving it to, and you don’t have to get something from every part of the list.

This can really help if you are stuck for gift ideas and aren’t sure what you should be giving someone.

However, the most important thing to remember is to stick to what people have requested – if no gifts are specifically requested, then definitely leave it at home!

Is Gift Important In Birthday?

We all love receiving presents, right? There are very few people who don’t want to have something to unwrap on their birthday!

However, the most important thing is not your presents, but your presence. People remember what people do and say far more than they remember what they are given.

If you cannot afford a gift, or have been asked not to give one, the best thing that you can do is to show up and bring your smiles, hugs and self to the party.

Children especially will remember the party far more than they will remember the gifts they received, especially after said gift has been outgrown or broken.

Although a present is lovely, it can be not exactly what a person wants or needs. You turning up, on the other hand, can be exactly what they both want and need!

Final Words

A birthday party is a wonderful thing – and in many cases, kids will remember the party long after the gifts have been broken or outgrown.

As long as you are kind and polite, no one is going to be offended if you ask for no gifts at your child’s party – in fact, many parents will breathe a sigh of relief!

The post How To Say No Gifts For Kids Birthday? appeared first on Kids Toys Club.

It’s designed specifically for young players. The rackets are lightweight with easy to hold shafts. The strings provide a nice balance between power and control. The set also comes with shuttlecocks and a carry case. Read on for our full review.

Dunlop Nanomax Junior Badminton Set Review

What Are You Buying?

1. Junior Badminton Set

The Dunlop Nanomax Pro Ti set includes two badminton rackets, three plastic shuttlecocks and one zip up carry case.

This set is enough for two players. All you need is a net and you are ready to play. And with the included carry case, you have a safe place to store everything after each game. The case also makes it easy to carry the rackets and shuttlecocks to the park, club or wherever else you are playing.

2. Kid-friendly Rackets

Kids need different badminton rackets from adults. Getting junior rackets for them not only ensures they can play badminton comfortably and easily, it also prevents fatigue and injuries.

The two rackets included in the Dunlop Nanomax Pro Ti set are designed specifically for junior players. The manufacturer doesn’t specify the exact dimensions, but they are likely G4 or G5 grip size rackets. These two sizes are suitable for kids as well as teenagers.

In addition to a comfortable grip, the rackets are also lightweight. This makes them easier to hold and allows kids to comfortably hit the shuttlecock.

3. Durable Rackets and Shuttlecocks

These are not high-end badminton rackets, so don’t expect the same build quality as pricier brands. But they are good enough for occasional use by junior players.

The shafts are made from tempered steel, so they won’t bend or break. The strings are also sturdy. A couple of customers said the strings on their rackets broke after a few uses, but this is likely an exception. If this happens to your rackets, you can request a return.

The plastic shuttlecocks are also durable. They can take a lot of hits.

How Easy Is It To Use?

Since the Dunlop Nanomax set is designed specifically with younger players in mind, your kids will find it easy to use them.

The rackets are easy to hold and they feel light. The strings, though not on the same level as those on professional rackets, provide a good amount of power and precision. So even beginner players will find it easier to make good shots.

What Accessories Are Included?

In addition to the two rackets, the Nanomax Pro Ti set comes with three shuttlecocks and a zip up carrying case. The only thing not included is a net.

Pros

• 2-player set with everything you need to get started (except a net).
• Lightweight rackets with child-friendly grip.
• Durable rackets and shuttlecocks.
• Carry case included.

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a net.
• Customers say that the strings sometimes come loose.

Anything Else You Should Know?

If you are not playing at a place that already has a net, you can buy a portable badminton net and use it at home, at the park or even at the beach. Most portable nets are easy to fold up and can fit inside the car.

Conclusion

The Dunlop Nanomax Pro Ti junior badminton set provides an easy way for kids to get into badminton and have fun while at it. You get everything you need for two players and the rackets are comfortable for kids to use.

Where to buy?

• Amazon UK: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE

The post Dunlop Nanomax Pro Ti 2 Junior Player Badminton Set appeared first on Kids Toys Club.

Read on for our in-depth review of all three Nintendo Switch games including where they shine and where they fall short.

Nintendo Scarlet and Violet Review

We are going to review the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet games together since they are quite similar. They are set in the same place and a lot of the gameplay is similar. But they are different enough that we recommend getting both games, even if not at the same time.

What Are You Buying?

1. Two Nintendo Pokemon Games

Nintendo Scarlet and Violet are two of the latest mainline games to be added to the Pokemon lineup. If you are already a Pokemon fan, many of the characters will be recognizable and gameplay will be familiar but just as exciting.

That said, Pokemon Violet and Scarlet are just as fun for anyone just entering the Pokemon universe. Gameplay is easy to understand. In no time, you’ll be on your way exploring Paldea, catching pokemon and fighting fearsome creatures.

If you are wondering which of the two games to get, here’s a quick breakdown of the difference between Pokemon Violet and Pokemon Scarlet.

While the two games are set in the same Paldea region, there are some differences including the school your character goes to, the colour of the uniform that you wear, and the kind of Pokemon available in each game.

For example, the fireball-shooting Armarouge is a Scarlet-exclusive Pokemon while the fire blades-wielding Ceruledge Pokemon is exclusive to Violet.

But the biggest difference is the main legendary dragon-type Pokemon you ride around on in each game.

In Scarlet, it is an ancient fire dragon called Koraidon that gallops on its legs when on the ground. In Violet, it is a futuristic electric dragon called Miraidon that transforms into a motorcycle for ground transportation.

By the way, this ancient/futuristic divide is another major distinction between the two games. Pokemon Scarlet’s gameplay focuses on the past, and this permeates even to the kinds of pokemons you can catch. Pokemon Violet is all about the future.

2. Open World Play

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are both open world games, meaning you are free to explore wherever you want and can take quests in whichever order (though there is an ideal path to make it easier to level up).

The games are set in the picturesque Paldea region filled with cities, small towns, flatlands and majestic peaks. Paldea is based on the Iberian Peninsula, which comprises Spain, Portugal and Andorra. Suffice it to say, it’s a beautiful setting. And with 400 Pokemons to discover, you will not run out of things to do.

That said, it is not as explorable as it seems. You cannot enter most buildings, there are no fun puzzles or side quests hidden around the city, NPCs are not very interesting and many of the storefronts are repeated in multiple cities.

If you are expecting the same level of open world exploration like the one in Witcher 3, CyberPunk 2077 and other open world games, you’ll be disappointed. What’s really fun, though, is the main storyline. That’s where the Pokemon Violet and Scarlet games shine.

3. Fun Gameplay With Plenty of Quests

After an initial tour, you may not have much fun exploring Paldea but the main gameplay keeps the games fun throughout.

There are 400 Pokemons to capture, each with interesting abilities. This is not counting the additional 230 Pokemons that come in the DLC expansions.

The open world style of play means sometimes you’ll lose battles you are not ready for, but that makes the games all the more fun and interesting.

Some of the best aspects of games include the ability to give any pokemon a temporary superpower during a battle and Tera Raid Battles that you can do alone or with friends.

That said, the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet games have many technical issues and bugs that dampen gameplay. These include inconsistent framerate, messy graphics and even glitches that completely shut the game down.

4. Play With Friends

You can play Pokemon Scarlet and Violet with friends either online or locally. Between 2 and 4 players can explore, battle and trade in the same game. They can also cooperate in Tera Raid battles.

We recommend sticking to local play (where each person has their Switch). Online play is plagued with communication failures and annoying lag, even on ethernet or a strong WiFi signal.

How Easy Are the Nintendo Scarlet and Violet Games to Play?

It is easy to get started on Pokemon Violet and Scarlet. You pick your character and customise them in terms of skin tone and uniform. Have to say, though, customization options are pretty limited.

Once you’ve gone through the tutorial at school, you are ready to explore the open world of Paldea. Despite the many bugs and issues, Pokemon Violet and Scarlet are ultimately really fun games.

There is plenty to do and explore, so you will take days or weeks (depending on how often you play) to finish the game. The main story takes about 30 hours, or up to 36 hours if you take time to explore. There’s also about 20 hours of post-credits gameplay if you want 100% completion on your Pokedex.

What Accessories Are Included?

When you order the Pokemon Scarlet or Violet game, you will receive a physical Nintendo Switch game card from Argos. No other accessories are included.

Pros

• Easy to get started.
• Fun storyline.
• Lots of Pokemon to capture.
• Beautiful open world game that’s fun to explore.
• Local or online multiplayer mode available.

Cons

• Lots of bugs and technical issues.
• Graphic quality is not the best.
• Online play is problematic.

What Else Do You Need to Know

Once you install the game, you can buy additional downloadable content (DLC) from Nintendo’s website. The DLC adds a new area to explore plus 230 new Pokemons. There’s also a new school you can explore as an exchange student, complete with a new customizable uniform.

Where To Buy?

• Argos: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE
• Argos: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE

Nintendo Switch Sports Review

The Nintendo Switch Sports package is a brazen attempt to recreate the magic of Wii Sports, and it works. This pack of 6 games (8 with DLC) brings back the memories of spending hours with friends and family bowling an imaginary ball or swinging a virtual golf club.

What Are You Buying?

1. 6-Sport Nintendo Switch Game Pack

This game card comes with six sports:

• Tennis – The tennis game only allows doubles either against friends or NPCs. It is fun but a bit shallow in terms of the moves you can make. Other than a straight return, there are a couple of spins you can do as well as lobs.
• Bowling – one of the most fun games of the bunch thanks to the excellent motion control that allows you to precisely roll the bowling ball in a straight line or curve it. You also get special lanes with obstacles if you are looking for something more challenging.
• Chambara (sword fighting) – the most intense of the Nintendo Switch games. You get a choice between three swords: a regular sword with a powerful strike, a charged sword that charges up when you defend and twin swords that let you do a spinning strike.
• Football – Football is the least fun of the Nintendo Switch sports for many people. You spend a lot of time running after the giant ball and there isn’t much to challenge your skills. To make it a bit more fun, play with friends or play shootout by putting the Joy-Con inside the included leg strap.
• Badminton – Unlike tennis, badminton allows 1 v 1 matches, though there aren’t any doubles. But the intensity of the one on one matches is worth the limited number of players. The game gives you lots of control, letting you hit the shuttlecock left or right and set up drop balls that allow you to deliver powerful smashes against your opponent.
• Volleyball – Volleyball is all about timing and teamwork to be able to set up powerful spike shots and blocks. It is probably the most challenging game in the pack.

The six games are set in a modern sports plaza in which you can explore the bowling lanes, tennis courts, the sword fighting arena and more.

2. Wii Style Sports

If you’ve ever owned a Wii Sports Resort, then many of these games will be familiar to you. With the Switch Sports package, Nintendo has tried to bring back the magic and fun of Wii games.

While you could play most of the sports comfortably seated, there’s something about these games that makes you act them out as if you are actually playing the game in real life. And that’s the whole point.

The Nintendo Switch sports are designed to be intuitive to play with simple JoyCon movements that mirror what you’d do in an actual physical game.

3. Local and Online Multiplayer Mode

Nintendo Switch Sports allow between 2 and 8 players depending on the specific game. With badminton, there can only be two players at a time. In soccer, you can have four on four matches.

Just like Wii Sports, Nintendo Switch sports are most fun when played with friends and family. So take advantage of the multiplayer option as often as you can.

You can invite people to play locally by linking your Joy-Cons or connect online with friends far away. You can also play globally where you’ll be randomly matched up to other players.

The online option offers additional fun challenges such as survival bowling and survival golf. If you are good enough, you have the chance to go up the rank in each game.

How Easy Are the Nintendo Switch Sports to Play?

The best thing about Wii Sports was how anyone could pick up the controller and start playing. The motion control movements came naturally. Nintendo Switch Sports has maintained this intuitiveness. Controls are easy to master, mostly because they mirror natural sports movements.

Some games are easier than others to play. Bowling, badminton and volleyball require some practice to master all movements and controls.

What Accessories Are Included?

In addition to the Nintendo Switch Sports game card, you’ll also receive a leg strap accessory for use with the football game.

Pros

• Easy to get started thanks to intuitive motion controls.
• You can play alone or with friends.
• Most of the games are fun.
• Local and online play available.

Cons

• Many of the games are not fun to play alone.
• Limited challenges and control in some of the games like football and tennis.

Anything Else You Should Know?

Since the official release of the Nintendo Switch Sports, Nintendo has added two more sports via DLC. You can now order and download a DLC pack that adds basketball and the much-awaited golf to the Switch Sports package.

Similar to other games, basketball and golf come with a multiplayer option and you can even play against random people online.

Where To Buy?

• Argos: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE

Conclusion

And that’s our mega review of the three Nintendo Switch games. We like them. However, they could do with a bit more depth. The open world in Scarlet and Violet is limited and some of the games in Nintendo Switch Sports quickly grow old and boring after just a short time, especially if you are playing alone.

If you are into open world games that involve lots of exploration and fighting beasts and monsters, Nintendo Scarlet and Violet are the best games for you.

If you are looking for a bit of sports action, particularly with friends and family, try the Nintendo Switch Sports games.

The post Nintendo Switch Games Reviews (3x) appeared first on Kids Toys Club.

Read on for our full review of the Venom Joy-Con charging dock, including what we like and don’t like about it.

Venom Nintendo Switch Quad Joy-Con Charging Station Review

What Are You Buying?

1. Joy-Con Charging and Storage Dock

If you only have the two Joy-Cons that came with your Switch console, then you probably don’t need this charging station. They charge automatically whenever they are attached to the Switch.

But if, like most Nintendo Switch owners, you have additional Joy-Cons to play games with friends and family, you’ll need a way to charge the extra controllers. That’s where the Venom Nintendo Switch Joy-Con charging station comes in.

It is a dedicated Joy-Con charging dock. Just slide controllers into the slots and they automatically start charging. It’s also a handy and safe place to keep your controllers when they are not in use.

2. Slots for Four Controllers

The Venom charging station has space for up to four Joy-Cons. Each slot works independently, so you can charge just one or two controllers or connect four Joy-Cons at the same time.

3. USB-C Charging

The Venom Joy-Con dock charges via a USB 3.0 cable that’s included. You can plug the cable into the USB output of your Nintendo Switch console, though this will drain its battery quicker. You can also plug it into any other USB output including a wall adapter.

4. Individual LED Indicators

Each charging slot of the Venom charging dock has individual LEDs to indicate charging. So you can easily check the charging status and level for each Joy-Con controller.

How Easy Is It To Use?

The Venom charging station doesn’t need any setup. Just slot in the Joy-Cons and plug the USB cable into any USB charging output. The LED indicators make it easy to check whether a particular controller is fully charging.

Another thing we love about the Venom charging station is how compact it is. It measures 14.1cm wide, 9cm deep and 15cm high. So you’ll have no problem finding a place to put it. You can even set it up right next to your Nintendo Switch dock.

What Accessories Are Included?

The only accessory included with the Venom Joy-Con charging station is a USB 3.0 cable. That’s the one you’ll use to power the dock and charge your Joy-Cons.

You don’t need any other accessories to use the Venom charging station.

Pros

• Can charge two pairs of Joy-Cons at the same time.
• Individual LED charging indicators.
• Compact design.
• Doubles up as a storage dock for your Joy-Cons.

Cons

• Users say that Joy-Cons don’t slide in and out of the dock as smoothly as on the Nintendo Switch.

Anything Else You Should Know?

Note that the Venom Nintendo Switch Quad Joy-Con Charging Station is only compatible with regular Joy-Cons. They do not accept special Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons such as the larger NES Controllers.

Conclusion

The Venom Joy-Con charging station is a must-have if you have more than two Joy-Con controllers. It allows you to keep all your Joy-Cons charged for action at any time.

Where To Buy?

• Argos: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE

The post Venom Nintendo Switch Quad Joy-Con Charging Station Review appeared first on Kids Toys Club.

With their durability, all-day comfort and versatile style, they make for excellent school shoes. Read on for our full review of the Adidas Tensaur Hook And Loop shoes.

Adidas Tensaur Hook And Loop Shoes Review

What Are You Buying?

1. Comfortable and Durable Sports Shoes

Kids put their shoes through a lot from jumping in puddles to kicking anything that resembles a ball. That’s something to keep in mind when buying shoes for your little one. They need to be durable and hard-wearing, able to take heavy use without falling apart.

That’s why we recommend the Adidas Tensaur Hook And Loop shoes for kids, particularly if you are shopping for kids sports shoes. These trainers are not only durable, they are also really comfortable.

The thick rubber soles provide plenty of cushion, making them safe for jumping, running and other activities. The soles also offer a strong grip on surfaces without leaving any marks.

2. Excellent School Shoes

Most of the parents buying the Adidas Tensaur Hook And Loop shoes use them as school shoes. Kids can comfortably spend all day in them, walking up and down, running around and playing sports.

Since there are plenty of colours to choose from, you can pick a style that looks just as good in class as it does out in the field. There are a couple of mostly black ones that look particularly suited for school.

The durability of these shoes means that kids can wear them everyday for school and they will still last a long time.Most parents get a new pair because their kids have outgrown them, not because they are damaged. They are a great buy if you keep buying new school shoes for your kids because they never last long.

3. Child-friendly Hook & Loop Closure

The Hook and Loop closure is easy for kids to operate, even the younger ones. Unlike laces that can come loose, the straps stay in place and provide a snug and comfortable fit. It’s also easy for kids to adjust the straps even when on the move.

4. Multiple Colours and Sizes

The Adidas Tensaur Hook And Loop shoes are available in a dozen different colours and styles, so you can easily find the best pair for your child. There are several dark colours if you want a muted style for everyday wear at school, a few white styles (including an all-white pair) and some brightly coloured options.

As for sizes, there are also plenty to pick from ranging from toddler sizes to older kids of up to 7 years. Make sure you check out the size guide to help you pick the right shoe size for your child. Most parents say the fit for these shoes is perfect.

Note that there aren’t any wide or extra-wide sizes. So if your child has wider than average feet, the Adidas Tensaur Hook And Loop shoes may feel tight.

5. Eco-friendly

Adidas says that 50% of the synthetic leather upper on the Tensaur Hook And Loop shoes is made from recycled plastics. So if you prefer shopping green, these shoes are an eco-friendly choice.

Their longevity also makes them more eco-friendly since it means fewer of them end up in landfills.

How Comfortable Are They?

A vast majority of parents who’ve bought the Tensaur shoes say they are really comfortable. They are lightweight, they have great support and cushioning, and they fit well.

They are ideal for a wide range of activities whether it’s running, jumping, skipping and whatever else the kids are up to.

What Accessories Are Included?

The Adidas Tensaur shoes don’t come with any extra accessories.

Pros

• Very comfortable.
• Great for sports and playing.
• Ideal for school.
• Wide range of colours and sizes.
• Easy to use hook and loop straps.

Cons

• No wide or extra-wide sizes.

Anything Else You Should Know?

In addition to the dozen colour options available, you can further style up your child’s pair of Adidas Tensaur shoes with a custom name or number. When ordering, there’s an option to personalise the left or right shoe (or both) with a specific name or number.

So you can have your child’s name or their favourite number on the shoes. That’s sure to get them excited about their new trainers.

Conclusion

The Adidas Tensaur Hook and Loop shoes hit the mark on the three things most parents look for when shopping for kids shoes: comfortable, stylish and long lasting. If you are looking for a pair of comfy trainers your child can wear to school, for sports or just for walking around (they are great when travelling with kids), the Adidas Tensaur shoes are a great choice.

Where To Buy?

• Adidas UK: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE

The post Adidas Tensaur Hook And Loop Shoes Review appeared first on Kids Toys Club.

The game starts slow and forces you to build your island paradise laboriously based on the passing of actual days. But, as even the most impatient of gamers found out, New Horizons is a worthwhile labour of love, creativity and exploration.

Animal Crossing Review

> Click to check today’s price

What Are You Buying?

1. Laid Back World Building Game

If you have played any of the previous four Animal Crossing games (New Horizons is the fifth release), then you will be familiar with the casual nature of the game.

There is no fighting, no hunting down enemies, no dangerous side quests and there is no single time when you need to do anything to survive. New Horizons is a game that encourages, or rather strongly insists that you slow down and just be.

In fact, gameplay runs in real-time and mirrors the current real-life season (assuming you selected your current location during game setup). This means that things take time. At the beginning, it takes several days before you start doing any major stuff on the island. That’s because you have to build things from scratch.

And even once you get going, you’ll find that this isn’t a game you can spend the whole day playing. After a couple of hours, you run out of things to do and you have to wait till the next day to see the bridge you built or meet a new character you invited to the island.

If you want a game you can binge on for hours, this is not it. New Horizons is more suited to shorter periods of play like during commute, when you get home from work or when you take a 10 minute breather away from the kids. And since it is on the Nintendo Switch, it’s easy to play it anywhere.

Note: New Horizons uses the Nintendo Switch’s system clock to run in real time. You can adjust the clock to hack the game and make things move along faster. That said, there are minor penalties for time travel.   

2. Endless Customization

The strength and fun of Animal Crossing games has always been in their incredible level of customisation. That’s what New Horizons is all about. You go in, get a feel of the island and then spend the next several years customising it bit by bit.

There is so much stuff you can create including a swimming pool, zen garden, temple, maze, a cosy fire pit, a campsite, and whatever else you can imagine. There’s truly an insane amount of customisation options available that you can never truly run out of things to try in the game.

And it’s not just the island that you can customise, you can also decorate your house with a wide range of items including furniture, lights, a boombox, wallpaper and so on. Later on, you also get an option to expand your house and customise its exterior.

Your character is also customisable. When you are setting up the game, you can customise your face, hair and other features. Later on, when you are able to build a shop, you can buy different kinds of clothes and accessories (using bells, the in-game currency) and try them on.

3. A Game Based On Routine

Most of the gameplay in Animal Crossing involves doing a lot of the same stuff every day. Sure, there are new activities to do to build up to specific rewards. For instance, you have to turn your tent into a house before you can build the apparel shop and buy clothes.

But there are also things you do daily to keep earning bells and have fun like fishing, catching bugs, planting trees, watering flowers and talking to characters.

While sometimes these activities can feel repetitive and tedious, they are also a source of comfort and familiarity. As I said, Animal Crossing is not a game you play late into the night. Rather, it’s something you escape to for half an hour or an hour each day to relax.

That said, there are some out of routine things that happen on New Horizons like holidays, fishing tournaments, fireworks festivals and more. You can also visit other Animal Crossing islands (including a friend’s island) and invite new villagers to your island.

4. Multiplayer Modes

New Horizons has several multiplayer modes.

You can have up to eight people living on a single island, and up to four can play the game at the same time using a single Nintendo Switch. To be honest though, this can get chaotic and is not as fun as playing on your own. There isn’t much to do when you are a group (maybe take a few photos).

The other multiplayer mode involves visiting your friends’ islands and inviting them to yours. You can do this online or locally with up to seven other players. Again, there isn’t much to do other than showing off your creations to each other.

How Fun is Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

It depends on what kind of games you like playing. If you are into slow-burn world-building games where the focus is on creativity and exploration rather than excitement, then you’ll probably love New Horizons.

One thing we love about New Horizons is that there is no learning curve. The game is easy to play right from the beginning. But it’s slow. So even if you have never played Animal Crossing before, you’ll fit right into the island.

It will take some time to get familiar with crafting, accessing your inventory and other actions. But you’ll learn them in no time.

What Accessories Are Included?

You will receive a game card for the New Horizons game. Nothing else is included. Obviously, you need to own a Nintendo Switch to play the game.

Pros

• Fun game with lots of customisation options.
• Multiplayer modes.
• Easy to play even for younger gamers.
• Great if you are looking for a relaxing game.

Cons

• Takes time to build up to the really fun aspects of the game.
• Not ideal if you prefer action-packed games.

Anything Else You Should Know?

Here are answers to some common questions people have about the New Horizons game.

• The New Horizons game is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. You can only play it on the Switch, Switch Lite or Switch OLED. You cannot play it on the 3DS, Wii or other consoles. There are different Animal Crossing games for those platforms.
• You can play New Horizons online or offline. When playing offline there will be some limits on what you can do (e.g. online multiplayer mode).
• Note that you can have only one island per Switch. So if you are sharing a single console with someone at home, you’ll have to share the same island. If you each want your own islands, you’ll need two switches and two separate game cards.
• Because this comes as a game card, it doesn’t take up space on your Nintendo Switch. However, updates and other DLC will download to your console or SD card.
• New Horizons is okay for kids 3 and up.

Conclusion

The hardest part of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is patience. But after a few days, it no longer feels as tedious. You’ll find yourself looking forward to when you can pop into your virtual island and build your creations. Even the routine activities become a source of calm and a worthwhile price to pay for the chance to keep customising your paradise.

Where to buy?

• Amazon UK: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE

The post Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch Game Review appeared first on Kids Toys Club.