The Best Toys of 2006 –Pre-teen

N.S.E.C.T

Manufacturer: Tyco (Mattel)
Ages: 8 and up
Suggested Retail Price: $100

What it is
The remote control toy category has long been dominated by cars, but Tyco has been experimenting with other forms-with great success.

Their latest innovation is the N.S.E.C.T (New Science of Experimental Combat Technology), a remote-controlled, giant bug that shoots soft foam darts from its back wing-like segments.

N.S.E.C.T. has realistic, animatronic motion that mimics the walking movements of real bugs. Dual-tone LED eyes announce its presence in the dark and let kids know when its exploring. Powerful mandibles can grab and capture smaller toys.

But it's the hidden cannon that's really a blast (pun intended). Kids can use the remote to deploy the multi-mode cannon that goes from single shot to rapid fire, launching soft foam darts, with an effective range of up to 25 feet.

Why it's fun
Let's see: it's a large bug that can crawl almost anywhere you want and fire missiles. What 8-year-old isn't going to think that's cool? It's classic monster play (Scare the dog, the sister, maybe grandma) with a powerful, easy-to-use remote.

It's also a springboard for terrific, open-ended imaginative play and when teamed up with action figures, die-cast cars or construction systems, the creative play possibilities almost boggle the mind.

Who's going to love it
Creepy crawly, light-up eyes, pinching mandibles, and launching darts are all instant attention getters for boys, age 8 to 12. Even older kids and TheToyGuy.com editors find it really cool.

"Oh wow, that's cool!" has been the consistent response of anyone who's seen and played with this.

What to be aware of
The N.S.E.C.T requires a "7.2V" Tyco R/C Flexpak(R) battery, sold separately for $30. The remote control comes with the necessary "9V" battery.