Imaginext DC Super Friends Batman Playset with Lights Sounds & 18 Pieces, Super Surround Batcave

I got this in today and man if the playset itself wasn't impressive the box it came in was jaw dropping! Assembly wasn't to difficult and seemed goof proof as I accidently skipped a couple of steps but was still able to build it normally and only took me 15-30 minutes. Takes four C batteries (not included) and folds up for storage.

When this first arrived, the picture on the box was enough to get us all excited. The Batcave comes completely disassembled which does initially look quite daunting but turned out to be very straightforward. The instruction manual gives good, clear instructions which are very easy to follow. It tells you to allow 30 minutes for the assembly but it took us around 20-25 minutes. You will also need 4 C batteries which are not included. Before starting to build, I did quickly check that all the parts were there. The parts are all shown at the beginning of the manual and I was slightly confused by the fact that Batman was already wearing his mask. The figure and mask are shown separately but are together. All of the figures and other smaller pieces come in separate small bags which made them easy to find and keep separate until needed. Following the step by step instructions, each piece clicked securely into the next. The structure felt sturdy from the beginning and continued to feel that way as it was built up higher. There are a couple of pieces which need to be screwed into place, which is very easy to do and all the screws are provided. When joining the two halves together I did get a little confused with a piece that was already inside the edge that joins to the other. There is a grey piece of plastic inside the joining edge which needs to be there to take the screws that join the second piece of the Batcave to the first. (Don't be tempted to remove it and then find it needs to be in place like I did). The connectors for the sound clip in easily and are completely covered for safety using the remaining screws (7 in total). The finishing touch to the build is the canopy which really completes the look of this Batcave. The battery housing is found behind the control panel and has an on/of switch which allows you to adjust the volume between low and high, which is always a bonus. The buttons on the control panel have so many voices and phrases. This set comes with 3 villains, Joker, Mr Freeze and Catwoman but has 3 other villain buttons which means that you can add figures to this set which can interact with it. The turntables by the jail cells and the Batman suit walls also have sound effects and phrases which adds so much to the play and enjoyment of this Batcave. The jail turntable also controls the doors of the cells which is a really nice touch. There is also a cannon with ammunition which can be mounted in a couple of places around the Batcave and some other weapons which have their own specific places to clip into the walls of the Batcave. Perfect for keeping them safe (as long as little one remembers). A couple of other little things which I think make this Batcave an impressive toy is that there are hand holds and steps around the sides and back of both sides which all the figures can grab on to. The control panel with the Batseat is an impressive part of the Batcave, not only because of all the phrases and sounds but also because there is a Bat signal which shines onto the moon on the canopy. This I feel is a really lovely touch. I really feel that this Batcave is a great toy. It is strong and easy to build, the sounds are fantastic and can be added to (other figures and vehicles) for endless fun and play.