R2D2 Interactive Astromech Droid Review

This is by far the coolest, most intuitive electronic toy that I’ve ever owned. As a 38 year old male, I’ve had experience with most of the robotic toys since the mid 80’s, and they all have had one thing in common: They were predictable. They would always repeat the same functions in predictable intervals and if they were motorized like this one, they would always get stuck on the first obstacle that they encountered. In recent years, electronic toys have greatly improved, but I have yet to come across one that is as versatile and intuitive as the R2D2 Interactive Astromech Droid.

First of all, if you are a fan of Star Wars, you will love this toy because it is literally like having a real R2 unit of your very own, but smaller. If you’re familiar with the character from the movies, you’ll know that R2D2 is regarded as “feisty”, and this toy encompasses that personality perfectly. He even has mood swings which are evident by what color his “mood status indicator” is displaying.

Part of the ingenuity that went into the programming of this toy is having it be disobedient at times. The voice control system allows you to speak specific phrases in segments to direct R2. What’s unique is that he will sometimes make beeping sounds to let you know that he heard you and is acknowledging your commands, but sometimes he will play different noises which basically tell you that he refuses to do what you want. And like many other features of this incredible droid, it’s rarely the same responses. In fact, I couldn’t believe it when one time I asked R2 to do something and he literally turned his back on me! I often find myself talking to him like I would a dog or small child- he is that life-like.

Let’s not forget about all the other cool features such as the infrared location sensors. You can ask the R2 unit to patrol the room, follow you around and even stand guard and alert you if someone enters a room. There is a hide-and-seek type game, among others, that he can play as well as a dance program. Sometimes, he will just randomly start talking and whistling or moving around, seemingly lonely and looking for attention. I have a Jack Russell Terrier that interacts well with him, too. And although R2 may get caught up on some obstacles once in a while, he is still quite amazing as he will “pop a wheelie” to get over small changes in terrain.

All in all, this is such a great, unique buy that will surely give you long-lasting enjoyment. If I could change one thing, it would be for him to be just a little closer to full-size. At the time of my purchase, Amazon and eBay had great prices on new and used ones!