A.R.Ms # 5: Star Wars/Transformers Crossovers

Hi again to another A.R.Ms. I'll be very brief with this session. Like my previous review on the Star Wars/Transformers line, I had a problem with the design in the robot mode(note to self: Stop buying it!). I have also previously mentioned in my earlier post about my affinity towards Star Wars vehicle, in particular the X-Wing Starfighter. So, when I saw the X-Wing version of the S.W.T(Star Wars/Transformers) how could I resist? I didn't even think(sometimes I do, I think).


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A.R.Ms Contents:

• Packaging
• Detail/Sculpt
• Articulation
• Freestyle
• Pricing

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Packaging

Front

Back

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Detail/Sculpt

In vehicle mode, the X-Wing looks like it has been made in a rush to meet a deadline. It just looks out of proportions. I think it looks kinda short. Some of the parts could've been painted like the turbine. Still, it is a decent vehicle.

It's not that bad...but then again its not great either. The landing gear was a nice touch

They even designed R2-D2 into the sculpt

I take back what I said about the Snowspeeder in robot mode. This is even worse. I only managed to convert it halfway before I decided its just not worth it. So, I'm sorry for not showing you pictures of the X-Wing in crappy robot mode.

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Articulation

X-Wing Vehicle Mode:

• Wings are hinged to form the 'X' attack formation
• Drop down landing gear
• Opening cockpit

Luke Skywalker Robot Mode:

• Swivel head
• Hinged elbow
• Ball jointed hips
• Swivel knees
• Swivel ankles

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Freestyle

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Pricing

The price for this item is between USD 25 to USD 30 depending on where you buy online. Amazon still has stock of this item.

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Related Posts:

• A.R.Ms # 4: Star Wars AT-AP Walker
  
• A.R.Ms # 3: Clone Trooper, 442nd Siege Battalion
  
• A.R.Ms # 2: Transformers, Starscream Deluxe
  
• A.R.Ms # 1: Star Wars/Transformers Crossovers

Read more...

A.R.Ms # 4: Star Wars AT-AP Walker

Welcome to another session of A.R.Ms. Today we're gonna have a look at the AT-AP Walker from the Star Wars Universe. The All Terrain Attack Pod was first used or at least we first saw it in the Star Wars Ep. III on the planet Kasyyyk. Used by the Galactic Republic army during the clone wars this bad boy features heavy projectile launcher, heavy blaster cannon and a medium laser cannon. But enough about my car back home...LOL.


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A.R.Ms Contents:

• Packaging
• Detail/Sculpt
• Articulation
• Freestyle
• Pricing

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Packaging

Front

Back

Back to A.R.Ms contents

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Detail/Sculpt

The adjustable suspension system gives the AT-AP walker stability and maneuverability over uneven terrain. The third leg lowers in the event of uneven terrain, or when the centrally fixed heavy projectile cannon fires.

The AT-AP walker on all three legs

With the central leg "tucked" behind. Slung beneath the walker's cabin is a pivot-mounted medium laser cannon.

The top-mounted swivel blaster has a gunner's saddle, and is best operated by a third clone trooper, seated outside the walker's armored cabin. Behind the saddle is a supply cage filled with tools to repair mechanical malfunctions within the walker's articulation assembly.

So who better to man the gun than a Kasyyyk trooper.

Meet Clone Kasyyyk trooper, Adi(refer to my previous reviews, I name my troopers) from the 41st Elite Legion. My Kasyyyk trooper is from the 2008 Legacy Collection. He comes with a bulky DC-17 blaster rifle.

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Articulation

AT-AP Walker:

• Articulated legs, all three
• Swivel heavy projectile launcher
  
• Hinged pod doors

Kasyyyk Trooper Adi:

• Ball hinged head
• Ball hinged shoulders
• Hinged elbows
• Swivel wrists
• Ball hinged body
  
• Swivel hips
• Ball hinged knees
• Ball hinged ankles

He's also got a flip up mask to reveal his face.

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Freestyle

The articulated legs could also be positioned so that the pod is raised.

The pod opens up to seat two figures. Whaddaya know...it's clone trooper Ajin from my last review.

And another clone trooper from the 7th Legion.

Overall, it's a superb vehicle. Just 2 things I'd add to make it better. First, where is the Republic Emblem? I can't see any on the vehicle. Second, they could have articulated the foot of the walker. Swivel or hinged, either way it would have made a big difference.

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Pricing

The AT-AP walker is available from USD 21.00 to USD 35.00 on Amazon.com.

The Kasyyyk Trooper is available from USD 10.00 to USD 16.00 on most action figure sites.

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So, till next time:

Related Posts:

• A.R.Ms # 3: Clone Trooper, 442nd Siege Battalion
  
• A.R.Ms # 2: Transformers, Starscream Deluxe
  
• A.R.Ms # 1: Star Wars/Transformers Crossovers
  
• Review: Transformers Animated Dvd Battle Pack

Read more...

A.R.Ms # 3: Clone Trooper, 442nd Siege Battalion

Hi folks,

This week we're gonna take a look at one of my Star Wars 3-3/4" figures. This is especially a favourite of mine. He's a clone trooper from the 442nd Siege Battalion. Now, despite the fact that the soldiers used in the Grand Army of the Republic are all clones, we have to take note that George Lucas has tried to make them more individuals especially since Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.

I kinda like the idea that these guys are not just mindless troops following the orders of the Republic. Some of the clones have adopted names instead of just their serial no. For e.g. Captain Rex and Commander Cody. In spirit of this, I've decided to give this fella the name, Clone Trooper Ajin.

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A.R.Ms Contents:

• Packaging
• Detail/Sculpt
• Articulation
• Freestyle
• Pricing
  

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Packaging

Clone Trooper Ajin with his box

This particular Trooper is from the Star Wars: The Saga Collection. The description on the back of the packaging reads :

"As the Clone Wars rage through the Republic, clone troopers are deployed far and wide to combat the Separatist droid armies. The troopers of the 442nd Battalion specialize in planetary assault missions and are sent to capture Cato Neimoidia, a key Trade Federation stronghold."

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Detail/Sculpt

Clone Trooper Ajin comes with a DC-15 Blaster and a base plate.

Base Plate up close

View from behind with his long range communications antenna

The Armor up close: Very detailed with battle marks

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Articulation

• Ball hinged head
• Ball hinged shoulders
• Hinged elbows
• Swivel wrists
• Swivel hips
• Swivel legs
• Ball hinged knees
• Hinged ankles

In addition, this trooper has a non removable helmet like other clone trooper models. The Clone Trooper is using a Phase II armor.

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Freestyle

And not forgetting, Clone Trooper Ajin does impersonations:

Michael Jackson?

The Matrix?

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Pricing

For a new figure or mint in box, price could range between USD 7.00 to 15.00. Try checking Ebay if you're not picky. You can get it loose for as cheap as USD 2.00

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Till next week. Keep collecting guys.

Ready for action!!!

Related Posts:

• A.R.Ms # 2: Transformers, Starscream Deluxe
  
• A.R.Ms # 1: Star Wars/Transformers Crossovers
  

Read more...

A.R.Ms # 2: Transformers, Starscream Deluxe

Hi again for another review. This week is a tribute to one of the meanest and most cunning of all Decepticons. Being second in command, Starscream is always plotting against the Autobots and Megatron at the same time. He has always felt that his approach is the best way to take down Optimus Prime and the goody-goody Autobots.

Personally, I've always loved the colors they used for Starscream in the G1 cartoons. In 2006(I think cos it says on the box), Hasbro released the classic deluxe G1 line entitled Transformers: Robots in Disguise. As far as I know they were only 4 figures which were Starscream, Bumblebee, Rodimus and Astrotrain(correct me if I'm wrong please).

I only have Starscream, 'cos he was the only one I wanted out of the four, so don't ask further. An F-15 jet is so much appealing than a car. So without further ado...

The Packaging(Front)

The Packaging(Back)

F-15 Eagle

Decepticon Air Commander

The features are almost flawless

Afterburners!!!

Frontal view, super sleek!

In Robot form he's even more deadlier...haha. That was so corny. Anyway, you know how sometimes you get Transformers that looks ok in vehicle mode but when you transform them, with the exception of the head and their color, they look nothing like the cartoon versions? This is not the case...Thank God. Just take a look.

This is his Chow Yun Fatt with two guns pose

Articulation wise, it's not bad. Around 11 articulations that I noticed:

• Swivel head
• Ball jointed shoulder(i'll get back to you on this one)
• Swivel elbow
• Ball jointed legs
• Swivel knees

Regarding the shoulder. It's great that they made it ball jointed, but if you notice his wings are close and gets it the way. The back of the box also states that he is the fastest flyer among the Decepticon ranks, and he claims it below.

Starscream: "I'm so fast you'll only see a blur!! Hahaha!"

Side by side with Optimus Prime from the animated series.

If you're looking to get one of these, I think its available on Amazon. But mind you its more than USD 30, which is more than the retail price of USD 10 when it first came out. So, till my next review. Same day, same err..channel...Cheers.


Related Posts:

• A.R.Ms # 1: Star Wars/Transformers Crossovers

Read more...

A.R.Ms # 1: Star Wars/Transformers Crossovers

Hi,

This week for A.R.Ms, I'm gonna review one of the Star Wars/Transformers crossover action figure from Hasbro. This is the Snowspeeder/Luke Skywalker action figure. This was the packaging that came with it.
I would say this particular model, from a Transformers point of view is a deluxe figure. I'll start off with the figure in robot form. Btw, in robot form, it's suppose to be Luke Skywalker.

Hmmm...

If you're saying to yourself...WTF? It's ok. I also thought the same way. It's safe to say, I'm not liking the robot mode. It does not even remotely resemble Luke. I like the helmet...but thats about it.

A close up view of 'Luke' and err...his beard?

Articulation wise, I can't really say much. I'm not gonna display it in this form anyway. Now moving on, you transform it to the Snowspeeder. Comparing it to the model made by Hasbro for Power of the Force and the one you'd see in the movies, I'd say this comes close to perfection. It is very detailed with minor differences(not in terms of size of course).

It's just too cool

You can open the cockpit and they even provide a tiny figure of (I'm assuming) Luke Skywalker.

Tiny Figure fits nicely in cockpit

If they really wanted to go the extra mile, they could've done 2 things. First, had another rebel pilot at the back of the cockpit to man the laser/harpoon gun. 2nd, if you remember your Star Wars movie, you'd remember when the snowspeeder turn the flaps would open.Now that would have been super duper cool feature.

Notice how the flaps open in the movie

The flap does open but at different angle. :(

Battle damage and the metal plates are part of the design. Very detailed for a small vehicle.

Overall, a good action figure. If not for the robot mode(transformers), then get it for the Snowspeeder vehicle. For Star Wars fans, its will be a nice addition to your collection.

Read more...