Rock Star Mickey
© 2011 Fisher-Price, Inc.
This noisy, scaled back robotic Mickey Mouse from Mattel/Fisher-Price is very entertaining, but offers less for children to do than Hasbro's Let's Rock Elmo. This Mickey follows last year's larger, heavier, gyrating Dance Star Mickey. This time Mickey comes pre-dressed in rock star gear that includes sunglasses and a permanently attached guitar. We thought an alternative title might be "Costs Less, Weighs Less, Does Less Mickey." Other than being able to press his foot to change songs, or his nose to start a tutorial, there are no interactive features. He's also not very cuddly. But he does turn heads, at first, anyway with his kicking motion. The motion is made possible by a set of small wheels on the edge of his foot. When placed on a flat surface, he kick-steps and can do a "mouska-split: at the end of his act, where he "plays the guitar" with his nose. See for yourself at http://youtu.be/uEHLJFi2KAs. Content includes three songs, including "You Really Got Me". Runs on 4 AA batteries, included. See also Let's Rock Elmo ($70) from Hasbro for a musical robotic toy that does more.
$50, Smart Toy
Teaches: dancing, music
CTR Rating: 80%