Build a Fortress with the Mega Bloks Castle
Written: Jun 14 '07 (Updated Jun 16 '07)
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Pros: ● Developmental
● Storage bin
Cons: ● Choking hazard
The Bottom Line: The Mega Bloks Castle is difficult to find, but worth the low price.
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| marybatson's Full Review: Mega Bloks Castle Mega Bloks 50 Pieces |
Mega Bloks ? What are they, and why do I want them. Technically speaking, Mega Bloks is a brand of plastic interlocking blocks, similar to Legos, which are categorized by skill. Speaking from experience, life with toddler will run smoother if an introductory set of blocks is in the house. Maxi Bloks are the large, easy-fitting Mega Bloks that are geared to young children 1 to 3.
The Mega Bloks Castle is a 50-piece set of Maxi Bloks designed to develop fine eye-hand coordination and foster problem solving activities. For variety, the blocks differ in shape and in length, and come in a “castle-like” color way: green, blue, black and gray. For those with infants, beware as the smallest blocks measures 1 ¼” square x 2 ¼” high, which could pose a choking hazard. The 50-pieces break down into the following units.
● 3 – figures called Buddies: 1-knight, 1-dragon, and 1-glow-in-the-dark ghost
● 4 – crenellated pieces: 2 small and 2 large
● 2 – windows
● 1 – arched bridge
● 3 – square blocks
● 5 – 4 hole blocks
● 6 – 3 hole blocks
● 15 – 2 hole blocks
● 9 – 1 hole blocks, and
● 2 – piece storage bin
One of the cool things about this set is that the storage bin actually doubles as the castle roof. The bottom of the bin is made of clear plastic so you can see the blocks when stored away. The top of the container seconds as the castle roof and has a bunch of raised stems in which to pop on the blocks and Buddies.
Our Experience:
The Mega Bloks Castle was one of those impulse purchases that I haven’t regretted buying. It has sustained a remarkable amount of play in the 4-years that we have owned it, and it still looks new. Unlike many block sets where kids simply stack and knock down, this set has a stacking arrangement. On one side of the storage bin is a picture of the completed castle. When my son received this toy, he merely stacked the blocks and enjoyed hearing the blocks drop in the storage bin. As he aged, he became interested in following the stacking order to make the castle. This was the cause of much frustration at first, but as time went by he enjoyed the challenge.
To compare these blocks with others brands, the Maxi Bloks fall into the same category as Lego’s Quatro, which are large and chunky for beginner builders. We never owned Quatros so I can’t speak for their quality, but I have noticed that Legos are priced higher then Mega Bloks. My only complaint with the Maxi Bloks is that they are recommended for young children who still mouth their toys, and the smallest blocks in the set do pose a choking hazard. Thus, I removed them from the bin until William stopped putting his toys in his mouth. The Mega Bloks Castle is recommended for children up to 5-years old. I never expected this set to hold the interest of a kindergarten-aged child, but it has. In fact, William just turned 6, and even though he hasn’t played with the castle lately, he still hesitates in selling it on eBay.
As a parent, I have been very impressed with the quality and value of Mega Bloks products. As with other brick-like sets, Mega Bloks are interchangeable, so adding more sets adds to the play value. The castle has been a fun and challenging toy, and the moving window pieces, and battlement bricks really add to the castle experience. Additionally, some of the blocks and the crenellated rooftop have castle decals.
Mega Bloks Inc.
4505 Hickmore, Montreal, QC, Canada H$T 1K4
1800-465-MEGA (6342)
Additional Mega Blok Reviews:
My Teaching Piano
Mega Bloks 250 Mini Bricks
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $17.99
Type of Toy: Blocks
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months
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marybatson
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Member: Mary
Location: Phoenix
Reviews written: 169
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