droolicious : Indiana Jones

7 Days of Educational Toys: LeapFrog Didj

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:04:00 GMT

It's being promoted as an educational device rather than a Nintendo competitor, but one look at LeapFrog's new Didj Custom Gaming System makes it pretty clear this gadget is aiming to knock that DS Lite out of your grade-schooler's hands.

LeapFrog has traditionally been known for going lighter on graphics, but the Didj makes improvements both visually and educationally: Kids used to higher-end handheld gizmos will feel right at home with the system's high-resolution visuals, and the games' learning functions also aim to keep Mom and Dad in on the experience.

Though there's no wireless element, the Didj's computer connectivity (via an included USB cable) allows you to keep a short leash on how and what your kids are playing. You can choose the math and spelling skills you'd like the games to focus on, create custom spelling lists so Junior can practice for upcoming tests, and go online to track the kids' progress.

The LeapFrog Didj is $89.99, with accessories and games -- including Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Indiana Jones, Nancy Drew and SpongeBob Squarepants -- starting at $23.99 each. Visit the LeapFrog store to stock up, and if you buy two or more games before Aug. 31, enter promo code FL8DJA at checkout to knock $10 off your order.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Lego

Meredith Broussard — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:14:00 GMT

Can't wait for the new Indiana Jones movie to hit theaters on May 22? Here's a preview to whet your appetite:

LEGO and the Cartoon Network have teamed up to make an animated short called Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Brick. An animated Lego-licious spoof, it will delight any kid who's crazy about adventure or LEGOs. Or any grownup, for that matter. My favorite parts: when Indy does a Q-bert-like dance in the temple, and when he flies away in a LEGO plane over a country called Redbrickistan.

Check out the animation at CartoonNetwork.com or buy Indiana Jones-themed LEGO sets and see more digital goodies at indianajones.lego.com.

Toy Fair '08: LEGO

editors — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:00:00 GMT

LEGO opened its doors to show us what’s new and exciting, and the company that turned 50 this year just can’t seem to grow up. Pictured above is the newest Duplo set for your smallest LEGO-lovers. The super cute Dino Valley set comes with minifigures dressed in little fur pelts. Other accoutrements in this scene from the ancient world(s) include a hieroglyphic block and mom and baby triceratops. For the older kids and collectors, LEGO is releasing its new Indiana Jones set in conjunction with the much-anticipated movie.

Another exciting development for you hard core ~~geeks~~ collectors, the Star Wars set that coincides with the animated Star Wars TV show coming in August. You saw it here first. Unless you were at the Toy Fair. - April Peveteaux