Product Reviews

Don't panic: the Spice Girls haven't reformed. Sporty, Scary, Tiny, Rusty and their robot pals are the latest animated TV stars from Children's BBC. Set in a fantasy scrapyard world and voiced by such acting talents as Su Pollard, Martin Clunes and Lenny Henry, Little Robots is the BBCs latest attempt to produce another smash hit with pre-schoolers.
The game begins with a video clip of Stripy Robot searching for a new friend for lonely Teddy. Instead, he discovers a die among all the old junk, and Tiny suggests the Robots play a game. Whoever gathers the biggest pile of bits and pieces wins - the prize being to use the spoils of junk to design a new robot pal for Teddy.
The robots

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divide into two teams, allowing kids to challenge the computer or play against parents or friends. Players take it in turns to throw the die to determine how far their robot will move on the 'game board' that runs through the junkyard. When a robot lands on a square, a number of different things can happen. They might win a piece of junk, a video clip of the Little Robots' adventures or the chance to play one of 12 mini-games. These involve aiming, racing and shape recognition - they're fun, but not terrifically varied. Both teams are awarded junk afterwards, but the winners get slightly more.
Robot Wars this ain't. Competition is always gentle, with the Robots giving encouragement to players even when they're clearly failing the tasks. The straightforward keyboard controls are well explained, along with all other aspects of the game, in an accompanying colour brochure.
Developed in line with the National Curriculum Foundation and Key Stage One, and produced by the wonderful Cosgrove Hall Films, the game tries to balance learning with innocent, non-violent amusement. The robots are appealingly resourceful characters, drawn with a sense of fun. As they recycle, mend and recreate their imaginary universe, the Little Robots make attractive role models for youngsters.