International Playthings Lift-Off Rocket Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As an adult toy collector, I find that toys are getting more and more complex, while providing less and less enjoyment. And sturdiness is a thing of the past. So I find myself gravitating towards quality "childrens'" toys like the Lift Off Rocket. And this particular toys doesn't disappoint!
The Rocket comes with four figures (2 astronauts, 1 dog, 1 alien), a moon buggy (for the astronauts), a crater (for the astronauts or alien), and the rocket itself. All parts are sturdy without sacrificing play value. It is obvious that a lot of thought went into the design of the various elements, as nifty details abound.
The buggy has large, rubber wheels and easily stores in the bottom compartment of the rocket. The door hinges downward and has two grooves in it, so it makes a perfect ramp for the buggy. There are some simple, yet elegant details in the buggy bay that would have been left out of a cheaper toy (floor details, some wall decorations). My only complaint with the buggy is the inability of fitting the alien in there (his footprint is too large).
The crater is deceptively fun. It is a simple piece, yet it immediately creates a "moonscape" atmosphere wherever you place it. Plus (and this is probably unintentional), if you decide to store all the other pieces inside the rocket, you can place the crater beneath the ship for a somewhat realistic "fire" backsplash effect.
The rocket is a work of art. This is the rocket we dreamed of as kids, before the messy details of reality were a concern. The main cabin door hinges to the side and has its own floor, increasing the play space when it swings out. Kids will recognize elements from their own homes inside: a toaster, a microwave, shelves with cups and food containers, a coffee maker, many drawers, etc. None of these move or "work" in any way, but they add a great bit of character to the capsule. On the door, you have a bedroom with murphy bed, nightstands, books, and a lamp. Flip the bed up, and you have a toilet with back tank, tp dispenser, the works! The cockpit holds both astronauts (or the dog in place of one astronaut!) and has some relief detailing of controls and limited stickers. The nicest feature is that the astronauts sit in the correct position (on their backs) when the rocket is standing up. There are two sound effects triggered by a button on the handle: a countdown to launch plus launch or a generic electric sound. There is a 3-position switch (located on the OUTSIDE and easy for kids to manage) that turns the sounds off, low volume, or high volume.
Don't let the price scare you on this one. It is very clear that i-Play spent the money on quality construction and thoughtful design. The rocket feels substantial--there is nothing "cheap" about it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: International Playthings Lift-Off Rocket

Click here for more information about International Playthings Lift-Off Rocket