GeneralsJoes FIRST LOOK - G.I. Joe: Retaliation Ninja Dojo Set!

[General Hawk]

Throughout the rest of this week, I'll be posting the first "in hand" images of upcoming G.I. Joe: Retaliation figures from the two Ninja 3-Packs!

Some great stuff, some not so great stuff.

Kamakura is first up, ask any questions you want!

EDIT - SNAKE EYES IS UP!!

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Kamakura (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninjashowdown/kamakura.html)

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Roadblock (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninjashowdown/roadblock.html)

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Beachhead (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninjashowdown/beachhead.html)

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Red Ninja (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/dojobattle/redninja.html)

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Storm Shadow (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/dojobattle/stormshadow.html)

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Snake Eyes (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/dojobattle/snakeeyes.html)

[TheLongestDay]

Wouldve been better with a richer/darker green but dammit its still cool! I WANT ONE!

[Slaymaker]

Not a bad figure...I would rather he was dark green with more of a brushed aluminum colored shin and forearm guards...I can drill a hole in the webgear...

Guess that is why I love customizing... :D

Looking forward to all these reviews.

[OSOK]

doesnt look too bad....

[MJjoe4life]

Doesnt look bad, cant wait to get one.

[The Commander]

Thanks for posting these Justin!

[Troops of Doom]

I don't see anything appealing about this one. Pass.

[thealleyviper]

Very nice review. Despite the announcement of being "Kamakura", I always looked at this figure as a generic Arashikage ninja. Thanks for the review and detailed pics.

[Talisman]

The figure looks "alright", nothing a little work can't fix- but then I'm a huge fan of Kamakura, so I'm a bit more lenient here than I probably would be with anyone else.

And General, the way you were dropping "ninja" all over the place, I could have sworn you were being satirical.

[starbuck]

I didn't want to like it, but damn... How can you dislike a figure with all of those accessories?!?!

I'll be getting him.

[Griff]

Defitnely needed to be green not turquoise. I think i will continure to stick with my custom one (seeing as how they used the same arms and lower legs as i did). Thsi is how I did Kamakura (note he actually HAS the unmasked head :D)

http://www.hisstank.com/forum/members/blade-albums-random+pictures-picture49856-kamakura-copy.jpg
http://www.hisstank.com/forum/members/blade-albums-random+pictures-picture49857-kamakura2-copy.jpg

[ceraurus]

I'll agree with the sentiment of "not too bad." Definitely some usable parts.

[Colder Soldier]

It's worth troop building those 3 packs just for the gear alone.

[OreoBuilder]

Repainted in green with proper webgear, this will be a good Kamakura. I'll be buying all four 3-packs for sure.

OB

[T J Bang]

ROC one is better but this one is ok

[zedhatch]

It's a cool figure, but doesn't scream KARMAKURA to me. Would work better as something else I think.

[Gundamben831]

meh he looks ok but personally I think that Kamakura is just going to be another one of those ninja characters that will run with almost every joe line or try to put him in there just to satisfy fans. IMHO I would like to see a version that is more accurate to the DD comics, and give the damn figure an unmasked head for once he is seen all through out the comics with out his mask on so that would be a nice addition to this character.

here was a take I did when the ROC version came out but I sold it a while ago, I can always make another if I wanted it not that hard

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb202/gundamben831/DSCF1166.jpg
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb202/gundamben831/DSCF1167.jpg

[Sciencefriction]

Hmm, I don't really know how I feel yet, I'll have to wait until I have him in hand. I think the Storm Shadow head looks better here than it did on Storm Shadow though. I'm interested in seeing Roadblock the most.

[Gyre-Viper]

Nice custom.

[ucsf]

It's worth troop building those 3 packs just for the gear alone.

Agreed.

It's a cool figure, but doesn't scream KARMAKURA to me. Would work better as something else I think.

I think this is the greatest problem. There's not a piece that resembles to the character we all know. Other than that, it can be a fair generic ninja trooper.

And thanks for putting up the review.

[Troynos]

Haven't been interested since first saw the early retaliation pictures. Hood is awful, too big. Don't like the golden armor.

Change out the hands and legs, ditch the hood and it's a decent figure. I like the look of the webgear on the ninja body.

[pyro678]

His back pack seems cool. But other than that he looks like a turd. Feels like a slapped together half ass ninja. ROC version trumps this version on looks. Sigh...lets hope they keep the turd quality with the retalliation line and not let it flow into the amazing 30th anniversary line.

[Troynos]

and not let it flow into the amazing 30th anniversary line.

That's kind of impossible to do since the 30th line is over.

Anything that comes after Retaliation will be a new line, it won't be the 30th.

[Raw Dog]

I like it! Your side by side photo puts into perspective how closely it resembles the original Kamukura. I am excited to own this figure in the future.

[Shin Densetsu]

Pic request next to VVV Ninja Cycle Kamakura(if you have him Justin). Colors correspond to that one.

[Riotheory]

I think the figure is awful. If it were a single, I would buy the figure so I could have the gear for customs, but in a three pack, I guess I'll have to wait and see if any of the other gear is worth spitting at and whether it is at all worth three pack prices.

R.

[gunslingercbr]

Sigh...lets hope they keep the turd quality with the retalliation line and not let it flow into the amazing 30th anniversary line.

You do realize that is as silly a statement as saying you hope the retalition quality doesn't flow into Sigma 6, don't you? how could retaliation figures flow into any line that came before it and is over?

[snakeeyes0217]

Break out the green paint folks.

[TheLongestDay]

With a simple repaint itd actually be pretty badass

(I will be doing this)

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-06.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVED.jpg

[Jettfire]

I agree with Troy on the hood; it's a little goofy. But without it, it's a solid figure. I'll pick one up if I see it.

I don't have any affinity for the character, so I'm not too hung up on accuracy or details. I think it's just a strong stand alone Joe.

[Shin Densetsu]

With a simple repaint itd actually be pretty badass

(I will be doing this)

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-06.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVED.jpg

All it needs is the flap thing from Night Creeper and BAM

NINJA FORCE NUNCHUK!

[Gyre-Viper]

No one likes that hood. I don't know why they keep using that hood.
Somewhere an Ewok's head is cold.


Otherwise I can vouch for this figure being okay for what it is.
I mean it isn't anything more than what it is but for what it is... it is what it is.

[Troynos]

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVED.jpg

I wish I had better painting skills, because that looks awesome.

Amazing what some simple painting can do.

I would be excited for that figure.

[Steel Brigade]

Thanks for the sneak peak General Hawk & Gyre, it's much appreciated by me & many others who love to see this stuff!

[General Hawk]

Pic request next to VVV Ninja Cycle Kamakura(if you have him Justin). Colors correspond to that one.

Oh, good call on that one. Yeah, I'll get that taken care of tonight. You're right, colors are a good match.

[emags]

I actually will use the Kamakura to double for a Tiger Claw. The arms and legs seem to match....check out the link.

YOJOE.COM | Tiger Claw (http://www.yojoe.com/action/05/tigerclaw.shtml)

[General Hawk]

With a simple repaint itd actually be pretty badass

(I will be doing this)

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-06.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVED.jpg

That looks great!! Such a small change, but yeah that would have made a huge difference.

[General Hawk]

I agree with Troy on the hood; it's a little goofy. But without it, it's a solid figure. I'll pick one up if I see it.

I don't have any affinity for the character, so I'm not too hung up on accuracy or details. I think it's just a strong stand alone Joe.

Yeah, Kamakura as a character doesn't mean a whole lot to me either, and I'm not especially hung up on the details, but I just don't think this figure looks all that great, in spite of who the character is supposed to be...

[General Hawk]

The figure looks "alright", nothing a little work can't fix- but then I'm a huge fan of Kamakura, so I'm a bit more lenient here than I probably would be with anyone else.

And General, the way you were dropping "ninja" all over the place, I could have sworn you were being satirical.

Hahaha...yeah...not intentional, but I see what you mean. By the time 2012 is over, I'll probably break the world record for typing "ninja" onto a keyboard.

[Stuart_Selkirk]

Out of this 3-pack, I just want Beachhead and Roadblock, so I'll be happy to pass this figure on to the Kamakura fans.

[ceraurus]

With a simple repaint itd actually be pretty badass

(I will be doing this)

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVED.jpg

That does look better. I think I'll also swap the harness for something else--I could use this one elsewhere.

[oliverbox]

I'm excited for this figure... and I also think it's just great that lots of fans who missed out on the ROC Kamakura will get a chance at this figure.

Which reminds me: (Sorry if this has been asked/answered several times already) When are these toys going to be available?

[TheLongestDay]

All it needs is the flap thing from Night Creeper and BAM

NINJA FORCE NUNCHUK!

Haha! Funnily enough I DID think this when I was done,just add a few camo stripes too :)

[The Commander]

With a simple repaint itd actually be pretty badass

(I will be doing this)

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-06.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVED.jpg

reminds me more of Nunchuk than Kamakura

[RolandofGilead]

I'm out of my element when it comes to Ninja Force, but the figure looks nice.

[Troynos]

I'm excited for this figure... and I also think it's just great that lots of fans who missed out on the ROC Kamakura will get a chance at this figure.

Which reminds me: (Sorry if this has been asked/answered several times already) When are these toys going to be available?

May. Not sure if the 3 packs are in the first release or later.

[oliverbox]

May. Not sure if the 3 packs are in the first release or later.

Thanks, Troy. Always looking out for me. ;)

[TheLongestDay]

:D

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVEDNUNCHUK.jpg

[Shin Densetsu]

No one likes that hood. I don't know why they keep using that hood.
Somewhere an Ewok's head is cold.


Otherwise I can vouch for this figure being okay for what it is.
I mean it isn't anything more than what it is but for what it is... it is what it is.

It works well on ROC wave 1/Ninja Cycle Storm Shadow and Resolute Training Storm Shadow.

I actually will use the Kamakura to double for a Tiger Claw. The arms and legs seem to match....check out the link.

YOJOE.COM | Tiger Claw (http://www.yojoe.com/action/05/tigerclaw.shtml)

Thing is, Tiger Claw himself was a repaint OF VVV wave 4 Kamakura! VvV Ninja Cycle Kamakura matches this new one in paint, or rather vice versa

KICK ASS HOMAGE HASBRO!

Shin Densetsu - who has wanted a closer to canon modern Kamakura figures since the start of the 25th

Hell of an update, basically a POC'd Kamakura!

[Troynos]

The arm/leg armor is similar to Tiger Claw, but like Shin said, that figure is based on a Kamakura figure.


And that hood has not looked good on any figure. It's horrible.

[Gyre-Viper]

:D

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVEDNUNCHUK.jpg



Beef that up with some new sculpting and a POC-aesthetic and it's an instant buy!

[Kitchen Viper]

I think he looks great! I was planning on doing a custom comic-style Kamakura myself using the tornado se arms and legs on a Ninja apprentice SE body, with a Ninja Ku head and Renegade Firefly hands, but now I think I'll wait for this bad boy, and tweak it a bit. I just hate they re-used those awful hands again. good thing I've got some extra FF hands, lol...


With a simple repaint itd actually be pretty badass

(I will be doing this)

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-06.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVED.jpg

Yeah, Hasbro probably should have done that in the first place.

Looking forward to the Snake Eyes review!

[General Hawk]

:D

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVEDNUNCHUK.jpg

http://jeffcaliguire.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/brilliant.jpg

[Shin Densetsu]

This is the main figure I want from the set, the Rock looked bad ass and if that other guy was Beachhead, he's decent too. Might buy too, because my 2nd new Kamakura will be turned into Nunchuk..with an idea somewhat different from what's been shown..

[Deftones1982]

Hmm, I'll just keep it with my ROC version.

[Black Llama]

Love it. The hood will be going into a bag never to be seen from again though.....

[Black Llama]

:D

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVEDNUNCHUK.jpg

Sweet : D


Hows the band doing btw?

[Shin Densetsu]

Can the hood really not go any lower? Looked like it went down further at Toy Fair.

[Lion]

It's pretty good, but also pretty generic to be Kamakura. It would work well as a ninja viper. I also hate that resolute storm shadow hood. The one that came with the mail away "unmasked" ss works way better.

[Shin Densetsu]

It's pretty good, but also pretty generic to be Kamakura. It would work well as a ninja viper. I also hate that resolute storm shadow hood. The one that came with the mail away "unmasked" ss works way better.

That mask from unmasked Stormy DID kick ass!

[Troynos]

Can the hood really not go any lower? Looked like it went down further at Toy Fair.

Might have been the angle of that particular picture, but it's always been sitting up high in all the official images got before and after Toy Fair.

It's probably the web gear causing it to sit higher.

It should sit like Resolute Stormy's, a little lower (still not that great, but much better then this).

[General Hawk]

I tried like heck, but it didn't want to sit right at all. I can try again tonight, maybe get creative with the webgear, but it wasn't cooperating.

[eddy-arashikage]

Will be getting both sets, my ninja clan grows muwhahaha

Nice assortment of acessories there too!

[CrimsonGuard101]

This 3 pack will be good for fodder once these hit Ross/TJMaxx etc...but not at retail prices...

[Jinx723]

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVED.jpg

:D

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVEDNUNCHUK.jpg

Dammit, now I need two "Ret:Kamakuras"
I still don't like that Res Storm Shadow head. But, I've gotten so many Stormies in the pass 5 yrs, won't be a problem to swap out.

[TheLongestDay]

Dammit, now I need two "Ret:Kamakuras"
I still don't like that Res Storm Shadow head. But, I've gotten so many Stormies in the pass 5 yrs, won't be a problem to swap out.

I fear I may be doing the same my friend :)

[Troynos]

I bet there will be alot of singles from the 3-packs available.

Out of this one, I don't want Kamakura but might want to pick it up for Beachhead and Roadblock.

[Raw Dog]

I definitely want RB and BH, they both look the bomb to me, especially BH who is one of the new figs I am most looking forward too. I think Kamakura looks cool too, and I like his hood, too.

[KingBiohazerd]

looks pretty good!

[Shin Densetsu]

I tried like heck, but it didn't want to sit right at all. I can try again tonight, maybe get creative with the webgear, but it wasn't cooperating.

Well that sucks, the hood actually looked cool on him.

[Dem_Yoe'z!]

Although I agree this figure would look better in green and silver, it's a nice figure with all the proper articulation intact. One of the few things I actually look forward to getting from the movie line.

[gunslingercbr]

funny how everyone touts the ROC Kamakura as being a great figure, which isn't regular green, but then complain that this figure would be better if it were green.

this figure would be better if it were any number of colors. the problem is the color they chose, not that it isn't green.

Kamakura doesn't have to wear green, so that isn't the problem with this figure.

[Moses]

Although I agree this figure would look better in green and silver, it's a nice figure with all the proper articulation intact. One of the few things I actually look forward to getting from the movie line.

I am glad to see the torso articulation included that lacks in the Avengers figures, but no ankle articulation and can't see the wrists clearly enough to tell if they have any. Also glad to see the leg screws. I will probably be picking this one up.

[CrimsonGuard101]

funny how everyone touts the ROC Kamakura as being a great figure, which isn't regular green, but then complain that this figure would be better if it were green.

this figure would be better if it were any number of colors. the problem is the color they chose, not that it isn't green.

Kamakura doesn't have to wear green, so that isn't the problem with this figure.

His mask dosent come off...so how could he be Kamakura? ..it could be anyone under that mask! Muchless does anyone know what Kamakura looks like unmasked? It could be Sierra Mist Snake Eyes and people would still see Kamakura in him haha....

[Talisman]

I am glad to see the torso articulation included that lacks in the Avengers figures, but no ankle articulation and can't see the wrists clearly enough to tell if they have any. Also glad to see the leg screws. I will probably be picking this one up.

He has the standard swivel wrists, just not the second up-down/left-right joint we've seen elsewhere.

[CrimsonGuard101]

He has the standard swivel wrists, just not the second up-down/left-right joint we've seen elsewhere.

He's also got plenty of articualtion in the foot area as well...nothing less then what we got with the 25th Joes toe can be point and ankle will turn left and right. This articualtion level is 100% acceptable as it dosent stoop to where the vehicle drivers went...

[MeLikeJinx]

Man, that webgear looks so much better with paint apps, like how the 30th Stalker version is painted. I think with different webgear he would look pretty cool IMO.

[Colt Blue]

I think he looks good, will still be partial to the ROC Kamakura which I like just a bit more, but the sculpt and the accessories are great for him.

[orezona]

So we only get to see one of these reviewed a day...?

*shakes tiny fist*

[General Hawk]

So we only get to see one of these reviewed a day...?

*shakes tiny fist*

There will be two tomorrow... getting 'em written as fast as life allows! :D

[Gyre-Viper]

There will be two tomorrow... getting 'em written as fast as life allows! :D


See if I had done them there would be a half dozen barely useful pics from
478 different angles taken in my front yard. It's best if Justin handles it
in a more professional, educational fashion at his pace and leisure. I'm biased though cuz I've already seen these in person before sending them off. heheheh.

[orezona]

There will be two tomorrow... getting 'em written as fast as life allows! :D

No worries, man!

Even if the figures are not my cup-o-tea, it's still cool to see what's coming out in the next few months prior to hitting the shelves.

Let us give thanks to His Noodly Appendage for the interwebs! http://www.rationalskepticism.org/images/smilies/icon_noodle.gif

[Omega 8]

I really like this figure, even the turquoise-ish color....

I plan to get 2 of these 3 packs.....

[ShadowNinja]

So we are 100% sure this is Kamakura? I like him if it is. Will have to wait and see about how he compares to the roc version.

[General Hawk]

So we are 100% sure this is Kamakura? I like him if it is. Will have to wait and see about how he compares to the roc version.

That's what they called him at Toy Fair...

[Nirvana]

He has the standard swivel wrists, just not the second up-down/left-right joint we've seen elsewhere.

Which is a shame because the updated hands do much better with those lower arms. When I built my Jungle Kamakura (same lower arms & legs + webgear, no less), I swapped on the hands from Low Light as they stay attached to the Tornado Kick SE lower arms much better than the original hands offered.

[Talisman]

Which is a shame because the updated hands do much better with those lower arms. When I built my Jungle Kamakura (same lower arms & legs + webgear, no less), I swapped on the hands from Low Light as they stay attached to the Tornado Kick SE lower arms much better than the original hands offered.

Plenty of Renegades figures with those joints pegwarming...

[Lifeline_MD]

Overall body-parts choice is good. Colour is...not so good. But I can live with it.

Accessories (baring the hood) seem decent. I am curious how badly the back peg is covered though. I've gotten it to work on any figure using that webgear so far. You just have to push it down a slight bit.

Overall, Not a bad update. Not perfect, but not bad.

[Nirvana]

Plenty of Renegades figures with those joints pegwarming...

Maybe where you are. ;) Not to mention why should we be footing the bill on top of the new premium to pay for said figure? The older hands were a mistake the first time for those arms and are again this time. Simply an opinion about the parts used same as people not thrilled with the hood or the colors.

[Headman]

Is this a custom?

[Steel Brigade]

:D

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVEDNUNCHUK.jpg


Slick!! :D

[Sgt Major Haley]

With a simple repaint itd actually be pretty badass

(I will be doing this)

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-06.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVED.jpg

150% better in the green and black.

[Sgt Major Haley]

:D

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVEDNUNCHUK.jpg

HAHA,the truth comes out.....Thats what Hasbro wanted to do in the first place.....

[Shin Densetsu]

This figure is proof that Jungle Snake Eyes' arts could be put to good use

[Darkfire]

Getting him, but will be repainting him, and changing his arms and lower legs.

[Hellion42]

Meh. Great gear, blah color, eh parts. I love the character and the backstory, but IMO they haven't made a decent Kamakura figure yet. If this were a single carded release I'd consider it and see what I could do with some paint. But since it comes bundled with two figures I don't want it's a pass.

[TheRealDubya]

Where's the "Toldja So" button?

[acmilan8540]

hood dosen't fit his head well. it looks a little bit redundant .

[acmilan8540]

wow,man,the repainting work is badass.

keep on doing!
With a simple repaint itd actually be pretty badass

(I will be doing this)

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-06.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/thelongestday_photos/kamakura-06IMPROVED.jpg

[Monkeywrench]

Very Nice Review! You always do great reviews, Thanks for sharing

[Clobbertron]

I'm leaving the old battle cry 'One of everything' behind. This fig looks like a terrible Frankenstein with a bad paint job. Thanks for the review and great pics as always. I agree with the 2 star rating.

[M_renegade]

Another great review from GH!

I have to disagree though, this version is a lot better than the RoC one.
I'm not a hater, but the RoC K was bland and uninspired.
What's worst, it doesn't resemble Kamakura at all (because there is RoC kamakura, in cas you didn't know).
I think this one was meant to have a small connection with the RoC version, and the Arah green one, hence the he looks like a sort of dark turquoise or teal colour (something iin the middle of green and blue)


This figure is one of the ones i actually like.
I basically bashed a very similar custom with the same pieces, but i'll be getting this one and modify it.


Not keen on the gold though, it's completely off. Even black would have been better.
An enough of those 25th Stalker mini-hands, dammit!
Aside of these few critics, i like the parts choice, it's very recognizable, and accesories are great.

[General Hawk]

By request!

Kamakura/Tiger Claw comparison pic:

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-14.jpg

The armor matches up MUCH better, though the color is still a bit off.

Better hood images. I brought the hood inside the house (instead of my unheated garage) and the material softened up significantly. Helped the "look" quite a bit.

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-16.jpg

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-18.jpg

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-17.jpg

More to come momentarily!

[M_renegade]

By request!

Kamakura/Tiger Claw comparison pic:

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-14.jpg

The armor matches up MUCH better, though the color is still a bit off.



Absolutely forgot the first K had gold armor.
But it still doesn't fit on the new one. Gold/yellow matches well with green, but not with teal.
(just to be anal with details, a pair of 25th Para-viper's kneepads would be absolutely spot on :P )

[General Hawk]

Roadblock and Beachhead have been added!

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Kamakura (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninjashowdown/kamakura.html)

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Roadblock (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninjashowdown/roadblock.html)

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Beachhead (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninjashowdown/beachhead.html)

[Iok]

That Figures: NEWS: GI Joe: Retaliation Roadblock and Beachhead Review (http://that-figures.blogspot.com/2012/02/news-gi-joe-retaliation-roadblock-and.html)

[Jmacq1]

I figure if I carefully poke a li'l hole in the webgear so his backpack can fit, this figure will be pretty darn OK in my book. Like others, I probably would have preferred a slightly more vivid green (or conversely a much darker), but it's still Kamakura-esque enough for me.

Digging the new reviews too. Hopefully they fix the hand issue with Roadblock...it seems they're aware of it, at least, if they had open-hand versions at Toy Fair. Could maybe/possibly be the preproduction sample was just a repainted "Battle Kata" Roadblock before they'd done the hands...or something...guess we'll see in a couple months.

Funny thing? I suspect Beachhead will be a favorite from this pack precisely BECAUSE of the colors. He looks very much like a "realistic" modern trooper. I can see how it would be seen as bland, but I think it actually looks pretty good once all geared up, particularly as a "Desert Beachhead."

[drunknmunky]

Ha! The weapons are stuck in his hands! Long live RoC!

[Iok]

Ha! The weapons are stuck in his hands! Long live RoC!

Possibly. As they point out, the ones shown at the NYTF showed him with open hands, so maybe there are alternate hands or they've changed them for the final toy.

[MJjoe4life]

Roadblock and Beachhead have been added!

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Kamakura (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninjashowdown/kamakura.html)

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Roadblock (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninjashowdown/roadblock.html)

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Beachhead (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninjashowdown/beachhead.html)

Thanks for the reviews. I really like the Roadblock, i do hope he comes with open hands like other pics have shown. I dont mind the single joint knees b/c we have gotten a few of those over the years since 25th anniv. started. No ankle articulation isnt a big deal either. I like the look of him. Beachhead, well....

[Talisman]

Yeah, I'll be picking a few of this set up. Beachhead kind of makes me wish I didn't buy so many Steel Brigades though... Still, extra boot knives.

And Roadblock still seems to be pretty awesome in spite of the lacking articulation- I really don't think I'll miss it too much. The hands though... those could be a problem if they keep those fixed hands.

[M_renegade]

Okay. I was willing to give them a chance, considering thaese finished versions look (or seemed) better.
But seriously...this is the "innovative" gun-battle-kata that they've been boasting????
REALLY???

[Iok]

Okay. I was willing to give them a chance, considering thaese finished versions look (or seemed) better.
But seriously...this is the "innovative" gun-battle-kata that they've been boasting????
REALLY???

As Justin points out, it's probably quite likely there'll either be alternate hands or that these are just protos. After all, the figure comes with additional weapon accessories and the Toy Fair Roadblock was shown with open hands.

[orezona]

The pic with Beachhead yelling at RB to pick up a gun is hilarious.

I can't argue with any of your assessments thus far on these three figures. Kind of bummed there's so much "shoulda-coulda-woulda" which would have improved on these guys.

The pic of the Slaughter's head on Roadblock is also very cool.

On a side note: Nice teaser of Retaliation Snake Eyes!

[Gyre-Viper]

As Justin points out, it's probably quite likely there'll either be alternate hands or that these are just protos. After all, the figure comes with additional weapon accessories and the Toy Fair Roadblock was shown with open hands.


Yeah this is how I received the figure. It is most likely a preproduction sample. I told Justin to brace himself cuz it wasn't easy to look at.




I will point out however, that while the Toy Fair pics depict him with two open hands.... the pre-Toy Fair press photos seem to have the fused hand photochopped out. As you can see from this picture... his hand is NOT wrapped around the handle.


http://i377.photobucket.com/albums/oo213/garygoggles/rbrb.jpg

[Jay West]

I figure if I carefully poke a li'l hole in the webgear so his backpack can fit, this figure will be pretty darn OK in my book. Like others, I probably would have preferred a slightly more vivid green (or conversely a much darker), but it's still Kamakura-esque enough for me.

Digging the new reviews too. Hopefully they fix the hand issue with Roadblock...it seems they're aware of it, at least, if they had open-hand versions at Toy Fair. Could maybe/possibly be the preproduction sample was just a repainted "Battle Kata" Roadblock before they'd done the hands...or something...guess we'll see in a couple months.

Funny thing? I suspect Beachhead will be a favorite from this pack precisely BECAUSE of the colors. He looks very much like a "realistic" modern trooper. I can see how it would be seen as bland, but I think it actually looks pretty good once all geared up, particularly as a "Desert Beachhead."

Im actually looking forward to Beachhead. My POC Beachhead in my mind just seems like what a POC version of Sabretooth would have looked like if that figure would have actually been made and become a part of the mythos. So I'll use POC Beachhead as Sabretooth in my mind and this will become my Beachhead.

[General Hawk]

I will point out however, that while the Toy Fair pics depict him with two open hands.... the pre-Toy Fair press photos seem to have the fused hand photochopped out. As you can see from this picture... his hand is NOT wrapped around the handle.


http://i377.photobucket.com/albums/oo213/garygoggles/rbrb.jpg

That is a good point and only serves to indicate that they took some effort to potentially conceal this issue prior to figure release. Same thing happened with the single pack version as well.

This tells me that perhaps the Toy Fair models might have been "tweaked" a bit, too...

[Shin Densetsu]

Does Beachhead have a spot on the webgear to store his other knife? Also maybe...crossing fingers...maybe someone at the factory swapped Roadblock's hands with the wave 1 release on accident hence why this test shot was for sale? It would be stupid to release Roadblock without weapons he can hold.

Dig Beachhead's webgear from Snake Eyes, it's like an ROC game and VvV wave 7 homage.

[Troops of Doom]

Roadblock is a step backwards in many ways. I will never buy a figure without useable hands.

Beach Head looks good. Simple colors but I like this one more than any other modern version.

[Shin Densetsu]

By request!

Kamakura/Tiger Claw comparison pic:

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-14.jpg

The armor matches up MUCH better, though the color is still a bit off.

Better hood images. I brought the hood inside the house (instead of my unheated garage) and the material softened up significantly. Helped the "look" quite a bit.

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-16.jpg

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-18.jpg

http://generalsjoes.com/images/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/ninja_showdown/kamakura-17.jpg

More to come momentarily!

Thanks, love how the look correlates to the VvV Ninja Cycle version. Now just wish he came with a new version of that Kamakura's unique sword. Falchion is a nice touch too, since it's Snake Eyes' apprentice after all.

Absolutely forgot the first K had gold armor.
But it still doesn't fit on the new one. Gold/yellow matches well with green, but not with teal.
(just to be anal with details, a pair of 25th Para-viper's kneepads would be absolutely spot on :P )

Actually no, the 1st Kamakura had silver armor. The one Justin showed in the pc above is technically the 4th Kamakura figure.

Spy Troops- 1st mold, silver armor
VvV wave 1(or 2)- New mold, action attack, cut articulation, yellow armor
VvV wave 4- New mold, o-ring, silver armor, greyish blue mask
VvV Ninja Cycle- Repaint of wave 4 with gold armor, black mask

[Gyre-Viper]

Does Beachhead have a spot on the webgear to store his other knife? Also maybe...crossing fingers...maybe someone at the factory swapped Roadblock's hands with the wave 1 release on accident hence why this test shot was for sale? It would be stupid to release Roadblock without weapons he can hold.

Dig Beachhead's webgear from Snake Eyes, it's like an ROC game and VvV wave 7 homage.


The issue though is that he has TWO different (right AND left) fused hands. Why would they make both a right AND left fused hand if the dojo version is not supposed to have ANY fused hands and the single pack is only supposed to have ONE (right hand I think) fused hand?! So between him having TWO different fused hands AND the photochopping going on in the press photo... it does make you wonder exactly what the final result will be.

[gunslingercbr]

While Roadblock does't appeal to my adult collector interests, I would have loved the battle-kata feature when I was 7 or 8 regardless of whether he came with extra open hands or not. add to the fact that the figure looks fantastic and I think the Rock is gonna sell a shit-ton of Joes.

[Xenos]

The skin tone on that Roadblock is kind of weird. It looks almost yellow from the pictures.

I'm guessing that the single pack figure will have two battle-kata hands, and this one will have normal hands. I have a hard time believing they would pack a figure with weapons they can't hold. If they weren't going to swap out the hands, I would think they would have just given him the single pack figure's weapons.

I don't really care about the character of Kamakura, and the figure is kind of bland to me. Beachhead is fine, but nothing too amazing. I'll probably be passing on this pack as there isn't any one must have figure in it.

[Xenos]

That is a good point and only serves to indicate that they took some effort to potentially conceal this issue prior to figure release. Same thing happened with the single pack version as well.

This tells me that perhaps the Toy Fair models might have been "tweaked" a bit, too...

I'm guessing it wasn't so much that they were trying to conceal anything, but rather that the first samples from the factory had the wrong hands, so they photoshopped them out to give a better idea of what the final figure would be like.

[Gyre-Viper]

While Roadblock does't appeal to my adult collector interests, I would have loved the battle-kata feature when I was 7 or 8 regardless of whether he came with extra open hands or not. add to the fact that the figure looks fantastic and I think the Rock is gonna sell a shit-ton of Joes.


Roshan says something similar on the next ep of our podcast. Said that when he was a kid... he probably would have appreciated the playability of this 'gimmick' and that most kids today might as well. Plugging in a gun and being able to run around with it and bash it into things and the figure being able to hold the weapon and all that... but that doesn't change my assessment that this is NOT a GI JOE. To me it's an alternate universe GI JOE that will potentially help sell the line in this universe.

[Syn3sthesia]

Easy to pass.
Go Ninja, Go Ninja GO...

Vanilla Ice Ninja Rap - Go Ninja, Go Ninja GO! - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFLGRidfFo4)

[DESTRO]

Just a quick note:

Clarification on ROADBLOCK: He does not have those awful keys in his hands. He has normal hands (albiet swivel with no ball-joint). The mainline Wave 1 RB has one of those keys, and it is used to unlock his cannon's accessory play.

[OSOK]

beachead looks cool,

roadblock on the other hand....please dont let the hands be "fixed"

[M_renegade]

Roshan says something similar on the next ep of our podcast. Said that when he was a kid... he probably would have appreciated the playability of this 'gimmick' and that most kids today might as well. Plugging in a gun and being able to run around with it and bash it into things and the figure being able to hold the weapon and all that... but that doesn't change my assessment that this is NOT a GI JOE. To me it's an alternate universe GI JOE that will potentially help sell the line in this universe.

I would have hated a Joe with a fixed hand.

And just for the record, i don't understand the idea of a fixed hand like this; any Joe can wield a chorizo-launcher and still run around and use any other weapon.
This one can only wield his own battle-crapa, and nothing more.

This concept is absolutely idiotic.
there's no saving money, no fun and no "innovativeness" on it.
Absurd.

[M_renegade]

roadblock on the other hand....

...has a battle-kata :D

Let's hope they fix the fixed hands.

.

[Gyre-Viper]

Just a quick note:

Clarification on ROADBLOCK: He does not have those awful keys in his hands. He has normal hands (albiet swivel with no ball-joint). The mainline Wave 1 RB has one of those keys, and it is used to unlock his cannon's accessory play.


My concern is that the single figure has only been pictured with ONE key-hand.


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YqSS1nry8LI/TzsgVOI6zII/AAAAAAAAO7Q/Oj6Krq53WWo/s1600/First+Look+Dwayne+%E2%80%9CThe+Rock%E2%80%9D+Johns on+as+Roadblock+G.I.+Joe+Retaliation+3.75+Inch+Act ion+Figure.jpg

[Mermaniel]

Too bad he doesnt have ankle articulation...His knees also seem to just have one point...booo.

[M_renegade]

Just a quick note:

Clarification on ROADBLOCK: He does not have those awful keys in his hands. He has normal hands (albiet swivel with no ball-joint). The mainline Wave 1 RB has one of those keys, and it is used to unlock his cannon's accessory play.

Do you have official word?

Because these seem to be production samples, and the ones at the Toyfair where the concept/protos...techically, these should be the real deal. (hope not)

maybe they give this one two battle-Krap hands so he can wield it on both shoulders (or maybe the shape of the dildo-launcher forces them)... still don't get it, he could wield stuff if he had hands anyways O_o

[Syn3sthesia]

I would have hated a Joe with a fixed hand.

And just for the record, i don't understand the idea of a fixed hand like this; any Joe can wield a chorizo-launcher and still run around and use any other weapon.
This one can only wield his own battle-crapa, and nothing more.

This concept is absolutely idiotic.
there's no saving money, no fun and no "innovativeness" on it.
Absurd.

Oh shit...this made my day, Chorizo Launcher!.

Joes with fixed hands, oh my.

[DESTRO]

Do you have official word?




Yes, Official Word.

[Zefram]

That Beachhead is worth it just for the sculpt. Maybe some brown camo on his pants would help, but I see possibilities.

Roadblock has the potential to be awesome, even if he's way too light-skinned. You could always tweak his facial hair and make a Goldberg figure. :D

Kamakura? Eh, not bad. Maybe soaking him in yellow dye will make his outfit a "richer" green without having to paint.

[Headman]

These figs are a pass for me. Probably the worst Beachhead so far.

[Lody]

Umm

What's with the Sgt Slaughter figure??

[gunslingercbr]

I would have hated a Joe with a fixed hand.

And just for the record, i don't understand the idea of a fixed hand like this; any Joe can wield a chorizo-launcher and still run around and use any other weapon.
This one can only wield his own battle-crapa, and nothing more.

This concept is absolutely idiotic.
there's no saving money, no fun and no "innovativeness" on it.
Absurd.

considering how obsessive we are as adult collectors, how often did you give your Joes a weapon they did not come with as a kid?

I never did. Flash used his laser rifle, not Snake Eyes uzi. the ability to do so was there, but the weapons were part of the character so I never interchanged them. the same would go for this battle-kata. the only weapons I would have used for the Rock were the weapons he comes with.

[M_renegade]

Yes, Official Word.

Awesome then.
That raises the should-buy value a lot.

But those f****rs shouldn't do "jokes" like this.
We're old men, dammit!

(still think the feature is stupid and useless)

.

[Dawg99]

i want one of those roadblock figures now ... i hope they pop up soon on ebay

[Shin Densetsu]

Kamakura still sells the set for me. Beachhead is decent. I mean it won't top the ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLY AWESOME POC BEACHHEAD, but it's a decent figure. Improvement over the ROC one for sure.

Roadblock thank goodness, with regular hands, is awesome. Yet still, Kamakura still sells this for me. I've been waiting for a Kamakura like this since the 25th. That figure far exceeded my expectations for a new Kamakura figure. Kudos to Hasbro for making the most bad ass frankenjoeninja to date.

[M_renegade]

considering how obsessive we are as adult collectors, how often did you give your Joes a weapon they did not come with as a kid?

I never did. Flash used his laser rifle, not Snake Eyes uzi. the ability to do so was there, but the weapons were part of the character so I never interchanged them. the same would go for this battle-kata. the only weapons I would have used for the Rock were the weapons he comes with.

I did all the time.
My Stalker often used to use Cobra guns from their kills. I also lost some weapons, so i had to give him others.
As an adult, i'm obsessed by looks of the figure. As kid by playability.

Now, let's say a kid loses or brokes his fabled chorizo-launcher...he's stuck with a figure that can't hold anything, or even grab onto a vehicle or nothing. And dad will not be always willling to go buy another kata-fu**er.

Besides... it's pointless!
It's like putting a little stump on the hand of Joes. The stump connects onto a blade without grip, or a gun without handle...what's the fun of that? Or the practical use? None. It's basically the same than a hand that can grab generic weapons or items *shrug*

[General Hawk]

Umm

What's with the Sgt Slaughter figure??

Head swap.

[General Hawk]

Just a quick note:

Clarification on ROADBLOCK: He does not have those awful keys in his hands. He has normal hands (albiet swivel with no ball-joint). The mainline Wave 1 RB has one of those keys, and it is used to unlock his cannon's accessory play.

Appreciate that clarification. I was pretty sure this would be the case, and tried to emphasize that in the review, but also wanted folks to be well prepared... "just in case". :D

[nighthawk]

I like that Beachhead. I have some extra Steel Brigade helmets and if I can get a few of these Beachhead, I'd love to stick Steel Brigade helmets and have more diversity.

[M_renegade]

Appreciate that clarification. I was pretty sure this would be the case, and tried to emphasize that in the review, but also wanted folks to be well prepared... "just in case". :D

I'll be on guard anyways.
We hadn't seen a fixed left hand before...yet there it is.
Stay alert...

.

[Xenos]

considering how obsessive we are as adult collectors, how often did you give your Joes a weapon they did not come with as a kid?

I never did. Flash used his laser rifle, not Snake Eyes uzi. the ability to do so was there, but the weapons were part of the character so I never interchanged them. the same would go for this battle-kata. the only weapons I would have used for the Rock were the weapons he comes with.

I swapped weapons all the time. Certain guys were kept with their original gear when it was something very specific like V2 Rock n Roll, but the majority of the time my Joes got the weapons that were needed for the mission at hand.

I understand the idea behind the battle-kata gimmick, but I would have hated it when I was a kid, but I hated all features that got in the way of the sculpt or articulation of a figure.

What I don't understand is why they didn't just make the battle-kata "key" a separate piece.

[DESTRO]

Appreciate that clarification. I was pretty sure this would be the case, and tried to emphasize that in the review, but also wanted folks to be well prepared... "just in case". :D


Good review, just got done looking over everything. I just wanted to stop the mini riot on the Roadblock figure, you and I both know how those pre-production figures roll. The set looks good and I pick up one of everything anyway.

[General Hawk]

Good review, just got done looking over everything. I just wanted to stop the mini riot on the Roadblock figure, you and I both know how those pre-production figures roll. The set looks good and I pick up one of everything anyway.

Thanks, I appreciate that. Definitely understand how those pre-production figures roll.

Like you, I'll be buying it all!

Good news is the second 3-Pack is an absolute home run, in my opinion.

[Krooklyn Dodger]

I know these are only pre-production, but from the looks of most of the pics I have seen, I'm not sure if I will bother collecting Retaliation toys. From the colorful vehicles and action figures with reduced articulation, it just doesn't seem worth it.

[brock Samson]

Steel Brigade Delta vest and helmet on that Beach Head are going to look awesome! If the flag paint can be easily removed, a head swap will make this into an excellent classic Firefly. The Roadblock is a throw away and will be on my BST list unless I can find a way to salvage body parts for easy paint free customs.

[gunslingercbr]

What I don't understand is why they didn't just make the battle-kata "key" a separate piece.

maybe because they are big and heavy and would fall out of the hand if a separate piece. considering it is likely the selling play feature of the figures that have it, it is more important that the function is playable rather than have additional playability such as interchageable non battle-kata weapons.

just speculating why it makes sense, and why kids may enjoy it, not that they will.

[Talisman]

What I don't understand is why they didn't just make the battle-kata "key" a separate piece.

Stability issues would be my guess.

[Troynos]

The weapons for the battle kata are huge, so yeah, stability.



I like the Beachhead a lot. More color would have been nice, but it's a great figure as is.

Roadblock is very cool, with open hands.

So 2 out of 3 on this box set isn't bad.

[Xenos]

maybe because they are big and heavy and would fall out of the hand if a separate piece. considering it is likely the selling play feature of the figures that have it, it is more important that the function is playable rather than have additional playability such as interchageable non battle-kata weapons.

just speculating why it makes sense, and why kids may enjoy it, not that they will.

I guess, but it's not like it has affected the figure's ability to hold all of the other huge missile launchers in the past. In my experience, the instability comes from the figures not being able to stand, or the arm joints not being strong enough to hold the launchers up. I've never had a figure that would drop the launcher out of their hands.

In the end it doesn't matter since I'm a lot more interested in the other Roadblock figure, and if I decide I do want this one, I've got other hands I could swap in if I wanted to. I just don't completely understand the thinking on this thing.

[07GT500 COBRA]

I'll definitely be doing a hand swap and chunking that garbage hand mold in the trash (if that's what we get).

[Shin Densetsu]

Thanks, I appreciate that. Definitely understand how those pre-production figures roll.

Like you, I'll be buying it all!

Good news is the second 3-Pack is an absolute home run, in my opinion.

Does Storm Shadow have a place to store his sword, and does the Red Ninja come with anything aside from that weird big ass zipline contraption and Raiden hat?

[CrimsonGuard101]

Does Storm Shadow have a place to store his sword, and does the Red Ninja come with anything aside from that weird big ass zipline contraption and Raiden hat?

Raiden Hat? You mean Coffe table? lol..that thing is redonculous...

I hope Sgt Stones hands will work on that Roadblock..those key things are redonculous too...I dunno why they think they need to hold the GINORMOUS weapons...sersiouly, make 8 and 12 inch figures for that crap....if kids arent buying the huge figures for thier huge realsitic youll shoot your eye out kid but it barley shots an inch out of the gun weapons then theres your answer...lol...I dont get it...

[Lifeline_MD]

Damn it, why did Beachhead have to be in a 3-pack. He's a great blank for making O13 customs (not to speak of dozens of other Joes) with that colour scheme.

Blast. If he'd been single carded I'd have bought....um....a LOT.

[General Hawk]

Does Storm Shadow have a place to store his sword, and does the Red Ninja come with anything aside from that weird big ass zipline contraption and Raiden hat?

No place for Storm Shadow to store his sword, no.

Red Ninja comes with the hat, zipline, a Slice mask, and claws.

[RANGER SMITTY]

Man, I am really into Beachhead, and this figure is awesome.

[Shin Densetsu]

No place for Storm Shadow to store his sword, no.

Red Ninja comes with the hat, zipline, a Slice mask, and claws.

DAMN! So the Hasbro press image just had the staff leaning against his back? NOO!!!!!

Will have to frankenpart him then, same with that Raiden Red Ninja.

[CrimsonGuard101]

Damn it, why did Beachhead have to be in a 3-pack. He's a great blank for making O13 customs (not to speak of dozens of other Joes) with that colour scheme.

Blast. If he'd been single carded I'd have bought....um....a LOT.

These will be at ross soon enough...8.99 a pack will rox

[Talisman]

Damn it, why did Beachhead have to be in a 3-pack. He's a great blank for making O13 customs (not to speak of dozens of other Joes) with that colour scheme.

Blast. If he'd been single carded I'd have bought....um....a LOT.

Plenty of Steel Brigade v2s and Stalkers lying around. But we are grown men* discussing toys, so logic is not a factor in this equation. Therefore, I agree with you.


*I crack myself up.

[Shin Densetsu]

These will be at ross soon enough...8.99 a pack will rox

I dunno man my favorite things at Toy Fair WERE these 3 packs. So I'm buying them.

[Dealer Destro]

Whoa whoa whoa wait just a cotton picking minute here. Since when has Roadblock ever had anything to with Arashikage??? I mean the figure looks solid but WTF is that all about????

[Troynos]

Whoa whoa who wait just a cotton picking minute here. Since when has Roadblock ever had anything to with Arashikage??? I mean the figure looks solid but WTF is that all about????

Roadblock was trained by Snake Eyes.

The extent of that training is up in the air.

[Talisman]

Whoa whoa who wait just a cotton picking minute here. Since when has Roadblock ever had anything to with Arashikage??? I mean the figure looks solid but WTF is that all about????

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i115/Cyent1/Untitled-2.png

[CrimsonGuard101]

Roadblock was trained by Snake Eyes.

The extent of that training is up in the air.

Contrary to this he has the arishikage symbol on his friggen shirt. I think we know what they are getting at...he is an arsihikage at this point as is the ENTIRE Line...why keep acting like that is not the intention when its totally obvious what they are trying to peddle here...we dont even have the ROC logo or POC logo on anything at this point so...why I am shocked that Beachead has an american flag...youd think that was supposed to be an ariskage symbol too...hell replace all of the cobra logos with em! lol...nothing up in the air about it at all...

I dunno man my favorite things at Toy Fair WERE these 3 packs. So I'm buying them.

The MARS 3 pack can still be bought to this day at Ross...I expect these will be none the different, especially at 24.99-32.99 retail.

[Dealer Destro]

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i115/Cyent1/Untitled-2.png

I know where you are going with that, but it is The Rock. The Rock already fairs great with kids that anything ninja-esque is/may be a bonus. My question was what in the hell is this all about??? Story wise etc? But looking at Troy's post seems there is something to do with some training.......

[arthurnoah]

Thank you to Generalsjoes and Hisstank for helping me save some extra money this summer! Looking fwd to all of your reviews...

[Talisman]

The MARS 3 pack can still be bought to this day at Ross...I expect these will be none the different, especially at 24.99-32.99 retail.

The MARS packs consisted of three figures from the same brick of a buck with not that much play value.

This set in particular seems to have only one figure that may or may not be a dud, depending on the hands we get. And assuming memory serves correctly, Justin seems to be of the opinion that this is the lesser of the two Retaliation 3-packs, which means that as good as this one is, the Snake Eyes/Storm Shadow/Red Ninja one is even better.

There's a huge difference here.

[Kitchen Viper]

Roadblock MUST come with swappable hands.They show him holding the mini-gun at toyfair and in the promo pics. I'm betting the single card has swappable hands, too. that's probably why the wrist pligs are so big. I'm gonna swap the hands for Renegade Firefly hands anyway. Love the extra wrist hinge.

[Jettfire]

I like the Beachhead a whole lot, but I'm not sure how badly I need another Beachhead sitting around. I really like the color scheme and the detailing.

I've decided that the Rock has a place in my collection in the same status as RRP or Sgt. Slaughter. Now I just need a figure stand that says "The Rock". And a RRP and a Slaughter.

Big thanks to Justin and Gyre for the top notch reviews.

[Talisman]

I've decided that the Rock has a place in my collection in the same status as RRP or Sgt. Slaughter. Now I just need a figure stand that says "The Rock". And a RRP and a Slaughter.

Get Stone Cold in there as a Cobra and we're looking at a hell of a match on the deck of the Flagg.

[Firefly77]

I want to collect all three.

[alcoholic ewok]

like the photoshop work to get kamakura to match up with the spy troops era shade of green. the one that GH has looks more like the night creeper 2-pack color from the last movie line.

[CrimsonGuard101]

The MARS packs consisted of three figures from the same brick of a buck with not that much play value.

This set in particular seems to have only one figure that may or may not be a dud, depending on the hands we get. And assuming memory serves correctly, Justin seems to be of the opinion that this is the lesser of the two Retaliation 3-packs, which means that as good as this one is, the Snake Eyes/Storm Shadow/Red Ninja one is even better.

There's a huge difference here.

All comes down to cost. If these are $24.99-$35.99 (like the ROC 3packs were at release) they will sit on shelves for years. Only way these will be hard to find is if they are $17.99 or less...and that is most unlikley. So to Ross they will go...unless stores refuse to carry and stock the product but after ROC who can blame them...I am not saying they are crappy quality (the mars 3 packs werent bad either) as a reason for them goign to Ross, its just like always, product that will be outrageosuly priced, poolry stocked and then excess gets clearenced/canceled and sent to ross/canada as a result.

[Talisman]

All comes down to cost. If these are $24.99-$35.99 (like the ROC 3packs were at release) they will sit on shelves for years. Only way these will be hard to find is if they are $17.99 or less...and that is most unlikley. So to Ross they will go...unless stores refuse to carry and stock the product but after ROC who can blame them...I am not saying they are crappy quality (the mars 3 packs werent bad either) as a reason for them goign to Ross, its just like always, product that will be outrageosuly priced, poolry stocked and then excess gets clearenced/canceled and sent to ross/canada as a result.

I apologize in that case, I had assumed you were arguing the quality of the product. But you are correct, the price is going to be a major deciding factor- if these come in at or under the same price as three single figures or a small vehicle, I don't see them having a problem flying off the shelves. Hopefully Hasbro, and more importantly, the retailers, have learned some lessons with pricing of items like this from Rise of Cobra and several other movie lines.

And maybe my crap will turn purple and smell like rainbow sherbert.

[ultramax]

i'll wait till they hit clearance or ROSS, not worth the retail price....

[gunslingercbr]

All comes down to cost. If these are $24.99-$35.99 (like the ROC 3packs were at release) they will sit on shelves for years. Only way these will be hard to find is if they are $17.99 or less...and that is most unlikley. So to Ross they will go...unless stores refuse to carry and stock the product but after ROC who can blame them...I am not saying they are crappy quality (the mars 3 packs werent bad either) as a reason for them goign to Ross, its just like always, product that will be outrageosuly priced, poolry stocked and then excess gets clearenced/canceled and sent to ross/canada as a result.
Hasbro already announced at Toyfair a $19.99 price tag.

but only that ROC promo pack was $24.99. If I recall correctly the ROC TRU 5 packs were also $24.99, so Hasbro gambled on a premium price for a promo set and failed, but that can't reasonable be carried over as an expectation for the cost for these 3 packs which are not promo-products, especially when you consider the price for the ROC 5 packs.

[Dropkick]

You know, Roadblock is actually a fixable toy. Exchange city strike SE's knees & lower legs on it & non-acetone nail polish to take off the ninja tattoo & he's not bad. Maybe the hands need to be swapped out but that's hard to tell for now.

[Drawing Heat]

I might be wrong but I thought I read that the SRP for the 3 packs is $19.99.

EDIT: gunslinger beat me to it.

[CrimsonGuard101]

Hasbro already announced at Toyfair a $19.99 price tag.

but only that ROC promo pack was $24.99. If I recall correctly the ROC TRU 5 packs were also $24.99, so Hasbro gambled on a premium price for a promo set and failed, but that can't reasonable be carried over as an expectation for the cost for these 3 packs which are not promo-products, especially when you consider the price for the ROC 5 packs.

Ehh well see what they price em at. I'll be pre-odering a full box set of whatever 4-8 they came in anyway, I am not toying with retail...the last 5 years they always fail...but I deifinelty putting new lower legs on that roadblock, I am wondeirng if Night Adders lower legs will work well...I am not having static boots in my army...

I might be wrong but I thought I read that the SRP for the 3 packs is $19.99.

EDIT: gunslinger beat me to it.

SUGGESTED retail cost...until they are on the shelf, its debatlable...sicne cost of gas is going up...cost of Joes is going to go up...

[Gyre-Viper]

DAMN! So the Hasbro press image just had the staff leaning against his back? NOO!!!!!

Will have to frankenpart him then, same with that Raiden Red Ninja.



Without getting into specifics cuz I don't want to start a shit storm and I especially don't want my word taken as fact when these haven't even been released... but after looking at Toy Fair pics from around the internet from a lot of different sources and looking at press photos etc... there seem to be a few things that were either propped up against or glued to figures that can't actually store/use things as pictured/displayed. Not a ton... but there are some inconsistencies similar to the Storm Shadow staff option you're referring to that I hope aren't representative of the final release.



On a side note... for the most part... what Justin said earlier about the other 3 pack is pretty true... it's a decent pack for what it is... certainly better than this 3 pack I'd say. The stand out is the Red Ninja because
A) he's articulated from head to toe and B) as a troop builder he's pretty nifty. People say the hat is too big but I like it. C) And the Dice mask and claw combo when put together makes him a totally a different character so between the "un-masked" and the hat and the mask... he's essentially 3 characters in one box. Something I think Hasbro should do more often ie Temple Guardian SE etc. The more you can make out of a repaint... the more inclined people will be to embrace a repaint. Even if they find it mediocre or nothing stellar... it's still better than just smooshing another repaint into the world.

[Malcolm]

Heh, I was thinking, that'd suit sgt slaughter, then I see the head on top and I lol'ed.

Got a custom in mind for firefly also.

I better start saving my monies.

[ATCVenom]

Dunno why, but I think the 3pack Roadblock looks a bit more like Vin Diesel than The Rock. Not that it matters much, but I still wanted to mention it.

[Deftones1982]

Now I know for sure to skip this 3-pack.

[Krooklyn Dodger]

Whoa whoa whoa wait just a cotton picking minute here. Since when has Roadblock ever had anything to with Arashikage??? I mean the figure looks solid but WTF is that all about????

I've always dug the ninja thing between certain characters. Never like how Hasbro force fed the whole Ninja Force toyline. But Chu did say, early on that there were going to be quite a bit of ninja activity in the film. I just wish Hasbro didn't force all the ninja stuff into the Retaliation line-up. Some of the stuff is cool, but the whole ninja obssession in the toy line is a bit overkill.

[Derek2783]

I still don't understand how it's possible that a good figure of the DDP Kamakura still hasn't been made! Ninja body + Duke arms + hand, forarm, and shin guards = perfect.

[KINGOFNOD5]

I really can't wait for this set. that Beachhead body is gonna be used a lot for LBCs I can see it now. I wonder how the ROC Shipwreck head would look on it

May can't get here soon enough.

[CrimsonGuard101]

I really can't wait for this set. that Beachhead body is gonna be used a lot for LBCs I can see it now. I wonder how the ROC Shipwreck head would look on it

May can't get here soon enough.

5 unarticulated Clutch heads from the Amrored VAMP on those Beachead bodiis for me :)

[Krooklyn Dodger]

Ok, I get how creative most of you guys are. But it almost begs the question; why do you collect GI Joes to only turn around and completely modify them? I mean, we get to see pics of pre-production and right off the bat it's...oh, I can really use that to mod. Like I said, I'm not attacking tankers creative prowess, I'm just more curious than anything. When did collecting GI Joes turn into a mod hobby? I collect them and keep them as they are, with exception to minor tweeks, but never completely altering the figure.

[ceraurus]

I'll get this pack for sure--lots of great parts for use if I decide not to keep the figs as is. Using the BH to paint in his classic design means I won't have to sacrifice another Steel Brigade for the job--I like having them around. The Sarge head looks great on the RB torso, so that'll be a must for me.

[ShadowNinja]

I grab this. It might be my go-to beachhead.

[Talisman]

I'll get this pack for sure--lots of great parts for use if I decide not to keep the figs as is. Using the BH to paint in his classic design means I won't have to sacrifice another Steel Brigade for the job--I like having them around. The Sarge head looks great on the RB torso, so that'll be a must for me.

Agreed on the last part, I just wish I could get a Sarge head.

[ceraurus]

Ok, I get how creative most of you guys are. But it almost begs the question; why do you collect GI Joes to only turn around and completely modify them? I mean, we get to see pics of pre-production and right off the bat it's...oh, I can really use that to mod. Like I said, I'm not attacking tankers creative prowess, I'm just more curious than anything. When did collecting GI Joes turn into a mod hobby? I collect them and keep them as they are, with exception to minor tweeks, but never completely altering the figure.

Maybe it's a quest to make the perfect version of a figure, or maybe once you start it's hard to stop, but I almost always look at figure it terms of how it can be modified or how parts of it can be used for another figure. In the end, it means more figures sold!

[Derek2783]

...why do you collect GI Joes to only turn around and completely modify them? ...When did collecting GI Joes turn into a mod hobby?

Well, the 'Tank community is a pretty devoted collecting community. Customization has always been a part of most devoted collecting communities, whether it be motorcycles, action figures, etc. Heck, I'm on a cigar forum where guys are customizing humidors, humidifiers, and even swapping wrappers on cigars.

Add to that the fact that the really great figures are few and far between now, and you have more and more guys venturing into the customization arena to make a sub-par figure better, or to create something lacking in their collection since Hasbro isn't giving them figures that they consider to be good enough on their own.

Makes sense to me.

[Dragasses]

rock figure is ok, but let's go ahead and just pack in an extra sarge head.

but bring on the, as gyre said, "poptart guns." hawesome.

[Rainbow Viper]

First off, thanks general joes for showing us these figs early. Beachhead looks really good but alas I already have 2 others figs of him so I'm not super extatic. Kamakura-I see what they are going for but they could have done a lot better. I actually wouldn't have minded a simple repaint of the ROC version maybe with the head they have on this one. and I'm indifferent really to any and all of the rock/roadblock figures. I'm looking forward to the 3 pack that has slice that isn't called slice though. and doesn't normally when preproduction figs like this get out early, that usually mean they pegwarm? that seems to almost always be the case. either that or they don't get released at all.

[ucsf]

I think it's still a strange idea for a ninja pack to have two not-so-ninja characters. My only question would be: the Retaliation figures will be from the same plastic as the previous lines?

[CrimsonGuard101]

Ok, I get how creative most of you guys are. But it almost begs the question; why do you collect GI Joes to only turn around and completely modify them? I mean, we get to see pics of pre-production and right off the bat it's...oh, I can really use that to mod. Like I said, I'm not attacking tankers creative prowess, I'm just more curious than anything. When did collecting GI Joes turn into a mod hobby? I collect them and keep them as they are, with exception to minor tweeks, but never completely altering the figure.

This is how I have alwasy seen Joe, something I can change and make it the way the I want. One day when I was a kid and decided to try and fix one of my joe's orings that broke, I found these small screw drivers in my dads tool box and went through like 5 of em till i found one that worked and whola...the Joe's internal parts were exposed...I was able to work a small ruber band (all beit not as good as the real oring) in there and it worked for a few days. But then it dawned on me...whoa....his legs have screws too...I wonder what would happen...if I SWICTHED PARTS with other broken figures! And then I was hooked. Making your own renditions with these figures is a friggen blast...I am not a huge MOC collector or such a purist that has to have the EXACT figure released (unless it is an epitomy version or well executed from the factory) so I have been able to mix and macth all sorts of endless figures together because ever since the 25th...we have had a HUGE parts selection. its awesome too when other toy lines have compatible parts or accessories.

This is one of the reason why I totally totally hate the concept of Goose-stepping 5 points of articlated garbage drivers were getting. They have some amazing parts that have not been used yet and they end up being TOTALLY USELSS cept thier heads...its a sad thing when you are so used to being able to take your figures apart and put them back together in a way you would rather have...then being stuck with the defualt Piece of crap they offer in the box...

[Gyre-Viper]

Well, the 'Tank community is a pretty devoted collecting community. Customization has always been a part of most devoted collecting communities, whether it be motorcycles, action figures, etc. Heck, I'm on a cigar forum where guys are customizing humidors, humidifiers, and even swapping wrappers on cigars.

Add to that the fact that the really great figures are few and far between now, and you have more and more guys venturing into the customization arena to make a sub-par figure better, or to create something lacking in their collection since Hasbro isn't giving them figures that they consider to be good enough on their own.

Makes sense to me.



I am not a customizer. But understand it. I was switching parts around
when I was a kid the very second my brain said "that's a screw you idiot and it's been there this whole time." It didn't dawn on me until the 90's mind you when I was pissed off that Hawk had that big electronic back pack screwed onto him. But I figured it out nonetheless. After that my friends and I were frankensteining them all. Not because we didn't appreciate them... but it did give us an outlet for creativity and what have you. That being said... what people seem to forget is that what they do at Hasbro is customizing, well..here and there. They just get paid for it. Heheh. Obviously it is a little more than that for a hundred different reasons but customizing is responsible for a lot of Joes throughout time. Sometimes designers would sit there and look at something... kitbash it with something else and paint it up. Voila! As long as Hasbro makes money they probably don't take it too personally when people buy their stuff just to take it apart. But I'm not a customizer. Mostly cuz I'm sloppy and unmotivated. But I get why people do it and honestly a lot of customs are pretty refreshing and inventive. Heck, Hasbro judges custom contests every year at con.

[Stuart_Selkirk]

Alright, I'll want Beachhead and night camo Roadblock. Lots of customizing potential.

[MeLikeJinx]

The Rock fig is actually pretty big... looked smaller in the solo pics.

[CrimsonGuard101]

I just wish the Rock figure had normal 25th feet...the DTC stiff lower legs are lame...All just so he can battle kata rock that massive plastic rocket launching thing...how can I make him ninja pose if he cant point his toes!

[Pit Viper]

That Roadblock figure looks too light-skinned. The Rock is darker than that. The fact that you can put a Sgt. Slaughter head on it and the skin tones match is a testimony to this.

[CrimsonGuard101]

That Roadblock figure looks too light-skinned. The Rock is darker than that. The fact that you can put a Sgt. Slaughter head on it and the skin tones match is a testimony to this.

Which is a friggen god send for any of us with the Sgt. Slaughter BnB head...the single carded one is going to be friggen great for a Slaughter Custom! All i need is the body! woot..I was soo hoping the skin tone would be matchable...

[youdoitimbusy]

i don't buy crap...sorry

i should specify...if i want to buy something to fix. Ill go to build a bear. The hands are stupid am I the only one who thinks so?

[Nightrain]

Assuming most of you already have poc.Beachhead, why on earth would any of you want this one?(except for parts)

[Talisman]

Assuming most of you already have poc.Beachhead, why on earth would any of you want this one?(except for parts)

PoC Beachhead is great, don't get me wrong- he just doesn't strike me as particularly Ranger-y. Apart from that, I think most of us are interested in him for the customization options; the combination of the Commando Snake Eyes body and PoC Beachhead head make for a really good Joe trooper- conversely, the actual Joe trooper head would make for a great unmasked Beachhead.

[CrimsonGuard101]

Assuming most of you already have poc.Beachhead, why on earth would any of you want this one?(except for parts)

POC Beachead vest on this color scheme = DELTA FORCE/SEAL/CIA OP AWESOMENESS MAN!..I didnt like the brown legggings POC beachhead had...

[Talisman]

POC Beachead vest on this color scheme = DELTA FORCE/SEAL/CIA OP AWESOMENESS MAN!..I didnt like the brown legggings POC beachhead had...

I tend to use him more as an updated Rampage, seeing as the first Rampage I owned/was aware of was a repaint of SpyTroops Beachhead.

[red4]

Easy skip for me. I've already got Firefly's parts from Beachhead, Stalker, and Snake Eyes. And it looks like Arctic Destro's thighs are reused on Roadrock (Rockblock?), which I begrudgingly also have.

[Talisman]

Easy skip for me. I've already got Firefly's parts from Beachhead, Stalker, and Snake Eyes.

Where do you see Firefly?

[red4]

Where do you see Firefly?

I guess I just assumed the guy in the grey mask is Firefly. My mistake. My point stands however.

[CrimsonGuard101]

I guess I just assumed the guy in the grey mask is Firefly. My mistake. My point stands however.

What point exaclty? That you already have a couple of the parts? Are you going to try and kit bash your own 3pack?

[sisco]

Looks like the perfect base for a Vulcan Raven Custom.

[red4]

What point exaclty? That you already have a couple of the parts? Are you going to try and kit bash your own 3pack?

My point is that I buy Joes strictly for kitbashing, and have no viable interest in GI Joe canon. I already own the parts of this set which interest me.

[nighthawk]

If you stick the Ross Range Viper's head on it, then that would be a really nice LBC Rampage.

[CrimsonGuard101]

If you stick the Ross Range Viper's head on it, then that would be a really nice LBC Rampage.

What is LBC? is that like Long Beach County?

[Steevy Maximus]

Justin, I know the individual figures aren't lighting your fire, but would it be possible to post at "overall set" remark? IE, do you consider these three figures (assuming RB has correct hands) to be worth a purchase at $20 retail? Especially considering the $8 (or more) retail price for Joe figures?

[BadDog]

Thanks for the review!
Kamakura, for me atleast, will either be trade material, or fodder for customs.
Rockblock looks pretty good... but as slaughter, I think i now know what his fate is.:)
Beachie version 2million is actually the figure I want most in this set. Granted, It's to use the body for updating the original 13 to modern looks, but it's still a nice representation of the character.

Once again, thanks for the heads up on this set!

[Kitchen Viper]

I figure retail on these sets won't be more than $20, considering Marvel and Star Wars 3 packs are about $20. I think this set looks pretty awesome. I'll probably buy multiples, especially if the Rock has open hands.

[Hat Trick]

So..................is Roadblock supposed to be a ninja now?????

[CobraCrimson]

Haha, little tiny Tunnel Rat does have one huge advantage over the gigantor Rockblock figure though, Tunnel Rat has ankle articulation! :)

[red4]

So..................is Roadblock supposed to be a ninja now?????

Yes. Yes he is. The modern ninja is enormous, slow, and stands out in the open firing a chain gun.

[General Hawk]

You know, Roadblock is actually a fixable toy. Exchange city strike SE's knees & lower legs on it & non-acetone nail polish to take off the ninja tattoo & he's not bad. Maybe the hands need to be swapped out but that's hard to tell for now.

City Strike Snake Eyes' lower legs won't work. Way too short. However, I did try Night Adder, and they work well. Road Pig might be an even better color match.

The below image is one Night Adder lower leg, one normal:

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/528082326.jpg?key=18403264&Expires=1330569539&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=qLLYubzHsVue8xsw1MOdc~IfZAQTEoKORx9PoIPV s5-cmMWdMmCrV4RzndSGj0oZet-xW3-duohnK0gaEKHmiL0lzz2AGZF0sTAoL-W4-t-xh9w43dncXVl1yzouvS3kudVMHnVu47YDUaUjAl7wnDb6CfFU2 g9MhOD3izXco7o_

Interesting to note the double joint knee does not add any additional range of motion with these thick legs.

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/528083352.jpg?key=32641840&Expires=1330570029&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=rB9aFSL5EbRme5AWDKluQVFQ~RatdbDSTxXaTA-RXusoevLLZj4AEHlJ-jWDvpiBmNe93rcR-5PSgDDlP57HVI5PEwi2zBSEWpffuwcgM5fpIqV0dLluvAo4yfQ CXBrTFT3so6DGm7gkcea42SQ9JBK--0nAzHeI-3YMGmRxVJg_

[General Hawk]

I think it's still a strange idea for a ninja pack to have two not-so-ninja characters. My only question would be: the Retaliation figures will be from the same plastic as the previous lines?

From what I can tell with these samples in hand, the plastic quality is quite comparable to what we've been getting. I can't notice any discernible difference.

[Kitchen Viper]

City Strike Snake Eyes' lower legs won't work. Way too short. However, I did try Night Adder, and they work well. Road Pig might be an even better color match.

The below image is one Night Adder lower leg, one normal:

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/528082326.jpg?key=18403264&Expires=1330569539&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=qLLYubzHsVue8xsw1MOdc~IfZAQTEoKORx9PoIPV s5-cmMWdMmCrV4RzndSGj0oZet-xW3-duohnK0gaEKHmiL0lzz2AGZF0sTAoL-W4-t-xh9w43dncXVl1yzouvS3kudVMHnVu47YDUaUjAl7wnDb6CfFU2 g9MhOD3izXco7o_

This is good to know; I have an extra Night Adder!

Interesting to note the double joint knee does not add any additional range of motion with these thick legs.

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/528083352.jpg?key=32641840&Expires=1330570029&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=rB9aFSL5EbRme5AWDKluQVFQ~RatdbDSTxXaTA-RXusoevLLZj4AEHlJ-jWDvpiBmNe93rcR-5PSgDDlP57HVI5PEwi2zBSEWpffuwcgM5fpIqV0dLluvAo4yfQ CXBrTFT3so6DGm7gkcea42SQ9JBK--0nAzHeI-3YMGmRxVJg_

Yeah, I'll probably experiment a bit and see what I can come up with. Might even try a different kneepad or something...

[General Hawk]

Justin, I know the individual figures aren't lighting your fire, but would it be possible to post at "overall set" remark? IE, do you consider these three figures (assuming RB has correct hands) to be worth a purchase at $20 retail? Especially considering the $8 (or more) retail price for Joe figures?

Certainly.

As things stand, it certainly looks like Roadblock will end up coming with open hands.

If that is the case, then yes, I do consider this set worth the $20 price tag, but begrudgingly. It's not perfect. But you get a lot of accessories, you get some great webgear with Beachhead, and even though I'm not a huge fan of the color scheme, the Beachhead figure itself is pretty cool and has some great customizing potential.

With open hands, Roadblock is pretty damn good as well. After swapping lower legs with Night Adder, you realize that the only major articulation point he's missing is ankles (since the double knees don't add anything) and the figure becomes even more desirable in my book.

So yes, I do think this first 3 Pack is worth picking up, but it's not a slam dunk. If it retails for the $20 MSRP, I think it's cool enough to buy. If it floats closer to $25 and up, probably not.

I will say for sure, even before posting the reviews, that the second 3-Pack IS a slam dunk. It's awesome. But more details on that as I get the reviews finished.

[red4]

City Strike Snake Eyes' lower legs won't work. Way too short. However, I did try Night Adder, and they work well. Road Pig might be an even better color match.

The below image is one Night Adder lower leg, one normal:

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/528082326.jpg?key=18403264&Expires=1330569539&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=qLLYubzHsVue8xsw1MOdc~IfZAQTEoKORx9PoIPV s5-cmMWdMmCrV4RzndSGj0oZet-xW3-duohnK0gaEKHmiL0lzz2AGZF0sTAoL-W4-t-xh9w43dncXVl1yzouvS3kudVMHnVu47YDUaUjAl7wnDb6CfFU2 g9MhOD3izXco7o_

Interesting to note the double joint knee does not add any additional range of motion with these thick legs.

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/528083352.jpg?key=32641840&Expires=1330570029&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=rB9aFSL5EbRme5AWDKluQVFQ~RatdbDSTxXaTA-RXusoevLLZj4AEHlJ-jWDvpiBmNe93rcR-5PSgDDlP57HVI5PEwi2zBSEWpffuwcgM5fpIqV0dLluvAo4yfQ CXBrTFT3so6DGm7gkcea42SQ9JBK--0nAzHeI-3YMGmRxVJg_

Pictures won't load.

[Steevy Maximus]

I will say for sure, even before posting the reviews, that the second 3-Pack IS a slam dunk. It's awesome. But more details on that as I get the reviews finished.
You tease you :p

[Kitchen Viper]

I will say for sure, even before posting the reviews, that the second 3-Pack IS a slam dunk. It's awesome. But more details on that as I get the reviews finished.

Awesome, dude! Can't wait to read 'em!

[Fox]

I'm so picking up this set once it hits Ross.

[WVMojo]

For Roadblock - is it sad I was more excited to see the slaughter head on there and how close the skin color matched than I am about getting the figure as Roadblock?

[Shin Densetsu]

Ok, I get how creative most of you guys are. But it almost begs the question; why do you collect GI Joes to only turn around and completely modify them? I mean, we get to see pics of pre-production and right off the bat it's...oh, I can really use that to mod. Like I said, I'm not attacking tankers creative prowess, I'm just more curious than anything. When did collecting GI Joes turn into a mod hobby? I collect them and keep them as they are, with exception to minor tweeks, but never completely altering the figure.

I think for most of us, it all started with the realization that customizing can be easy. I mean for me, at most I'll dab some paint on, but I usually swap parts around. I bought quite a number of ROC PIT Troopers just to have them in different configurations. I also used their parts on other figures like Duke, Sgt Stone and Snake Eyes.

Customizing, be it minimal or extensive, adds to the enjoyment of collecting these figures.

For example I already plan on mixing and matching parts from the Ninja Showdown set. I also may paint up the wave 1 Red Ninja as Storm Shadow, upgraded, since he has rocker ankles and forearm/ankle armor. When we're younger we usually just play with the toys, being older and more knowledgeable, and able to customize easier makes it more fun imo.

I'm more excited for this set now that Rock will have open hands.

[red4]

Ok, I get how creative most of you guys are. But it almost begs the question; why do you collect GI Joes to only turn around and completely modify them? I mean, we get to see pics of pre-production and right off the bat it's...oh, I can really use that to mod. Like I said, I'm not attacking tankers creative prowess, I'm just more curious than anything. When did collecting GI Joes turn into a mod hobby? I collect them and keep them as they are, with exception to minor tweeks, but never completely altering the figure.

I have my own characters in mind that are not part of the GI Joe universe, and have nothing to do with anything related to GI Joe. When I see new and interesting parts, I think "Oh finally I can achieve that detail I was having trouble with!"
And since I have no interest in GI Joe canon (I can honestly say I am not a GI Joe fan - not that I oppose GI Joe in any way), I have no problem taking popular characters apart just to use them for kitbashes.

[Omega 8]

Where's the "Toldja So" button?

I think that was for me and, if so, I deserved it.......

[lespaul59]

Did anybody else think of Arnold in Conan the Barbarian when they first saw this Roadblock. When I first saw the pictures of this figure I started calling it Roadblock the Barbarian.

[Kitchen Viper]

Did anybody else think of Arnold in Conan the Barbarian when they first saw this Roadblock. When I first saw the pictures of this figure I started calling it Roadblock the Barbarian.

I More thought of "Commando"...

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WW4Y1Y13rWI/S9mEaOJFEiI/AAAAAAAAADw/cErGSE6sohI/s1600/Commando--C10000971.jpeg

[lespaul59]

I More thought of "Commando"...

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WW4Y1Y13rWI/S9mEaOJFEiI/AAAAAAAAADw/cErGSE6sohI/s1600/Commando--C10000971.jpeg

Very good point, I never even thought of Commando. Which makes more sence than Conan considering Commando is a military themed movie and not a sword and Sorcery movie.

[Omega 8]

The Beachhead fig is simply beautiful. Elegant is it's simplicity. We all know the buck is EPIC and the gear is SICK!!

As for our boy "The 'Block" wqith the exception of the hands, the sculpt is amazing, even w/out ankle joints. Add in the fact that the hands will be fixed? BOOM. Great buy.

Big Thanks to Justin anf Gyre for the advanced review....

[ShadowNinja]

I thought commando too. Im still getting this figure. Hell im getting all of them.

[General Hawk]

Red Ninja and Storm Shadow are up!

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Red Ninja (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/dojobattle/redninja.html)

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Storm Shadow (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/dojobattle/stormshadow.html)

[Huer-Ta]

Red Ninja and Storm Shadow are up!

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Red Ninja (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/dojobattle/redninja.html)

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Storm Shadow (http://generalsjoes.com/reviews/2012/retaliation/battlepacks/dojobattle/stormshadow.html)

These are from the other 3 pack, yes? I can't believe I'm excited over another Storm Shadow, I think he really looks great. And that Red Ninja...Mmm...

[Storm]

Great reviews as always. As I was not impressed by the first 3pack figures, I must say that Red Ninja and SS are realy BadAss!!
I like that "kasa" hat a lot, can you post pic of Storm Shadow wearing that??
I think Storm Shadow is also wery cool and those armor pads make him look realy like a modern ninja but I kinda dig the whole white version which we see in press fotos better.

[Fast_Draw]

Are these 3-packs exclusives? Any estimated price?

[Kitchen Viper]

Very good point, I never even thought of Commando. Which makes more sence than Conan considering Commando is a military themed movie and not a sword and Sorcery movie.

In all fairness, I think Arnold's camo in "Commando" was probably inspired by his camo in "Conan"

as for the new reviews, yeah, I'm excited about these, being a huge ninja fan. Stormy looks good except for the grey paint on his face.Makes him look a bit like Firefly. Red probably would've worked better, like a homage to the JvC version. In fact, red might have been better than grey over all. I dig the large Cobra sigil on the chest, though.

Slice---er, uh, "Red Ninja" looks really awesome. the mask doesn't seem to fit all that well on the head, though. Oh well, nothing a little head swap won't fix.Considering all the use Hasbro got out of the 25th stormy, this isn't all that surprising; this mold is even more versatile than the 25th...Kamakura. Black Dragon, a couple of Red Ninja, and they haven't even reused it as Stormy yet. Can '88 and Ninja Force versions be far behind? I hope not.

the accessories seem kind of light after the other Ninja set... no backpack for Stormy? Nowhere to store his sword? No quiver of arrows? What's he gonna shoot with? He's got no ammo! No sword at all for Slice? Not even a wakizashi? Ah, well, still looking forward to this set...