Temperamental, disobedient and he gets into a lot of trouble. I'm not talking about a pet or your average little kid, I'm talking about
the Star Wars Interactive R2D2 Robot (2005 edition).
All of 18 inches tall, this diminutive little toy gets around well on most surfaces (hardwood or linoleum floors are best) and is a lot of fun. But he's not your daddy's Radio-Controlled R2D2. This Artoo unit doesn't automatically do what you say, or even what you want or expect. Although, on most occasions, you wont' have a problem with Artoo, the one I bought has shown flashes of temper and streak of stubbornness that would try even the most patient parent.
Despite this (or maybe because of this) Artoo is a riot! I took him over to my friend's place for Christmas and, at first, everyone in the room was amazed at how well he followed orders. Whether it was to turn left, turn right, go forward or turn around, Artoo seemed pleased as punch to follow directions. Then his temper flared and he, quite pointedly, refused to obey me; shaking his head and making noises in apparent disdain at my pleas.
That reaction brought the house down, as everyone laughed at his refusal to follow his "master's commands." When I ordered him to "re set system" and he refused again, that created still more chuckles. Finally he got over his little "snit" and behaved normally...until he seemed to change his mind decided to act up all over again.
Then my friend, who has three children of his own, got into the act. Pleading with Artoo in his best "daddy voice" he finally got the robot to obey him where my pleas failed. Then, like a stubborn child, Artoo had another tantrum and stopped listening to him too. That invoked a surprising response from me, anger. But, instead of spanking him like any other misbehaving child, I manually shut him off via the power switch on his behind so he could "calm down" (I would have spanked him, too, but Hasbro, the manufacturer, has not seen fit to include a pain function on him...yet!).
Needless to say, all this only helped to further endear Artoo to everyone around him, although this behavior can get annoying when you want him to do something simple, like bring you a beverage. That said, after a while it became hard to see him as simply another "toy," which is probably what Hasbro had in mind all along.
Instead of a mere "toy," they created a "personality," one that can interact, and react, with both people and the environment around him. Had Artoo simply followed directions, he would have got "old" real fast; becoming nothing more than another cleverly designed (but boring) set of circuits and switches run by batteries. But, by giving him what appears to be a random and unpredictable nature, Hasbro has made Artoo appear to be as realistic, and "alive," as the one in the movies we all love.
That said, Artoo is also a very clever robot, packed with sonar and voice recognition capabilities that are very functional. Although he cannot "see" things below his domed head, he is not stupid and not only found his way out of my bedroom but proceed to bound his way down the hallway.
Artoo's dance function is hilarious and he patrols a floor better than the average mutt, without fear of "accidents." Although the beverage container is problematic (the grip is not very strong), he does manage to find his way around a house fairly well and will probably get into all kinds of mischief unless monitored carefully (like any toddler). Be careful, though, of stairs, as Artoo does not have a floor-sensor and would go over and down them, with catastrophic results.
Combined with a very affordable price tag, the
Star Wars Interactive R2D2 Robot (2005 edition) is a terrific toy and well worth the money. If anyone reading this article knows of any "secret" or hidden commands, please e-mail me and let me know.
BUY NOW!!!
