Wowwee's Roboreptile reviewed

PC Mag, always one to get the scoop on these types of products, got the chance to play around with Wowwee's upcoming Roboreptile for a little bit, and frankly, the toy bot sounds like it leaves something to be desired. The main problem with this model is that its constant aggressiveness has the potential to scare off younger kids (it's not for children under 8, cautions Wowwee), while at the same time limited programmability will probably cause the older crowd to quickly tire of its basic functionality. Still, PC Mag does report that the $120 Roboreptile indeed performs as advertised, skulking around and avoiding objects (mostly) on its constant search for "food." The included remote supposedly allows you to calm Roboreptile long enough to slide a cowl over its head, but PC Mag found itself chasing down the bot more often then necessary due to its quick reflexes. All-in-all, if you're looking to buy your kids a dinosaur-inspired plaything, it sounds like you're better off with either a Pleo or Wowwee's other dinobot, the Roboraptor, unless the little ones have been real brats lately, in which case they probably deserve the frightening and/or frustrating experience that Roboreptile offers.

[Thanks, Dave Z.]

[Marc @ Oct 20th 2008 8:25AM]

Hi Victor,

I would recommend you use re-chargeable batteries, maybe duracel or energizer.
This way you dont need to keep buying new ones.

If you guys want to see a video of the roboreptile generally misbehaving, I have posted one here:
http://www.robot-toys.org.uk/page/21/RoboReptile.html

[strider_mt2k @ Jun 15th 2006 1:07PM]

I heard my share of fightened children just from the RoboRaptor!!
Favorite quote (screamed from a 3-year old girl):

I only like NICE dinosaurs!!!!

Hehe, good luck kid.

Wowee makes cool stuff, but it's starting to look like they need to develop a robo-something that takes these things beyond mere "toy" status.
(and I'm not talking animatronic monkey-heads here either!)

[strider_mt2k @ Jun 15th 2006 1:22PM]

Simple silly:

Flying Robots!!!

(Wowee I get 3% on that one)

[Brian from Texas @ Jun 15th 2006 2:20PM]

You're right, Quantum. That RC Helo looks cool. And it comes with a wireless camera+receiver.

[kent @ Jun 15th 2006 4:41PM]

Is there some video of this? I'd love to see it running away from the reviewers and biting small children...

[Blackmage @ Jun 16th 2006 8:09PM]

why is it a bit thing, dinosaurs dont walk up to you and expect a big hug.

i think its pretty neat that its agile enough to keep itself from a human, and i would only think thats small boys would think its cool to have an agressive robot dino.

[me @ Jun 17th 2006 10:37AM]

that's awesome....I want to get one...chase my sister around...

[Victor @ Jul 4th 2006 1:05AM]

i have a roboreptile and its pretty mad!
if anyone could find out for me, i like to know wat batteries will best suit these robots? or give me the wow wee email address if u can, so i can find out cuz the disadvantage of these robots is that it need good high performance batteries to work good and i just like to no which is good? u can use normal bat. but it will last for a short time till it will become to weak to move the robo.
thank you
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