Best Toys

Mega Brands Inc., based in Montreal, has introduced a new innovation in battling tops with their Battle Strikers toy. Tops have been around for over 2000 years with no real changes in how they work. These amazing new turbo tops require no ripcords or strings to pull to make them perform. It is all done with the use of magnets. Each set includes 2 Strikers, 2 Controllers, 2 Turbo Launchers, and the Battle Arena. Each launcher requires 3 AA batteries to make it work and these are not included. Recommended for ages 6 to 15 this toy is not your father’s or grandfather’s idea of the classic top.

With the help of magnets you are now in control of your top. Each top has four areas that contain magnets. Each Turbo Launcher has four appropriately located magnets on the bottom of it. The Battle Strikers are launched into battle with the use of this Turbo Launcher by attaching them to the bottom of the Launcher and pulling the trigger to rev them up. Then you hit the Launcher with your hand or your opponent’s Launcher to release the top onto the arena. These tops can reach up to 7500 RPMs. Each Launcher is a different color to keep them separate.

With the classic tops of the past you just launched them and watched. Now this you launch them and have the ability to control and battle your opponent. The magnets allow the top to jump, move into battle, and dodge the other top in the arena by using the Controller you attach to your finger. The Controller is made of plastic and also contains a magnet which helps you guide your top into battle, either away from or toward your opponent.

With practice you will be able to learn the skills to beat your opponents. The tops themselves are modular and can be customized. Each has six parts. The variations available allow the top to perform better in different situations. You can change the shape of the top of the top to change how the top reacts when it collides with your opponent’s top. The bottom of the top has two options. You can either use the metal marble for a more consistent, controllable spin or the plastic spindle which allows the top to spin at an angle so it is able to be aggressive. All of the tops have interchangeable pieces so you can mix and match to get the right one for each battle. Your child will want what is expected to be one of the top toys 2009.

There are sixteen different Strikers available each having different magnetic enhancements to affect their degrees of offensive and defensive abilities. You will want to collect all of them to be ready for whatever your opponent has in store for you.

The arena is made of black plastic and has storage available for three tops on each side. It is very durable and will be able to withstand the spinning of the tops during battle.

Battle Strikers is a fun and exciting toy that will definitely be one of the hot toys for Christmas this year. Expect to see it on your child’s wish list. Adding extra tops to the set is a great way to fill your child’s Christmas stocking.