Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.
I was not paid in any way to write this review.
All opinions are my own.
Daddy and my brothers are big fans of the Star Wars Franchise. They have seen all of the movies and my brother just loves dressing up as the bad guy Darth Vader. It’s fun listening to Kyle say to Mikael, “Mikael I am your father!” in a funny Darth Vader voice. I can’t help but laugh because they’re so funny. I haven’t seen any of the shows and I’m not sure if I would really understand what was happening either. I do know that if you’re not a Star Wars fan then you may be missing out on something. That’s what daddy says and my brothers agree with him. When Hammacher Schlemmeroffered to send us a product for our Holiday Gift Guide, my brother automatically said R2-D2! I would have preferred something that I could use but that wasn’t going to happen. Today my brother Kyle is taking over my blog because this is his review. It’s another Big Kids review! He received the Voice Activated R2-D2 and he is over the moon.
This motorized replica of the headstrong little “droid” from the iconic Star Wars films responds to voice commands, navigates rooms and hallways, and makes any home feel like it has been transported to a galaxy far, far away. R2 obeys more than 40 voice commands (“Turn around!,” “Move forward two units!”) and he plays games like tag, using an infrared sensor to search for people in a room. His sensor helps him follow behind you, or it can be set to detect motion, turning R2 into a room sentry that sounds an alarm when a secured area is invaded. R2’s lights, swiveling dome top, and distinctive happy and sad sounds faithfully mimic the real thing, right down to his occasional “bad mood.” (A simple command of, “R2, behave yourself!” snaps him out of it.) R2 can also replay sounds and dialog from Star Wars movies, answer yes-or-no questions, and dance while playing the famed cantina music. Requires four AA batteries and four D batteries. Minor assembly required.
$199.95 – Recommended age: 8y+
When we received R2-D2 Kyle couldn’t wait to open him but once he did he couldn’t use him right away. Why you ask? He needed 4 AA batteries which mommy always have on hand but he also needed 4 D batteries as well. Be sure to have your batteries or you’ll have a disappointed someone who can’t play with this awesome toy. Mommy took a quick trip to the store and got R2-D2’s batteries. Tools required was a screwdriver to install his batteries.
R2-D2 is about 17 inches tall and makes authentic movie sounds. He has a swing down utility arm in a secret compartment which he can also use as a beverage holder. R2-D2 responds to voice commands although we found that he doesn’t always understand Kyle and mommy when they talk.
He has 3 interactive mode. Companion, Game and Command modes and responds to over 40 voice commands. In companion mode he responds to simple commands such as “follow me”. You can even ask him about members of the Star Wars franchise such as Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. It was fun watching his reaction to his memory of Darth Vader.
In game mode he can act as a guard and even dance. The command mode is the more difficult and Kyle is still trying to master that one. Now the only the only con that Kyle have found with his Voice Activated R2-D2 is that sometimes he does not understand what Kyle is trying to say. From the manual it seems like he may just have to keep playing with him and he’ll understand his voice a little better over time. The Voice Activated R2-D2 gets Kyle’s Two Big Thumbs Up!
Mommy has put together a little video showing the awesomeness that is Kyle’s Voice Activated R2-D2. Check it out!
Now Hammacher Schlemmer the amazing company that sent Kyle his Voice Activated R2-D2 not only has toys for us little and big kids but they also have products for mommies and daddies as well. Shop for Electronics, Apparel, Outdoor, Sports and Leisure and even seasonal Holiday items. They have been offering the best for over 165 years shipping to both Canada and international destinations. So remember Hammacher Schlemmer when looking for the perfect gift for your special someone this holiday season. May the force be with you!
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Disclosure: Growing Up Madison receives products in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission for payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for delivery of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. Giveaways are not sponsored by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ or any other social media site. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”