Editorial Review

Many high-tech toys start with a fun and fascinating idea only to make it frustratingly complicated in the execution. Leave it to LEGO to make a technologically advanced toy fun to play with. The enormous 718-piece LEGO Mindstorms Robotic Invention System lets you construct a variety of moving robot vehicles and then program them from your Windows 98- or Windows Me-compatible computer. The robots are all based around a bright yellow basic unit, which serves as the functional heart of whatever is being built. The brick receives commands from the computer via an infrared tower unit. The computer interface is incredibly user-friendly and intuitive. What's most impressive about the system, however, is the variety of robots that can be built. There are detailed instructions for each one, and since these are LEGOs, builders are free to come up with an endless variety. --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (76)

rocks
This toy rocks!!!!!!!!! you get to build a robot, program it, and add sensors!!!!!!!!!!!!

Invention, Robotics, Computer Programming
If you want your child to take the steps necessary to prosper in the future, this is the kit to purchase.

The kids of my generation had telescopes, microscopes and chemistry sets.We only could dream of building and programming a functioning robot!

It truly will create a positive mindstorm in your child !!

Windows XP fix
With regard to users having problems using this kit with windows XP.The dreaded freeze problem will only occur on computers using hyper thread processers.(...)

Save this zip file to your harddrive.You should have previously installed the mindstorms software and the USB tower.Unplug your USB tower, restart your machine and follow the installation instructions.The freeze issue should now be a thing of the past. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Electronic    4. Motors    5. Robotics   

Editorial Review

Long before TV shows like Battlebots, there were these guys: twoplastic boxers battling it out in a ring, tirelessly jabbing at each other in an effort to knocktheir opponent's block off. Years go by and these fighters (creatively referred to in myhouse as "the blue one" and "the red one") are still at it, still operated by two playersworking simple controllers, and still madly punching in an effort to knock loose the otherfellow's spring-loaded head. As was traditionally the case, it takes a while to maneuverthe robots such that you can even land any punch, let alone a knockout blow. But forintense silly robot fighting, without the hassle of batteries, these guys are still champs.--John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Fun Toy
I think this is a very fun toy.It has two handles.One red,one
blue.I think this is a toy that everyone would enjoy.

HUGELY DISAPPOINTING!
Like many baby boomers, I had the original toy myself as a kid.As much as we may like to believe it, the old classic one was not perfect either.It always seemed like one robots head popped off much easier than the other, or the rubberbands came off underneath.Time has tended to make us look back on these toys much more fondly than we did when we actually owned them.

That said, these "new-fangled" versions are extremely poor quality.First of all it just feels flimsy.It certainly is not as durable and heavy as it used to be.Second it seems that one robot is always overly sensitive while the other needs to be hit with a sledgehammer to get the head to pop up.And of course you don't have the trademark, "ZZZZZZZZZZ" sound that the old metal teeth used to make when the head popped up.Our kids must have thought we were nuts to have enjoyed this so much and we have to try and explain how it "used to be better!"The designers who made this should be forced to play it non-stop for 8 hours a day.Shame on Mattel for ruining a classic toy.

READ THESE REVIEWS BEFORE BUYING - PLEASE!!!
I bought this for my kids and can second all of the reviews I read that are disappointed with the game.The blue guy's head NEVER goes up.The robots are always and easily popping off.And yesterday, one of the yellow posts that holds up the white "rope" around the boxing ring snapped off and is impossible to fix.It's virtually ruined as no replacements parts are available. GOOD LUCK trying to get any help at the MAttel Website or 1-800 number.I am very disappointed in this product and highly recommend you consider something else.It's a shame because I could see where our whole family would have lots of fun if it worked and was sturdier. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games   

Editorial Review

Resembling a beefed-up Hummer, this all-terrain cruiser for Rescue Heroes figures sports a massive green body, jumbo studded tires, and working sirens and lights mounted to the top. A working tow wench rests on the orange front bumper, which is actually the head of a hidden "bumperbot," or robot, attached to the underside of the vehicle. When paired with a Rescue Hero, the robot communicates in English ("The smoke is heavy!"); otherwise, it's reduced to electronic gibberish. The truck is suitable for a variety of rescue missions--the bumperbot's pneumatic handcuffs, for example, can clear trees or pull victims from car wrecks--and would be a dream toy for many kids. Action figures are sold separately. --Andy Boynton ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Cool cruiser
My kids seem to be enjoying this cruiser. It is very "cool" looking....and the nice larger size that most RH vehicles are, but not obnoxiously large.

I agree with the other reviews about the robot/tow capacity!It doesn't seem to stay in place long enough...although they have seemed to pull some things for periods of time...it occasionally falls off though with enough force.The robot guy itself is pretty cool, just wish it did it's job under the car properly.(Oh, and one of my sons doesn't get why the robot hooks more to the "front" to tow, rather than the back..."that's where the tow truck does it, mom! It should be in the back!"-according to him, and he's right!heehee)

I still think it is worthwhile if your child is into RH/vehicles.

Nice Cruiser, Dumb Accessory
My 4-year-old is new to Rescue Heroes so we started his collection for Christmas. We bought this cruiser, but I didn't really understand that you needed the action figure-sidekick combo to really have fun with it (the talking back and forth). My son doesn't really care, he just uses the 2 regular figures he got. He drives it all over the house and it seems to really be a sturdy toy. The robot thing you snap onto the bottom is really stupid, though. Did anyone even test it before putting it on the market? I can't get it into place quite right and when you use it as a wench to pull something else it just falls right off. Good thing my child is creative, he just has the robot stand up and pull "stuck cars" out of the "mud" by itself.

Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'
Our son "somehow" let this fall down our stairs onto our hardwood floor...it survived and still works fine...I do agree with the robot and the magnets underneath...not real easy to deal with, but overall, this is a cool toy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Action Figures    3. Robots   

Reviews (1)

retro robot
Basicly this is for collectors only!This wind up tin toy swings it's arms up and walks when you wind up this tin toy.This is a very good collectible for collectors.If you are a collector you would most likley buy this and enjoy this.Remember this is only my opinion and sorry if you did not like this review. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not what I expected
Not at all impressed with this toy-if you want to call it that. Save your money for a gumball machine piece. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action Figures    2. Robots   

Editorial Review

We've heard the Cubix line of collectible robots described as a crossbetween Pokémon and the interactive pet phenomenon and that seems fairly apt.Cubix are trainable little talking androids who get much of their moxie fromlittle electronic cards that can be scanned to give the bots more power andskills (one card is included). Scan in cards from other Cubix characters toincrease the skills and intelligence of the robot. DonDon is very much in touchwith his emotions, and you can get in touch with them by pressing the button onhis chest. Also, his tail wags, his ears wiggle, and his shoes are removable.While kids familiar with Cubix will know exactly what to do with him, it couldbe confusing for others because the instructions for programming the figures arefairly vague. Also, although these little robots are cute as anything, they areloud and there is no volume setting. Still, parents and kids alike willappreciate the value of a toy that actually learns and acts pretty darn cutedoing it. --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Don Don He's the man
I love this toy. You can change his face to make him happy,shocked,or tired. He talks too. My favorite thing he says is dondon I'm the man. The cards really scan also and he is so much fun. I recomend getting Abby to go with him. This toy rocks.

Literally a piece of garbage from its arrival
What a piece of [poo]!The feet fall off, the cards don't scan.The wings are so fragile, they're designed to be broken.The actual product is so far from the advertised product that it constitutes fraud.

Cubix - don don action figure
This action figure dosen't have much action to it except that the front compartment won't remain closed, and his flippy ears and feet won't stay on! Also, you will be lucky if the spring tail makes it through one month because my six year olds didn't!
To some it up "Don Don" is a no no in my book. My son loves the cartoon but, another toy manufacter for this entire line should be looked in to. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action Figures    2. Robots   

Editorial Review

We've heard the Cubix line of collectible robots described as a crossbetween Pokémon and the interactive pet phenomenon. Cubix are trainable littletalking androids who get much of their moxie from little electronic cards thatcan be scanned to give the bots more power and skills (one card is included).Scan in cards from other Cubix characters to increase the skills andintelligence of your robot. Amphibix is built to hop, equipped as he is withspring-loaded legs and a suction cup base. He sets up easily, coming out of thebox mostly assembled. While kids familiar with Cubix will know exactly what todo with him, it could be confusing for others because no instructions forprogramming the figures are included. Also, although these little robots arecute as anything, they are loud and there is no volume setting. Still, parentsand kids alike will appreciate the value of a toy that actually learns and actspretty darn cute doing it. --John Moe ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action Figures    2. Robots   

Reviews (5)

To Lily Shi...
Missing parts can be ordered from the "Contact" section of [...]

I would highly reccomend this, along with all other designer kits to anyone with a good imagination. 'Nuff said.
On a side note, I would suggest that you buy the newer "Titan XP" robot set, if you're willing to shell out a bit more money, unless of course you have a thing for blue robots...

For more information on giant blue robots, watch Megas XLR.

LEGO Robots...Nuff Said
I love having this set for those long winter nights in front of thetelescope monitor. Nothing helps to stimulate the brain more than building a couple of robots and letting them fight it out. HA HA HA. I love these things. The assortment contained in this set is amazing and I have found no end to the robots I am able to complete.

A greate toy
We got this from a friend for my son's 4-year old birthday. We didn't think that he would be able to build it since he's only 4, but he opened it anyway. Couple of months later, he built one of the model, which rated as 2-block, all by himself. My husband and I were amazed. We took a look at this lego set. We found the instruction was quite clear even for a young kid. I never imaged that my 4-year old boy would love this toy so much that he play with it every day. Now I plan to buy more advanced sets for him. The only thing that bothers me is the missing pieces. The lego pieces are so small that it's hard to not lose any of them. My son has already lost some pieces and I don't know where to buy them except to buy a full set. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction   

Reviews (8)

Awesome-until I lost the grundo...
This toy is fun and kewl- but I lost the grundo piece and couldn't find it.Every time i tried to get a code online from it, the thing would reset itself and i would have to do it all over again.

It's cool!
There is also a pocket neopets delux! But i like this one better!

cool game
I love this toy! It is so cool. I think it is very cute! But it only has four games,but i am ok with that! I play with it alot. It is sooo cool! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Electronic    3. Handheld    4. Wacky    5. Action and Adventure    6. Interactive    7. Walking    8. Talking    9. Noise-Making   

Reviews (5)

To Lily Shi...
Missing parts can be ordered from the "Contact" section of [...]

I would highly reccomend this, along with all other designer kits to anyone with a good imagination. 'Nuff said.
On a side note, I would suggest that you buy the newer "Titan XP" robot set, if you're willing to shell out a bit more money, unless of course you have a thing for blue robots...

For more information on giant blue robots, watch Megas XLR.

LEGO Robots...Nuff Said
I love having this set for those long winter nights in front of thetelescope monitor. Nothing helps to stimulate the brain more than building a couple of robots and letting them fight it out. HA HA HA. I love these things. The assortment contained in this set is amazing and I have found no end to the robots I am able to complete.

A greate toy
We got this from a friend for my son's 4-year old birthday. We didn't think that he would be able to build it since he's only 4, but he opened it anyway. Couple of months later, he built one of the model, which rated as 2-block, all by himself. My husband and I were amazed. We took a look at this lego set. We found the instruction was quite clear even for a young kid. I never imaged that my 4-year old boy would love this toy so much that he play with it every day. Now I plan to buy more advanced sets for him. The only thing that bothers me is the missing pieces. The lego pieces are so small that it's hard to not lose any of them. My son has already lost some pieces and I don't know where to buy them except to buy a full set. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction   

Reviews (29)

Pocket Neopet
The pocket neopets are quite interesting. They're fun to play with while they're alive but they soon die. They remind me of tamagotchis and scanners

More fun than a real pet!
As a NeoAddict myself, I have spent many hours at neopets.com . Now with this toy, I can take a Yellow Aisha everywhere! It was so much fun playing games to collect neopoints (Neopian currency) then buying food, toys, and etc. Your pet sleeps at certain hours and eats 3 meals per day (you can adjust the time easily). You also have to moniter your pet's happiness, strength, and hunger, because if you don't take care of your pet, it might leave you! I loved this toy and to me it was better than a pet! (The Aisha Pocket Neopet is also available in blue)

This is cool
This Pocket neopet is really cool, most of my friends has it.
You can bring it everywhere! Inside there's a mini Aisha that won't talk, and a small island for Aisha and a video game. You can put Aisha in a small oval hole in the case. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Electronic    3. Handheld    4. Wacky    5. Action and Adventure    6. Interactive    7. Walking    8. Talking    9. Noise-Making   

Reviews (11)

AWSOME ARMADA!!!!!!!
This transformer is great (contrary to popular belief). Most people think it's bad but its not, I have it. The way he hides his mini-con is cool, but his big hands are cooler. His hand armor can get longer, making him look like he's really strong. His weapons are really awesome especially the dagger (his weapons can also powerlinx). His mini-con, Night-beat, isn't all that great (but you don't buy a transformer for the mini-con do you). Collectors might not like him but I do. They say that you couldn't play with him, and that you'd have trouble, but I don't. Side-Swipe is definately one of the MOST AWESOME TRANSFORMERS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

REALLY GREAT ARMADA!!!!!!!!!
This is a really good transformer(contrary to popular belief)
Most people think he is bad but he's not,I have him.The way he hides his mini-con is cool,but his big hands are cooler. His hand armor can get longer making him look like he's really strong.Also his weapons are really awsome especialy his dagger
(his weapons can also powerlinx).His mini-con, night-beat isnt all that great,but you don't buy a transfomer for the mini-con do you, you buy it for the transformer

The "Okay" One of the Armada Bunch
Transformers Armada has produced some very exciting characters such as Thundercracker, Blurr, Hoist, and Overload.Some characters though are good, but not as good.Sideswipe is one of them.Sideswipe transforms into car which can actually hide his minicon, Nightbeat, within.A button on the back bumper will reveal the minicon.A button on the hood released the front fenders.Unfortunately Hasbro doesn't tell you what it is supposed to mean.(The cartoon series shows that Sideswipe uses it to ram Decepticons on the road.) Keep this in mind though, it is much easier to turn Sideswipe into a robot than back into a car.
In robot form Sideswipe is okay, but unlike others, he just cannot hide his bulk.Blurr has his hide behind him, Red Alert has his body mold into him, Scavenger has his behind, but Sideswipe has his windows and fenders stick out.It isn't bad, but it could be better.Sideswipe also hides a gun and a knife that he can hold in each hand or they combine to form one weapon. Sideswipe, (unlike many other better rated Transformers) can hold the Starsabre and the Reqieum Blaster!
Nightbeat is a good minicon.He may look weird having wheel arms, but it is hard to do much with a motorcycle that small.He is good (in vehicle mode) to activate features on other transformers where it may be more difficult with more bulky minicons.
Overall Sideswipe at most deserves 3.5 stars.I recommend most other Armada series characters before him, but he isn't a total loss. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action Figures    2. Movies   

Reviews (3)

The Unicronicles, Chapter 5: MisAdventures
My Unicron figure was lookin' a bit lonely, so I decided to grab a few new MiniCon companions to brighten his spirits a bit. I settled on the Adventure Team featuring Ransack the all-terrain jeep, Dune Runner the sand buggy with rotating gun turret, and Iceberg the snow plow. Despite not taking into account the fact that Unicron has no snow, mountains, or deserts for these guys to frolic in, the big guy hit it off with the diminutive trio almost immediately. The only noticeable tension I've seen between them so far was this one time a few months back. Unicron had choked down one Paul Masson energon cooler too many, and kept referring to Iceberg as "Rosebud"-- which really cheesed the little guy off for some reason. Fortunately, all was forgiven after Unicron slept it off.

Anyhoo, time for me to get real. If you've got a young TransFan ankle-biter in the making, I strongly recommend startin' him out on the Adventure MiniCon set. Their easy transformability and relatively high durability (except for Dune Runner's roll bar, which tends to fall off during the transformation process) are just right for the young'uns who're takin' their first steps down the long and winding road to toy geekdom. The older & more hardcore TransFans, however, probably won't be quite as amused by the lack of challenge in transforming them and their limited articulation (poseability). Then there's the team's simplistic action gimmicks, which are composed of parts that rotate or retract when the toys are rolled across a flat surface in vehicle mode. Dune Runner's action feature doesn't work at all unless his 360-degree rotating gun turret is pointed straight ahead.

'Late

The Most Durable Minicon Team Yet!
Minicons are either built well or are fragile.The Adventure team ranks as the most durable team I have collected.All three are built well, and I have NEVER had a part pop off of them. (For minicons, that is saying something)These three also have moving parts that work well.Ransack has a tow rope that winds, Iceberg waves his shovels, and Dune Runner has his gun swing.All three look cool as vehicles.As robots, Iceberg and Dune Runner look cool and are mobile, but Ransack (the dark green jeep)is rather disappointing. In vehicle mode, fans most know that Iceberg and Dune Runner can move back and forth, but Ransack's tow rope unwinds if you push him forward.
If you only get one minicon team period, I recommend this one. These guys are not ones to pop apart.

I LOVE ADVENTURES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you'e a GIJOE fan, the first thing you'll notice is how similar Dune Runner's vehicle mode is to the --- Sand Razor! Yep, fans it's no coincidence for Hasbro obviously decided to apply the same vehicle mode to a Transformer Mini-Con and I must say the result is AWESOME! Now for the others: Ransack's vehicle mode is a pickup truck, which looks great and Iceberg is a block of ice. Hahaha! Gotcha! Iceberg is really a snow shoveler. The robot modes are disappointing especially Ransack's who literally looks like a rectangle. I like how Dune Runner's vehicle mode seats become his feet and how Iceberg's vehicle mode shovel reinforces as 2 shoulder pads. The action that these Mini-Cons do when you roll them is really cool. Great idea Hasbro but I hate to say this: In a few months, a new Transformers Fanfiction Author will emerge in the Cybernet and He will become the best, most famous, and controversial Transformers Writer to ever exist in Transformers history! His name is --- ? I can't tell yo but I'll say this: Patience is a virtue!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action Figures    2. Robots