The Funkeys World keeps growing! (Mattel U.B. Funkeys Starter Kit)

Member Name: InsaneStar

Product:	Mattel U.B. Funkeys Starter Kit
Date:	10/04/09 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: New features are constantly added, so many games, great for collectors.

Disadvantages: Some problems with the hub, internet connection needed for updates.

When I first got my U.B. Funkeys starter kit I was a little bit disappointed as the game wasn't as interactive as promised but since then it's been developed so much and I love it! There are now several different areas to explore, many games, different quests and lots of little hidden secrets that you can find while exploring the world of U.B. Funkeys.

If you've ever played the online game Neopets then U.B. Funkeys is very similar: you play games to earn coins.

Each Funkey gives you access to a new game and a new shop where you can buy items to customise your crib. So far I have a gothic-themed crib and an alien-themed crib!

For each Funkey there are three versions: the normal one, the rare and the very rare. The rare and very rare ones allow you to buy rare items in the shop. Each Funkey costs around £6 to buy although some shops may charge more for the rare and very rare ones. Don't be fooled by some of the high prices that sellers charge on sites like eBay. And don't forget you can swap Funkeys with your friends so if you can't afford to buy many then just borrow some!

There is also a storyline to the game, the more you play and the more Funkeys you collect, the more of the story is revealed.

The games are easy enough for children to get the hang off and enjoy but engaging enough (or should I say addictive?) to keep adults entertained too.

There is a Funkeys online forum, you can show off your cribs to your friends by just giving them the crib name and there's even a chat feature. The chat feature is safe for children to use as you choose pre-set phrases but I hope they re-design it so that us 'big kids' can have normal conversations!

My criticism of the game is that sometimes I have problems with my Funkeys hub but if I wiggle the Funkey around in the socket it normally connects ok. Several other people seem to have reported this problem too and the best advice is to make sure the hub and connectors are dust-free.
Other people have said they've had problems when the Funkeys game automatically updates but I've never experienced this.

An internet connection isn't needed to play the game but it definitely adds to the fun.

If you buy this for your children be prepared to buy more Funkeys on birthdays and at Christmas!

Summary: A very addictive and fun game that just keeps growing so you never get bored of it.