Transformers - Robots in Disguise: Where Crown City Comes to Life

The kids love the book. It's appealing and has super illustrations and details about the Transformers - even without the extras from an available app. But if having those added features matter to you, here's what we experienced when we tested them out:The free app, available online, has several options but the 2 most likely to be used are the "Build a Bot" feature as well as the one which supposedly makes a Transformer seem to jump from the pages in 3D and convert from robot to vehicle, etc. The "Build a Bot" doesn't even depend on the book and could be enjoyed by anyone who goes online and downloads the free app. The kids liked it for about an hour or two. Basically, several robots are shown and the young "builder" can select one and change the shape and color of the various body parts- arms, legs, head, etc-. There are limited options, though, so this held their attention for only a bit before it got old.The rest of the app was disappointing and impossible for the kids to use...it was even hard for me at first. You have to aim your device at the correct page and then you will see a robot in 3-D. But trying to use the controls in the app,to make the Transformer move is awkward and confusing..

With only one review, I took my chance. The book is fine and if you want to read a book of 'facts' about the characters of the show, it is good for that. If you want an interactive experience using the app- then you will be severely disappointed to the point of feeling robbed. To use the app requires standing with the book on the ground, pointing the camera at the book, then you get a birds eye view of the transformer that is so big, you can't see the whole transformer. You cannot zoom out -but you can zoom in for some reason. if the 4d bot walks out of the camera area, you loose it. if you move the ipad away from the book, you loose it. if you ipad is not perfectly parallel to the book, or tips, you loose it. If your kid is not over five feet tall, they can't even tell it is a transformer. Its not like you can bring up a character and hand the ipad or phone to your kid as that will make you lose the bot. The app should never have been released in this state.

My nephew loves the Transfirmers, reading and his iPad. This married those three things. Great value and must have for Transforner fans.