Iron Man 3 Toy Review - Mask, Figures, & Assemblers

Captain America- "Big man in a suit of armor. Take that away -- what are you?" 

Tony Stark - "Uh, genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist."

    
   When I heard Hasbro was looking for a few good men to participate in reviewing a few Iron Man 3 toys, there was no question about joining the ranks of the elite parent/kid play team. We played with 10" Arc Strike Iron Patriot Figure (retail $19.99) . The battle sounds/phrases and lights are pretty killer. The flip-up missile launcher is pretty dang cool, as it rests vertically on the Iron Patriot's shoulder until you raise his right arm. Then it is in firing position with more sound effects. My 'Lil Man has already had the Iron Patriot on several missions!

   After our Wee Lass has gone down for the night, we were able to crack open the Assemblers Interchangeable Armor System (retail $9.99ea.) (Starboost Iron Man and Iron Man Mark 42). The small interchangeable pieces, while not baby friendly, are a TON of fun. The two figurines that we played with were enough of a good time that it kept my 'Lil Man and our 'Lil Miss engaged for a long time. After trying several combinations, they stepped into the world of make believe and had a numbers of great battles against each other and then invisible foes. The small parts were at times tough to swap for the 3YO, but our 7YO did great to help out.

   Lastly, we were honored to unveil the Marvel Iron Man 3 ARC FX Mission Mask (retail $24.99). This is clearly the favorite, as you BECAME Iron Man!!! I was battling with the metal man the entire first evening, through dinner AND a shopping trip. The Mission Mask has sound and phrase buttons on the sides that happen to also fire two missiles on each side. I'm on the fence about the missiles as I've loved toys that shoot since I was a kid. I'm also now a father that worries about "shooting your eye out", loosing parts under the couch, and our baby ingesting those lost items. We had fun turning the lights out and using the targeting laser. The glow around the eye piece was pretty eerie and cool. We put it up where we can see it when not in use, just 'cuz it's fun to look at. This one's worth having in the house for make believe. It may prove to be a source of contention between my 'Lil Man and I. It's that cool.

   As I wonder what to buy my children that will actually be played with, and NOT become bin fodder in the play room, I'm thrilled to report that these three toys deliver. The action figures stimulate the imagination and play. The mask takes that to a whole new level.

Iron Man 3 toys were received as a sample by a promotional company on behalf of Hasbro. All opinions are my own. Iron Man 3 is in theater's May 3, 2013. Don't miss it!