Zing Klickbot’s are posable action figures that can be used to create stop motion animation videos. Included with this toy is a free app which teaches children how to create, navigate and edit their own stop motion movie clips. These figures were introduced for early testing on September 16th, 2019.
More than just some nameless colorful posable figures, Klickbot’s have a backstory including lore and identified characters. They are an upgraded version of the original Stickbots, featuring larger size, sturdier build and are customizable in nature. Kids can use their creativity to add to the Klickbot legacy by creating their very own story and sharing it on social media.
I was personally reviewing Slink (green), Cannon (orange) and Axil (red) action figures. Slink is a villain, Axil is the crime fighting leader and Cannon is a female heroine. The storyline includes the good Klickbot treasure hunters, who are in a forced rebellion against the evil Modulus and his gang of belligerent bad guys. Modulus is plotting to build an army to take over the universe. Think Darth Vader in the Star Wars trilogy fighting against Luke and Leia for the fate of the galaxy.
This toy is being offered at the starting price of $5.99 for smaller parts and accessories and $12.99 for the bigger parts and accessories. Which in my opinion is a very good value for the quality being offered. Additionally, the Stickbot Studio App is free to download adding increased value. This toy will be retailed at Target and Walmart.
Now for the nuts and bolts of my product review, this toy indicates a target age of 5 years and up. Although I can see five-year olds playing with the figures I really don’t see them navigating the complicated process of making a stop motion video without some adult assistance. Some of the joints may be difficult for children to manipulate and positioning the figures repeatedly in fixed poses requires a good amount of patience that frankly I don’t see most five-year olds capable of, however with the help of an older sibling or parent this could be a great interactive learning tool for an ambitious child.
These Klickbot’s include multiple accessories like weapons, spare hands, armor and even a Klickbot creature. The kit also includes a tripod to hold your iPhone device to assist with the process of taking clear photos for stop motion animation. Additionally, there is a foldable background image on cardboard which can be positioned behind figures to create a backdrop for your video.
Some of the finer points are incredible poseability, with joints that will not loosen over time because they are on ratchet joints. You can repeatedly drop them with no evidence of noticeable damage. The pieces are interchangeable so you can mix and match which allows unlimited creativity when designing your figure. Kit includes an instruction manual, which I found helpful in figuring out how the pieces snap together; however, I was unhappy with the final result so I redesigned the figures to my own specifications.
The tripod that is provided is a bit shaky and if it is not properly affixed to a surface, this can be problematic. This is because any slight movement and it is very difficult to reset the camera to the prior angle used for stop motion animation. My recommendation would be for the manufacturer to add suction cups to the tripod legs so that it securely adheres to the surface.
The Stikbot Studios 2.0 App is very easy to use, especially with the provided tutorial. Unfortunately, there is no way for you to go back to previous images. Once you take a picture you cannot view it until you complete your stop motion footage. Also, you can’t edit or delete single or multiple images while in process of making a stop motion. Fortunately, I have found a small loophole that allows you to delete images, but at the cost of losing your animation. If you restart the Stikbot App while in a photo shoot it will allow you to restart your animation from the beginning losing all your previous animation stills. Therefore, the App is not very user friendly to those prone to making mistakes. This is especially true in the case of a five-year-old who is trying to learn how to make their first stop motion. I would recommend adding a editing feature to the App so that changes can be made without losing prior animation.
A little bit about myself, I’m a twenty-year-old TCNJ student and avid gamer / toy enthusiast who grew up playing with Legos, Transformers and Bionicles which makes me well suited to review this toy. Additionally, I’m still a kid at heart and have had some past experience with stop motion animation. I’m mechanically inclined and artist with a vivid imagination, so examining and reviewing new toy products is a pleasure for me. I truly enjoyed the Klickbot toy product and would purchase it for a child probably from age eight and up, as I stated before age five is a bit young to fully enjoy this toy in my estimation.
