ne of the most memorable robots in film is the loyal, lovable, mischievous R2-D2. An astromech droid used for starship navigation, R2 is present throughout the events of the epic series Star Wars. Purchased as a work droid by Owen Lars, uncle to our hero, Luke Skywalker, R2 holds the key to a galactic revolution, and he is at the center of events that will eventually see the evil Empire fall.
Hasbro is distributing what may be the definitive R2-D2. The R2-D2 Industrial Automaton is a 15-inch-tall replica of the film star, fully featured and detailed.
The R2 torso is packed in the box along with legs that must be snapped into place. Once assembled with his batteries (four AA and four D cells) in place, R2 can be made to follow vocal instructions, which makes him seem alive.
Once switched on, R2 awaits voice commands. He has three modes: Companion Mode, Game Mode and Command Mode. To get his attention, simply say, "Hey, R2!" He will respond with an expectant beep to signal that he is ready to execute your next command. To start with, you may give him some quick commands such as "light beam," which toggles R2's projector beam on and off. "Play message" makes R2 play a segment of Princess Leia's message to Obi-Wan Kenobi. "Go on patrol" causes R2 to wander the room looking for people. When he finds a person, he will stop and beep. "Reset system" will return him to Companion Mode.
In Game Mode, R2 can be made to dance to a tune by the cantina band. He can play "Spotlight," wandering the room looking for people and then hitting them with a beam of light. He can play "Spin the Droid," turning his head and choosing one of the people standing around him, and he can serve as a room sentry, alerting you to the presence of people in the room.
In Command Mode, R2 can be told to move about a room following specific move instructions such as "go forward" followed by "three units" (or any number up to five), "turn right," "turn left" or "turn around." He can be ordered to record and then execute a program. He can be ordered to delete the program at any time.
A tap on the head will reset his system, but be careful. Tap him too often or too hard and he will sulk in the corner making sad noises until you pay him some attention.
R2 has two storage spaces and even includes a drink holder so he can bring you a can of Coke, if given proper directions.
One of the year's top sci-fi toys
Out of the box one might expect this to be just another R2-D2 toy, about half the size of the real thing, but what awaits the lucky purchaser is one of the most fun and amazing toys I've seen in quite some time.
It would be enough that this R2 performs all the functions he performs, but this one goes well beyond this by doing so using only voice commands, and while he has trouble sometimes with certain speech patterns, a little practice can teach the user to issue the commands so that a minimum of confusion occurs.
This model also goes beyond in its detailing. Never have I seen a more perfect rendition of the R2 unit from the films. The attention to detail on the body leaves nothing to be desired. From the many lensed lights on his domed head to his body detailing and paint to the copper tubing that runs from his feet to his ankles, this is a near-perfect R2-D2.
Add to this the amazing range of voice-command features, and this toy boggles the mind. Like the well-loved "Big Trak" tank toy from the 1970s, this robot can be programmed to move about a room with preprogrammed steps, but this one does it all by voice command! This would be enough.
But there is more. Hidden in R2's eyepiece are sensors that can detect bodies in a room. Sent on patrol, R2 will never fail to find you. Among the clever features are emotional responses to various characters in the films. Say "do you remember" and then the name of a character, and he will respond in an appropriate way. Mention Vader, and he freaks out, shaking his head and squealing, his mood indicator light turning bright red.
However, once you master all of R2's commands, he is still holding a secret or two. One undocumented feature (among others) is a "follow me" mode. Issue the command, and R2 will find you and keep pace with you. As you walk around the room he will turn and follow, always keeping the same distance. Walk toward him and he will back up. Move away, and he follows. It is indistinguishable from magic.
Responding to over 40 commands, this may be one of the best Star Wars toys available in this galaxy or one far, far away.
