Why Disney's Playmation Will Be Top on Your Kids' Holiday List

Updated on 10/5/2015 at 3:21 PM

At first glance, Disney's new Playmation toys don't look like much. The box doesn't really say a lot, and the YouTube videos and commercials overrunning the Disney Channel look more like the next Avengers movie than a toy for kids. But open the box and strap on the "Repulsor Gear," and you will quickly learn Playmation is unlike any toy you've ever played with before.

A cross between laser tag and video console game, Playmation transforms players into their favorite characters using motion sensors and wearable technology without a wire or WiFi device to be seen. Confused yet? We thought so. Think of it this way. "Toys-to-life" is a buzzword in the toy and video game industry, where toys like Disney Infinity, Skylanders, and Lego Dimensions are supposed to come to life as kids play with them. But with Playmation, the toy actually does come to life, as kids put on the gear, become the character, and then jump and dive their way through enemy-fighting missions.

The Playmation Marvel's Avengers Starter Pack ($120) comes with Iron Man Repulsor Gear (which players strap to their arms), two power activators (used for combat), and two starter smart figures (Captain America and Iron Skull — others can be bought separately). Upon removing the items from the box, Tony Stark's A.I. guide, J.A.R.V.I.S., walks "new recruits" through using the Repulsor Gear (how to attack the enemy and how to defend yourself). Players can then accept missions (25 are included with the starter pack, and more are available via the free AvengersNet app) or engage in free play.

The "Power Activators" are used in conjunction with the hero and villain smart figures. Place a hero (Captain America comes with the starter kit) on one, and you and the hero work together to fight the enemy. Place a villain (Iron Skull comes with the kit) on the other, and you can start battling him immediately. Turn on both "Power Activators," and you and Captain America work together to overcome the villains. The key here is that your child is not sitting in front of a TV playing with a remote control. She's running around the house (or yard — it works outside), jumping and tumbling her way through the missions so it is a truly physical experience.

All of that sounds great, but what is it like to really play with it? And how do kids react to it? Read on to see our complete review.

Who is this product designed for?

Even if your child isn't the biggest Marvel fan, they'll get the hang of the Marvel starter pack (a Hulk Gamma Gear version will be released soon, a Star Wars version is set for release next year, and a Frozen version after that). The box states that Playmation is for kids ages 6 and up. I played with my 6- and 9-year-olds, and both got the hang of it pretty fast.

That said, my 6-year-old had some trouble deploying the Palm Cannon function. His arm just wasn't long enough to effectively maneuver the Repulsor Gear in the necessary motions. He still had a blast with it, but he was frustrated that he couldn't do one of the key movements.

What sets it apart?

Unlike other "toys-to-life" toys, Playmation is the real deal. This is as close to becoming an Avenger as your child has ever had the opportunity to become. Role play is one of the great joys of childhood, and this toy brings it to life more than simply playing with action figures. When you shoot at the enemy, you feel a bit of kickback in the gear. When you are shot, the Repulsor Gear vibrates. I've never dreamed of being a superhero, but if I did, this is what I imagine it would be like.

What could be better?

As fun as Playmation is, there are a few areas that could stand some modification to make it more enjoyable for everyone.

Sound: In a word, the gear is loud — extremely loud. It took us a good half hour to figure out the volume control, and once we did it wasn't that effective. (Learn from my mistake: To turn the volume down, push the Navigation Dial, and turn the dial until you hear "volume." Then you can push the dial to select your volume.) Also, the volume controls only control the Repulsor Gear — they don't affect the Power Activators.
Size of Repulsor Gear: As I mentioned, it was a bit too big for my 6-year-old, but I understand it needs to be so it can fit bigger kids (and the adults who will inevitably be playing with it).
Communication Between Devices: I loved hearing J.A.R.V.I.S. give me instructions, but when playing with Captain America on the Power Activator, we were receiving instructions from both at the same time, and it was very confusing. Add the lights (see below) to that mix, and it was a lot to process.
Understanding the Power Activator: Thank goodness my press kit included a tip sheet informing me what the various colors on the Power Activator meant, otherwise, I would have thought it was just a technicolor light show. So you know:

Purple = enemy is unprotected, attack now!
Green = enemy is charging up their attack, so get ready to dodge, hide, or raise your shield.
Hot pink = you've hit your enemy, causing damage.
Blue = you're facing a shielded enemy; you'll have to use your Palm Cannon!
Yellow = flashing yellow means the Power Activator is about to explode; hide behind something or run out of the way to avoid taking damage.
White = enemy is attacking; use your shield or jump, dodge, or run out of the way!

How long did it entertain my child?

We played for about one-and-a-half hours, before I insisted that they turn it off (I had a headache at that point!). But they would have continued to play for hours. I imagine that if you switched to multiplayer mode (the starter pack will sync with an additional Repulsor), it would provide endless hours of fun. I also think if we hadn't been stuck inside an apartment during a tropical storm and we could have played outside, I wouldn't have forced them to turn it off so soon.

My kids were sweaty messes when they were done, which, to me, was a sign of a good workout!

Would I buy it?

My kids had seen the ads on TV and were asking about Playmation before Disney ever sent me a set to review. They told me it lived up to the hype — and then some. As a parent who has to limit console video game play, I loved how active my kids were with it — they didn't sit down for one-and-a-half hours. Role play is an important developmental skill, and while Playmation does direct a lot of the play, there's plenty of space for creativity, something I heartily endorse.

I truly believe this will be one of the hot toys of the holiday season and one that will be hard to get your hands on. It isn't inexpensive, but given the price of video consoles, you get a lot for your money here!