Twister among toy finalists for Hall of Fame

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) - Twister and Rubik's Cube are among seven Hasbro toy and game lines that have been named finalists for induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame, based in Rochester, N.Y., announced the 12 finalists Tuesday. The group also includes Hasbro's Transformers, Star Wars action figures, Jenga, and the Simon electronic flash game. A Hasbro subsidiary, Wizards of the Coast, makes Dungeons & Dragons, a seventh finalist.

Also in the running are the dollhouse, the pogo stick, puppets, radio-controlled vehicles, and Mattel's Hot Wheels.

Two will be selected for induction in November.

Forty-six toys have earned a place in the Hall of Fame. Among them are Crayola crayons, Silly Putty, and Hasbro's Mr. Potato Head and the Easy-Bake Oven. Toys are chosen for induction based on several criteria, including "icon status," longevity and innovation.

John Frascotti, chief marketing officer for Hasbro, said the company was "thrilled" to have so many finalists recognized as "childhood touchstones." Hasbro is based in Pawtucket, R.I.

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