6 Force Friday Toys That Live Up to the Hype

It's official! Star Wars mania is back in full swing. The seventh installment of the sci-fi franchise won't hit theaters until Dec. 18, but fans are already getting their first taste of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," thanks to this week's marketing blitz.

The festivities kicked off on Thursday with a global unboxing event, where new Star Wars toys were streamed live on YouTube in 15 different cities over an 18-hour time span. The following day, Disney unleashed “Force Friday,” a marketing bonanza where retailers – including Toys “R” Us, Amazon, Disney Stores and Target – introduced never-before-seen movie tie-ins like LEGO spaceships, talking action figure and remote control robots.

While fans anxiously tried to gleam clues about the upcoming film from the just-released movie merchandise, we took stock of the coolest toys and gadgets lining the shelves.

Here, a few of our favorites:

Kylo Ren Talking Figure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4D0wnze6ZI
Can't wait another three-and-a-half months to see The Force Awakens? This 14 1/2-inch action figure comes with a light-up lightsaber, plays sound effects and repeats real movie phrase—revealing clues to the mysterious storyline.

Remote-Control BB-8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPDvwqx7vPs
This highly anticipated gadget is pricey with a $150 price tag, but worth it. BB-8 is an APP-enabled droid that responds to you with a range of expressions and voice commands. Create holographic recordings, guide him to follow instructions using your smartphone and watch him buzz, beep and light up just like the character in the movie.

Furbacca
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOWrA_y2YA4
Hasbro's latest Furby isn't just adorable—it’s fun too. This $80 stuffed toy makes wookie sounds like Chewbacca, hums the Star Wars theme song and comes with virtual games that can be accessed by downloading an app on iTunes.

LEGO: The Force Awakens Millennium Falcon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US1FxktSpac
This iconic starship includes six mini figures with assorted weapons, a detachable cockpit, dual spring-loaded shooters, weapons and secret cargo compartments.

Captain Phasma Voice-Changing Mask
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_nd8PiajhI
Who is Captain Phasma? This talking mask provides a few clues, thanks to one-liners like, “Move your ships now” and “Submit your blaster for inspection.”

Star Wars Blade Builders Jedi Master Lightsaber
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvV2CPjoz98
Kids and kids-at-heart will love this $50 Hasbro kit that allows you to build more than 100 different customized lightsabers with classic lights and sounds.