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If you haven’t seen it yet, Super 4 is a Netflix-exclusive show that is based on Playmobil designs. Not to be outdone by the countless animated series starring LEGO minifigures, Playmobil has finally jumped into the animated sphere. The show follows a team of four heroes: Alex the Knight, Ruby the Pirate, Agent Gene, and Twinkle the Fairy. Each obviously represents a different theme, or–as the show explains–distinct island communities of their planet. Obviously, the show is also an excuse to create a new themed toy line. And here we are. The Techno Chameleon is the main mode of transportation for the Super 4. It’s their Batmobile or Mystery Machine. It’s their HQ, and it’s also a high-tech lab on wheels….that flies. Of all of the sets available in the Super 4 line, this one is hands down the coolest. If you’re new to Playmobil construction, fear not. They’re mostly easy to put together, once you get past some quirks with the instructions that seem unnecessarily confusing (especially if you’re used to the clarity of most LEGO instructions). The Chameleon comes with all of the above and took about 45 minutes to assemble. Very young kids won’t be able to do it themselves, but anyone over about 6 or 7 should be able to get it done. I’d still recommend leaving the stickers to an adult, though. I’d call this a mid-range set in terms of pieces and complexity. (For a glimpse of a more complicated build, check out my review of the Royal Lion Knight’s Castle here.) I also have to give credit to the Super 4 line for offering several small, affordable sets (and individual characters). Playmobil often suffers from the same criticism as LEGO: the sets are very expensive, especially when compared to other mass-produced toys on the market. But the detail and quality of Playmobil toys often justify their price. The Chameleon, for instance, comes with a lot of interactive elements, incredible detail, and plenty of opportunity for imaginative play. Three swivel seats up front are ready for Alex, Ruby, and Gene (Twinkles the Fairy floats rather than sits). Open up the roof and find interchangeable control panel displays, a glow-in-the-dark conference table, and two doors (one of which rotates). On the exterior of the ship, you’ll find two fuel cartridges and a missile that fires. All four wheels also snap down so the Chameleon can enter “hover mode.” Our only complaint is that the set comes with just one character: Agent Gene. It also comes with a cool robot, but at least two characters would’ve been nice. If your little one is a fan of Playmobil or Super 4, The Chameleon is probably the set to get. Enjoy! (Disclosure: I was provided with a review sample of this toy. All opinions remain my own.) You Might Also Like...
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