GeneralsJoes First Look - G.I. Joe: Retaliation Ghost Hawk II

[General Hawk]

Staff Edit: READ THIS before posting a review! (http://www.hisstank.com/forum/g-i-joe-toy-reviews-quick-feedback/announcements.html)

With the official toy line release coming in less than a month, it makes sense that some of these items are becoming available...

I was able to get my hands on the large scale, totally newly tooled Ghost Hawk II vehicle, and I've posted my usual lengthy review at GeneralsJoes.com!


Now I'm much more of a figure collector than a vehicle one, but when I had the chance to get this piece, I couldn't turn it down. I thought it was getting pretty quickly dismissed by a lot of folks, and I really thought it looked pretty cool.

The end result? Overall I am happy with it, though there is room for improvement. You can read all of my thoughts at the link above!

[Arbrias]

Great review Justin, a lot of the things you went over were the concerns that I had, and though it looks nice, I believe you just saved me $25.

My only question now is, since we know you have atleast a retaliation Duke from the pictures, when are we going to start seeing some figure reviews on the normal retaliation line?

[MethaZord]

the sticker sheet alone makes me want at least 1!

[Crimson Rage]

Nice review! It's a great vehicle that could have been near perfect if the missiles were a more natural colour... Still want it though. I like that the canopy is smoked - Not being able to see the pilot gives the illusion that the vehicle is bigger, just like the Black Dragon VTOL.

When my RET HISS turns up I'll definately order this next.

[khill926]

Thanks, Justin. Great review as always. I did notice one thing I wanted to ask about. Is it just me or is that cockpit area large enough for a 5" fig or larger? It looks huge.

[USAgent]

very Nice. Would have liked a pic of the figure just standing next to it as well- but the in-cockpit and 'dragged by the rope' pic are good enough. I don't mind the coloring but the hollow tail is sort of a bummer- no 'in-flight' display from my ceiling for this one. but for play-value it looks like a lot of fun!

[Veedubguy83]

I dig it, will definitely get at least 1!

[blayze5150]

I like it. I actually like the missle color. It's kind of a throwback to the Ghost Striker.

[Black Llama]

Are the decals peeling that bad already (I can see it in some of the pics)? Also, I don't understand why the canopy has to be that darker shade of green :\ Had it been uniform in color with the rest of the vehicle (which I am dubbing 'Air-Havok') it would have looked better.

[alcoholic ewok]

Well if he gave it 3 and a half stars it must be a piece of shit that's not in the movie.

[CrimsonGuard101]

this thing could only be loved by Oscar the Grouch...sicne it will end up in the trashcan faster then a banana peel....is it a plane? Is it a boat? is it a facade to trick cobra into bombing it instead of the skystrikers? WHAT IS THIS THING LOL...terrible design, terrible colors...terrible toy...thanks for nothing hasbro!

[rdodger]

I'm not feeling it either.

[ChaplainAsst]

Man, this thing is just one big missed opportunity. Cockpit is so large it could have either 1) been made smaller to create more cargo room or 2) been EXPANDED to fit more than one pilot. It looks as if there was room to possibly have 3 in the cockpit area if more of the nose was used. The Cargo area was poorly designed in such a way that even customizing it would be difficult. If they had made the hinged door on the rear of the plane instead of the belly, it would have made for a nice small jump platform. As is, it is just one big regret.

This one is easily a pass. Unless someone customizes it into something amazing ...

[nighthawk]

I wanted this until I saw the review. As others said, the cockpit is too large for just one figure. They could have easily made it a 3-seater (the same style as the Night Attack Chopper) and without the winch, maybe room for 2 more in the cargo area.

[Laser Viper]

Awesome review man, but i think im only getting one of these just to see for myself and if i like it, i might get another. But i do like putting the sticker applications and piecing the jet together alot. It takes me back to old school joe stuff. Anyway, I agree with Justin, its not bad, but could be better. Hopefully Hasbro has something better down the road, like a repaint of the HISS scout or some more 25th vehicles.

[Crimson Rage]

Well if he gave it 3 and a half stars it must be a piece of shit that's not in the movie.

Eh wha..?
I do believe it's the vehicle from the trailer (the one presumably transporting the Joes that many thought was a flight of Rattlers) scaled down, as was the ROC Gunship.
But I'm not sure why a reviewer would rate a toy down just because it "wasn't in the movie"...

[MJjoe4life]

Thanks for the review!! I will probably get only two of these. I know my son would like to play with it. The colors dont bother me.

[orezona]

Sigma 6 just called...

...they want their stripped down Dragonhawk back.

[CrimsonGuard101]

Eh wha..?
I do believe it's the vehicle from the trailer (the one presumably transporting the Joes that many thought was a flight of Rattlers) scaled down, as was the ROC Gunship.
But I'm not sure why a reviewer would rate a toy down just because it "wasn't in the movie"...

If this thing is a take on those jets (that should have been updated rattlers instead of another usless joe jet) in the movie then wow...lol... but given it has similar engines on the wings and it falls in with Hasbro's warped sense of humor for making micronian skewed vehciles into toys...it is a dead ringer...

[General Hawk]

Great review Justin, a lot of the things you went over were the concerns that I had, and though it looks nice, I believe you just saved me $25.

My only question now is, since we know you have atleast a retaliation Duke from the pictures, when are we going to start seeing some figure reviews on the normal retaliation line?

They're coming! I've got most of the pictures done, I'm just working on the text and formatting.

Thanks!

[General Hawk]

Thanks, Justin. Great review as always. I did notice one thing I wanted to ask about. Is it just me or is that cockpit area large enough for a 5" fig or larger? It looks huge.

Yeah, the cockpit is pretty large. I don't have any 5" figures handy to check the size comparison, but it's definitely a pretty big space.

[General Hawk]

Are the decals peeling that bad already (I can see it in some of the pics)? Also, I don't understand why the canopy has to be that darker shade of green :\ Had it been uniform in color with the rest of the vehicle (which I am dubbing 'Air-Havok') it would have looked better.

Air-Havok! Nice. Love that.

The peeling stickers are mostly a result of some weird design conflicts. Stickers made to wrap around missiles, when the bottom of the missile is hollow without much surface to grip. A little snip with scissors should take care of it.

The stickers themselves do seem to adhere just fine.

[orezona]

Soooo...

When are you posting your review of the Retaliation HISS (v6)?

That's really the only vehicle I'm really going to try hard to acquire.

I know you have one... Don't hold out on us!

[spiderpumpkin]

Good review. I'm glad I clicked the link to see your review.

[Troops of Doom]

Not bad, it has some cool features. I think the winch feature could be better used for cargo than figures. Missiles should not be orange but a can of spray paint can fix that.

[General Hawk]

Soooo...

When are you posting your review of the Retaliation HISS (v6)?

That's really the only vehicle I'm really going to try hard to acquire.

I know you have one... Don't hold out on us!

Ha! No that one I do not have yet. It looks pretty nice, though, I wish I did!

[Crimson Rage]

People just have to swallow the fact that this line is, first and foremost, for children! The brighter colours, chunkier designs, shooting missiles, reduced paint apps & articulation and cheaper plastic (because kids don't obsess about such things) all point to this. We've had some great stuff these past few years, but now we have to step back and except this line ain't for any but the most compulsive of adult 'collectors'.

[spiderpumpkin]

I still think that jet looks like some kind of Tranformers Energon/Cybertron toy that doesn't transform.

[CrimsonGuard101]

People just have to swallow the fact that this line is, first and foremost, for children! The brighter colours, chunkier designs, shooting missiles, reduced paint apps & articulation and cheaper plastic (because kids don't obsess about such things) all point to this. We've had some great stuff these past few years, but now we have to step back and except this line ain't for any but the most compulsive of adult 'collectors'.

If this was Tonka or Ficher Price toys I would agree...they can make all sorts of 1+ toys for the younger kids in all sorts of sub licenses like they have already...childrens books, building blocks, couzy-coup joe jeeps...but once you get to 4-5+ the toys change...and these are joe toys. I dunno why people keep acting like 4-5 year olds want duplo sized action figure/vehicles for the rest of thier lives...I was 4 when I got my first joe...and he didnt have huge missile launchers, whacked out neon color schemes and all of this snazzy jazzy crap thats being "supposdely" targeted at chidlren thes days...i dont buy that one bit...new argument please...that horse has been dead since the 25th line re-invented joes...

[spiderpumpkin]

If this was Tonka or Ficher Price toys I would agree...they can make all sorts of 1+ toys for the younger kids in all sorts of sub licenses like they have already...childrens books, building blocks, couzy-coup joe jeeps...but once you get to 4-5+ the toys change...and these are joe toys. I dunno why people keep acting like 4-5 year olds want duplo sized action figure/vehicles for the rest of thier lives...I was 4 when I got my first joe...and he didnt have huge missile launchers, whacked out neon color schemes and all of this snazzy jazzy crap thats being "supposdely" targeted at chidlren thes days...i dont buy that one bit...new argument please...that horse has been dead since the 25th line re-invented joes...

Hasbro has said as much. They spend a lot of money and time with kid focus groups and come up with game plans to present to the executives who make the final decisions.

[CrimsonGuard101]

Hasbro has said as much. They spend a lot of money and time with kid focus groups and come up with game plans to present to the executives who make the final decisions.

Ahh ok..whatev lol...with the cost cutting they are doing to these toys like this jet..I doubt very much they spent as much as you think in this research..

[gruppenfuhrer88]

I don't know, still on the fence with this one...it looks cool enough. Nice review by the way.

[Ruin]

A very good review with great pictures, as usual.

A question: are the bottom missles seperately detachable?

Me personally, I don't like sardine-can like cockpits which is one reason I think I prefer the Thunderwing to the ChapMei F-22. However, the ghost hawk's cockpit is large enough that it looks somewhat strange looking, though I'm not saying they should or could have added another seat there.... Besides, it's an attack aircraft, why would they need a seperate weapons or radar operator anyways? What i would have prefered is Hasbro doing something a little more constructive with the cargo area, like make it larger and possibly put a rear gunner position.


I hate that phallic looking silver "weapon" that's mounted on the right side of the fuselage. Good thing it looks like it can be left off.

Those spring loaded "missles" in the upper part of the wings look a lot more like guns to me. I wish they were made out of the plastic the silver phallus is.

I would have prefered this to have an actual landing gear rather than skids, but that would have cost a lot.

Unless I'm really not feeling it when I find it retail, I'll probably buy one since I like Joe Aircraft and this fits into an organizational need for a subsonic VTOL attack plane.

[killerloon]

Well. You sir have saved me $25 bucks. The hollow missiles and tail section really upset me. This was the only vehicle I wanted out of all this new @$%^. Now? Not so much. It just feels like Hasbro took a box wrote Gi Joe on it and threw it on the shelf. The keep saying its to cut cost, but it just feels more like there trying to line their on pockets. 3 out of the four vehicles are redos and the most of the figs look like reused parts. How we ever went from POC/30th to this is beyond me.

[Kolschey]

At $24 MSRP before sales tax, between the color palette, the disposable Fisher Price Adventure People figure and the half-measures in the sculpting and design, it's an easy pass for me.

They bunted this one, and it really shows in the worst way. This was the one sculpt that had promise, but it dies the death of a thousand little cost cuts that result in something that is ultimately less than satisfactory.

That said, it looks like good kitbash sculpting stock for folks who score one of these on clearance or as Big Lots surplus at half price, six months from now...

[brock Samson]

Was already going to pass, these pics confirm it. the silver thing on the side of the cockpit is a refueling boom. A total waste with nothing to connect it to.

[CrimsonGuard101]

Was already going to pass, these pics confirm it. the silver thing on the side of the cockpit is a refueling boom. A total waste with nothing to connect it to.

Actually its a "Battle Kata Ultimate Ninja Homing Probe" it helps the joes locate the Arishikage Temple as it moves with ever sun rise...

[Gilgamesh51]

Great review as always, but I'm convinced that I can pass on this.

I don't really like the overall look of this plane, especially the way the missiles are grouped on the wings. Its neat that the VTOL feature is there, but thats not saving the design for me. The zip line feature is kinda dumb here, more or less useless really. I was just happy to see the jets and helicopters have hook points for the lines, but not an actual system that makes the tail end of the plane look cheap when you see it.

Not buying this will give me more cash for the ninja VAMPs I want!

[blackman2005]

I still have my fingers crossed for a Joe and Cobra aerial troop transport vehicle between the release of Retaliation and the next iteration of Joe toys next year sometime. Hasbro knows there are some serious troop builders out here so why not capitalize on that fact and give a vehicle that can fit 6+ figures at once? Makes sense...

[emags]

If this was Tonka or Ficher Price toys I would agree...they can make all sorts of 1+ toys for the younger kids in all sorts of sub licenses like they have already...childrens books, building blocks, couzy-coup joe jeeps...but once you get to 4-5+ the toys change...and these are joe toys. I dunno why people keep acting like 4-5 year olds want duplo sized action figure/vehicles for the rest of thier lives...I was 4 when I got my first joe...and he didnt have huge missile launchers, whacked out neon color schemes and all of this snazzy jazzy crap thats being "supposdely" targeted at chidlren thes days...i dont buy that one bit...new argument please...that horse has been dead since the 25th line re-invented joes...

YES!! I have been meaning to put a post on this, but you beat me to it. I was 8 years old in 1982 when I started collecting GI Joes. I liked the "realness" to the early figures and vehicles and I was 8! If anything, I don't think that kids have regressed, so I'm confused. I just don't get the "this is what kids want" argument. That certainly was not the case 25 years ago.

[danielgogeta]

Awesome Review as always! Detailed and well angled shots too :)

As much I love the review, this plane falls on my least list for the line, much more catered to our larger and younger market counterparts. Though it has pretty neat play features, aesthetically i am not sound with its vehicular design, looks more like an undersized plane with four way speakers or wine barrels.

if this goes down on sale for less than 10 usd, will take it as custom fodder. :)



YES!! I have been meaning to put a post on this, but you beat me to it. I was 8 years old in 1982 when I started collecting GI Joes. I liked the "realness" to the early figures and vehicles and I was 8! If anything, I don't think that kids have regressed, so I'm confused. I just don't get the "this is what kids want" argument. That certainly was not the case 25 years ago.

I do wonder what Hasbro does to extract the product features from target market, or even how marketing surveys conclude to such neon-ness and other far out attributes that they spell into the toys they design. Has anyone actually filled out a form that says I want my toy neon green, funky as hell, color scheme defies the color wheel and out of the box- contrasting - unbelievable functional design ? I would gladly tick on desert or camo or urban grey, be as contemporary and adhering to modern military vehicular design..and yes with the pencil launcher thing just for the kids. :)

[Crimson Rage]

Originally Posted by emags
YES!! I have been meaning to put a post on this, but you beat me to it. I was 8 years old in 1982 when I started collecting GI Joes. I liked the "realness" to the early figures and vehicles and I was 8! If anything, I don't think that kids have regressed, so I'm confused. I just don't get the "this is what kids want" argument. That certainly was not the case 25 years ago.

Do changing tastes mean "regression"? Did the 'realistic' POC line set the toy shelves on fire? I'm not saying Hasbro's decision is right or wrong, but the clear intent of the RETALIATION toys is to appeal to a younger market. Can't see why it's so hard to grasp as the proof is there before your eyes, yet I keep getting jumped on as if it was my idea.

We've had a 'Water Moccasin', they're getting a Fangboat. The reduced detail, articulation, paint aps and plastic quality speaks volumes yet people are in denial about it.

[Reymarkable]

ghost hawk looks promising ..but ill pass...maybe wait til they go on clearance. im in it for select few figures in this line.

[Shadow_Contact]

Anyone else hope this will get repainted in Black/Purple/Red and sold as a Fang 2?

[Ruin]

Was already going to pass, these pics confirm it. the silver thing on the side of the cockpit is a refueling boom. A total waste with nothing to connect it to.

The blueprints state it's a "weapon", though....

[General Hawk]

A very good review with great pictures, as usual.

A question: are the bottom missles seperately detachable?



Yep, bottom missiles are separately detachable.

[mattymatt]

I think with a dremel and some work you could make it a two seater cockpit and maybe fit 2 or 3 joes in the back. it would have been cooler if it had say side by side seating with room for six joes to sit in the back but ehh not to bad

[Crimson Rage]

Now I have this in hand I do like it a lot, but with some reservations.

Steel grey/silver missiles would have made this thing look incredible.

The center of gravity is way too high so it topples over easily, and some landing gear would have been appreciated.

The stickers are of poor quality, with some of the black panels needing to be stuck over large moulded details and looking awful as a consequence. Other stickers just seem too large or badly cut and don't fit right. It's as if the decals were made for the prototype as seen on the back of the box and not the finished version. I left all of the black panel stickers off and it looks way better. I opted for the "wolf's head" nose art too, as it's far more subtle.

[Ruin]

Now I have this in hand I do like it a lot, but with some reservations.

Steel grey/silver missiles would have made this thing look incredible.

The center of gravity is way too high so it topples over easily, and some landing gear would have been appreciated.

The stickers are of poor quality, with some of the black panels needing to be stuck over large moulded details and looking awful as a consequence. Other stickers just seem too large or badly cut and don't fit right. It's as if the decals were made for the prototype as seen on the back of the box and not the finished version. I left all of the black panel stickers off and it looks way better. I opted for the "wolf's head" nose art too, as it's far more subtle.

I wish someone like maurader's made replacement missiles. In addition to addressing silly colors, I like having options for various missions..

I think what does it for me with the Ghost hawk is the lack of a proper landing gear. It seems a bit daft that an attack plane can be VTOL only since one engine out would make every landing a crash situation. Also not a huge fan of it's tail either.

[Crimson Rage]

I wish someone like maurader's made replacement missiles. In addition to addressing silly colors, I like having options for various missions..

I think what does it for me with the Ghost hawk is the lack of a proper landing gear. It seems a bit daft that an attack plane can be VTOL only since one engine out would make every landing a crash situation. Also not a huge fan of it's tail either.

Took the thought from my head! The missiles recast in grey (not black) would help a lot, especially if they were done to the standard of other Marauder weapons. But, as the target audience for these is not us grown ups (a lot of whom won't be getting this, apparently), it probably wouldn't be economically viable to do.

[Raw Dog]

Great review! Best in the business IMO. (reviewer, lol). I can't wait for this vehicle. It looks better than the Quinjet IMO.

[jogunwarrior]

Wonderful review as usual. I'm still sold on buying one or two of these, and have some ideas how to use them with my Joe team. I like that it's loaded with tons of missiles and bombs, and the refeuling boom on the nose is a cool detail.
The big concern I have is the size of the cockpit, it does look especially large when considering the ARAH style figure that'll be piloting it. I hope I can easily fix that like I had done with my Sgt Savage P-40 Warhawk.
I think if this thing would have had a proper cargo area in the back with rear opening instead of bellyside and some landing gear it'd be not just a home run, but a grand slam.

[Crimson Rage]

Pilot does flop about a bit, unless you put both hands on the controls. I was taken aback by how big the vehicle actually is when assembled. Images make it look tiny, but the wing span is almsost the same as the Rattler.

[SNAKE_EYES1975]

this thing could only be loved by Oscar the Grouch...sicne it will end up in the trashcan faster then a banana peel....is it a plane? Is it a boat? is it a facade to trick cobra into bombing it instead of the skystrikers? WHAT IS THIS THING LOL...terrible design, terrible colors...terrible toy...thanks for nothing hasbro!

No shit.

The flying garbage dump. Some GIJOE fans are so hard up for something new they are actually accepting this kind of crap.

I think it would be better for gijoe to die for awhile or go on hiatus than to sink even further into cheap cheesy "the corps" quality.

When the budget dollar store offerings blow your main line away...its time to pack it up. I anticipate retaliation figures shitcanned after the 1st few waves. This may be a Ross exclusive

[jogunwarrior]

I received my Ghosthawk yesterday. I think it is pretty cool, and will work well with my Sky Patrol team as a highspeed transport/interceptor. there are some big drawbacks: .
The wings do not stay on well, and will fall off when ataching the missiles. This is a big design flaw for a toy desinged for kids that will most likely be holding it by the wings.
The stickers were not nearly on par with the 30th ann. ones. I ended up only applying a few stickers because the rest didn't fit right.
And the only cargo access being on the bottom is a major bummer. I wish it opened from the top or side as well.
Did it love up to my expectations? Sort of.

As an aside: I actually like the pilot figure that came with it. I was going to just give it to my son, but think I'll keep it.

[Crimson Rage]

Originally Posted by CrimsonGuard101
this thing could only be loved by Oscar the Grouch...sicne it will end up in the trashcan faster then a banana peel....is it a plane? Is it a boat? is it a facade to trick cobra into bombing it instead of the skystrikers? WHAT IS THIS THING LOL...terrible design, terrible colors...terrible toy...thanks for nothing hasbro!

Hey, once again I disagree with you. What is that... 100% of the time? Must be some sort of record...

Signed, Oscar