MONOPOLY PRIZM: NBA 2ND EDITION BOARD GAME

Think you can do a better job of creating a basketball dream team than today's NBA General Managers? Give it a shot with a new edition of MONOPOLY PRIZM that incorporates players from the 2023 - 2024 NBA season into the game play of this board game. MONOPOLY PRIZM: NBA 2ND EDITION BOARD GAME from Hasbro is available exclusively at Target beginning February 18 until August 1 when other retailers will also carry it. 

Collect, trade, and compete in the Monopoly Prizm: NBA Edition 2nd Edition board game—with 2023-24 Panini NBA trading cards! In this version of the Monopoly game, players use the Panini cards to draft their own team of 4 NBA players. Then, instead of buying Properties, they try to take control of NBA Games and collect points from opponents who land on them. 

To earn more points, players reveal and compare the stats on their Panini cards when they compete in Playmaker challenges and NBA Award contests. They can also use the Panini cards to trade NBA players or draft new ones. At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins! Looking for fun games for Family Game Night or cool gifts for kids or collectors? This strategy board game for kids and adults who love basketball is a slam dunk!

The base game comes with Panini Prizm trading cards featuring16 real life NBA players. A booster box can be purchased separately which adds an additional 24 players that be incorporated into the game. Using these Panini Prizm cards in the Monopoly Prizm: NBA Edition board games, players can draft and trade NBA Players to build a team, and then compete against opponents by comparing NBA Player Ratings and Stats.

This looks to be a FAN-tastic version of Monopoly for anyone who is an NBA fanatic. 

Marvel United Exclusive Kickstarter Expansion

I'm so geeked! My Kickstarter Pledge for CMON and Spin Master Games MARVEL UNITED finally arrived! MARVEL UNITED is a hybrid combination of a card game and a board game which involves deck building and moving miniature figures around a designated play area. Players cooperatively work together roleplaying as comic book-inspired heroes attempting to prevent a dastardly villain from completing a despicable master plan.

The core box for this fantastic tabletop game actually arrived at major retailers like Target and Walmart in 2020. It took awhile longer for me to get my hands on MARVEL UNITED though because in addition to the main game I also received an exclusive expansion of additional playable characters and villains to encounter that was provided as a bonus reward to those who supported the Kickstarter campaign. I also purchased an exclusive add-on playmat that was exclusively available through Kickstarter from CMON and Spin Master Games.

I'm really glad about purchasing the playmat because it really adds a nice visual element to playing the game. It also re-enforces the game rules and flow of play which is nice for family game nights when some extra structure can help keep my tween-aged tweens focused on the activity. The MARVEL UNITED playmat has a nicely stitched base and a neoprene skid free bottom providing a sturdy surface for a game that involves tossing cards and moving figures around. We've been playing the game a lot so this playmat really has been great to have.

Secondly, I also received an expansion box full of complimentary add-ons that were provided as fundraising stretch goals during the Kickstarter campaign. For those not familiar with Kickstarter, stretch goals are fundraising targets that if are met provides a reward to people financing the project. In this case, when the campaign met certain funding marks a new hero or villain was added to the game that is not available at retailers like Target and Walmart but exclusively provided to Kickstarter backers at no extra charge.

While the core box of the game has an Avengers focus containing a team that includes seven of Earth's Mightiest Heroes (Ant Man, Black Widow, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Hulk, Iron Man and the Wasp) and three villains (Red Skull, Ultron and Task Master), the MARVEL UNITED exclusive Kickstarter expansion pack adds an additional 33 heroes and 11 villains. This opens up numerous gameplay options with heroes from the entire Marvel universe of comics, television shows and movies.

Along with a miniature, each of the characters included in the expansion pack include a deck of cards compatible with the MARVEL UNITED core game. Bring together Netflix's Defenders (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist) to tackle the King Pin's master plan. Create a supernatural team of heroes with Doctor Strange, Blade, Moon Knight and Ghost Rider to take on the demonic Dormammu. Show some girl power with Ms. Marvel, Spider-Woman, She-Hulk and the Scarlet Witch battling Hela. Or you could have Black Cat, Falcon, Howard the Duck and Squirrel Girl go head to head with Rhino in a wild duel. So much expanded playability with MARVEL UNITED with this exclusive Kickstarter expansion.

For those of you who may be interested in this expansion but missed the initial Kickstarter campaign last year for MARVEL UNITED there is some hope to get your hands on this fantastic expansion to the core game. CMON and Spin Master Games are hosting a sequel MARVEL UNITED Kickstarter campaign with an X-Men theme in mid-April 2021. They've announced that the expansion pack from the first Kickstarter campaign will be available to purchase as an add-on with the X-Men one. While you can't get it as free bonus content like I did, this still is a much affordable way to get these extra heroes and villains compared to through eBay scalpers. Plus there is sure to be a new expansion pack of stretch goal rewards with an X-men theme to go along with that sequel box set.

The expanded game play options with these extra heroes and villains has made playing an already entertaining game in MARVEL UNITED extra fun. I've really appreciated the attention to detail put into the characters and the chibi art style incorporated into the game. Though the game play is really fast-paced and fun have to say though the bland plastic coloring of the miniatures does become blah. I'm really going to have to get some hobby supplies and dip into painting miniatures for the first time to enhance this game just a bit.

The only dissatisfaction I have with the Marvel United Exclusive Kickstarter Expansion was that they didn't include extra battle locations for the game board within the stretch goal expansion pack or as a buyable add-on. The core box locations have an Avengers focus with sites such as Tony Starks' lab, a S.H.I.E.L.D. helocarrier, plus the Avengers' tower and mansion. It would have been nice to play with some more distinct locals tied to the newly included characters such as Sanctum Sanctorum, Hell's Kitchen, Wall Street and Ryker's Island. So that is my one gripe otherwise I've been very impressed by MARVEL UNITED.

An engaging super hero themed tabletop game that is exciting yet not too complicated to play, MARVEL UNITED gets a Geek Daddy nod of approval. Involving both strategic thinking and the luck of the draw this hybrid cooperative card game provides a dice free evening of gaming fun. Straight forward rules and the need for teamwork make MARVEL UNITED a great selection for a family game night. I've been having as much fun playing it as my twelve year old twins providing some quality family time and demonstrating this game can be appealing to both kids and adults. Highly recommend picking it up from Target or Walmart of joining in the MARVEL UNITED: X-MEN campaign coming to Kickstarter.

IMPRACTICAL JOKERS GAME

We've had a lot of fun over the last few years playing with some great toys created by WowWee like the MiPosaur, Minion MiP Turbo and Untamed Fingerlings. So we are excited that WowWee is jumping into expanding their product lineup to include games! Their first game is on store shelves now at Target and is based upon one of my wife's favorite television show → (IMPRACTICAL) JOKERS.

(IMPRACTICAL) JOKERS is a hidden-camera tv series, which also recently hit movie theaters as a feature film, where a comedy troup goes out in public and says weird and crazy things or engage in slapstick routines towards unsuspecting people. Troup members are assigned undercover challenges where they have to get somebody to accomplish a zany task. If a Joker is unsuccessful than they have to receive "punishment" which is participating in a goofy activity that really embarrasses them. As if you didn't think the challenges they lost weren't embarrassing enough!



Now you can transform your own dinner party or family gathering into an episode of (IMPRACTICAL JOKERS). Available now at Target stores is the (IMPRACTICAL) JOKERS GAME - BOX OF CHALLENGES. Meant for ages 17+ for 3-10 players it includes 400 game cards for party hosts to act out (IMPRACTICAL JOKERS) style improv comedy with friends and family. A great way to add some funny to the fun of a party!

So do you think you got what it takes to be one of the Jokers? Now’s your chance to put yourself to the test with the (IMPRACTICAL) JOKERS GAME - BOX OF CHALLENGES from WowWee. Try pulling off undercover challenges on friends the get everyone involved in this 3-phase game. Phase 1: Mess with unsuspecting friends and family. Phase 2: Match uncomfortable scenario cards with hysterical action cards. Phase 3: The Punishment.



WARNING: This game contains challenges of graphic stupidity for players to complete to embarrass each other at home. Do not attempt with strangers! Are you up to the challenge and prepared to accept punishment? If so pick up (IMPRACTICAL) JOKERS GAME - BOX OF CHALLENGES from WowWee exclusively at your local Target store or at target.com

THE QUIET HOUR

American fans of the British made DOCTOR WHO television series will gladly testify that there are some great sci-fi stories being produced by studios outside of Hollywood.  THE QUIET HOUR is a great example of this.  Produced by the United Kingdom's Frenzy Films and shot at locations in Tipperary, Ireland this movie has received praise from audiences and critics at film festivals across the world.  After being shown on Sky Cinema, a premium cable channel similar to HBO that is available in the UK, THE QUIET HOUR is now available for science fiction fans in North America to view on all major video on demand (VOD) platforms and will be available on DVD beginning March 21, 2017 at retail outlets including Best Buy, Target and Walmart. 

In THE QUIET HOUR, humans are few and far between since Earth was invaded by unseen extraterrestrial machines that harvest the planet's natural resources and relentlessly kill its inhabitants. In a remote part of the countryside, where starved humans have become as dangerous as the alien machines hovering in the sky, a feisty 19 year old girl, Sarah Connolly, sets out on a desperate attempt to fight back a group of bandits and defend her parents' farm, their remaining livestock, and the solar panels that keep them safe from extraterrestrials. If she doesn't succeed, she will lose her only source of food and shelter; but if she resists, she and her helpless blind sibling will be killed. And if the mysterious intruder dressed like a soldier who claims he can help them turns out to be a liar, then the enemy may already be in the house.



THE QUIET HOUR stars Dakota Blue Richards (“The Golden Compass,” “Skins”), Karl Davies (“Game of Thrones,” “Happy Valley”), Brigitte Millar (“James Bond Spectre,” “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” and British TV star Jack McMullen.  It is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Vision Films.

R2-D2 3D DECO LIGHT

** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review**

As our family anticipates the opening of the newest Star Wars movie this weekend, we've been wondering if there is going to be a cameo in ROGUE ONE by one of our favorite characters R2-D2.  At least even if we don't see our favorite droid at the movie theater we'll be able to enjoy having him around the house with the recent addition of an R2-D2 3D DECO LIGHT to decorate my son's room courtesy of 3D LIGHT FX.  A nice model reproduction of the droid combined with utilizing the included decorative stickers provide an impressive appearance of R2-D2 breaking out of the wall coming towards you.  Its 30 minute timer feature makes this a perfect night light, especially for older kids who may be embarrassed or not want to admit they appreciate one to help them fall asleep.

Star Wars - R2-D2™ 3D Deco Light from 3DLightFX on Vimeo.

3DLIGHTFX 3D Deco Lights are the perfect gift this holiday season. They have a full range of comic book, super hero, Disney Princess, sports and car lights that look as though they are popping right out of the wall! They are battery operated and cool to the touch so you can place them any where in the room! Your kids will loves having these in their rooms and they're also the perfect editions to a den, family room, man's cave or office! Find all of these amazing products at Target.

These light's are easy to install, but make sure to use a stud finder because they need to be installed with a drywall screw rather than adhesive to attach onto a wall.  Because the light is battery operated you don't have to worry about locating it near an electrical outlet to plug it in -- there is no cord to worry about.  Though because it is powered by 3 x AA batteries it is more useful for ambient lighting or a night light than for serving as the main source for illuminating a room.  Though the LED lights do provide a nice looking display, don't get hot avoiding safety hazards, and are very energy efficient which also makes them environmentally friendly.  There is also the "coolness" factor to this light that will delight kids as my son was really impressed that his R2-D2 light doesn't just glow but rather emits light from movie accurate projectors that are incorporated in the lamp's model of the droid's design.  This really is the perfect addition to any boy's room who is a Star Wars fan.

Additional Star Wars versions of 3DLIGHTFX 3D Deco Lights also available at Target include Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Yoda and the Death Star. These 3D Deco Lights really are impressive, most impressive.  They aren't just for kids either as I'm pretty sure there are a lot of adults who would enjoy adding them to a home theater or game room.  These really are worth checking out online or on your next visit to your local Target store.

Our Generation vs My Life Ice Cream Trucks

An ice cream truck is on my daughter's wish list to Santa this Christmas.  She has been eyeing these toy vehicles during our shopping trips throughout the year so it wasn't a surprise she'd ask for one.  There are two models to choose from being offered by competing brands of 18 inch dolls, My Life available at Walmart and Our Generation from Target.  Here's A GEEK DADDY's evaluation of these two ice cream trucks that are competing for your hard earned dollars to help other parents out there who may have children dreaming of finding one of these under the Christmas tree:



Both trucks are approximately the same price and are compatible with pretty much any of the 18" doll brands (American Girl, Journey Girls, Madame Alexander, My Life, Our Generation, etc) plus each toy vehicle has working wheels to facilitate a pretend driving experience.  Each comes with accessories that include miniature kitchen utensils, such as ice cream scoops and tongs, and imitation food, like doughnuts and sundaes, for kids to play with.  My Life's version has more of a food truck theme including hot dogs, hamburgers and shish kabobs among the 40 accessories that come with the toy.  Our Generation's vehicle has a more limited desert focus but provides substantially more accessories with 120+ items included aimed to stimulate creative play.  Each truck also includes a chalk board for kids to have fun drawing on.

The chalk board on the My Life truck flips up from the roof and comes with one piece of white chalk.

The Our Generation version is on the side of the vehicle which provides a larger more stable surface and comes with multiple pieces of chalk in a variety of colors.

The two vehicles differ significantly on how to access the kitchen section of the trucks.  The Walmart version separates from the rear allowing great playtime access to this area but by splitting in half it also sacrifices stability making the My Life truck not as structurally sturdy as the Our Generation one.

Our Generation's truck has an opening roof that provides adequate but more limited access to the area than My Life's.  While it may provide a more limiting play space than the My Life version, the Our Generation ice cream truck makes up for it by providing a toy vehicle that isn't as flimsy making it easier to roll around on its wheels and more durable for withstanding the carefree play of children. The kitchen area in the Our Generation model is also much more detailed with removable trays of imitation gelato on display, compared to My Life utilizing stickers to represent the same thing, for instance.  While the My Life just has several open shelves within its kitchen for storing the included accessories, Our Generation provides a fridge, freezer and cupboard with multiple doors to open and close. There is just a lot more attention to detail and realistic elements when it comes the the Our Generation ice cream truck compared to the My Life toy vehicle.

What really differentiates the Our Generation truck from the My Life one are the special battery operated features that it provides.  My Life's model doesn't provide any type of these features.  On the other hand, the Our Generation version has working windshield wiper action, headlights that turn on, rear lights that illuminate when the brake pedal is pushed down, and turn signal lights that activate when the steering wheel is turned left or right.  We have an ice cream truck that roams our neighborhood every summer playing tunes so you know it is coming down the road and can be waiting for it with your money to buy a treat.  The Our Generation ice cream truck plays tunes too!  Press the music button on its dashboard and it will play one of three songs. Sweet!

Another nice touch is that the Our Generation Sweet Stop Ice Cream Truck comes with batteries so it is ready to go right when you get it home.  Just note that you need to adjust a switch on the bottom of the vehicle under the front license plate from demo to play mode to get all of these neat features to work properly.  The instructions that come with it could probably highlight that point a bit more prominently.

There are some nice aspects to the My Life truck such as being able to have two dolls ride together in its front cab and the openness of its kitchen area but when sold for approximately the same price as Our Generation's version it just doesn't compare.  With it being a more sturdy and durable toy along with the impressive battery powered special effects and incredible number of included accessories, the Our Generation Sweet Stop Ice Cream Truck really overwhelmingly comes out on top between the two models.  The Our Generation ice cream truck really is a sweet ride!

Disclaimer: A Geek Daddy received the featured products for free to review. My daughter received the Our Generation ice cream truck prior to Christmas as a reward for doing well in school and because she caught wind of us doing this review. The My Life toy vehicle was repackaged as good as new and provided to a holiday toy drive for underprivileged kids. A Geek Daddy did not receive any financial compensation for this post. Opinions are honest and my own.

The Force Awakens on Friday September Fourth

You knew from the moment that Disney announced it was releasing a brand new Star Wars movie that in addition to an incredible amount of fan hype concerning the film there also would be a flood of tie-in retail products including clothing, books, toys, grocery items, and novelties swamping store shelves.  Well the Force Awakens on Friday, September 4, 2015 at 12:01 am when all manner of brand new Star Wars items will be flooding the marketplace as that is the date and time that Disney has authorized its licensees to begin selling products connected to the new movie which will be opening on December 18, 2015 at theaters across North America.   "Force Friday", as September 4 has been dubbed, is meant to be the initial spark that ignites a huge blast of consumer and media attention for the film in the final months before Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens arrives in theaters.

For fans that don't mind staying up very late on Thursday night and want to be the very first to get their hands on Star Wars: The Force Awakens apparel and merchandise, several stores will be having special Force Friday events at select locations when the clock strikes midnight.  There will also be a variety of retail promotions taking place throughout Force Friday and the following weekend at various retailers. Here's a round up of some of the Force Friday goings on taking place around the USA:

TOYS R US

When the clock strikes 12:01am on September 4, ALL Toys“R”Us stores in the U.S. will open their doors, giving customers the opportunity to be among the first to purchase hundreds of new Star Wars playthings^.  As an added bonus, little Jedi Knights and their families attending midnight opening events will have the chance to receive special giveaway of an exclusive Star Wars poster, while supplies last.  I've been told the first 75 people in line at each store will receive the giveaway items.  Don't feel like going out late at night?  At midnight on Force Friday, shoppers will also be able to browse and purchase the new products online at Toysrus.com/StarWars.

MEIJER

Meijer stores throughout the Midwest are preparing to bring customers closer to a galaxy far, far away by offering a variety of grocery and merchandise items in honor of the epic Star Wars saga and this year’s theatrical release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  Starting on Force Friday at 12:01 a.m., Sept. 4, the retailer that is known for being open twenty-four hours per day will have a huge variety of the newest Star Wars themed products at all 222 stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. The Grand-Rapids, Mich.-based retailer is also hosting larger regional midnight events at 12 Meijer stores where customers can participate in the Force Friday global celebration for Star Wars.  From Noon to 5pm on Force Friday, all Meijer stores will also feature Taste of the Galaxy food stations with samplings and Star Wars-themed recipe options to feed the fandom as they re-watch their favorite episodes to gear up for The Force Awakens.

TARGET

200 Target stores across the United States will open at 12:01 am on September 4th so fans can get their hands on more than 300 brand new Star Wars items.  CLICK HERE to find one near you. Target's main focus though will be on Saturday from 11 am - 2pm when every store will feature a special "Star Wars shop" area that will have photo ops, demos of the newest Star Wars toys, family friendly activities, and while supplies last a Star Wars lunchbox giveaway for kids.  Target will have some unique displays, including an X-Wing fighter cockpit photo op in the seasonal department, which the retailer wants to encourage people to take take pictures with and share on social media with the hashtag #ShareTheForce.

WALMART

2,900 Walmart locations across the United States will be hosting Force Friday midnight events.  Check their website for participating locations, because while 2,900 seems like a lot the two locations closest to our house aren't doing anything special at midnight.  From toys to and grocery to apparel, Walmart will have more than 500 new Star Wars products in stores and thousands more on Walmart.com.

Walmart will be the only place to find the Star Wars Galactic Connexxions trading disc game by Topps, a collectible trading disc game featuring the Star Wars characters generations know and love. At Force Friday midnight events, Walmart will hand out a free limited edition two pack of the discs, including a rare star field disc that is only available in packs given away on Force Friday. If customers find one of four special redemption discs inside Galactic Connexxions game sold in stores, on Walmart.com or during the events, they can be redeemed for an ultra-rare 14 karat gold disc and a Star Wars room makeover.  Walmart will also be hosting Family events in every stores on Saturday, Sept. 5th, beginning at 10 am. If you couldn't make it to the Force Friday midnight event stores will also be handing out the collector disc two-pack as well as giving away collectable Star Wars posters and activity sheets.

DISNEY STORES

Disney Store locations in New York City in Times Square, Chicago on Michigan Avenue, and San Francisco on Stockton Street will participate in midnight madness. Doors will open at 12:01 a.m. local time on Sept. 4, giving fans the first opportunity to see and purchase toys, collectibles, books, apparel and more from the upcoming film. In addition, the first 1,000 guests will receive a free Star Wars: The Force Awakens D23 commemorative fan poster.

In ALL Disney Store locations throughout North America, doors will open for business on Force Friday with Star Wars -themed opening ceremonies, offering a galactic twist on the traditional "Unlocking Imagination" ritual. Other activities taking place at Disney Store locations (excluding Disney Store Outlets) on Force Friday include:

• A free commemorative Star Wars: The Force Awakens pin for the first 100 guests who make a purchase on Force Friday
• Numerous Star Wars events taking place, including:
• R2-D2 craft activity
• Ways of the Force
• Star Wars Story Time
• Art of Drawing: R2-D2
• Free Topps vintage trading card giveaway upon completion of an in-store event and while supplies last
• Epic Star Wars theming that pays homage to both the Dark Side and the Light

For those who prefer to shop online, DisneyStore.com , will have a special Limited Edition product available only for purchase through the web site, as well as free shipping on all Star Wars items from Sept. 4 – Sept. 6.

Additionally, on Thursday, Sept. 3, the Disney Store on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago will play host to one of 14 live toy unboxing events happening around the world. Starting at 8:30 a.m. CDT, HobbyKidsTV, a YouTube channel part of the Maker Studios network, will be broadcasting live from inside the Store, unveiling new products from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, available exclusively at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com.   Through this promotion, fans across the world will get a sneak peak of new product inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens and available at retailers worldwide via the world's first-ever global live toy unboxing event on the Star Wars YouTube channel. Unfolding over 18 hours in 15 cities and 12 countries, the event will see highlights from the range of epic merchandise revealed in a rolling New Year's Eve style celebration. The live stream kicks off with the first unboxing in Sydney, Australia at 7:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 3 (5:45 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Sept. 2), and concludes with a grand finale at Lucasfilm in San Francisco at 8 a.m. PDT (11 a.m. EDT) on Thursday, Sept. 3.  Fans can tune in to watch live unboxings at home or on mobile devices, and also enjoy the latest trailers on the upcoming movie, commentary from special guests, fun product videos and demos, and footage from recent Star Wars events. The full schedule is available at. www.StarWars.com

 QVC

Even  the home shopping television network QVC is getting into the action hosting hour long time slots focused on selling Star Wars products on Friday at 2am and 5pm.

So are you going to head out at midnight for Force Friday?  May the Force be with You! Whether you do or don't it appears that the next 3 months will be full of excitement for Star Wars fans as they eagerly await next installment of the Star Wars saga.