Pyramid of Darkness G.I. Joe Entertainment Battle Pack

[Shogi]

Like all the other DVDs, this one is a bare bones version. The main menu is the same as is the artwork for the episode menu. Just the titles of the episodes are different. This DVD features the Season 1 opening and ending sequences.

[Shogi]

When I first heard about this Snake-Eyes, I wasn't that impressed. I liked the idea of him being purplish to match the cartoon, but I could care less about him having the ankle bracelets the second version had (I was more a fan of the first Snake-Eyes design) I must say though, that after holding this figure in my hands, it's is much cooler than I once thought. First off, there are hardly any reused parts on this figure. The torso is the only reused part. I expected to see the same wave 1 Snake-Eyes with new ankles, instead we got a new head, arms, legs and belts! Unlike the wave 1 figure, the chest strap on this figure isn't connected to the waist belt. The chest strap is removable but the waist belt is glued in place. The sword that comes with Snake-Eyes looks more like the original one that came with version two in the 80's. Snake-Eyes comes with a Rifle, Sword, and GI Joe Stand.

This Snake-Eyes blows the wave 1 Snake-Eyes out of the water! I'm sure more people with agree with me when they release this mold in black. The best part about this figure is that there is no crappy knife sheath on the leg! If this was a black version, it'd have a chance of unseating my 5 pack Snake-Eyes from my Joe display, as it is, it's good for a Joe toon display.


Figure Rating: 9 out of 10

[Shogi]

Quick Kick's first debut was in the Pyramid of Darkness, so it's only right that he's included in this DVD set. The figure is an all new sculpt that looks a lot like Bruce Lee. Now Quick Kick never really looked like Bruce Lee in the toon, but it's a nice homage to Bruce Lee that doesn't really take away from the figure itself. Unlike a lot of figures, Quick Kick's elbows can easily make a 90 degree angle. The left hand is in a "karate chop" pose that is cool for some poses, but it'd be nice if he could hold both ends of his nunchaku. The legs have great knee joints that allow some awesome ninja crouches, unfortunately there are no ankle joints so the poses look like he's balancing on his toes and heel. The feet look great in most poses and can rotate around with a joint at the bottom of the pants leg, but an ankle joint wouldn't detract from the sculpt and would have allowed for more poses. This is something the Indy toy line was able to do with the Ugha Warrior, so why not GI Joe? Quick Kick's weapons look like the original ones, however, the back pack has a problem. It looks like the upper half of it is sticking out and away from Quick Kick's back. This is due to the back peg being in the middle of the backpack. I think if it was near the top, this wouldn't be a problem. Quick Kick comes with a Backpack, Sword, removable Belt, Nunchaku and GI Joe Stand.

This figure has a lot of great sculpting in it and is a great figure, but the lack of ankle joints take a lot away from it. If any figure should have full movement of their feet, it's a martial artist. Quick Kick also suffers from not having a small line of paint at the top of his eyes giving him that bugged out eye look.


Figure Rating: 7 out of 10

[Shogi]

Now this is how Major Bludd should look! This Major Bludd has the same right arm and Zartan's left arm along with the Zartan thighs. However, now he has the Hiss Driver's torso and completely new boots. The right hand has been changed from having 3 fingers to 5 now to be more cartoon acurate. The body is done in cartoon colors, which for once, doesn't mean lighter colors. The body is a dark brown with silver highlights and a blue collar. The Dog Tags don't look good since they were made to fit Zartan's torso. The teeth are now painted. I never really noticed them before, now they make the head look odd. Unfortunately, this time around they didn't add that small line at the top of the eye, so Bludd has a single "bug out" eye look going on. Major Bludd comes with a removable Belt, Backpack, removable Dog Tags, Rocket Launcher Gun, 4 Rockets and Cobra Stand.

This is a great figure, looks exactly how Major Bludd looks like in the cartoon and is the perfect mold for the original figure. The biggest problem is that the rockets don't stay in the backpack. Many people had this issue with the first figure, I didn't then, but now I do with this figure.


Figure Rating: 9 out of 10

[Shogi]

Yes, we have another Cobra Commander and yes, we've gotten a few too many these past two years. At least with almost every Cobra Commander, there is something improved. In this case it's an open left hand. Now Cobra Commander can either shoot you or throw his scepter at you with his right or left hand! The head is also a new sculpt of the classic hooded look. It's not quite as windswept as the first one was. This time around Cobra Commander comes with a small scepter with a snake coiled around it. Although I didn't see it in the Pyramid of Darkness mini series, it's still a cool little accessory. Cobra Commander also comes with his classic laser gun and a Cobra Stand

It's not the best Cobra Commander figure out there but it's an ok one. It's biggest saving graces are the open hand and Scepter accessory.


Figure Rating: 6 out of 10

[Shogi]

The extra pack in part with this set is a Cobra Control Cube. This is one of the cubes used to form the Pyramid of Darkness. As an added bonus, it can attach to the MASS Device's Transport Chasis that is also included with this set so it can appear to be transported by it. The biggest problem with this Control Cube is it's size. I know it would be impossible to make them their actual size in the toon as they would be bigger than any vehicle we've gotten so far. At this size and in that purple color (I assume to simulate it being powered up to form the Pyramid of Darkness) it looks more like a big energon cube from Transformers than anything else. I think it would have been cooler to get a "Fatal Fluffy" figure instead, but I'm probably in the minority there.


The MASS Device Transport Chasis part attaches to the bottom of the two MASS Device parts from the previous DVD sets.

[teemu8]

Quick looks identical to the original - AWESOME!

[Outbackk]

Great review, Shogi. I'm excited to get this set in the mail this week. Looks like some paint touch ups will be needed (i.e. Quick Kick). I never noticed the Mr. Burns pose CC is doing on the DVD art.

[ceraurus]

I absolutely agree with your review of the snake eyes from this set. I don't even mind the color much (although I'm sure I'd like a black one better). Did you touch up the paint on Quick Kick's head? Mine looked so much worse than yours coming out of the box.

I like the parts used on this Maj. Bludd - it seems a decent compromise between the single carded version and the desert set version. Although the latter one looks more like the original, the parts used make the figure less solid than I would like. I really don't like the Cobra Commander in this set - I'll probably just scavenge the hands for one of the other versions.

[mackdawg77]

What about Maj Bludd's 3 fingered glove?

[Shin Densetsu]

Hey Shogi, can Snake Eyes' falchion sword be stored between his back and bandolier? The wave 1 Snake Eyes can do this with his sword, so I was wondering if this one is able to as well. I prefer the head and hands on the wave 1 version, but the body and new parts on this are better. Especially the sword...falchion ftw! The head and hands are reminiscent of Sigma 6, especially the head.

[Dreadnok619]

My SE belt was not glued into place, but it sure is a snug fit. I removed that ( had to take the legs off though) and the chest strap and put them on my wave one SE. I'm just not down with the purple and the head sculpt.

[Gung.Heaux]

whats with the crappo silver treads on the MASS piece?
except for snake eyes and bludd....this looks like a shit set.....but, i need that MASS component. so here ya ho hasbro, i gots the KY ready.

[COL Abernathy]

This Snake Eyes is just more...
Toony...

[quintonarledge]

Great review.
I can't wait until my set arrives in the mail from HTS!
I hope Quick Kick is released on a single card at some point in the future, too.

[Imperial_Ozma]

Aweome love the Snake-eyes...

Major Bludd dosn't look like he's being strangled by his dog tags anymore.

Cobra Commander is cool. Though I for one like the closed fist, it's fun to have him in a pose where he shakes it at the joes... or raises it to rally his troops.

[artiepants]

i'd be a lot more into this Snake-Eyes if it wasn't for the monstrous hands...

[VIPER 48]

Great review as usual. I really liked the Quick Kick and Snake Eyes from this set. Major Bludd was pretty bad ass too. Not to fond of another CC, but this set was worth the money...

[Shogi]

Did you touch up the paint on Quick Kick's head? Mine looked so much worse than yours coming out of the box.


No touch ups done, that's right out of the box

What about Maj Bludd's 3 fingered glove?

Good catch! I completely forgot about that. It's been added to the review now, Thanx

My SE belt was not glued into place, but it sure is a snug fit. I removed that ( had to take the legs off though) and the chest strap and put them on my wave one SE. I'm just not down with the purple and the head sculpt.

Ya know, I just assumed it was glued since I tugged on it and it didn't move

[Mandingo Rex]

Between the eyes on the guys, slight QC issues, and Quick Kick's feet and CC's long "head" (neck?), I don't see too many drawbacks.

I don't mind the purple either, it's a very desaturated plum color, and doesn't look any more ridiculous than Scarlett's gymnast outfit.

I still like V2 SE's charcoal color, but this one may split Snake Eyes "duty" on the shelf, as I like them both. Finally, a Snake Eyes that's not a direct repaint of the original!

I think the new molds are great for him, I could care less about "giant hands", as he'll always have them full of weapons, as Snake Eyes should.

[ceraurus]

Hey Shogi, can Snake Eyes' falchion sword be stored between his back and bandolier? The wave 1 Snake Eyes can do this with his sword, so I was wondering if this one is able to as well.

Yes, it can fit there. There is also a loop on his belt that can hold it.

[SnakePlissken]

Give me a "Fatal Fluffy" figure!

[tt8l]

The DVD packs after the first two actually seem worth the price. I recently bought the first two together for $30 shipped. Somehow, I feel as though I got a better deal with this set even though I paid $23 for it alone. It helps that I look at everything from a customizing perspective. I think this is an excellent set. It also helps that this is only the third Cobra Commander I've actually bought at retail.

[Fast_Draw]

just got my set today...kind of disappointed/surprised that the treads don't have wheels like the Armadillo and Hiss Tank treads do. I'm still quite happy with the DVD packs. I can't wait to get the last one to complete my MASS device.

[tuan_tran73]

I just open my, and here is my opion. The best one would be Snake Eyes, Its awesome. Quick kick, I like it - the eye does not bother me at all. Major Bludd is awesome, but I prefer Single Pack head - I will swap it. CC is the best houded so far.

I would give 9 out 10. -1 for minor sloppy paint app.

THANK YOU HASBRO, I LIKE IT. YOU JUST PROVE ME WRONG ON QUICK KICK.

[Monkeywrench]

Great Review. Thanks

[DPrime]

I love that Snake Eyes got a new mold for the V2 look. This is EXACTLY what I was hoping for when I saw that the original one was just a repaint with a new head and gear. Frankly, I'm surprised, but pleased. I can't wait until Hasbro releases one in black and grey, with a backpack he can put his sword in. It would easily be my default SE.

Quick Kick is great. I don't care about the ankles. I have a bigger problem with the fact that Roadblock, Destro and Bazooka don't have double-jointed knees, and that Lady Jaye doesn't have swivel wrists! What's up with that??? I don't recall anyone complaining about these figures either - at least this was done for aesthetic reasons.

CC... meh. Nice that they fixed the hand, here's hoping for a new one in proper colours.

[Shogi]

Quick Kick is great. I don't care about the ankles. I have a bigger problem with the fact that Roadblock, Destro and Bazooka don't have double-jointed knees, and that Lady Jaye doesn't have swivel wrists! What's up with that??? I don't recall anyone complaining about these figures either - at least this was done for aesthetic reasons.


I remember the complaining about all 3 of those figures :) I think Hasbro said that the bigger figures got single jointed knees due to their size and it was a stability thing or something. I want to say Lady Jaye was a factory error or something (Same with Duke arms)

[JR0d28]

give anything to get my hands on a Quick Kick even parting with a black baroness

[unclejoey]

I really like the CC, just bought him on eBay for $5.00 shipped. I can't get down with the Major on account of that damned stiff arm, it's ridiculous. Quick Kick is ok I guess, but I hate the HIYA hand. The Snake Eyes mold is killer, but I'll wait until he is released in black, grey, or something not gay.

[Elite Force Cobra]

is the Greatest battles part of this set ??

[Xerofall]

is the Greatest battles part of this set ??

No! It's the Pyramid of Darkness set.

[Shin Densetsu]

Yes, it can fit there. There is also a loop on his belt that can hold it.
The belt too? Sweet, thanks man!

[SNAKE EYES]

I just wish Hasbro would get rid of the collar on the Snake Eyes V2 figures it just takes away from the look IMO. I could never figure out why some figures had that bug eye look until I read your review. Shogi any good tips on what to use to fix this you would need a very steady hand and fine brush to paint it any ideas for a novice to use to fix the bug eye look.

[Shogi]

I just wish Hasbro would get rid of the collar on the Snake Eyes V2 figures it just takes away from the look IMO. I could never figure out why some figures had that bug eye look until I read your review. Shogi any good tips on what to use to fix this you would need a very steady hand and fine brush to paint it any ideas for a novice to use to fix the bug eye look.

I use a toothpick. Take your normal toothpick and shave the end down at an angle to give you a thin flat edge to paint with.

[SNAKE EYES]

^What are the best paints to use?

Is there any fine tip paint markers you or anyone else on the Tank have used or would suggest?

[Shogi]

^What are the best paints to use?

Is there any fine tip paint markers you or anyone else on the Tank have used or would suggest?

This thread should answer most any question you can have:

Paints & Supplies, recommendations on what materials to use for customs! - HissTank.com - G.I. Joe (http://www.hisstank.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13917)

I use Testors paint markers for silver and gold but not fine point ones

[SNAKE EYES]

Thanks for the help Shogi. I just ordered this set from HTS today can't wait to get it.

[butter_the_pure]

Thank you so much!!!

[Dake]

Good review. This SE has replaced my V2 on display. The purple is so dark as to look black until you're up close and even then I like it as it adds some depth.

Quick Kick would be perfect with ankles. As it is, mine are ever so slightly bowed so he doesn't stand as solidly as he could.

I guess I'm in the minority buy I really don't like the new Bludd. The Flash neck is too skinny and short. The dog tag chains aren't big enough, so they ride on top of the Flash collar, and it looks like they changed the helmet (probably the whole head actually) so his head doesn't look quite as good either. Ah well, at least there's an option out there for everyone else.

[Jinx723]

I'm fairly happy with this set, though Hasbro shot themselves in the foot. Major Bludd is a vast improvement over the single carded release, but Major Bludd from the Desert Assult Squad is my default Maj. Bludd. QuickKick is awesome but I hate that he's molded in that orangey flesh color that the GIJCC do on their sets. Many don't like the new head mold for the 'toon' Snake Eyes but I like it more than the Wave 1 Snake Eyes, that head mold looks too much like a football with a visor. Once again awesome review.

[UMAN]

Wasn't interested in the set, but I received the Snake-Eyes through a trade.

I LOVE THIS FIGURE! He's still not 100% accurate to the v2 card-art, but he's close enough. The purple doesn't bother me one bit... he looks black from 5 feet away. The head design is better than wave 1's just because it's in scale with his body. You can snap his sword into v3's backpack with minimum effort. Gave him a pair of Marauder Mac-10's and he looks ready for business!

[Mandingo Rex]

JUST opened this guy finally. The Bludd blows the V1 out of the water. I opted to open this set for Bludd since I get the awesome Snake Eyes and QK too. I think I'll hold off on opening the Desert set, as this one simply rocks.

Other than the head, my paint on Bludd is fantastic. I really love the blue helmet and the painted teeth, but my head came out terrible. His eye is so pale you can barely make it out, and only the white and pupil is painted. The strap on the eyepatch only goes over his patched eye, not over his forehead over the other eye. The fu manchu was also terribly painted. For now, I have the V1 head on the body, but I plan to swap helmets and paint the teeth. I honestly like the thinner mustache on the DVD version, if it was just painted better. I prefer the teeth colored, so I plan on doing that. I had to clip the dog tags and glue them under his collar. A vast improvement!

Snake Eyes, despite the purple, will switch places back and forth with V2 Snake Eyes. I can't decide which I like better. Of course, once the new 5-pack Snake Eyes hits my hands, I think he'll be a good average of the two. Plus, the new Timber rocks.

Quick Kick, I honestly really like. I think the ankles were a mistake, and should have been articulated, because he frankly DOES have trouble standing. This is my second set, which I opened, due to the first set having terrible eyes, with TWO pupils on the left eye. This one is much better, and I honestly like the subtly lighter black hair, as it's not stark black; it looks realistic. The eyes don't bug me so bad... I don't really agree that he needs the over-the-eye crescent shape painted black, since he's Asian. Asian eyes are very delicate and often the upper lid isn't that defined, unless a female draws the line on darker with eyeliner. The chop hand is sorta lame, but cool at the same time. His right hand has to be bent, and THEN he can hold his weapons. The default shape is a tad too loose to hold the nunchaku.

The CC sucks, other than his new gloves and accessory-thing. The head is just proportionally off and the color is a tad too bright. One thing I appreciate though is the app of the glossy paint on his boots/gloves. It makes them look like polished leather.

Thanks for the review Shogi!

[SniperX]

Gawd what have they done to Quick kick :( they butchered his ass..