Mattel Reviews

Contrary to the opinions of a younger generation obsessed with video games and electronic gizmos, it really is possible to have lots of fun sans batteries. This set of Mega Rev Tredz depicts two legendary monster trucks: Gravedigger is faithfully recreated with its green underside, black body, and green painted flames along with ghoulish artwork. King Crunch features a blue body with red and white accents on the side along with a host of sponsor decals. To operate the trucks, simply rev them up a few times, let go, and watch them storm through the house. Nothing fancy, it's the same friction based engine that parents will remember from the toys of their own youth Granted, the doors, trunks, and hoods don't open on these trucks and you can't put action figures inside them. But you can't fault Hot Wheels for that since that's simply not the point of this toy. The point, and it's a beautifully simple one, is to have a monster truck that's both fun and easy to operate. --Charlie Williams

Kids always aspire to be just like their heroes and firefighters are a popular favorite. This rescue mission kit with firefighter figures and vehicles lets kids emulate their heroes by pretending to put out a gigantic forest fire. The kit comes with all the components to build any of 50 possible combinations of rescue vehicles. Moving parts include several truck bodies and trailers, a truck cab, regular and all-terrain tires, a ladder, a spotlight, and a mini fire truck--all of which slide together easily via magnets. A button on the roof of the fire truck flashes lights and plays siren sounds for more realistic play. Two action figures make up the firefighting team and a blazing backdrop represents the fire that needs your expertise. --Cristina Vaamonde