Loopz by Mattel – Review

I originally saw this game at the 2010 Toy Fair, and it was interesting to me then.  Now that I actually have it in my possession, I can tell you it is pretty awesome!  It does a lot more than I had originally thought, and my 6-year-old, given the choice, would rather play this than video games.  How long that will last I do not know, but it does speak to the fact that Loopz is engaging as a toy.  The recommended ages are 7+, and I can tell you my 4-year-old was not up the task even though he enjoys watching his brother play.  I have also found Loopz to be fun and exciting, but in a relaxing way, if that makes any sense.  You can very easily get into a Loopz zone.

The device comes put together, and the only assembly is adding the two stands onto the bottom of the game so that it does not fall over.  You really should read the instructions instead of jumping right in, as there is so much the game has in store for you–just jumping in, I missed out on some cool things until I decided to read the instructions.  There is not just one game; you get many different modes to play with, some single and some multiplayer.

Here is a quick breakdown of the 7 game modes:

Repeat the Beat

This is for 1 player and has 3 levels where a light will flash and you will need to match it by waving your hand through the loop.  Once you make 3 mistakes on a level, the game will end.  Each level is 10 prompts, and there are 3 levels.  At the end of all the levels, you get a medal based on your performance.  This is a bit like a Simon game, but obviously way cooler.  I had originally thought, heck, this is only 10 prompts and 3 levels…it will be easy to beat, yet I have not come close to achieving a platinum rating yet. 

Rhythm and Flow

Does anyone remember the video game PaRappa the Rapper?  Well, I do, and it was awesome; Loopz Rhythm and Flow game reminds me very much of everything good of PaRappa.  You can really get into a Loopz zone here, and I found myself tapping on the table while playing, as well.  My son also likes this one; I mean, you get to keep a song going by waving your hands through the loops.  My favorite mode of all.

Versus Mode

So who is the better Loopz player?  This is where two players take turns building and repeating a seuqence until someone makes 3 mistakes.  My son always forgets that after he completes the sequence, he has to add one more move to it, and that is where I get him.  This is a real fun game, and I am quite happy that Loopz went out of their way to make sure there can be some head-to-head competition with this toy.

Reflex Master

This is where you get to tag as many lights as you can before time runs out.  This can be played either as a one player game with three levels or as a multi-player game with one level.  We have played this a few times–you have to be quick to win.

Musicology

This may be one of those throw-in games, because I was not a big fan.  What Loopz does in this mode is play a random patter of lights with sounds, and you have to repeat the pattern.  Once you complete 5 patterns it builds a song.  It did not hold our attention for long; glad to see there are other games to play.

Freestyle DJ

You get to play DJ, as you can turn off and on tracks from 11 differnet song choices  It is fun to add some cool special effects by putting your hand through two different loops at a time.  This is where the enjoyment comes from in this mode.  If you have multiple Loopz games in your home, this could be a real fun way to jam out for the younger kids.

Music Studio

So if you can get multiple Loopz games in the same room, you can really get a Loopz band going with this mode.  You can check out the video below to see what kind of cool madness can be created with this mode.  You can play a scale of 10 notes.

So, do I think Loopz is worth the price of admission?  Very much so–I have had a blast with it so far, and my wife, older son, and even my parents have all sat at the dining room table mesmerized by this “toy.”  It is one of those purchases that you can enjoy as a family and will be satisfied with.  There is just something magical about being able to move your hand in and out of the loops that makes this such a great product.  Also, word around town is that there is going to be a version for the Iphone/Itouch/Ipad, which I cannot wait to get my hands on!

LOOPZ™ Game

Loopz™ is an interactive memory game consisting of four independent semi-circular rings, or “loopz.” Combining music, motion and memory, this game really gets people moving as they match the patterns of light and sound by motioning their hands through the rings as different patterns emerge. As each ring pulsates, players must quickly put their hand through the lit loop to keep the music sequence going. Sound tones and lights continue to lead to more difficult and exciting challenges. An internal counter keeps track of time, completed levels and rates overall performance. Loopz has seven different games and can be played solo or as ”head-to-head” competition.

ARP: $29.99                         Ages: 7+                  Available: June 2010

You can also check out some videos:

Product provided for review by Mattel