What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Dagger-like horn and spreadable wings make this monster extra scary The Bad: No background information about Dragonoid included In a Nutshell: Unique and colorful monster will inspire hours of play At a Glance Ages: 4 and older

Dragonoid is packed with fierce details. View larger.

No Rules, Just Fun
No assembly is required for the Dragonoid--just cut it free from the box and it's ready to go! Unlike the Bakugan Battle Brawlers game, which has somewhat complicated rules, this monster figurine can be used however your child likes. If your child is a fan of the Bakugan Battle Brawlers game, he can position Dragonoid and other figurines around the game play area just for fun. But the figurines are not necessary to play the game. If your child doesn't own the game, he can easily make up his own games to play with the monsters.

Chunky and durable, these figurines don't exactly fit in a pocket, but they are still lightweight and easy to take to a friend's house. Dragonoid comes with a detachable tail, which is long, scaly, and curls around the front of his talons.

Hours of Monstrous Entertainment
Each monster figurine has its own distinct look and individual powers. Dragonoid can spread his arms to create an impressive wingspan, or close them in tight for self-defense. He can charge with his frightening-looking horn or stand erect as his open mouth breathes pretend fire.

We like most everything about this figurine, from its cloth wings to its blazing red and yellow colors, to the way its mouth opens and closes. We also appreciate how well this figurine stands on its own, while also easily contorting into a variety of battle-worthy poses.

We would have liked to see some background information about Dragonoid included on or in the box, but there was none. Kids who are familiar with the TV show will know all about Dragonoid already, but others will have to make up their own stories about him or do some sleuthing on the Bakugan Web site. Luckily, kids have great imaginations, and we think this frightening Bakugan with his immense talons and dazzling yellow horn will inspire hours of entertainment--especially when used with other Deluxe Monster figurines.

What's in the Box
Deluxe Monster Dragonoid and detachable tail.

7 in 1 Maxus Drago Ages: 4+

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Novelty factor: The Good: Innovative, pocket-sized toys that are enjoyable to play with. The Challenging: Additional Bakugan pieces are necessary to play the game properly. In a Nutshell: With seven unique pieces, an essential part of any Bakugan player's collection.

Get in on the latest craze with Bakugan.

Unleash the fearsome power of the Maxus Dragonoid on your Bakugan foes! View larger.

The mission of the Bakugan strategy game is to capture the opponent's metal gate cards. This is achieved by rolling your Bakugan warriors onto these cards and doing battle with defending enemy Bakugan. The game involves a surprising amount of strategy, and features various tactical cards and trap pieces that help protect your Bakugan warriors.

Room for the Imagination
This game combines skill (aiming your Bakugan) with strategy (placement of the cards). Players also enjoy the way the warriors pop open on the magnetic cards -- although sometimes they do it even when they don't land on the cards. Players unfamiliar with the TV show, may feel a little lost at first in the world of Bakugan. But with the help of the colorful, animated Bakugan Web site, they will get what the game is about and how to play.

Even without the official strategy game, Bakugan toys are enjoyable and can be played with like regular action figures. Fans of the show will like role-playing as one of the various characters, such as the fiery 12-year-old leader "Dan" or the wise "Marucho."

Maxus Dragonoid Expands Your Bakugan Collection
This particular set contains one Bakugan warrior (named Neo Dragonoid) and six Bakugan traps (Grakas Hound, Dark Hound, Grafias, Brachium, Spitarm and SpyderFencer.) These pieces can be combined together to form the massive Maxus Dragonoid monster. The transformation process is a bit complicated, but the set includes clear instructions that make assembly easy. The assembled Dragonoid is a unique toy, although a bit unwieldy -- if not positioned correctly, he will easily fall down.

Each of the seven Bakugan that compose Dragonoid can be used individually in the strategy game. Avid players will be happy to know that this set also includes a special ability card, which will come in handy when you're devising a strategy to topple your enemy. Just keep in mind that, in order to play Bakugan properly, you'll need several other Bakugan marbles/cards that are not included in this package. Kids who are new to Bakugan might be better off with one of the various starter packs.

What's in the Box
One Bakugan warrior, 6 Bakugan traps, ability card and metal gate card.

Maxus Dragonoid disassembles into smaller Bakugan that can be used in the official strategy game.