Last weekend we were all invited up to London for a very special Christmas party, hosted by one of the ‘must have’ toys this Christmas, Anki Overdrive. It’s a combination between Scalextric, Lego and Mario Kart, with intelligent robot cars controlled via the free app. You can have epic battles with each other, think robot wars racing, but the destroying is virtual, so you can play again and again. It was an adventure on the train, they decided to chuck us out at Gravesend, then we had to get a taxi to Ebbsfleet, but we got there in the end and it was an adventure. Daniel loved it, he loves trains.
What makes Anki OVERDRIVE so different?
The level of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the game is unprecedented. Each supercar is a self-aware robot driven by AI. You can build tracks – big or small, of all shapes and sizes – within seconds. The track works with magnets and it’s really flexible, making it easy to put up and down and store away. One of my concerns with large toys is always – Where will I put it, and Where can I store it? Having seen the track up close, it’s flexible without being flimsy, smooth and versatile. There’s loads of ways to put it together and you can make bridges, jumps and turns.
It’s not just a racing game, cars battle each other and each has its own arsenal of weapons that you can control through your mobile device. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android, or you could use a tablet. You can kiss goodbye to your mobile if you get it! With the game being software-driven, players have access to continuous free software updates, and they also bring out new pieces of kits on a regular basis to change up the gameplay. They’ve just brought out the Supertrucks feature, which William thought was amazing. He was super impressed with the features of the game combining physical gaming and virtual. All the power ups and weapons are controlled via the app. You can battle AI opponents or friends, and the tactical options are unlimited. You’ll need wifi or internet access to battle between devices.
The Supertrucks
The starter kit comes with a red and a blue car and the track. Once you build your track, the cars will ‘learn’ any track you build. They do a lap of the track and instantly commit it to their virtual memory. Unique markings on each track piece allow software to identify the type of piece and enable the Supercars to determine their locations. There are 8 variations you can build with the starter kit. The Anki Overdrive app automatically handles everything else, from getting you connected, to teaching you gameplay, so you can start playing immediately. You can add twists and turns and make jumps with the extension kits.
The party was held in a trendy part of London’s King’s Cross at a pub called The Driver which was warm and cosy. There was fake snow, music and yummy food and a free bar. If DH wasn’t hungover and I wasn’t driving home from the station, we may have been drunk in charge of children. We got to try out the game for ourselves, plus we met Father Christmas, who wore rather funky sunglasses and kept the children entertained. Phoebe had her face painted as her favourite car, Hurricaine. Daniel was a little wary of the man in a red suit, sunglasses and a big beard who wanted to talk to him. He took one look at him and cried! He enjoyed the cars but he’s too young for it, he kept trying to pick them up and push them along. The recommended age range for Anki Overdrive is 8 and up, but William certainly got the hang of it quickly and would enjoy it, he’s 7. Phoebe is nearly 6 and she managed it with very little help. Of course, big kids can play too! We left with a goody bag with bubbles and sweets for the kids, they really felt like they’d been to a party. It was great seeing some familiar faces too, Vicky and Tilly from Being Tilly’s Mummy, Afra from Mad Mum of 7 and Franca from A Moment with Franca, some of my blogging friends.
Excellent photo bombing by Daniel, merging into the box
Disclosure: I have been compensated for my time in attending the event and writing this post, all opinions are my own. For more information, visit the Anki UK website