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92 of 95 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun for everyone (but watch those batteries!), October 24, 2003
Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars Educational:2.0 out of 5 stars
My three year old son saw this advertised and asked for it as a present - the only time he has ever done this for any game or toy. The game comes with: * Large blue elephant fan base and translucent plastic trunk * Thirty rip-stop nylon butterflies * Several butterfly markers for keeping score * Four mesh nets for catching butterflies The unit requires 4 "C" batteries (not included.) When powered on, a quiet fan in the elephant base pushes air up the elephant's trunk forcing the butterflies out. Players try to catch the butterflies in their nets. Our family has played this game and enjoyed it. Catching the randomly fluttering butterflies is an excellent eye-hand coordination activity. And even though the game is geared for younger kids, there is enough of a challenge that all ages can play and enjoy it. (One of the nicest things about the game is that it really does not matter who wins, the game play is fun enough in itself. We don't even keep score and no one minds.) Elefun is not without its issues, though: 1. Plays quickly, but then it takes considerably more time to get it ready for the next round of play than it takes to actually play. 2. The trunk has to be extended manually even with the fan on at the beginning of play. Once fully extended, it will stay up. 3. Eats batteries like mad. The fan works best with fresh batteries and the quality of play goes down quickly (not all the butterflies will come out) if the batteries are not 100%. A DC adapter option would have been nice. 4. While the entire set is durable, the trunk is a bit suspect. Made out of a plastic a bit thicker than a plastic garbage bag, it is subject to holes as it gets repeatedly crinkled during normal play. Our son inexplicably took a scissors to it, but fortunately it was repairable (though we lost a bit of length.) All things considered, the game is fun and a good activity for young children. What kind of value it is for the money is debatable - a friend gave us this game, so it's a win-win for us. Batteries are an issue, however, and I would seriously recommend purchasing a big set of rechargeables anyway for any parent who buys battery-reliant toys. Considering how fast you'll use up batteries with Elefun, you'll save money in the long run if you do so.
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