One should learn from the Japanese on how to market children’s toys in a way that even adults start to have itchy hands. If you think I am exaggerating, have a look at the Japanese manga series written by Takao Akoi.
Most millennials will fondly remember the show’s protagonists: Tyson Granger with his brown eyes, front bangs and happy-go-lucky attitude, wielding the Bit-Beast, Dragoon. Max Tate who is the closest to Tyson, a good natured, cheerful kid with his bit-beast, Dracil.
Ray Kon who is the epitome of maturity and tolerance, possessing the bit-beast, Driger that resembles a white tiger. And finally the cold, deadly but inherently loveable Kai Hiwatari, with his equally amazing bit-beast; Dranzer.
History
The Beyblade spinning tops first appeared in Japan in 1999 and were developed by Takara Tomy. They were inspired by a traditional spinning top known as “Beigoma”. The idea, however, was borrowed from a board game known as Battling Tops, developed in 1968 by the “Ideal Toy Company”.
Arenas
Beyblades battles are held in arenas known as beystadiums of varying shapes and sizes. The arena curves up to the sides forming a cyclone ridge which allows attacking Beyblades to swivel around with accidentally exiting the stadium.
Other prominent features of the beystadiums include recessed disks which spin freely adding an element of surprise to the game if a Beyblade comes into contact with it.
The original developer, Takara Tomy designed the stadiums with open sections in the walls where the Beyblades could be launched while Hasbro designed stadiums that had high walls with no openings.
Instead he opted to create pockets within the arena which counted as ring-out if a Beyblade were to fall inside them.
Rules of the game
The game involves two or more players simultaneously launching their Beyblade toys into the arena where they experience hits from each other, the walls or any spinning recesses. A number of events can ensue once this happens.
One of the Beyblades stops spinning. The survivor is awarded one point for this so called “Survivor Finish”.
A Beyblade is knocked out of the arena or enters into a pocket lining the edges of the stadium. This is called a Ring-Out and also awards the opponent a single point.
Two points are awarded if the opponents Beyblade shatters, bursts or breaks. This is called a Burst Finish.
Equal points are awarded to both players if the match results in a draw; where either both Beyblades stop spinning simultaneously, are kicked out at the same time or burst at the same time…
