Best Toys

Dora the Explorer has been a runaway hit with the preschool set. The little bilingual adventuress has captured the imaginations of countless children, both girls and boys. She and her intrepid buddy Boots has saved many a character and taught kids lessons in life and language along the way. The appeal of her young image was somewhat limiting, however. Her biggest fans were outgrowing their favorite character in favor of more grown-up looking role models. Consequently, Dora has been given a make-over. Dora 2.0 did not replace the original character but has added a new dimension to her incredible product line. The new version Dora is more appealing to older girls and has more advanced games and toys to offer, like the Dora Links Doll.

Description

This is a 13 inch Dora doll with a brand new look. She’s taller, has longer hair and a more sophisticated wardrobe. She’s still a child, but she’s an older kid now. The Dora Links Doll connects to a computer via a USB connection and opens up a whole on-line world to the child. The doll participates in the story both on-line and “in person” as parts of her change according to what is going on on-line. The best toys 2010 have online capabilites.

Features

One of the most interesting features of this doll is that she is part of the on-line story. She interacts with the on-line world and with the child playing the games and solves the mysteries. Changes occurring on screen have an effect on the doll herself. Her jewelry and eyes change color and her hair changes length according to the game. The doll will alert her owner when new mysteries have are made available, even if she’s not connected to the computer, keeping her involved and interested in the toy as a long-term plaything. Children can become part of this on-line community with games, mysteries and D-mail in the Explorer Girls on-line cafè. The doll talks when she’s connected to the computer and not. She takes the on-line world with her, discussing the latest experience even when the child takes her away from the desktop.

Extras

Like any good doll, the Dora Links Doll comes with a few accessories. A USB connector is included in the packaging. She also has a stand to keep her upright while connected or not in use. A purse, shoes and brush complete her new ensemble.

Critiques

With apologies to Mac lovers, Dora’s software is not compatible with Mac. The software also takes a little while to load up so you may want to do this step before giving the doll to an impatient child. It may muss the packaging somewhat but it will save the child about 20 minutes or more of waiting.