Sick Never Sounded So Good! Sick Bricks 3-in-1 Power-Up Playset Review

   

When I first heard about Sick Bricks, I wondered what on earth my son was talking about. Turns out that Sick Bricks is a free unique mobile app game that uses Optical Beaming Technology so that you can take your real-world Sick Bricks character figurines into the digital world of the app on your smart phone or tablet. The digital game app itself features Jack Justice as the hero who, along with the player and other characters, attempts to rebuild Sick City after being attacked by the wicked Overlord Omega. You can scan your real-world characters, which brings them into the actual digital game app!

The Sick Bricks 3-in-1 Power-Up Playset allows you to build 3 different configurations with the 57 Sick Bricks pieces that are essentially Legos. In addition to the bricks, you will find the stars of the show: 5 character figurines, 3 of which are exclusive to the playset.  Also included are a plastic Sick Bricks storage case, a Sick City backdrop and an instruction booklet for the 3 builds.  

The real-world characters included in this 3-in-1 Power-Up Playset are Rusty Nuggets, Tightpants, Fraken Studz, Testy Monkey and Doc Devio. The last 3 of which are the exclusive ones. You can mix and match the heads and bodies of these characters, along with the other characters, to unlock a variety of unique combinations, powers and abilities in the app. These also help to upgrade and reach new levels in the game. 

The bricks can be used to build 3 different structures. The 1st is the Throne of Power. Place your Sick Bricks character on top of the Throne of Power and beam them into your game with their increased powers! The 2nd configuration is the Sick Portal, which generates random characters. The 3rd is the Warped Gate. Once built, you can scan it into the app as well to unlock an exclusive section of the game! As previously mentioned, the bricks are exactly like Lego pieces. You could easily build up or add on to the 3 configurations with Lego pieces that you already have. Or you could incorporate these pieces into your child's existing Lego collection once built & scanned in. This is a huge plus, knowing that the pieces have a dual purpose. Even if a child doesn't have the app, they would enjoy building the sets and playing with the characters. 

To scan in a character, or the Warped Gate, all you have to do is tap the camera icon on the right hand side of the screen while the game is in session. Line up the digital outline of the character with the real one and scan it in to the game. While it might sound complicated to those that electronically challenged, it really isn't. If you click this link, it will demonstrate the concept of scanning them in.

It should be noted that the set does include small pieces. This is especially important if you have toddlers or infants around as they could pose a choking hazard. The game app itself is free to play, but the app does offer in-app purchases. While this is great if you actually want to purchase extra bricks, it's not so great if you have little ones who may accidentally purchase something without intending to. This can easily be remedied in advance by disabling in-app purchases on your device.  The game app is rated 9yrs+, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it is only for those 9 years of age and older. The next rating down from 9yrs+ is 4yrs+. Like anything, you have to use your judgement to see if the app is appropriate for your child. I'm relatively conservative with our apps and very rarely allow our children to download apps that are rated 9yrs+. We usually stick to games that are rated 4yrs+. This, however, is one that we do let them play.  For specifications and details on the app itself, visit this link. 

All in all, I think this is a great product. I love the fact that you can incorporate some tactile fun off of their devices without them even realizing it. And being able to reuse the bricks with other Lego pieces adds additional value to for me. The only thing I would change is to have an improved storage case made of more durable plastic.  

The Sick Bricks 3-in-1 Play-Up Playset is best suited for kids 6 years and up. In Canada, it retails for approximately $21.99, and in the U.S., it is approximately $17.99. Some independent toy shops may charge more. 

Sick never sounded so good!

Happy scanning! 

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post.*****