Servo - March 2010

GEERHEAD

The remote control with all 15 keys shown.

Here’s the infrared transmitter.

Buzz while he was talking did not register. Buzz will break up the game play now and then with brief comments. However, when Buzz is not speaking, he consistently registers hits and misses, and reports them to the player.

Remote Control Action

Directional buttons on the remote turn Buzz left and right, and move him backward and forward. Function and Action Command buttons activate Buzz in one of 11 ways.

For example, in Space Ranger (SR) mode, the robot responds with sayings and actions based on the assumption Buzz is truly a Space Ranger. In Toy Buzz (Buzz) mode, Buzz responds with his newfound understanding that he really is a toy.

Our cat doesn’t quite know what to make of Buzz which is about how she reacted to the robot mouse she got for Christmas.

12 SERVO 03.2010

The microphone button turns the built-in mic on and off. Action buttons include Fire Laser, Star Command, Salute, Gimme 5, and To Infinity and Beyond — each prompting a vocal and physical sequence such as laser firing, calling star command, and giving a high five to the user.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the Ultimate Buzz Lightyear robot is closer in appearance and action to the “real deal” than any other replica or toy has come. Especially when his head and eyelids move. While some data on the Thinkway Toys site suggests that his wings pop out and light up, this did not happen when I tested the product.

Children of all ages can turn a passion for learning into hours of fun with Buzz, whether he’s played with straight out of the box, or gets a few refinements from his “superior officer.” SV