Robot Galaxy (www.robotgalaxy.com)

$48, Smart Toy

Teaches: some creativity, programming

CTR Review

Think Build-a-Bear (the mall-based franchise) only with snap-together robots, and you get the idea of Robot Galaxy (www.robotgalaxy.com), a new Canadian-based franchise targeting boys. Besides robots, parents can purchase stickers, vehicles and accessories, comic books, and additional snap-on accessories. The robots, which resemble large Transformers with an array of battle gear, start with a $12 core, and can then be customized with different arm and leg options, which range from $5 to $10 each. Or, you can purchase a pre-assembled robot for $48. The robots can also snap into a transporter vehicle, which can be programmed with different movements by pressing one of four direction keys. The educational innuendoes used in the marketing materials ("kids will gain exposure to and knowledge of science, mechanics, robotics, space exploration, computers, and other fields") is overblown. This isn't a LEGO type of creativity, and Robot Galaxy is more about pretending than programming. Still, the robots are very easy to use and the mix-and-match idea lets children have a degree of choice in the design. Robot galaxy is the idea of Oliver Mitchell, a father in search of play options for his sons. He partnered with Ken Pilot, former President of the Gap brand. According to press materials, an MMOG is planned. Currently you can buy robots or play robot-related games at www.robotgalaxy.com.