Built to Rule Reviews

This G. I. Joe boat arrives as a building set in 27 Lego-like pieces and requires kids to construct it into a battle vehicle. An instruction book features detailed three-dimensional building diagrams that are easy for even younger builders to follow. The rugged Cobra Moccasin has two possible designs, depending on where the battle is to take place. One design builds a speed boat equipped with rotating machine guns and a launching missile; the other turns the Cobra Moccasin into a speedy snowmobile with the launching missile mounted on its front. The set also includes a Cobra Moray figure, who drives the boat or snowmobile. There are eight G .I.-Joe-vs.-Cobra-themed building sets in all and kids can collect them to complete their troops. These G. I. Joe action sets are compatible with Lego building systems or playsets and have sturdy parts for long-lasting play. --Cristina Vaamonde

This vehicle arrives as a building set in 43 Lego-like pieces and requires kids to rig it into an indispensable avalanche search-and-rescue vehicle. An instruction book features detailed three-dimensional building diagrams that are easy for even younger builders to follow. The rugged Snowcat has two possible designs, depending on the type of rescue needed. One design equips the front of the Snowcat with a launching grappling hook to rescue skiers stranded in the snow; the other positions an ice pick on the vehicle's rear to cut through frozen areas and get to injured skiers. The set also includes a ski patrol figure, who operates the vehicle. There are eight Search and Rescue themed building sets in all and kids can collect them to create an entire rescue crew. Tonka action sets are compatible with Lego building systems or playsets and, like most Tonka trucks, they are built to last. --Cristina Vaamonde