The Voice-Activated R2-D2 Instructions

Remove the cover for the battery compartment using a small Phillips screwdriver. Insert four AA batteries and four D batteries into the compartment on R2-D2's back. The AA batteries power his lights and sounds, and the D batteries power his movements and motors. The battery doors are located in his back and are cleverly disguised as part of his blue and white striped patterns. Insert the AA batteries with the negative post facing up on the first three and facing down with the fourth one. Insert the D batteries in an alternating pattern, with the top battery's positive pole facing left. This is reversed for the next battery and back again for the third. The power control is right below the battery compartments.

Choose one of five games to play with R2-D2. "Light Tag" is a "hide and seek" game. R2-D2 counts to 10 (though he sometimes cheats); while he is counting, you hide. He searches for you all over the room, and when he finds you, he beeps excitedly. This game can be played by R2 in total darkness. "Room Sentry" is a game where he counts to 10, allowing you to leave the room. If anyone attempts to sneak past R2-D2, his motion detector or sound sensors will "see" him and he will sound an alarm. Choose "Dance Program" and he will play the Cantina theme music and dance for you. "Spin the Droid" is played with R2-D2 in the center of a ring of people; when the game begins R2's head will spin around until he chooses one person and plays a song for her. "Answer This" is the game where you get to ask R2-D2 questions about "Star Wars" and the characters in the movie.

Direct R2-D2 verbally to move in whatever direction you wish in real-time maneuvering. Begin with the verbal cue, "Hey R2," and then tell him to go forward, turn left or right or turn around. You can tell him how far to go by adding a distance to the command of "One Unit." One unit may equal one foot, but this depends on the surface of the floor you have.

Correct his behavior. As in the movie, this R2-D2 has a tendency to get in a bad mood and will occasionally refuse to respond to your commands. When your droid begins to act this way, say, "Hey R2, behave yourself." Or say, "Timeout!" This command sends R2-D2 to the corner to stand until you call him. If these commands don't work, say, "Reset system!" and he will be back to his usually lovable self.

Turn him off when you aren't playing with him. When a game is over or you have not spoken to R2-D2 in a few minutes, he will go into stand-by mode awaiting your command. Although this mode consumes less in battery power, he is still on and powered up. You can use the "Switch Off" command and he will be put instantly into stand-by mode. Or you can turn him off using the switch on his back.