Review: Hyper-Dash by Wild Planet
A Race Course Game to Test Co-ordination, Accuracy and Memory
A game of speed, co-ordination and memory, Hyper-Dash is a fun game for individuals aged 6+, pairs or teams of up to 8 players suitable for indoor or outdoor play.
With the abundance of hand-held and television or computer-linked electronic games available, it can be difficult to find a game that keeps children physically active and mentally stimulated. Hyper-Dash is a fun, award-winning game by Wild Planet toys that aims to do just that.
Hyper-Dash – The Target Tagging Race Course Game
Comprising of a hand-held Hyper-Dash unit and a series of 5 coloured targets, Hyper-Dash challenges memory, listening, math, co-ordination and agility skills as players try to follow the voice commands and either memorise a sequence of moves or beat the clock to complete the sequence in the fastest possible time. Fast-paced play and the challenge of beating the clock make this not only mentally and physically stimulating but also a fun, energetic game suitable for children and adults.
For indoor play, targets can be placed close together, testing reflexes and memory. For outdoor play, the targets can be placed at various points about the playing area so that players have to run between each target, testing speed and agility.
Hyper-Dash Game Play Options
There is a variety of game play options suitable for one to eight players. Hyper-Dash is aimed at players aged 6+ years. Four levels of play are available from easy (level 1) to hard (level 4). The Hyper-Dash unit requires 3 AA (LR03) batteries.
HyperDash (1 – 4 players) – Spread targets out around the play area and follow the commands to know which target to strike next. Players take turns and try to get the fastest time for completing the sequence of moves. Level one could be completed by a child younger than 6 with good co-ordination skills and a basic knowledge of colours and numbers from one to five.
Team Dash – (1 – 4 teams, 2 players per team) – Turn Hyper-Dash into a relay race, passing the Hyper-Dash unit to another team member on the “Dash Out!” command.
Micro Dash (1 – 4 players) – Set out targets close to each other. The sequence of instructions to follow gets longer and more complex as the game progresses.
Team Micro Dash (1 – 4 teams, 2 players per team) – Combine forces with another player to increase the chance of achieving the longest memory sequence.
Awards and Recommendations
- 2007 Seal of Approval – The National Parenting Centre
- 2007 iParent Media Award (Toys and Games category)
- 2007 Honors Award – National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA)
- 2007 Gold Seal Award – Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
- 2007 Seal of Approval – Mr. Dad
- Seal of Excellence Award – Creative Child Magazine
Benefits of Hyper-Dash
Hyper-Dash is a great game for family picnics and barbecues. The Hyper-Dash unit and targets are reasonably compact and easy to transport in a bag or backpack. Game play can be adjusted to be as active or quiet as demanded by the location or situation, although the voice command volume on the hand-held unit cannot be adjusted and is not suitable for situations where children need to play quietly without disturbing others.
The game play provides mental and physical stimulation and adapts well to children at a variety of different ability levels. The Hyper-Dash unit is reasonably robust, but care should be taken if allowing younger children to join in to ensure that it is not handled too roughly.
The opportunity to spread targets over a playing area makes this game ideal for burning up extra energy. It is important to ensure that all targets are collected at the end of the game, as the sensors in each target are specific and a missing target will prevent future game play.
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