Totally Gross, But Really Fun Too!
Written: Mar 26 '03 (Updated Mar 26 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good gross fun
Cons: Must be handled with care
The Bottom Line: Disgusting and cute at the same time. Good, gross fun.
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| mizgnomer's Full Review: Electronic Stretch Screamers Bugz - Splat Ant |
I must admit that I was both amused and repulsed when my husband came home with the Electronic Stretch Screamers Bugz Splat Ant for our son. At first I thought it would totally inappropriate for our 1½ year old son, but I think we've all come to love our gross little Splat Ant.
Product Description:
The Electronic Stretch Screamers Bugz Splat Ant (which I will call Splat Ant from now on) is basically a big ugly bug. It measures approximately 7½ inches long, and is a fairly accurate (albeit a bit cutsey-ized) representation of an ant. The head and thorax (middle section of his body) are made of a hard plastic, the abdomen (the tail area) and legs are a soft, squishable/stretchable plastic. The ant is mainly black with an orange underbelly and some red & orange accents.
The abdomen is large, bulbous, and squishable. When squeezed, a large bubble full of chunky yellow bits protrudes from a slitted opening toward the back of the abdomen -- representing the bug being squished and expelling some guts. As the bubble protrudes, an amusing and gross sound effect plays (it is hard to describe -- somewhat like a deep "bbrrooowwwwrrr"). The "gross" sound effect is then followed by the rather amusing sound of the ant chattering, perhaps getting after you for squishing him. Whenever sound effects are playing, red lights in the Splat Ant's large eyes flash.
The 6 legs can be stretched, twisted, and jiggled around during play. A button on the top of the ant's head plays both the "gross" and chattering sound effects.
The manufacturer recommends the Splat Ant for children aged 5 and up. It requires 4 button-cell (1.5v) batteries (included).
Our Experiences:
I must admit that initially I didn't like the idea of my darling, sweet, innocent little baby boy playing with a big gross bug, but we've actually had quite a bit of fun with our Splat Ant. It somehow manages to be both disgusting and cute at the same time. My son really gets into it -- twisting his face up and saying "eeeewwww" whenever the "guts" squish out. It is really amusing to watch him with it.
The Splat Ant does appear to be very sturdy and able to take some rough stretching and play, however there were a long list of "don'ts" included with the bug, namely:
* avoid sharp objects which may puncture the soft skin of the abdomen
* avoid direct sunlight, which will dry out the soft plastic
* avoid "twisting" the bug. The skin is designed to handle stretching, but not twisting
* avoid water, which will short out the electronics
* do not pinch the balloon when it pops out of the body -- excessive pinching can break the balloon
* try to avoid stepping on the abdomen, as that might burst the balloon inside
The instructions also warn that the liquid ingredients in the balloon are non-toxic but they may stain clothing, carpets, walls, etc. I hope we never have to get up-close and personal with the contents of the balloon.
I really cannot recommend this toy for other 1½ year olds, as this toy is not really designed for them. My son enjoys his Splat Ant, but we never let him play with it unattended. Although he really isn't strong enough to damage the toy, he does want to pinch the guts-bubble as it protrudes, and with his sharp little fingernails he just might be able to pierce it. There are some hard points on the toy (the ends of the antennae and the mandibles) -- however they aren't horribly sharp and are configured in such a way that it would be fairly hard to injure yourself with them (they tend to point inward or down). It is possible to injure oneself if you pull one of the legs out very, very far then let it snap back on a sensitive finger, so this is another thing we keep a close eye on with our son. This would probably be a great toy for kids in the recommended age group (5 and up), however parents should closely supervise younger children as they play with it.
I am actually impressed with the general accuracy of the ant (body divided into 3 sections, 6 jointed legs all attached to the thorax, etc). Although the ant is generally accurate, the large head and eyes manage to still give it a touch of "cuteness". There are a whole line of Electronic Stretch Screamers Bugz available (including a termite, roach, dragonfly, and scorpion).
My husband didn't really pay much for it ($2.00 -- he got it from a Media Play store that is trying to clear out their toy section), so we've certainly gotten our money's worth. Even at full price ($9.99) these bugs are fairly cheap -- I've seen them in retail chain stores for as little as $5.00.
Quickie Summary:
Pros:
+) Cute and disgusting at the same time
+) Sound effects & flashing lights
+) Fun for pulling and stretching
+) Great toy for little boys going through that "gross" phase
+) Inexpensive
Cons:
-) If you are bug-phobic, you probably won't want this toy in your home
-) Sensitive to sunlight
-) Don't step on it or you might break the balloon, which may stain your carpet
Final Thoughts:
If your child is at that age when they love all things gooey and gross, then this toy is right up their alley! With silly sound effects, nearly-indestructible legs for pulling, and a disgusting "splat" effect, this toy is sure to please any discriminating bug fan.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2.00
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Epinions.com ID:
mizgnomer
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Location: Tennessee
Reviews written: 306
Trusted by: 204 members
About Me:
Don't meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you're crunchy and taste good with ketchup
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