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Dora Links (http://www.doralinks.com/)

common sense media says

Grown-up Dora doll mixes social responsibility with fashion.

parents & educators say
See all 12 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Dora Links is a $59.99 13-inch Dora the Explorer doll that connects to a PC's USB port and interacts with the companion Web site, lighting up at different moments and speaking at others. The doll is also a receiver for updated games and additional mysteries, as even when it is not attached to the computer, the Dora Links doll can let users know when new features have been added. Some of the Web features are "locked" and require an in-game purchase (with real money) for access. You don't have to buy them to enjoy the game, but kids might ask for them.

Dora Links has grown up a bit from her preschool adventures, and today is a chic tween. Her animal buddies have been replace by a band of girlfriends who go on socially-concious challenges with her.

Educational value: Spanish words are scattered throughout the dialogue and all dialogue is voiced by the characters as the matching text appears on the screen. Users also have to follow instructions and use logic to solve the mysteries.  
Positive messages: Dora and friends solve mysteries that usually have a social responsibility theme. Volunteerism, water conservation, and recycling all are discussed and the girls can be seen organizing a beach clean-up, volunteering at an animal shelter, and planting community gardens. The five main characters each are shown to like different things, such as sports, science, reading, and music.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: In order to unlock some locations in Dora's world, users need to purchase additional accessories, fashion packs, or dolls.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: No personal information is collected by the site or the online game. There are no parental controls set up, probably because the site is designed to be safe for young children. In the "Help" field, users are asked to visit the Dora Links Web site with their parents to learn more about features that require additional purchases.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Dora Links

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about how the new Dora has changed. Do you like the new look of this familiar character or do you miss the little girl that she used to be? Do you think it makes sense for a character to grow up with her fans?
  • Families can talk about gender stereotypes. The younger Dora was interested in animals and always wore the same clothes. Today's older Dora has many different outfits and lots of fashion accessories, from jewelry to headbands. Do most girls become more interested in fashion and appearance as they get older? Is this a good or bad thing?
  • Families can talk about setting screen time limits. This is a game that is designed to lead you to solve mysteries and explore a content-rich online world. Do you think it is more difficult to leave cyberspace when there are this many fun things to do online? Does it make it more difficult when the Dora doll alerts you to new online features that have just been added?
  • Families can talk about learning to handle money responsibly. In this interactive world, you can earn virtual cash. Because it is easy to earn this pretend money, does it make spending it easier?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Although the feisty little tomboy Dora the Explorer has morphed into a bit of a fashionista, there is a lot to love about the more mature Nickelodeon character. Because of the doll's ability to receive updates via the Internet, this toy is relatively a good value, although it does carry an initially steep price tag -- and you'll have to decide whether you'll want to shell out additional money for in-game purchases. The online adventures take place in the plush Mexican landscape of a fictional town called Puerto Verde. Here there is a lot to do and kids will find no shortage of stops to explore, like the beach, town square, and school. Kids can play with Dora and her friends here, solving mysteries, and chipping in for the community. The site lacks online interaction with other users, a feature kids might not be happy about, but parents might appreciate.

Online interaction: Young users can interact with fictional Dora characters, but there is no way to chat or communicate with other players.

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

hermina
kid, 12 years old
16
 
good for kids
good for every kid who wants to learn.
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (15)
TheExTrEmEpRiN ...
kid, 13 years old
2
 
Try to fix the doll to unlock everthing
What in the world?! I thought I will like it but, I almost forced my mom to by me that doll! But you got to be kidding it won't unlock almost anything! Wow I think they are trying to rip people off! I so sorry if I said this the people that made the doll, but you need to fix it so it can unlock everything. Because lots of people don't have that kind of money. If you guys are reading this please fix the dolls to unlock everything or, they are going to be angry at all of you but, once again I'm sorry. I hope you guys think about it so, I can buy it. And I can rate the stars to one to five.
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (12) | read my mind (6)
mintchap
parent of 5 year old
17
 
Waste of Money
Dora Grown Up Girl completely sucks. The software entices kids to click on various places they don't have access to without purchasing more stuff. Imaging the disappointment on your child's face as she can't get into all of the areas that look so fun. If you want to be constantly nagged by your daughter to spend more money so she can open up more things, then this is the perfect toy. What would have been far better is a toy where you could actually use the software that came with it to get into everything. Popping up text messages young children can't possibly read saying the area is prohibited without paying more money is absolutely dispicible and poor-choice marketing.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (14)
zikera21
kid, 11 years old
9
 
doralinks rock
i like doralinks a lot
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super movie ...
teen, 15 years old
4
 
are u kidding me?!!!!
are u kidding me?!!!!!!!!! A grown up dora for older kids?!!! Wasnt one dora enough?!
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helped me decide (12) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (9)
woopa_doopa
teen, 15 years old
11
 
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helped me decide (10) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (4)
shmulik98
teen, 13 years old
7
 
I think they expect 11 year olds to like Dora!
Only little kids will like this!
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TATIANA KAHIAN
kid, 11 years old
9
 
Dum.
tHAT IS SO DUM.
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helped me decide (10) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (6)
NoParentEmail
kid, 12 years old
17
 
i hate everybody
i hear it sucks
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (8)
Miranda ...
kid, 11 years old
2
 
WORST WEBSITE EVER!!!!!!!!
DORA HAS RUINED THE INTERNET AGAIN!!!!!!!!
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (7)
j.haddad.10
kid, 12 years old
11
 
GO
Girls Only! go to this site only if you're a girl because of clothing.
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (5)
tangled
teen, 14 years old
2
 
I miss the OLD Dora
WOW. Dora has completely changed. I used to love the show when I was little. I watched the TV show with my 4 year old cousin a while ago, and I hated the fact that Dora had changed so much. I found it sort of sad. Who do they want watching that show now? 10 year olds?
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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