i-Top

At first glance the i-Top looks much like a slightly futuristic but otherwise normal spinning top, with just the addition of two buttons and a row of eight tiny red lights on the top surface hinting at anything unusual. What makes the i-Top special is that it doesn't just spin--it plays games. These are all based on how long or how fast you can spin the top, with scores magically displayed on its surface as it spins, using the lights mentioned above. A clever folding spindle transforms the product into a slim disc, perfect for slipping into a pocket and making this a game that kids can amuse themselves with wherever they go. Put like this, the product sounds very simple but tests showed that the i-Top's simplicity is actually its biggest strength, making it hugely addictive for children and adults alike. It is great fun to play and is certain to bring out a competitive streak in even the most placid of individuals.

The games played by the i-Top (how many times can you get the top to spin before it falls; how fast can you get it to spin and how close can you get to a random number of spins displayed by the i-Top) are easy to get the hang of and perfect for individual play as well as competitive gaming among friends. There's also a "Mystic Mode" that lets you ask the i-Top a question: "Will I beat my son's best i-Top score?" and get a simple answer: "Not likely!" much like an electronic magic 8 ball. --Adi Himpson

Manufacturer's Description

With iTop, the spinning top gets a new lease of life. This spinning top with digital technology is great value for money, coming with four digital games and eight functionalities.

Game Play Game one--Top This: Top This is the first game mode. Players compete to see if they can get the most revolutions. This is both a single and multiplayer game. Once the player selects the Top This mode, spinning the top will automatically start the game. As the top spins, numbers start "counting up", displaying the revolutions. When the top stops, the final number is recorded. If the player spins the top again, a confirmation display shows the score. Any spins after the initial spin confirm the current score. To start a new turn, players hit button 2. There is a sound confirmation. Spinning now starts a new score count. If the player gets the highest score, a payoff sound plays. When a high score is achieved, there is a payoff animation and text of the high score on the confirmation spin. Whenever the top stops spinning, the Hi-Score Light will be flashing.

Game two--Match Top: the goal of Match Top is to get closest to the target number. To enter Match Top, players hit button 1 until the LED light 3 is lit. Spinning the top for the first time while in match top mode will show the target score. Every spin will always show the target score until button 2 is selected. Once button 2 is pressed, the top is ready to start the game. When a player spins, 2 numbers will be displayed, the target score in bold and the increasing attempt score on the opposite side. If the player gets closest to the target score, a payoff sound plays when the top stops spinning. Players can get a new target score by holding button 2 down for three seconds, or using button 1 to advance through all of the modes and return to Match Top.

Game three--Top Speed: the goal of Top Speed is to have the fastest spin. Top Speed is identical to the Top Spin architecture. The first player sets the top speed and then another player attempts to beat it. Any time a new top speed is achieved, a payoff sound and animation plays. Top speed is calculated by recording the time it takes between revolutions, 50–100. So when the player spins, the top shows a rocket animating around while it calculates the speed. After its 100th rotation, it will display the speed in MPH. If a player fails to get 100 revolutions in a spin, the confirmation screen says "try again".

Game four--Mystic Mode: this mode will emulate a magic 8-ball-style play pattern. Players spin the top and random answers appear after a short "smoke" animation.

• Toys & Games > Games & Puzzles > Traditional Games