Pros
- Fantastic quality constructed product
- Comes with many modes
- Durable
- Looks great on a mantlepiece
- A lot of fun
Cons
- Expensive
- A few cheap feeling parts
Name the most lovable character of the Star Wars Universe and nine times out of ten, you’ll get the iconic R2-D2. Well courtesy of Hasbro and Hammacher Schlemmer, you can now own your very own Astromech droid. It not only sits pretty on any mantelpiece but comes with a surprising array of interesting functions.
This R2 unit is in fact voice controlled and to our many hours of amusement, was just as quirky and active as the original. It responds to a whole plethora of voice commands ranging from “Turn around” to “Do you remember Luke Skywalker“. It responds just as the actual R2 would with loud and clearly audible chirps and beeps as well as a rotating head, flashing LEDs and spinning on robust treaded wheels.
It’s a robust model which should take a knock or two but that’s no excuse to play with him near any staircases. He’s larger than you might think at around 15″ in height and weighs a good 6lbs in weight. Of course this is no lifesize replica but for the price you’re paying, you’re getting bang for your buck.
Included in R2 is the availability to play a game of tag with him as he uses his infrared sensors to detect movement and people. He also recognises voice patterns which brings a remarkable amount of personality to the unit. You can also place R2 into sentry mood where he’ll happy sit and watch the room with his infrared sensors and go practically ballistic if there’s any movement detection. There’s a vast array of commands and features that come with R2 and you will need to set aside a good half hour to go through the manual and learning the commands off by heart. Luckily for those with an un-rain man like memory, there’s a useful command cheat sheet which you can store away inside one of R2′s compartments.
What we didn’t like about R2 was that although he looks fantastic, there are a few cheap accessories. For example the detachable antennae on top of the dome is light, plastic and not entirely secure in it’s fitting. Similarly the drinks holder that comes out feels cheap although does work and is a nice little addition. We know it’s a Toy but it could very much double up as a replica model if it wasn’t for the few cheap accessories.
Whether or not you’re a child or an adult, you’re bound to fall in love with R2. Even if you’re not going to play with R2 as a child might, nobody will deny that it looks fantastic and for any die hard Star Wars fans, is a great addition to any collection.
In conclusion R2-D2 is a highly recommend and is certainly a must buy for any hardcore Star Wars fans.
R2-D2 is available for $199.95 from Hammacher Schlemmer.
TUS Rating
| Rating: | 5 of 5  |
| Functionality: | 5 of 5 |
| Value for Money | 4 of 5  |
Overall: 4.5 of 5 
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