Matchbox Rescue Net Map 'n Go! Fire Truck
© 2001 Mattel, Inc.
This innovative, battery-operated toy truck lets children program its driving direction by connecting dots on a pressure-sensitive grid that's attached to the top of the truck. Theoretically, if children use the plastic stylus to connect the dots going straight and then to the right, the truck will drive in the requested directions. While terrific conceptually, this unusual smart toy has some significant problems that interfere with its playability. Lifting the plastic magic slate-like top doesn't always reset the toy, and more importantly, the driving directions' function is too finicky. After just a couple of days with testers, our poor truck could go straight, but would just spin in circles when asked to make a turn.
$39.95, Smart Toy
Teaches: logic, spatial thinking, grids, directions