REVIEW – PJ Masks Mission Control HQ Playset
We first set sights on the PJ Masks Mission Control HQ Playset earlier in the year when it was first released. One of many NEW additions to the PJ Masks toy range this Autumn, we were lucky enough to put it through it’s paces as part of our PJ Masks Party, where Erin, Neve and her cousins got to try out some of the new toys when they first appeared on the market. Now that Christmas is on it’s way, the PJ Masks Mission Control HQ Playset is likely to be in high demand on the Father Christmas wish lists, and as such, I thought I would share a full review of the product for anyone who is thinking of treating their little ones next month.
Not to be confused with the original toy, the NEW The PJ Masks Mission Control HQ Playset featuring three levels of action packed fun, and as such has plenty to keep PJ Masks fans like Erin and Neve entertained for a long long time! Here’s everything you need to know.
First Impressions
Even from the packaging, it’s clear to see that the PJ Masks Mission Control HQ Playset looks great, and you can see straight away that there are lots of interactive elements to the playset, with some characters and accessories included.
The set does require some initial assembly, although this is relatively straight forward once you have removed all the parts from the packaging (which can take a little while as everything seems to be packaged in individual little bags). The pieces simply slot into each other, so there is no need for screwdrivers or any tools in order to do this. The playset does require batteries however, parents will be relieved to know that the playset comes with batteries included (so no need to worry about rushing to the out on Christmas Day when you forget some!!)
The PJ Masks Mission Control HQ Playset includes two characters from the show – Cat Boy (one of the three main heroes) and evil villain Romeo, making it the perfect set for PJ Masks fans who are just starting their collection – with one ‘goody’ and one ‘baddy’ to battle it out. I found the fact that two characters were included a real positive, as so many toys require additional purchases in order to create any real gameplay these days. With two in the set, there is no desperate need to incur any additional expenses for more characters – or at least not straight away! The figures are fully poseable with arms and legs that can move, and can stand and sit as part of the play.
The PJ Masks Mission Control HQ Playset is a transforming playset representing the iconic PJ Masks headquarters, just like the one that can be seen in the new episodes of the show on TV. It includes the infamous totem pole lift which allows the PJ Masks to whizz from the top floor to the bottom in a flash, perfect for when they need to set off on their latest mission without any delay!
The exterior features three large doors, each with the symbol of the PJ Masks characters Gekko, Cat Boy and Owlette, and opens by flipping upwards to reveal three levels packed full of interactive features. The shooting dart launcher on the roof of the headquarters rotates down to be on the ceiling of one of the floors as you flip open the door. This is very clever!
There are lots of interactive features to the PJ Masks Mission Control HQ Playset. The first is a secret trap door which can be used to capture villains in the lightning bolt cage below. Simply place the characters on the top of the trap door, press the quick release button on the side, and the floor falls away, causing the villain dropping into the lightning bolt cage below. The side of the cage can then be opened to retrieve characters easily.
Next is the removable light and sounds control panel which plays key phrases and sounds from the show. This is almost like an iPad style control panel with various different buttons to press, making familiar sound bites and phrases from the show such as the theme tune itself, “Super Gekko Muscles” “PJ Masks all shout hooray cos in the night we save the day! and “It’s time to be a hero!!”. The control panel is fully removable, easily pressing away from the back of the headquarters meaning it can be played with independently of the set and become part of a mission mastermind role play, before simply slotting back into place.
The totem pole lift is a really great feature of the PJ Masks Mission Control HQ Playset, and was probably Erin’s favourite part as she has played with this element a lot. It includes a little clip to hold your chosen character in place, and then with a quick button press the lift spirals round the totem pole from top to bottom – gathering up quite some speed!
When the set is opened up, the top of the headquarters has a little ladder leading to what looks a little like a control tower or spy tower. Here you can scroll from left to right to choose from two different rescue missions.
The red dart launcher can be used to shoot out a little dart and knock down any ‘baddies’ that approach the headquarters. Other accessories include additional robot hands and shields and they can be stored in a little pocket on the inside of the door when not being used. It’s worth noting that these are on the small side, so not only did I have to be conscious of them when Neve was around, but also they are quite likely to get lost pretty quickly; in this house at least!
Whilst the Mission Control HQ Playset is on the larger side, (the set measures 43cm in height) I love the way it can all be closed in on itself when not in use, with plenty of space to store additional characters and pieces your little ones are bound to collect on the way.
Overall the playset has been a big hit and the totum pole in particular has been a popular feature with the girls. It is a reasonably high price item (retailing at £49.99) however you do get a lot of playset for your money. The PJ Masks Mission Control HQ Playset is available to purchase at Amazon and at the time of writing is on offer at £34.99 (normal price £49.99).
*This is a collaborative post. We were sent a PJ Masks Mission HQ Playset in exchange for our honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links*
