If you grew up in the ‘80s like I did, you remember when Transformers toys were introduced in stores. My younger brother would scope the aisles of Kmart looking for a new Transformer and then he and my parents would spent hours trying to figure out how to get it to, well, transform. None of us are mechanically inclined.
So, when Playskool provided us a Playskool Transformers Fire Station Playset to review, I was a little nervous. What if I couldn’t figure it out?
I shouldn’t have worried. The Fire Station Playset is made for ages 3-6 (I can handle that) and while it does, in fact, transform from a fire station into Optimus Prime, it’s a very easy change over—you just turn a knob, which is perfectly sized for little hands.
Since this playset is for preschool/kindergarten kids, it focuses on the Transformers' Rescue Bots, who go on rescue missions with their human friends. The Fire Station playset in this review comes with Heatwave the Fire-Bot, who transforms simply by setting the fire truck on its end—and Heatwave appears! It includes Cody Burns, who works in the fire station and gets to ride around in the fire truck and practice putting out fires with a detachable water cannon. There’s also a working elevator and a fireman’s pole that Cody can use to get around the station. And—there’s even a book about fighting a fire at the station.
Also cool: When you turn the center knob, Optimus Prime says things like, “I’ll scan the area!” and “Sensors indicate trouble!” And yes, there’s an “off” switch for the sounds, in case it’s been one of those days. You know what I mean :)
My 5-year-old daughter thinks that the Playskool Transformers Fire Station Playset is awesome. Her tastes run more to Hello Kitty and Strawberry Shortcake, but she sits down with this playset every day and sends Cody up and down the elevator, transforms the fire station by turning the knob, and gets her rescue instructions from Optimus Prime to go fight fires. And you know what? It’s nice to see her play with a toy that asks her to be a hero and help people in need. Little hands, big imagination!
If you have a preschooler who wants to play with an older sibling's Transformers set, you should consider the Fire Station Playset! You won't be disappointed--it holds younger kids' attention for a long time. Wouldn't it be great to get something done??
Note: I was compensated for this review and the opinions and comments are my own.
Inside of the Fire Station, complete with ladder, fire pole, elevator, and command station!
