LEGO Mindstorms 9748 Star Wars Driod Developer Kit

Create hundreds of your own droids with three levels of challenge: Jedi apprentice, Jedi Knight, or Jedi Master. Use the Micro Scout Lego microcomputer for the brain of your droids. Use the built-in light sensor, motor and sound to bring your droids to life. Create familiar Star Wars droids like R2-D2 or use the Force to create droids of your own.

Build-your-own Star Wars droids with the Droid Developer Kit. If you have ever wanted your own R2D2, now's your chance. With a little time and patience you can create a droid that can be programmed to do what you want it to.

At the heart of the Droid Developer Kit is a small, intelligent brain called the Micro Scout. This minute computer can react to light, has a motor to bring movement and has seven pre-programmed routines as well as a programmable option via your PC. If R2D2 is not your ideal choice of robot then you can build one of the two other droids in the pack: L-3GO Training Droid or the Jedi Knight Droid.

By loading the user-friendly software into your PC you can train to become a Jedi Master. Let J-6000 guide you through the processes involved by assisting you with an easy-to-navigate system, build the robots step-by-step, then using a torch, command the droids via the built-in light sensor. If you can be strong enough to become a Jedi you can unlock the secrets of the hidden droids and become a Jedi Master.

As an added bonus you can log on to the LEGO Web site where you will find detailed instructions on how to build a deadly Battle Droid from Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace and then by shining a torch at the light sensor use your new Jedi powers to outwit the foe.

The Lego Droid Developer Kit is a fun way to start your journey into the world of Star Wars Droids and by adding the Robot Invention System and the Vision Command kit, as well as a number of other expansion kits you can have more fun and complete your journey.

All in all, this is a very good starter kit but there is no doubt it benefits from the addition of the additional kits. There's plenty of fun to be had here for children aged nine and over, though it is worth noting they may require either former LEGO know-how or assistance. --Robert Hyde