HISS Attack Scout Review

[Iok]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ma968LQ2U0w/TzE1bR43UjI/AAAAAAAAJVw/hted_HBpNNg/s1600/Cobra+HISS+Attack+Scout+(7).JPG

Final Thoughts
The Cobra HISS Driver is pretty much what you'd expect from a bundled figure. He looks pretty cool, overall, thanks to a nice - not great, just nice - sculpt and the muted colouring. The articulation problems would be more of an issue were he not simply designed to sit in the Scout but beyond that there's really not much wrong with him. Sure, there's also not much to get excited about but I certainly prefer this take to the one seen with the ''real'' HISS Tank's driver. Hardly a knockout but OK for what it is.

As for the Attack Scout, it's a vehicle with a lot of potential and it's therefore a shame Hasbro didn't really see it through. A meatier cannon would have given it a very cool air of menace and an enclosed - or at least semi-closed - canopy would have dramatically improved the toy's look. Interestingly the HISS Attack Scout's basic chassis has actually been re-purposed at the GI Joe Tread Ripper in the upcoming Retaliation line - complete with a new weapon and pilot-protecting roll-cage. I'm certainly pleased to see Hasbro making these changes, as the Attack Scout is certainly a good foundation to build upon.

But sadly, this is a Review of the HISS Attack Scout, not the Tread Ripper or even of the vehicle's potential and - as such - I have to report that whilst there's a lot of good stuff here, such as some great sculpt detail, a nice colour scheme and a good articulation set-up with the tracks, it's just not quite there as a must-have vehicle. If you've a spare $8.99 (plus tax) and you're looking for a new vehicle - especially one to customise - then this is a pretty good investment. But I do feel sorry for those collectors who shelled-out more than the Ross asking price when this vehicle went on sale, as in my view it's simply not worth the aftermarket price.

A solid enough but flawed vehicle with an equally acceptable bundled driver.

Final Score: B

Full review and more pics:

That Figures: REVIEW: GI Joe: Pursuit of Cobra - Desert Battle HISS Attack Scout With Cobra HISS Driver (http://that-figures.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-gi-joe-pursuit-of-cobra-desert.html)

[MJjoe4life]

Thanks for the review, the figure is actually a repainted HISS driver from the 25th line, that was released on a single card.

[Clobbertron]

I never spotted one of these at Ross. Nice review.

[Nirvana]

I disagree, the HISS Scout was designed perfectly for its original purpose: to attach to the HISS V. The Scout hooks up easily and the V maintains a balance being upright rather than dragged down on the backside by the Scout. A cockpit would stop the hookup and a bigger gun would have made the V's backend drag around. Three drivers can even be carried between the HISS cockpit, the gunner's compartment, and the Scout while still maintaining the proper balance of the vehicle. That's an impressive design. All Cobra has to do is drop off the Scout, as needed, for quick recon and the newer & bigger V model is saved from being exposed early while the Scout does all the little work while being unseen.

Rather than repurpose the Scout, Hasbro should have designed a new mini-tank that actually looks like the Howe & Howe Tech Ripsaw they have borrowed for the movie. And it isn't fair to the Scout to armchair quarterback how bad it is to a vehicle that not only comes out much later than it, but isn't actually on the shelves to compare to yet.

[Iok]

Thanks for the review, the figure is actually a repainted HISS driver from the 25th line, that was released on a single card.

I didn't know that - thanks!

[Iok]

I never spotted one of these at Ross. Nice review.

Thanks. They only started hitting this month, so I was surprised to see the Scout in Ross yesterday, given that it took a couple of months for the PoC Alpha Wave 3 vehicles to hit.

[Iok]

I disagree, the HISS Scout was designed perfectly for its original purpose: to attach to the HISS V. The Scout hooks up easily and the V maintains a balance being upright rather than dragged down on the backside by the Scout. A cockpit would stop the hookup and a bigger gun would have made the V's backend drag around. Three drivers can even be carried between the HISS cockpit, the gunner's compartment, and the Scout while still maintaining the proper balance of the vehicle. That's an impressive design. All Cobra has to do is drop off the Scout, as needed, for quick recon and the newer & bigger V model is saved from being exposed early while the Scout does all the little work while being unseen.

Rather than repurpose the Scout, Hasbro should have designed a new mini-tank that actually looks like the Howe & Howe Tech Ripsaw they have borrowed for the movie. And it isn't fair to the Scout to armchair quarterback how bad it is to a vehicle that not only comes out much later than it, but isn't actually on the shelves to compare to yet.

It wasn't my intention with the Review to comment on the upcoming Tread Ripper, beyond the fact that it shares the same body and - from what I've seen - it fixes the issues I, personally, already had with this toy. And if you look at the other reactions - even before the Retaliation vehicle was announced - many people were critical of the open cockpit, which is the thing I really dislike about this vehicle. Even - as I said in the piece - if the front was just an inch or so higher to provide SOME cover for the driver, it would be a far superior vehicle.

The reason I'm kind of ''meh'' about it is because it's a kind of ''meh'' toy in my eyes, which has nothing to do with the upcoming Retribution redesign.

[Beckley]

I want 6 of these

[Iok]

OK, so I have the customisation skills of a blind, drunk, thumb-less monkey. But here's an idea somebody can probably use and do a better job with than I have.

Anyway, this is a 5 minute down and dirty custom mod using the Scout's packaging to create a ''nose cone.'' It still needs some trimming/cleaning-up and even if nobody else likes it, I think it's an improvement - or it will be when I'm done.

[MJjoe4life]

I didn't know that - thanks!

No prob!

[nighthawk]

OK, so I have the customisation skills of a blind, drunk, thumb-less monkey. But here's an idea somebody can probably use and do a better job with than I have.

Anyway, this is a 5 minute down and dirty custom mod using the Scout's packaging to create a ''nose cone.'' It still needs some trimming/cleaning-up and even if nobody else likes it, I think it's an improvement - or it will be when I'm done.

That's a heck of a lot better than what Hasbro released.

Here's what I started doing on mine:
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l171/wing_woo/Joe%20Customs/Picture106.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l171/wing_woo/Joe%20Customs/Picture104.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l171/wing_woo/Joe%20Customs/Picture105.jpg

I ended up trading the HISS Scout away though to get the BBTS 7 packs so I never finished this.

[Iok]

That's a really cool idea.

I actually kind of like the vehicle in its own way. It's like a throwback to the cartoon ''tanks'' that featured people sitting atop them, totally exposed and stuff...!

[nighthawk]

Thanks. If I finished, the next step was to cut another ROC Cobra stand so that there is a Cobra symbol right on the front covering that hole. Everything was going to be pressure fitted so that the vehicle would be able to have it all removed and be stock. Unfortunately, I abandoned the idea when I was offered the BBTS packs and the person wanted the HISS Scout and i wanted the BBTS packs more.

[Iok]

Thanks. If I finished, the next step was to cut another ROC Cobra stand so that there is a Cobra symbol right on the front covering that hole. Everything was going to be pressure fitted so that the vehicle would be able to have it all removed and be stock. Unfortunately, I abandoned the idea when I was offered the BBTS packs and the person wanted the HISS Scout and i wanted the BBTS packs more.

That's a really cool idea (the mod) - I never thought of trying something like that...

And yeah, I have the BBTS packs sitting in my to do pile. Some cool figures there, so I think you got the better end of the trade!

[RolandofGilead]

I wanted the drivers, but have no interest in the scout tanks themselves. I guess they'll just sit in a box for all time.

[Clobbertron]

I just scored one at Ross. Thanks again for the review it inspired me to look.

[Iok]

I wanted the drivers, but have no interest in the scout tanks themselves. I guess they'll just sit in a box for all time.

Given the low-price it's about the same as buying a single carded figure from TRU.

[Iok]

I just scored one at Ross. Thanks again for the review it inspired me to look.

No problems. Hope you enjoy owning it!

[Clobbertron]

Nice little tag along! I want a few more of these for sure.
http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx98/krderrick3/IMAG1875.jpg

[Lody]

Anyone know where the link is that shows the Scout hooked up to the HISS?

I hooked it up and I can't believe that this thing looks the way it does and is as UNfunctional as it is with it attached.

[Clobbertron]

Anyone know where the link is that shows the Scout hooked up to the HISS?

I hooked it up and I can't believe that this thing looks the way it does and is as UNfunctional as it is with it attached.


HISS Attack Scout Attached To HISS Tank V5 - GI Joe News (http://www.hisstank.com/gi-joe-news/gi-joe-pursuit-of-cobra-18/hiss-attack-scout-attached-to-hiss-tank-v5-10104/)

[Iok]

That looks pretty messy to be honest. I remember seeing the pic a while ago but I'd never really paid it much heed. I can see why now!

[heltskelt]

It is a mess. Also, the Scout's treads end up being too close to the body of the HISS, so rolling that thing's a nightmare. It really bothers me that Hasbro released this concept so half-assed.

[Iok]

It is a mess. Also, the Scout's treads end up being too close to the body of the HISS, so rolling that thing's a nightmare. It really bothers me that Hasbro released this concept so half-assed.

Yeah, I get the impression it was something somebody figured out after both vehicles were finished and it's just a coincidence you can sort-of connect them.

[GerjurdKing]

I love the colour of the HISS scout. Reminds me of the Rattler and ASP. They should have just given us an ASP. Would have looked way better trailing the HISS.

[Shin Densetsu]

It is a mess. Also, the Scout's treads end up being too close to the body of the HISS, so rolling that thing's a nightmare. It really bothers me that Hasbro released this concept so half-assed.

Yeah, I get the impression it was something somebody figured out after both vehicles were finished and it's just a coincidence you can sort-of connect them.

They were actually designed to connect together initially but the designs for the connection weren't fully realized. The Joe team usually has a tight budget to follow, and being that HISS Scout and the Cycle Armor were the last wave of POC alphas, chances are they got the short end of the stick. The Cycle Armor doesn't seem like a fully developed toy either.