Mattel's MindFlex Game
The first time we saw this game was at toy fair. Now in all fairness, when we go to toy fair, we’re a pretty silly group. So when the demonstrator for MindFlex at the Mattel showroom was trying his best to show us this super cool toy, we kept distracting him. At one point, he even seemed a little anxious about not being able to perform his toy demonstrator duties.
He wore a headgear that had two clips that he attached to his earlobes. From there he told us that he could control the little blue ball with his mind-making it go up and down and through the obstacle course. To be absolutely honest here, I was sure we were being punked. I kept looking around to see if this was a joke. They assured me that it was for real–and that normally when people allow the guy to do his thing it really works.
Ok, ok…sometimes we don’t behave well. I wrote down the toy as something we’d love to see but then I stopped thinking about it. Last month while I was at the Today Show, Dave– one of the best stage managers ever– showed me a clip of his son working the MindFlex. ( What would we all do without our iphone video clips?) Anyway…he could not say enough great things about this toy. How it appealed to both of his boys and that it helped with working on concentration as a skill.
With that great recommendation, we asked for one to be sent right away. Sure enough this is one of the coolest toys we’ve tested, period. We’ve added it to this year’s Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award List.
The other amazing aspect of the toy is that it appeals to tweens, teens and adults. My dad, a spry guy in his late 70s, also took a run at the toy. He was surprised , as was every adult that has tried it, that he could make it work. It really is so futuristic — makes me wonder what kind of toys I’ll be reviewing down the road.
So if you’ve seen an ad or a commercial – know that this is for real and loads of fun. The platform has interchangeable parts so that you can challenge yourself and others to different obstacle courses. Such a great design aspect–making this a more open-ended play experience. And if you’re looking for something to buy a video game addicted teen, here you go.
Click here to read our full review…and watch the video.