Kota the Triceratops unboxing and hands-on

We were pretty stoked about PlaySkool's Kota the Triceratops robotoy, but after an hour or so studying the beast with the help of two diminutive guest reviewers, we're just not all that sold. Sure, Kota turns his head, wags his tail, opens his mouth and plays sounds effects in response to his 11 touch and weight sensors, but he just doesn't do much else. Plus, almost everyone is disappointed to find that the $300 dino doesn't walk -- it was the first question from adults and kids alike. Still, Kota's an adorable little scamp, and while he's not quite the kid-sized Pleo we were hoping for, he's certainly appealing -- here's hoping Kota 2.0 learns how to stomp around a little bit.

Gallery: Kota the Triceratops Hands-on

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[pvilleSE @ Oct 16th 2008 1:09PM]

It is disappointing it doesn't walk but I'm guessing that we can thank the sue happy citizens' of our country for that, as someone's kid would probably get hurt while the parents weren't pay enough attention and then sue PlaySkool.

I told my 4 year old daughter it doesn't walk and she was mildly disappointed but still wants one for Christmas.

[Richard Lai @ Oct 16th 2008 2:26PM]

So nowadays kids are going to think dinosaurs couldn't walk?

[Lowest Ranked @ Oct 16th 2008 3:35PM]

I don't think kids have ever seen a walking dinosaur at the museum, anyways.

[giuliop @ Oct 16th 2008 4:10PM]

@Richard

It wouldn't make that much difference, with all the misinformation that's been shoved down their throats by all those supposedly "scientific" documentaries you see on Discovery Channel and their likes.

[Patriks7 @ Oct 16th 2008 1:09PM]

When I saw that my first impression was "WTF is that?!"
Is that supposed to scare children or what?

[fieldcar @ Oct 16th 2008 1:13PM]

I got a laugh out of the video where the kid jumps on its back and pretty much defiles it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10RTgbPlgqU

[hipauliee @ Oct 16th 2008 3:14PM]

I shook my head all the way through that video...
but laughed as well!

[Boarderwoot @ Oct 16th 2008 1:18PM]

Great Googely Moogely! 6 D batteries!!! For 300 bucks you'd think it'd come with a rechargeable battery pack.

[Taylor @ Oct 16th 2008 4:04PM]

Wow, it's like growing up in the 80's all over again!
Well, actually i grew up mostly in the 90's, some 80's, but all my toys back then used an insane amount of batteries, and not much was rechargable since Ni-Cd's blow. Nowadays tho, seriously, the thing needs a battery pack!
-Taylor

[fieldcar @ Oct 16th 2008 1:21PM]

Someone buy me one, I will mod it into a 20mph speed demon! Much easier with wheels, but I bet moving legs would not be too hard.

[waffles @ Oct 16th 2008 1:59PM]

does that make it the Binford Triceratops 3000?

[fieldcar @ Oct 16th 2008 2:14PM]

Rrrreeewwwwhh!!??? .. . ... ho ho ho.

[NHAnimator @ Oct 16th 2008 1:25PM]

Norideatops.

[miko34 @ Oct 16th 2008 1:27PM]

Can't kids ride these things in a mall or outside a supermarket for a buck or less?

[Pretol @ Oct 16th 2008 1:37PM]

Here's a sure way to raise incapable retards.

[Ian @ Oct 16th 2008 1:52PM]

heres to hoping 2.0 can hold more like 300 pounds and big enough for two people and can walk around!!!

[Xoviet chiK - Gyiyg Strikes Back @ Oct 16th 2008 3:39PM]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshi

oh yeah... !!!

[eddy @ Oct 16th 2008 2:28PM]

I actually saw one of these at BJs the other day and...it was very underwhelming, especially for that price. Basically seemed like an upsized version of any other "sound and movement" toy and not even as much movement as one of its smaller counterparts.

And my wife's first question as well was, "Does it walk?".

[ehisforadam @ Oct 16th 2008 2:34PM]

It's totally understandable that the tail comes off, but it's kind of disturbing in a way too.

[Chris Are @ Oct 16th 2008 3:06PM]

"Heyyyyyy kids! Wanna go for a riiiiiide? Well hop on my back! Roooooar!"

"... Gitty up!"

"Well I can't move, but watch me tilt my head back and roar!"

The first tickle me elmo was better than this piece of crap!

[Iridium @ Oct 16th 2008 3:27PM]

I think kids would have more fun with the other playschool dino. Target and WalMart have a red dinobot that walks, roars, and light up. You can't sit on it but it looks to be a lot more fun and half the price of this.

Kota is just a giant Furbie. But we know how crazy people went for those.

They should have built in a feeding system that lets Kota crap on the floor. Teach kids to clean up after themselves. Hell you can buy a baby doll that craps and pees for $20.

[CMuff @ Oct 16th 2008 5:38PM]

Can you get in it? "It sure is hot in these Rhinos." AVPD-WNC