Customer Reviews

LEGO Spybotics 3806 Gigamesh G60

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Lego Spybotics line is an easier and lower-priced introduction to robotics than the Lego Mindstorms series.

ABOUT SPYBOTICS PRODUCTS
Spybotics contains four robots (so far). Each is designed to be strong in only one or two of the categories of speed, strength, and agility. That means that the user will have to learn how to capitalize on the vehicles strengths in a competition with other Spybotics vehicles.
* Shadowstrike is a vehicle that scores high on speed and agility
* Gigamesh scores highest on strength, but low on other
* Technojaw is probably the most balanced, scoring quite high on speed but well on strength and agility
* Snaptrax scores high on agility and strength

COMPARISON TO MINDSTORMS
There are several key differences with Mindstorms:
* Mindstorms is far more programmable; there are even artificial intelligence algorithms available for Mindstorms so that the Mindstorms robot can learn
* Mindstorms has more components that can be controlled: The program doesn't just control wheels; it can control gears and infrared sensors, etc.
* Spybotics is like a smart remote control car, but not really a robot; it is also geared toward playing competitive games when a friend has another Spybotics vehicle
* Unlike Mindstorms, but like most other Lego kits, you can only bid 2-3 different vehicles with the Spybotics kit

Because of its greater programmability (you could actually write your own operating system for it), Mindstorms costs a lot more.

PURCHASING RECOMMENDATION
I think this is a great product. If I was purchasing for an adult, though, I'd buy Mindstorms--which is used in college robotics classes. But, ANY OF THE SPYBOTICS PRODUCTS ARE A GREAT FIRST ROBOTICS EXPERIENCE FOR A CHILD.

This is not one of those toys that ends up in the back of the closet two days after a kid gets it. I got this set for Christmas, and played with it for months. In fact, I still play with it, even though I have had it for a year. Why is this toy so fun? The secret is the included CD-ROM which contains ten missions to download to your Spybot. Parents, if you are looking for a way to drag your kid from the computer, this is it. The downloadable missions make this toy a computer game without the computer. There is only one fault. In trying to keep with a spy theme, Lego included the instructions for assembly on the CD-ROM. If your computer won't run the CD, or if you don't even have a computer, you are stuck with a mess of Lego pieces. Lego should have at least included printed instructions, so if you can't get the software to work, you can at least have a cool robotic vehicle to drive around. Nevertheless, this is an excellent product, and I strongly suggest it for all ages.

I know it says this toy is for 9+ years, but I bought one for my son's 6th birthday and we love it. Of course he needed a bit of help with the building - the instructions on the computer are very impressive.

The mission set up was not immediately obvious but we soon got the hang of it. We have had hours of fun going on missions.

My son wants another Spybotics for Christmas so that we can go on 2 Spybotic missions. I am really looking forward to playing Spybotics on Christmas day. Someone else will have to cook Christmas lunch!

I would imagine that an older child would absolutely love it. If you don't have any children buy one for yourself!

This toy is awesome. we got it awile ago and it was Awesome. Its Awesomeness is so awesome it makes you want to say AWESOME! But, enough with the awesomes, Gigamesh may be the slowest, but he is the strongest. you don't have to do the missions with the spybots, you can do alot more! what I like to do is take off the sheets on my bed and then make them battle! It is also kind of cool that he has the spinning saws but I don't use that. And believe it or not when we play tag with three spybots, gigamesh is rarley it even though he has the weird, but unique cog system . SO, get Gigamesh! :) (smiley face)

The Spybots are a lot of fun. My ten-year old twins love them and even my six-year old had fun and was able to build one by himself.
You might want to check out the book I have written called "Lego Spybotics Secret Agent Training Guide".

Gigmesh is really cool. it is a remote controlled robot, capable of going over near all terrain types. Extremely recomended.

Absolutely agree with all 5-star reviews.

Stupid Lego have discontuned all Spybotics.

Mindstorms is financially & intellectually out of my kids reach.
Spybotics retail AUD$115, Mindstorms AUD$299.

Lego ... go rectify !!!

Good product. Son put it together in one night and was fascinated by the electonics.

We bought the Lego Sysbotics for my 8-year-old son for Christmas. He was very enthusiastic about it until we tried to install the software in our PC running Windows 2000 Professional (SP3). The software is not compatible and in Lego's website they have almost no information about the problem. Great disappointment for Christmas day! In the box they state that the product requires Windows 98, ME or XP but is not clear that is NOT compatible with Windows 2000.

Not the usual great Lego product.