Harry Potter Whomping Willow Game

by Mattel

Product Features

• Copyright 2002
• Easily assembled
• Three ways to play: race the clock, collect a set of luggage, or collect the most pieces.
• Use the antennae of flying cars to scoop up the luggage hanging from the branches of the wiggling and creaking tree
• Requires three AA batteries (not included).

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B00005YXX8
• Item model number: 43468
• Manufacturer recommended age: 5 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #247,710 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

Product Description

Editorial Review

Harry Potter and his pal Ron Weasley have crashed their car into the Whomping Willow. Now it's your turn to help them rescue their luggage. The electronic willow is easily assembled, in either easy or more difficult mode, and there are three ways to play: race the clock, collect a set of luggage, or collect the most pieces. There are enough pieces of luggage (which include school books, owls, and suitcases) and rescue cars for up to four players. Much like the classic Barrel of Monkeys, players use the antennae of flying cars to scoop up the luggage hanging from the branches of the wiggling and creaking tree (it makes some pretty creepy noises). Play can be made even more difficult by changing the mode of play to a more random "whomping" pattern, which is more unpredictable than the default play. The game is fun and challenging, great for muggle children 5 years old and older. Requires three AA batteries (not included). --M. Sullivan

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A game for ANY Collector, September 20, 2002

By 

Casey Bauer "DigiCasey" (Lubbock, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:3.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Harry Potter Whomping Willow Game (Toy)

This is one of Mattel's more interesting products for the Harry Potter series, but is worth the money you spend. The game has 3 different modes that are easy enough to understand. There is a little assembly required, which isn't too hard, plus it required 3 AA batteries to run.

When you get the game, you will get 3 large tree pieces, a lot of smaller branches you can attach to the tree, (could be a choking hazard), and 4 Ford Angelica's. The cars each have a small picture on the windshield of Harry and Ron. The game also includes 4 sets of luggage, books, and owls. You will also get a set of instructions (easy to read).

Once you put the 3 large pieces of the tree together (can be a little tricky at first), you have the option of adding on the smaller branches; that depends on how difficult you want the game to be. The extra branches snap into play very easily and any extras can be stored inside the box.

The game, as mentioned, above has 3 different modes. Before you pick a mode, you can set the tree to BASIC (the tree will rotate slowly), and ADVANCED (faster and more random). The basic object of the game is to use the cars to grab objects off the tree as it rotates and moves. The cars have exhaust coming out at the end that is used as handle. You grab objects using the long antenna.

The TIME mode is played by each player taking a turn to grab all the luggage; there is no time limit, but once you finish and stop the tree, it will sound car horns telling you how well you did (5 is excellent, 1 is poor). The VS mode allows 2 -4 players to play at the same time. The object is to obtain one piece of luggage, a set of books, and an owl before the other player. The FREE-FOR-ALL mode allows 2- 4 players to play. The goal is to get as much luggage before your opponents. Of course, in all these modes, if you knock an item off or drop it, you have to put it back on the moving tree with your hands.

The tree, of course, makes a lot of creaking and grinding sounds while turning (don't worry, it's suppose to), which just adds on to the fun. This game is a lot of fun, but not sure about the educational value. It can help develop your speed and coordination, but that's about all. The pieces seem to be quite durable, but if you drop the tree, it feels like it could damage a lot of the branches.

This game would be great for your next Harry Potter party or a great display in a room. You won't be disappointed with this purchase.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great For a Hogwarts Express/Castle Accessory, January 18, 2003

By 

MarfyBarfy "mahfromwi" (Janesville, Wisconsin United States) - See all my reviews

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:2.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Harry Potter Whomping Willow Game (Toy)

Whether you have the Mattel Castle, the Lego version of the Castle and/or Train, or a vivid imagination...the Whomping Willow makes a great accessory for Harry's magical terrain. This toy's failure is only the manufacturer's attempt to market it as a game instead of an action play toy. It is really kind of a hoot...really,really. mah

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This game is awsome!!, February 17, 2003

By A Customer

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:1.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Harry Potter Whomping Willow Game (Toy)

In my opinion, this game is for younger kids. When it is spining, you have to try and take one of each of the objects on the tree. The first person to get one of each wins. Its still really fun! Basicly the only problem is that the branchs fall off to easy, and it takes too long to set up.