Last month, the crew over at Toy State dispatched a special assortment of vehicles to Rock Father HQ, with each to be subjected to a rigorous series of performance studies in The Rock Father’s State-of-the-Art Toy Testing Facility (our house, backyard and neighborhood). Strapping on our lab coats and racing suits, the octane-obsessed Addie and I carefully inspected the collection before deciding which would be the first our first subject. Her choice: The ROAD RIPPERS Hatchbacks and Come-Back Racers. We know that they roll (that’s a given), but do they rock as well?
Road Rippers Come-Back Racers: DODGE RAM
Before it was even out-of-the-box, this DODGE RAM (complete with a HEMI) had already attracted Addie’s attention. Was it the beefy styling of this red and black POWER WAGON, decked-out in full racing regalia? Perhaps that was the initial appeal, but the fact that this truck plays a cover version of The Edgar Winter Group’s 1973 hit, “Free Ride” was the big draw. Thanks to this toy truck, Addie has memorized the chorus and now gives me a DAZED AND CONFUSED reminder periodically throughout each day.
This truck features an illuminated “light tree” on it’s roof, with each color (Green, Yellow, Red) activating the action features of the ride. While we’ve already covered the musical aspect, there’s voice announcements (“Start Your Engines!”), working head and tail lights, additional lighted vents on the hood, sound effects of the engine idling, revving, and roaring, tires squealing, etc. While “Free Ride” plays, the truck sort of dances back and forth. Additionally, the true “come-back” action finds the truck racing off on it’s own power, then stopping and flipping into reverse to come back to it’s “driver.”
While not the target age group, the Road Rippers Come-Back Racers are pretty appealing to little ones as well. The combination of lights, sounds, and motion have captivated Baby Finley, and have made this a go-to toy under adult supervision.
Through some solid play, our DODGE RAM has already received a few scuffs, and looks like it’s done some legitimate “trading paint” here and there. While Addie enjoys “washing” her vehicles with bubbles, the designs on the Road Rippers are decals – so I’m not entirely sure yet how the long-term wear will be vs. having them painted on – a process that would likely increase the cost.
Bottom line – The Road Rippers Come-Back Racers are a fun toy that we expect will provide a ton of fun for a long time to come.
The Rock Father Rating: 4/5 Stars
Road Rippers Hatchbacks: FORD Fiesta
A free-wheeling car with sleek styling and detail, this Hatchbacks series vehicle carries a surprise in the trunk. With each lift of the hatch, a different “stereo” appears, cranking out a different, non-licensed jam each time. In addition to the lights in the trunk, the headlights flash as well.
“I’ve got a surprise for you,” whispered Addie to my wife one night while playing with her FORD Fiesta. She opened the trunk and was pretty pleased to show off the illuminated speaker before quickly closing it and opening it up again.
I don’t think it’s exact, but the scale on this series of vehicles sorta matches the Come-Back Racers, so playing with these side-by-side feels right. Compact and affordable, the Hatchback is a fun addition to our collection.
The Rock Father Rating: 3/5 Stars
FTC Disclosure: As noted above, a selection of toy vehicles was provided to The Rock Father by Toy State for the purpose of review consideration. All opinions are that of James Zahn, with influence from his children. Got it? Good! Now hit the road for adventure!
