MAIN Toy Reviews Hyper Dash

Hyper Dash

Hyper Dash, Made by Wild Planet; Electronic game with handheld "tagger" and five targets; Retails approx. $19.99 and up , Recommended for children ages 6 to 12., Requires 3 AA batteries, not included, iParenting Award for "Outstanding Products, Toys & Games".

Welcome to high tech tag with a twist! The old playground favorite has just been upgraded. Hyper Dash is an electronic game that is as fast as you are!

You can play indoors or outdoors; solo, in pairs, or in teams; with up to eight players. There are several different games & levels, so mixed ages can play fairly against each other. Hyper Dash will provide a nice mix of fun, physical, and mental challenges (with the emphasis on fun).

Hyper Dash comes with one ergonomically designed, handheld, electronic, "tagger" and five hockey puck-sized colored and numbered targets. The tagger plays pre-recorded music and calls out clear voice commands as to which targets you need to strike next.

It also tracks the amount of time taken to complete each course, keeps score and declares the eventual winning player or team. The tagger uses radio frequency identification (RFID) to recognize the targets, so they can be set up side-by-side, or spread out.There's no limit to the distance between targets. Farther targets result in more running and exercise.

It is pretty quick and easy to learn, although younger kids might need the rules read and explained to them. In no time they will be running around like crazy, cheering each other on, working up a sweat and having a blast. The selectable skill levels and four completely different game modes make the game appropriate for school-aged children to adults; perfect for getting parents up and playing with the kids! The adults will have plenty of fun as well.

As your speed, skill and agility improve, the series of commands becomes longer and more challenging.

• Level one calls out the colors you need to tag
• Level two includes numbers
• Level three adds special commands (Double Strike, Triple Strike, Reverse, Double Reverse)
• Level four features Compu-Strike (addition/subtraction problems in which you tag the sum or difference of the numbers called out).

Other play modes include the memory game of Micro Dash, reminiscent of the old Simon game. For a game of Hide 'n Dash, let your opponent hide the targets before you begin, or try multi-player relay races. Every game keeps kids on their feet, expending energy and having fun.

Hyper Dash encourages and promotes:

• better listening skills
• math skills
• coordination skills
• teamwork
• gross motor skills
• muscle development
• ...most of all, great fun!

About the Author: Mary Rose is a Mommy, a writer and an early childhood educator who believes in learning through play and the value of good toys.