If you grew up in the 80’s like me then you probably had one of these and thought they were pretty awesome…
Well View-Master has had a bit of a makeover since and is now an amazing virtual reality experience! We have been sent the new View-Master as well as three experience packs to review and have been having lots of fun with them 😉
What’s in the box…
- One View-Master® viewer
- One Preview Reel
- One adapter for the iPhone® 5, iPhone® 5c and iPhone® 5s
- One user guide.
In the starter pack you have everything you need to start your virtual reality experience… except your phone that is! I didn’t even realise I would need to put my phone inside it until it arrived… so if your phone is far too precious to be putting inside a ‘kids toy’ then this probably isn’t for you.
Getting started…
All you need to do to get started is to download one of the free experience apps that are available on the app store. You can choose from space, destinations or wildlife. Then pop your phone inside and make sure it is lined up properly and then you need to look at the preview reel through the View-Master and your experience will start. It can be a bit fiddly to set up but once you have done it once it is easy. The preview reel allows you to demo the apps that are available but you will need to purchase the experience packs if you want the full experience.
Our thoughts…
Both kids have really enjoyed the different experiences and games that you can play on the View-Master but they do find they can’t play on it for very long as it makes their eyes go funny. My kids both love exploring the space experience and I have to admit I really enjoyed it too, it’s pretty cool to be able to explore the solar system 🙂
Each experience comes with three reels but to be honest we have just used one from each box as you can actually get to all the experience using one reel which I find a bit odd and a waste really. You will need to keep your pass card from each experience pass safe as you need to scan this each time to be able to enjoy the experience.
Space
Blast off on a mission to outer space! Stand on the surface of every planet in the solar system. Examine 3D models of the spacecraft mankind has used to travel beyond the earth. Surround yourself with glittering star maps and trace constellations across the night sky. Explore out of this world environments, learn cosmic facts and experience gravity on different plants through exciting mini games.
Wildlife
Get ready to walk on the wild side! Explore the blistering Australian outback in search of kangaroos and koalas. Take a safari across the African Savanna to observe elephants, giraffes and lions on the prowl. Venture into the heart of the Amazon to hang out with the sloths and jaguars. Explore panoramic 3D environments, play adventure photographer mini games and access videos, photos and notes from the National Geographic’s vast archives.
Destinations
Take a trip to some of the most spectacular destinations in the world! Set foot on Liberty Island and gaze up at the towering Statue of Liberty in New York. Travel to the Yucatan Peninsula and explore the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza. Step inside the walls of the Tower of London and across the Tower Bridge in London. Explore stunning 3D environments, discover fascinating facts and even turn back time to see how these historic landmarks looked in the past.
The View-Master only works with some devices so make sure that you check the list over on the website before making a purchase.
* We were sent these items free of charge for the purpose of this review in which I have given my honest opinion on the products.
12 Comments
Gosh I can’t believe quite how much its moved along, this looks like an intriguing gift for the boys! Might make a note for later in the year x
Oh my Addison would love this, I had one as a kid I can’t believe they have made a comeback xx
oh wow, I was just talking about this the other day. I totally loved mine when I was a kid. I used to spend ages clicking through all the images. I might have to look into the modern version for my girls
I remember these, how cool that they are back!
I loved my version of his when I was younger and the new version sounds even more amazign x
OMG I had one of these as a child. I so have to get one purely for nostalgia reasons
Mini is reviewing this and it is a HUGE hit. I love that it is google cardboard compatable too
Ooh that brings back memories – and sounds like it has been brought up to date well. Love the sound of the Space one, will have to keep an eye out for one so I can have a try!
Wow, what a makeover, my kids would love this. Mich x
haha! this looks great. loved mine as kid, now time for the girls to have one.
Like Mr Slushy which I didn’t ever get, I ALWAYS wanted one of these, wow it’s very modernised isn’t it? Love the sound of the space one! 🙂
That’s so cool! I loved my ViewMaster that I had as a kid 🙂