ÆRTHLINGS Review (Mobile) – Brand New Toys To Life Reimagined
Toys to Life trends have come and gone in waves over the last decade, with Skylanders, Disney Infinity, LEGO Dimensions, and amiibo all taking their turn in the spotlight. In 2025, amiibo remains dominant, while many other Toys to Life products have faded away. Yet that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for something fresh, and that’s where ÆRTHLINGS from Moose Toys steps in. Part Toys to Life, part Pokémon-inspired collection, and with a touch of Minecraft, ÆRTHLINGS introduces a novel approach to the genre that already shows promise.
Each ÆRTHLING comes sealed in a blind box to maximize collectability. When scanned, a procedurally generated version of that character loads into the game, carrying its own stats and special moves. Once in the digital world, players can explore ÆRTH and start building their adventures in the virtual realm.
ÆRTHLINGS Review
The experience feels like a two‑part product: a figure-collecting hobby and an accompanying video game. The figurines themselves strike an odd‑cute note—bright, tactile, soft to the touch, and designed with a loop for lanyards so they can attach to backpacks or pencil cases. Younger kids who love unboxing content or YouTube culture are likely to be drawn to the thrill of discovering which ÆRTHLING they’ve obtained.
A standout feature is the trading aspect. When a figure is scanned, its digital counterpart remains yours indefinitely. Trading, however, requires handing over the physical toy to complete the swap. In exchange, the in‑game character earns special points that help it level up, grow stronger, and perform better in the ÆRTHLINGS universe. The tricky part is that parting with a beloved toy can be emotionally tough, especially for younger players who form attachments.
To sweeten the deal, each subsequent trade strengthens the creature, and players can track the journey of their original figure as it travels through various trades. This blend of physical and digital progression weaves a compelling incentive to trade while also encouraging collectors to stay engaged with the game.
Gameplay is, in essence, a simplified Minecraft‑like experience. When a procedurally generated ÆRTHLING appears in the world, the player explores, gathers resources, heals scars, battles adversaries, and expands ÆRTH. Progress leads to discovering new biomes and facing unique challenges that yield more resources and points, fueling ongoing growth. Eventually, players unlock the ability to construct structures and reshape the world, allowing them to build their own ÆRTHLINGS village around their characters.
The overall gameplay is straightforward and accessible, reminiscent of a ROBLOX‑style experience rather than a deep, PvE‑heavy adventure. That’s not a flaw; it’s a design choice that favors quick, relaxed sessions. There are no time pressures and no microtransactions at present, which makes it appealing for long car trips or short bursts of play.
A multiplayer component exists, though it hasn’t been fully tested in this review. Given the popularity of online platforms like ROBLOX and Minecraft, ÆRTHLINGS is poised to resonate with players once they can visit each other’s worlds, trade, and show off collections.
Genesis, the first wave of ÆRTHLINGS, is available now, with each blind pack priced at a reasonable AUD 10. The companion game is available on both the App Store and Google Play and is currently free, with no microtransactions announced at this stage. The decision makes sense: even if a box yields duplicates, each in‑game creature remains distinct, and trading remains a central, highly encouraged activity.
One practical note: during the review, scanning all four provided ÆRTHLINGS proved finicky. It’s unclear whether the issue lies with the iPhone’s NFC reader, the case used, or the figures themselves. Repeated attempts were needed to scan successfully, which could be discouraging for younger players trying to join in.
On the brighter side, the parental supervision tools are solid. An account with configurable permissions keeps a child’s activity in check, and because the child’s device lacks an NFC reader, it’s easy to log into the same account on another device to access all collected characters.
In short, ÆRTHLINGS blends a Toys to Life model with a digital world that values collection and trading as much as gameplay. Losing a physical toy isn’t as hard when its digital avatar remains, and the trading mechanic is tightly linked to character development. This approach could be just the nudge needed to keep players engaged long-term.
Will ÆRTHLINGS achieve the same cultural footprint as Yowie toys from the 1990s? Time will tell. For now, the line makes a strong case as a thoughtful gift for kids aged 8–12 and a welcome addition under the tree or in a stocking this holiday season.
Availability
ÆRTHLINGS are sold at retailers across Australia, and the app is accessible on the App Store and Google Play.
Note: Four ÆRTHLINGS blind packs were provided for review by the publisher.
Leo Stevenson
PowerUp!
I've been playing games for 27 years and writing for nearly as long. PowerUp! is a labor of love, and sharing these discoveries is incredibly rewarding.
