From the Toysit archive
Cube World
Colorful cubes become a tiny neighborhood of animated stick figures, with an original window-by-window bulletin activity.
The play at a glance
Four windows onto a little neighborhood
The four bright cubes look like rooms in a tiny apartment block. In the original picture, two stick figures share one window while a blind covers another. A sleeping figure occupies a third. Each screen holds a little scene, and putting the cubes together gives those scenes a next-door neighbor.
A visitor at the next window
Series 1 gives each figure a familiar companion: Slim has a stick, Dodger a ball, Scoop a dog and Whip a rope. Their individual games turn those themes into small screen challenges. Magnetic sides connect the cubes in horizontal or vertical arrangements, and the figures can visit adjoining screens.
The three front controls handle sound, game play and the high score. A lowered blind marks a room whose occupant has gone visiting. Follow the matching guide when connecting the cubes, and arrange the neighborhood on a stable, low tabletop.
Make a window-by-window neighborhood bulletin
Watch one short scene, then draw four little windows on paper beside the cubes. Under the window you watched, write a single observation: two figures met, someone played with an object, or a room became empty. Leave the other windows open for later discoveries.
Give your paper neighborhood an invented name, such as Lantern Lane. Now add an invitation beneath the observation: “The upstairs neighbor invites everyone to a moonlight picnic.” That invitation belongs to your story. A second person might draw the picnic blanket or imagine what the neighbor would bring.
On another visit, add a new observation in a different window. The bulletin can become a tiny local newspaper, mixing remembered animations with clearly labeled stories of your own. Keep the paper beside the toys so their intended connectors remain clear.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The complete earlier product account and commentary are preserved below as historical coverage.
Stick people who live in colorful cubes interact with each other when stacked on top of each other or connected side by side
In 2005, Radica Games developed an innovative electronic entertainment product that puts a new twist on an old classic and brings stick people into the future.
Imagine stick people sticking together, interacting like real people, and actually waving to each other, playing, or even getting upset.
"There's a certain kind of magic in Cube World," said Radica CEO Pat Feely. "The nearly endless interaction of what the stick figures can do, individually or once connected, brings excitement to kids of all ages."
Hitting stores in time for the holidays, CubeWorld is available this fall at select specialty retailers like Brookstone for approximately $30.
"Because of its fun, interactive nature, we believed Cube World would be an ideal addition to our assortment of innovative products and popular with our customers looking for a unique holiday gift for kids and adults alike," said Robert Padgett of Brookstone.
Cube World was a unique, interactive world that features stick people sticking together. Four colorful cubes house an individual stick person living inside and can be connected to form block parties. Once connected, whether the cubes are stacked on top of each other or side-by-side, the stick figures begin interacting with each other. Players can play games with the individual stick figures, but the real fun lies in connecting the cubes and watching the stick figures interact, whether they climb into each others' cubes to play with each other.
Cube World Features
- Interactive Stick Characters: Each cube featured a stick figure character with its own personality and animations.
- Connectable Cubes: Cubes could be connected together, allowing characters to interact and visit each other's screens.
- Various Games and Activities: Characters could play games, perform tricks, and engage in various activities within their cube.
- Expandable World: By connecting more cubes, users could expand the Cube World, adding complexity and variety to the interactions.
- Magnetic Connectors: Cubes were equipped with magnetic connectors for easy attachment and rearrangement.
- Character Series: Cube World toys were released in different series, each containing unique characters and themes.
- Simple Controls: The toys were operated using two buttons, making them accessible and easy to use for children.
- Portable Design: The compact and lightweight design made Cube World toys portable and convenient for on-the-go play.
- Battery-Operated: Powered by batteries, the cubes were ready to play without the need for charging.
- Collectible Nature: With various characters and series, Cube World toys became collectible items, appealing to enthusiasts and fans.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand play, the Cube World's construction was durable and child-friendly.
Sources and editorial notes
The complete Radica Series 1 guide, revision E, was read and its diagrams compared with the original image. Both show three front buttons; the two-button claim remains in the preserved historical list. The guide covers the first four characters, not the full roster of later series. The bulletin is an original Toysit activity; its words and invitations are invented by the player. No physical testing was performed.
- Original Toysit image — Existing same-site image reviewed and retained unchanged.
- Radica Cube World Series 1 instructions (PDF) — Complete two-page I5039/I5040/I5096–I5099 guide, P/N 82398320 Rev. E; text and diagrams reviewed.
- Original Toysit coverage — Complete historical account retained, including its original claims and wording.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
Created for Toysit by Tabbloza — the artwork in our header.