Fall Toy Preview2012 4D Cityscape Introduces Time Puzzles
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he USA Time Puzzle, from 4D Cityscape, allows kids to build the history of the U.S. over the fourth dimension of time. Starting with the base layer, 4D’s unique jigsaw play showcases the evolution of the country based on territorial expansion from the year 1783 forward. Next, kids assemble the second layer “modern” jigsaw map, which showcases the formation of all 50 states in a time sequence based on each state’s date of established statehood. The third layer, which is constructed using the 4D Time Poster, is where 93 of the most famous U.S. monuments and buildings are placed into the puzzle in the order that they were constructed. The puzzle includes 93 plastic building replicas and more than 1,000 pieces that depict the country as far back as 1450. The puzzle includes Arches National Park, Mount Rushmore, the St. Louis Arch, and more. The buildings fit into pre-cut holes in a traditional 2D jigsaw puzzle that form the country’s layout and Rocky Mountains. A Time Poster directing kids through time as they rebuild America’s famous history is also included. The New York City Time Puzzle recreates Manhattan’s famous skyline in 3D, spanning 201 years of architectural history. The puzzle includes 120 plastic building replicas that depict the city as it appeared as far back as 1812, through to 1971 with the addition of the World Trade Towers, and into the future to 2013 with the completion of One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower). The puzzle includes iconic structures such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and the United Nations. The buildings fit into pre-cut holes in a traditional 2D jigsaw puzzle that form the city’s street layout and islands. Both puzzles were designed for children ages 8 and up.
Thinkway Toys Unveils Line of Licensed Electronic Toys
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hinkway Toys, a creator of licensed and electronic toys, has developed a line of large-scale R/C vehicles and figures, in addition to role-play items, based on the upcoming film Man of Steel. Thinkway Toys is also the master global toy licensee for Despicable Me 2 and it has developed a collection of electronic and non-electronic toys based on the movie’s characters. The latest addition to the Disney Pixar Cars brand, Disney Planes, will be released next fall, introducing a whole new lineup of Disney characters based on different models of planes. Thinkway Toys has developed a line of electronic R/C and flying toys based on the characters in this movie. Following the success of The Avengers film, Disney and Marvel will launch a new animated television series, Avengers Assemble, in 2013, and Thinkway Toys will develop a toy line to coincide with the new series. The company will also develop a line of electronic toys based on the characters from The Ultimate Spider-Man.
96 • THE TOY BOOK
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012