Amazon.com Review
The popular and fun anime TV series "Bakugan Battle Brawlers" has spawned this strategic game that pits a variety of "Bakugan warriors" -- such as "Juggernoids," "Fear rippers," and "Robatallians" -- against each other for points. With this Bakugan Starter Pack, kids 4 and above will enjoy the challenge of earning points by rolling their Bakugan (or shooting them from a launcher) onto magnetic cards where the plastic spheres burst open to reveal the fearsome warrior apparatus inside. Kids will also love the way the Bakugan transform suddenly into warrior mode, and fans of the show will have an especially good time with the game.

Inside each plastic sphere is a fearsome warrior apparatus. View larger.

There are many colors and varieties of Bakugan to collect. View larger.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Wide variety of Bakugan make them fun for kids to trade and collect The Bad: No instructions with some toys In a Nutshell: Clever and exciting interactive game that kids will enjoy even if they're not familiar with the TV show At a Glance Ages: 4 and up

Ready, Set, Play!
The mission of Bakugan game play is to battle against other Bakugan to win the points awarded on the cards by getting your Bakugan to land on card. Players will love pretending to be one of the various characters in the show, such as the fiery 12-year-old leader "Dan" or the wise "Marucho," and they gain a deeper understanding of the cards and warriors as they play.

The Starter Pack includes instructions, making it an ideal way for newbies to get started with this fun and exciting game. The game itself is fairly straightforward, but if your child has never played before, you might have to help him or her to understand the rules -- after reading and understanding them yourself. While some of the plastic Bakugan pieces are small and could easily get lost, others, like the Bakugan Deka, are as big as a softball.

The Starter Pack comes with three Bakugan and three cards -- perfect for kids who are new to the game and who want to try it out. The illustrated instructions are easy to follow.

Exciting Magnetic Action
The Bakugan come in lots of colors and varieties that make them fun to collect and trade. Most of them are pocket-sized and easy for your child to carry around and bring over to their friend's houses. Having a magnet that activates the warriors is a clever idea that adds excitement to the game. The Bakugan Launcher (sold separately) is a great accessory, with three shooting modes ("curve," "angle, and "distance"), but it doesn't come with any instructions.

Room for the Imagination
We like that this that this game combines skill (aiming your Bakugan) with strategy (placement of the cards). We also enjoyed the way the warriors pop open on the magnetic cards -- although sometimes they do it even when they don't land on the cards. Being unfamiliar with the TV show, we felt a little lost at first in the world of Bakugan. But with the help of the colorful, animated Bakugan Web site, we got the gist of what the game is about and how to play. Our attempts to fire the launcher proved somewhat difficult and instructions would have helped. But the launcher isn't necessary. Kids can simply roll the Bakugan like marbles for a fun and action-packed game with their friends.

What's in the Box
Three Bakugan, three metal cards, and instructions.

From the Manufacturer
Bakugan battle brawlers are here! Answer the call to brawl and decide the fate of the galaxy! Magnetic marbles POP open into power Bakugan warrior action figures when they roll onto the real metal Gate Cards! Use strategy to place your metal Gate Cards as each card affects the battle differently. Master your shooting skills to roll your Bakugan into battle. Styles are selected at random when shipped.

Customer Reviews

Conkers for the younger set
I had never heard of Bakugan before I asked a friend what to give her six-year old son for his birthday. Then I did research and still didn't understand what Bakugan is. Anyway, the boy was ecstatic when he opened the present. He played with the pieces for a bit and then tried to explain to me how to play. I still don't really have a clue but he was so excited and intent on his own interpretive play that I have to give it a thumbs up. I remember gifts that excited me and any gift that can transport a child like that is definitely going on the 'must repeat' list. Plus, his mother understands the game and approves, which beats the petanque set I mistakenly gave last year.

If you want Bakugan get the Series 1 or 2. . .
I ordered these thinking I was getting the original starter packs but then B2s showed up in the mail. I was excited because I hadn't seen them before & I knew my son didn't have any of them. Then we opened the package & they are sooooooo cheaply made it's ridiculous. It's as with any toy from China that is in demand, they knew it was a hot item & went cheap on us making it so we'd have to get more. If your child is into Bakugan go on ebay & look up the Series 1 or 2 regular small marbles. They aren't that expensive at the time of writing this because the majority of people want the high number Gs which the B2s do have. But my son is 5 1/2 & could care less about the Gs. Yes, he knows what they are & we play the game but he cares more about the character marble he has & which one goes according to the cartoon at the time. I have gotten every character off of ebay. .. Christmas is coming. . .and I have not been disappointed in ONE of the series 1 or 2 marbles. They are awesome. So, just find out which ones your child wants look them up & order from there. My son has been playing non-stop with the series 1 & 2 marbles since September(learned about this on the school bus) & they still open & shut awesomely. Got the B2s about a month and a half ago & they don't open all the way or their legs are loose. Skyress is an absolute pain in the tush to close. CRAP! So, good luck I know we get what we can for our kids & this is a good price right now compared to ebay ($18 at time of writing this). Just had to send this out so you'd know what I learned!

awesome value for a great toy!
I purchased this starter pack for my 10 year old son for Christmas who recently became very into Bakugan with his friends. This was the best value I have found and even though you don't know which one's you are getting, I think most kids would like the surprise and it makes a great gift!! The figures are very cool, opening only on magnetic surfaces and tucking away into balls or "marbles" used in the game. They are pretty durable, but my son has broken one which he managed to "trade" with a friend to get another one. Apparently even broken they still have value :) ! These are definitely hot right now and hard to find in stores. I recommend this product and especially this starter pack...it's sure to please any young boy on your christmas list!

Bakugan Battle Pack (Styles and Colors May ... $42.51	Bakugan Starter Pack (styles and colors vary) $19.99	Bakugan Battle Arena $29.97
Bakugan Launcher $14.54	Deka Bakugan (Bakugan May Vary) $14.99	Bakugan Battle Brawlers Battle Arena Mega P... $47.77
Bakugan Battle Brawlers B2 Bakupearl Series... $20.68	Bakugan Starter Pack Red $43.55	Bakugan Booster Pack (Bakugan and Colors Wi... $11.89

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