CS recently supplied me with these lovely shots of a large film tie-in toy, the Valkyrie. Straight from the animated epic Titan A.E, which mixed computer 3d graphics with conventional cel animation, this is a large toy at about 18 " long.
A Beautiful model from a largely overlooked film, the Valkyrie reminds me of the Probe Force series with the elongated fuselage and clustered engines.
The Valkyrie represents a combination of elements, sleek ship design which I love and electronic wizardry which I loathe in toys. The inclusion of 'speech chips' and sound FX represent a turning point in the production of toys. Whereas earlier generations of toys relied upon the inventiveness and imagination of the child to add the sound effects, electronic toys at once added a small selection of stock phrases and sounds, but equally meant that the child no longer had to 'play' withe the toy to get the best from it, it was all pre-packaged at the touch of a button. The unfortunate death of a child after accidentally swallowing a small missile from a Mattel Battlestar Galactica toy in the late seventies also meant that all future toys would be made safe and free from firing missiles, small parts and easily breakable elements, The inclusion of electronic 'FX' was intended to bridge the gap, but for me it just limits the need for creativity at playtime.
I think I pretty-much agree, Wote. But, being blissfully kid-free - and most of my closest friends being similarly blessed - I have no I idea how children actually do play with such toys.
I remember being all excited by talking dolls ... but you couldn't choose which phrase you wanted, so they were never satisfactory. So I just ignored the voice and played with them as if they didn't have it. I wonder if that's what happens with these modern toys too?
I think there is a place for electronics, but only if it adds to the creativity. I'm thinking in particular of those LEGO robotic bricks. I've never had one, sadly, (sniff sniff). But I gather the electronics is just another "building block", and encourages creativity. Also with things like that old Computer Car perhaps? I can imagine that being played with in a creative way ... or at least an educational way.
But, yes, I'm with you on the sound chips and such - they leave me cold.
Being saddled with two wonderful children, one of each time because i like sets of things, Ive had intimate experience of the talking doll and the talking spaceship. What tended to happen with both kids is the sound fx was a novelty until Boxing Day, whereon my patience expired and unfortunately, the batteries came loose and got lost somehow !
If I buy a modern toy - such as thunderbirds - with a speech chip in it, the batteries are whipped out straight away and its immediately dumbed down to 1960's standards.
(laughs) I like your description: having one of each because you like sets! Very good. And isn't it amazing how those batteries get so easily lost somehow? Such a pity ...
I think I pretty-much agree, Wote. But, being blissfully kid-free - and most of my closest friends being similarly blessed - I have no I idea how children actually do play with such toys.
ReplyDeleteI remember being all excited by talking dolls ... but you couldn't choose which phrase you wanted, so they were never satisfactory. So I just ignored the voice and played with them as if they didn't have it. I wonder if that's what happens with these modern toys too?
I think there is a place for electronics, but only if it adds to the creativity. I'm thinking in particular of those LEGO robotic bricks. I've never had one, sadly, (sniff sniff). But I gather the electronics is just another "building block", and encourages creativity. Also with things like that old Computer Car perhaps? I can imagine that being played with in a creative way ... or at least an educational way.
But, yes, I'm with you on the sound chips and such - they leave me cold.
Being saddled with two wonderful children, one of each time because i like sets of things, Ive had intimate experience of the talking doll and the talking spaceship. What tended to happen with both kids is the sound fx was a novelty until Boxing Day, whereon my patience expired and unfortunately, the batteries came loose and got lost somehow !
ReplyDeleteIf I buy a modern toy - such as thunderbirds - with a speech chip in it, the batteries are whipped out straight away and its immediately dumbed down to 1960's standards.
Beautiful toy Wote. Back at Moonbase. For a while at least.
ReplyDelete(laughs) I like your description: having one of each because you like sets! Very good. And isn't it amazing how those batteries get so easily lost somehow? Such a pity ...
ReplyDelete