Frustrating Robot Makes me Rumble & Mumble REALLY BAD Words!
Written: Dec 17 '01 (Updated Dec 17 '01)
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Pros: It comes with the three (3) AG13 Button Cell batteries.
Cons: FRUSTRATING! Too many cons to list, but they are contained in the review!
The Bottom Line: Don't leave this LUMP OF COAL for your kids on Christmas morning! COMPLICATED & FRUSTRATING!
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| pictureperfect's Full Review: Rumble Robots |
MY LIFE WITH RUMBLE ROBOTS.....Prior to the Christmas shopping season, I had my boys out on a shopping trip. We ran across the RUMBLE ROBOTS. My 10 year old son at that point decided that he needed one of these, which was soon echoed by my 3 year old son, who wants everything that his big brother gets! Being a sneaky mom, I went shopping alone and bought 2 of these things.
Since we are gone so much during the holidays, I decided to let my boys go ahead and open their RUMBLE ROBOTS this past weekend, so they could enjoy playing with them this week. I knew they would need batteries, so once the things were opened, my husband went and bought the batteries for each robot. These things take 4 'AA" batteries and 3 'AAA" batteries. They actually come with 3 AG13 Button Cell batteries, so I know at some point, I'll be out buying those too!
My 10 year old is like most kids his age, he can figure out these gadgets faster than mom and dad can read the instructions and find the "on" switch. I knew it was going to be bad when my 10 year old became frustrated because he couldn't figure out how to make the thing work -- he didn't want to wait for us to read the instructions and then explain it to him.
Okay, now we've finished reading the instructions. Now to find the Beginner Card Pack (7 cards) included with this thing. Boys, where did you put your cards? We need them to make this thing work! Not only do you need the cards to make the thing work, but they have to be swiped through the card slot in a certain order! Oh yes, and to get more money from consumers, if you want to make your robot more powerful, you must purchase either the STARTER DECK of 50 power cards or you can purchase Power Card Packs of 11 cards, with a chance at maximum power.
According to the box, a Beginner Card Pack (included) for beginner level power! For MAXIMUM POWER, collect Power Card Packs and Starter Decks! (sold separately) The more cards you collect, the greater your power will become! Find high level Upgrade and Weapon Cards! Unlock the secret Kung Long Combos with Power Cards! Collect all of the Power Cards and become a Rumble Robots Master!
What's included, other than the 3 AG13 Button Cell Batteries, with this toy? The box states that the "PACKAGE INCLUDES: Robot; Infrared Remote Control; Beginner's Pack (7 cards); Start-up Sheet; Membership Card; Checklist; and Rubdowns." Now don't even ask me what some of this stuff is, because I only figured out the batteries and then I pushed the things off on my husband!
I doubt that either of my kids will become Rumble Robots Masters, because I'm not planning to purchase any additional cards, especially since it's hard enough to keep up with the 7 that was initially included with this toy. Second, I don't agree with the marketing of this product to 6 year old children. My 10 year old son is having a tough time figuring out exactly what this toy can actually do, so unless you want to be the one playing with a Rumble Robot, I would't purchase this thing for a kid under 10 years old.
If I had this to do over, I wouldn't purchase this toy. Keeping track of the cards is complicated and without the cards, the thing doesn't work. If you lose your cards, then you'll have to go out and spend more money on card packs or a starter deck. Personally I think TRENDMASTERS is trying to find a niche to take over where Pokemon left off -- produce a toy that requires the cards, so it becomes more powerful.
Oh yeah, did I mention that my box actually has a couple of "typos" on the back. In the section where I mentioned what the back of the box stated, they've spelled "beginner" and "separately" incorrectly! I guess they didn't have a robot to proofread for them, or else they were as frustrated as most people are going to be on Christmas morning after Santa leaves this "LEMON" of a toy -- sorry, this toy would be a "lump of coal" in my book!
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 27.99
Type of Toy: Radio Control
Age Range of Child: 9 Years or Older
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Epinions.com ID:
pictureperfect
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Location: Tennessee
Reviews written: 128
Trusted by: 51 members
About Me:
I'm a SAHM with 2 boys, ages 12 and 5 years old.
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