There’s something strange in the neighborhood. Its time to get down to business ghostbustin’.
Designed for kids ages 6 and up, The Visions of Johnny the Skull, from Fotorama USA, requires quick reflexes and an even quicker trigger finger in order to successfully stave off these ghoulish specters.
Included in the box is Johnny the Skull, his two feet, (which I’m assuming detach for more practical, less costly packaging) and his ghost blaster. Best played with two players, the aim of this electronic game is simple: shoot as many ghosts as possible in the time allotted.
Here’s the lowdown: Johnny, despite lacking a set of eyeballs and all other necessary organs, sees ghosts every which way he turns. These visions haunt this bonehead, and he needs help eliminating them. To begin, kids pull the trigger once and wait for the red LED light to turn on. Next, while aiming the gun at Johnny’s right eye, they select their level of difficulty by pressing one of the three plastic buttons on Johnny’s feet. There are beginner, regular, and advanced playing options. Once this synchronization process has been completed, it’s time to turn off the lights and load up.
As Johnny begins to swivel his head in all different directions, he’ll stop to project a ghost somewhere on the wall. How long each ghost is projected all depends on the level of difficulty chosen. Through my experience with the product, I was able to determine that that the ghosts are displayed for about three seconds in beginner mode, two seconds in regular mode, and only one second at the most advanced level. (Yeah, I’m pretty good with numbers.) The faster game play requires more accurate shooting, and it ultimately makes the game more exciting. I don’t mean to brag, but my ghost-busting skills are top notch.
As kids fire away, their score is indicated on a small electronic counter at the back of the gun. After every six shots, they’ll have to reload their ammunition by pressing the button atop their blaster. I forgot to do this on a number of occasions, and my score suffered mostly because I was shooting blanks. Oops. Each ghost that kids bust earns them a point, and the player with the most points at the end of each round, wins. I timed my rounds, and found that each one lasted approximately a minute and twenty seconds. This makes for short and sweet head-to-head rounds, and ensures that everyone gets a shot (pun absolutely intended) without having to wait an unreasonably long amount of time. I hate waiting for my shot at some good ol’ paranormal extermination.
Though simple, The Visions of Johnny the Skull offers spooky fun for kids of all ages just in time for the Halloween season.
