he Droid Developer Kit is a LEGO/robotics hybrid toy similar to LEGO's popular Robotics Invention System. The main difference is that the Droid Kit was created for younger builders, and it includes specialized pieces that allow for the construction of hardware from the Star Wars universe. The key piece is the Micro-Scout, a microprocessor that has a built-in light sensor, a motor, and seven preprogrammed behaviors. There are almost six hundred other plastic bits that can be built around the Micro-Scout to concoct, in the tradition of LEGO, an infinitude of creations.
The Kit includes a Windows 95/98 CD-ROM that contains animated instructions on how to build gadgets at three difficulty levels. At Apprentice level is the L-3GO droid--a cute little tyke on wheels that looks something like Number 5 from Short Circuit--as well as that classic droid-of-all-trades, R2-D2. The Jedi Knight level gives instructions for making a crane-like device, and Jedi Master level projects include a monster fish, a Battle Droid on Stap, and the Gungan Sub. Children don't need a computer to use the Droid Kit, since LEGO has included a paper manual with step-by-step instructions for L-3GO, R2-D2, and something called the Jedi Knight Droid, which looks like a low car with big pincers.
The Micro-Scout allows the droids to interact with their environment via the light sensor. One of its modes, for example, can be used to make a droid roll backward (assuming there are wheels connected to the motor) until it sees a light, then drive forward. Another program will make a droid roll around erratically and sound an alarm if the ambient light level changes.
Over-simplistic and overpriced
This expensive and unsophisticated product seems like an ill-conceived attempt to cash in on Star Wars mania. The Micro-Scout is so limited compared to the LEGO Robotics Invention System's programmable RCX that it's a wonder LEGO even bothered with it. The RCX, with two light sensors, two touch sensors (all on wires, so they can be positioned at will), two motors (which allow the robots to turn) and full programmability via a PC, is a fount of open-ended creativity. Everything from robots that can explore a room to devices that will copy a line drawing can be built around the RCX. By comparison, the Micro-Scout is the RCX's inbred cousin. It can roll forward, roll backward and beep. That's about it. And the beeps don't even sound like the droids from Star Wars. It's ridiculous to build a droid that drives into a wall and falls over. If anything, Star Wars droids should be more capable.
Although stupid in general, this set does have the same high quality of all LEGO products, including nearly indestructible components and a lavish, full-color construction manual. The software is also engaging. What LEGO should have done was make the Droid Developer Kit a $50 expansion set for the Robotics Invention System, like the RoboSports and Exploration Mars sets, which add pieces with new functionality and looks to be used in conjunction with the RCX.
In short, anyone who can afford this toy's price tag should just shell out for the Robotics Invention System. It's 20 times the value for twice the money.
