View Full Version : REVIEW: GI Joe: Retaliation - Ninja Dojo Roadblock
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Final Thoughts
The GI Joe: Retaliation Ninja Dojo Night Ops Roadblock (Special Edition GT-i Coupe) falls into that unexciting middle ground of average figures. It's a toy that's hard to really get fired-up about either way because there's some not-bad stuff and some not-so-good stuff going on here. I really hate to sound so wishy-washy about him, but really he doesn't make much of an impression either way, as there's no single stand-out feature to make you love - or indeed hate - this figure.
Sculpt-wise, this figure is pretty much what you'd expect from a modern GI Joe figure, mostly because 75% of the figure features previously-used parts. The palette is pretty subdued and in-line with what you'd expect from the Pursuit of Cobra/30th Anniversary line so again, he's not going to look out of place standing beside your other Joes.
As for the articulation, as I said, it's not a deal-breaker for me but I can understand that Joe collectors will be disappointed with this set-up. For me the real killer is the hip articulation, though and if this is a run-wide issue then I can see most collectors getting Roadblock into a ''comfy'' pose and then standing him on their shelf, to remain untouched.
Is this version of Roadblock better than the single carded version currently available? My feeling is that yes, this is the one to go for, simply because he has working hands and comes as part of a three-figure pack that costs about the same as two single figures. That's not to say it's a particularly good figure, just one that's better by comparison.
But the real problem with this Roadblock is that this figure seems to lack any kind of identity as a GI Joe and he could easily be from The Terminator or Jurassic Park or any another line of toys. Put simply, it's The Rock with a big gun. If that idea appeals then you'll probably like this figure. But for GI Joe purists, this is a figure you could probably live without.
Not terrible. But not great.
Final Score: B
That Figures: REVIEW: GI Joe: Retaliation Ninja Dojo Night Ops Roadblock (http://that-figures.blogspot.com/2012/05/review-gi-joe-retaliation-ninja-dojo.html)
nighthawk
05-30-2012, 12:01 PM
I find myself really liking this figure. He's actually the only one I removed out of the package so far. If I ever get the single pack one cheap, then I wouldn't mind taking the hands and gear (including the vest) and putting it on the single pack one. But I'm also thinking of maybe giving this vest to my Sgt Slaughter custom cuase there's few webgear that I can find to fit on Benchpress' body. Nice review.
I find myself really liking this figure. He's actually the only one I removed out of the package so far. If I ever get the single pack one cheap, then I wouldn't mind taking the hands and gear (including the vest) and putting it on the single pack one. But I'm also thinking of maybe giving this vest to my Sgt Slaughter custom cuase there's few webgear that I can find to fit on Benchpress' body. Nice review.
Thanks - glad you enjoyed the Review.
He's a figure I don't find much to object about but at the same time he's a little bland. Maybe the Showdown Snake Eyes raised my hopes too much...
GeneralxRon
05-30-2012, 12:24 PM
when i opened mine..the head was loosely on..and the plastic was sort of "cheap" put together..
Guess they put that cancelled JP figure to good use.
when i opened mine..the head was loosely on..and the plastic was sort of "cheap" put together..
Guess they put that cancelled JP figure to good use.
I didn't feel any difference in the plastic personally but yeah, the head is kind of loose. And I did wonder if this was that same JP figure recycled or not...!
TheLongestDay
05-30-2012, 12:41 PM
Need a couple of these for customs
MrHateAol
05-30-2012, 12:43 PM
I had the same problem with the head from the 3-Pak Roadblock. I pulled it off (rather easily, I might add...) and put a little bit of duct tape on the neck ball and the head works just fine now.
The body is a bit larger than the typical Joe in order to keep the Rock looking larger in comparison, but while it doesn't look bad it seems to recall Vin Diesel far more than it does the Rock.
I agree it's a pretty average figure.
Need a couple of these for customs
Yeah, he does have custom fodder written all over him.
I had the same problem with the head from the 3-Pak Roadblock. I pulled it off (rather easily, I might add...) and put a little bit of duct tape on the neck ball and the head works just fine now.
The body is a bit larger than the typical Joe in order to keep the Rock looking larger in comparison, but while it doesn't look bad it seems to recall Vin Diesel far more than it does the Rock.
I agree it's a pretty average figure.
Thankfully my Roadblock's head isn't too bad (I found his ''comfy pose'') but that's interesting to know it's not limited to my figure. Any problems with his hips?
polyphenus
05-30-2012, 01:01 PM
Are there any legs that can be swapped out for increased articulation? Preferably no painting required...
MJjoe4life
05-30-2012, 01:04 PM
Thanks for the review! I cant wait to get another set of these so i may open them. He is def better than the single card release, b/c of having to fully functional hands.
Are there any legs that can be swapped out for increased articulation? Preferably no painting required...
I'm not sure. I'm no expert but I'd *imagine* you'd only need to replace the lower leg and knee. But don't hold me to that.
Thanks for the review! I cant wait to get another set of these so i may open them. He is def better than the single card release, b/c of having to fully functional hands.
Yeah, that was the reason I went with him (along with the lower price for the 3 figure pack.)
I like your reviews Iok and just spent 15 minutes reviewing almost all of the Joe reviews.
But Lowlight a B??? You gave almost everyone else a better grade than Lowlight!
However, you did bring up interesting points about the gear.
Thanks.
And yeah, I know a few people called me on Lowlight but I wasn't impressed. Odd as it sounds, he was too complicated to be fun. Getting him to pose in any kind of stance that didn't see him fall over/drop bits off/explode was a pain and all the fiddly accessories were just too much for me.
fistfightfan
05-30-2012, 01:11 PM
I do remember hearing something about the "hips" for this fig a few wks back. I don't remember now, wut is it about them that's a problem? I did not pick this pack up.
I do remember hearing something about the "hips" for this fig a few wks back. I don't remember now, wut is it about them that's a problem? I did not pick this pack up.
The hips on my Roadblock are very loose. Jason from Atomic Martians said he'd had the same problem too.
Konigstiger
05-30-2012, 01:50 PM
The hips on my Roadblock are very loose. Jason from Atomic Martians said he'd had the same problem too.
It's a pretty simple issue to fix. Far more so than the fubar key hand the single carded figure suffers from.
It's a pretty simple issue to fix. Far more so than the fubar key hand the single carded figure suffers from.
Oh cool - how do I fix it?
nighthawk
05-30-2012, 02:36 PM
Stick those white plastic pieces that are on the ends of the T-bar from another figure that has tight articulation into the socket of the outer leg. This will add more friction and help with the loose hips. You have to balance putting that in with the look too as if it's too thick, then the top of the thigh will not close and there'll be a gap even after putting the screw in. What I have done in the past is use small pieces of tape for friction.
Stick those white plastic pieces that are on the ends of the T-bar from another figure that has tight articulation into the socket of the outer leg. This will add more friction and help with the loose hips. You have to balance putting that in with the look too as if it's too thick, then the top of the thigh will not close and there'll be a gap even after putting the screw in. What I have done in the past is use small pieces of tape for friction.
Ah, thanks. I'll see if I have a spare Joe lying around and see what I can do. Thanks!
polyphenus
05-30-2012, 02:59 PM
Hot glue also works to add friction to the hip joints, but again, be sure not to use too much as the leg won't close properly.
46 Zone
05-30-2012, 03:01 PM
Is there a place on the gear that the gun plugs into? I couldn't find it. It seems you just put the end in a fold or something.
CrimsonGuard101
05-30-2012, 03:01 PM
His skin tone matches the BnB slaughter head better then this single carded version btw..now If i coudl find a successful way to get this black camo off his body...eraser dosent work, goof off didnt work, outta ideas lol...
Hot glue also works to add friction to the hip joints, but again, be sure not to use too much as the leg won't close properly.
Cool. I might try that instead, as it'll save me messing up TWO Joes if I get it wrong. :)
fistfightfan
05-30-2012, 03:02 PM
The hips on my Roadblock are very loose. Jason from Atomic Martians said he'd had the same problem too.
Ok so just loose, that's not too bad. Thanx for clearing that up and thanx for the review.
Is there a place on the gear that the gun plugs into? I couldn't find it. It seems you just put the end in a fold or something.
The way I've got it set up is that the backpack is in place with the slots at the top. From there I pushed the ammo feed belt into the top slot on the right of the pack then gave it a bit of a twist and slotted it into the right-hand side of the gun. Or am I misunderstanding your comment?
Ok so just loose, that's not too bad. Thanx for clearing that up and thanx for the review.
Yeah but very, very loose. Not just slightly off, I mean can stand in about 3 poses without them sliding apart.
46 Zone
05-30-2012, 03:05 PM
The way I've got it set up is that the backpack is in place with the slots at the top. From there I pushed the ammo feed belt into the top slot on the right of the pack then gave it a bit of a twist and slotted it into the right-hand side of the gun. Or am I misunderstanding your comment?
Isn't there an arm on the gun that looks like it attaches to something on his gear? Like the Moneybags Destro?
CrimsonGuard101
05-30-2012, 03:07 PM
Isn't there an arm on the gun that looks like it attaches to something on his gear? Like the Moneybags Destro?
No, the smart gun mount is not with this figure.
46 Zone
05-30-2012, 03:08 PM
No, the smart gun mount is not with this figure.
Sorry, I looked at this figure a few days ago. I thought there was a moving arm on this gun.
Isn't there an arm on the gun that looks like it attaches to something on his gear? Like the Moneybags Destro?
I don't think so. It's the same mini-gun as the Jungle BAT uses.
Konigstiger
05-30-2012, 03:29 PM
Oh cool - how do I fix it?
I've been known to use a small piece of paper towel.
I've been known to use a small piece of paper towel.
Ha! These fixes are getting easier. Pretty soon even somebody as useless as me will be able to fix him! :)
Konigstiger
05-30-2012, 03:40 PM
Yup, make sure you get it around the ball part and into the joint and the joint should be tighter than most brand new figures.
Yup, make sure you get it around the ball part and into the joint and the joint hshould be tighter than most brand new figures.
Thanks - I appreciate the tip!
ATCVenom
05-30-2012, 04:01 PM
My feelings towards the Retaliation Road Block nudges ever so slightly towards the "Well... I guess he's a pretty cool figure" side of the sliding scale. Good for all of the reasons you mention. But a tad underwhelming for all of the reasons you mention as well.
Normally this feeling of indifference would incite me to pass the figure along to somebody who could actually appreciate him, but since I do not own another Road Block figure....and since it looks like we may not see another version of him for quite some time, I am happy to welcome him to my team of Joe's. At least, for now.. :)
Anyway, good review. Thanks for sharing!
My feelings towards the Retaliation Road Block nudges ever so slightly towards the "Well... I guess he's a pretty cool figure" side of the sliding scale. Good for all of the reasons you mention. But a tad underwhelming for all of the reasons you mention as well.
Normally this feeling of indifference would incite me to pass the figure along to somebody who could actually appreciate him, but since I do not own another Road Block figure....and since it looks like we may not see another version of him for quite some time, I am happy to welcome him to my team of Joe's. At least, for now.. :)
Anyway, good review. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it.
And yeah, he's one of those figures that's not terrible but not great. Just kind of forgettable.
CrimsonGuard101
05-30-2012, 04:20 PM
And yeah, he's one of those figures that's not terrible but not great. Just kind of forgettable.
He wont be forgotten, its one of the first times the Rock has been made into Joe form...same for the Willis figure...they will be as remembered as the Fridge and Rocky Balboa figures were...
Loose Cannon
05-30-2012, 04:23 PM
I will be using this figure as Dojo from Ninja Force. He was sort of large in stature, he is in a "Dojo" set. But I will be reinventing him as a Security specialist. And I will be using the Beachhead from the set as a stand in for Sneak Peek. Both Were Rangers so that has to stand for something. Plus Sneak Peak wore a grey outfit, but Red pads is dumb.
MrHateAol
05-30-2012, 04:32 PM
Any problems with his hips?
I usually don't answer questions about other men's hips.
He wont be forgotten, its one of the first times the Rock has been made into Joe form...same for the Willis figure...they will be as remembered as the Fridge and Rocky Balboa figures were...
Yeah, but do you remember them as Joes or as William Perry and Sly Stallone?
I will be using this figure as Dojo from Ninja Force. He was sort of large in stature, he is in a "Dojo" set. But I will be reinventing him as a Security specialist. And I will be using the Beachhead from the set as a stand in for Sneak Peek. Both Were Rangers so that has to stand for something. Plus Sneak Peak wore a grey outfit, but Red pads is dumb.
Yeah, there's probably a head swap you could do for Sneak Peek. Sgt Airborne has a similar (ish) helmet, so any using that model might work.
fistfightfan
05-30-2012, 04:42 PM
Yeah but very, very loose. Not just slightly off, I mean can stand in about 3 poses without them sliding apart.
Wow! That does suck. I still kinda want this set, beachead is so well done.
CrimsonGuard101
05-30-2012, 04:59 PM
Yeah, but do you remember them as Joes or as William Perry and Sly Stallone?
Teh figures are part of the Joe team. That was easy :0
Colonel Bludd
05-30-2012, 05:14 PM
The head on mine popped off easy as well. Also, there seems to be a misconception that this is the JP Chakotay/Res Roadblock/Night Adder mold. It's not. Seems to be the same mold as the single version with different hands but i will see later when I open the single one.
TheVP
05-30-2012, 05:17 PM
I bought this set and the single pack roadblock. My Dojo Roadblock's head was loose but I didn't have the hip problem...I ended up taking Dojo Roadblock hand, web gear, and weapons and putting them on the single carded rb and was very happy with the result. The beachhead out of this set will probably get the head off of the Ghost hawk duke and get put into the steel brigade bin. Kamakura was pretty cool...now I can custom fodder the valor vs. venom one I have. And Dojo roadblock will probably be customed into Bane. I know its the wrong forum but the new batman movie figures are really bad...I might pick up the Batmobile though
The head on mine popped off easy as well. Also, there seems to be a misconception that this is the JP Chakotay/Res Roadblock/Night Adder mold. It's not. Seems to be the same mold as the single version with different hands but i will see later when I open the single one.
Exactly. It's a repaint of the single card, but that was a 100% new figure. The only thing he shares in common with that figures is the vest.
TheVP
05-30-2012, 05:29 PM
it is the same mold on both figures, but my single carded fig didn't have the loose head issue
Wow! That does suck. I still kinda want this set, beachead is so well done.
I could've just been unlucky. Plus there have been some solutions offered above that could be used to fix it.
The head on mine popped off easy as well. Also, there seems to be a misconception that this is the JP Chakotay/Res Roadblock/Night Adder mold. It's not. Seems to be the same mold as the single version with different hands but i will see later when I open the single one.
I couldn't tell, to be honest. Part of me thought it was the Night Adder figure but there are so many parts that are alike that without doing a side-by-side comparison, I couldn't tell.
I bought this set and the single pack roadblock. My Dojo Roadblock's head was loose but I didn't have the hip problem...I ended up taking Dojo Roadblock hand, web gear, and weapons and putting them on the single carded rb and was very happy with the result. The beachhead out of this set will probably get the head off of the Ghost hawk duke and get put into the steel brigade bin. Kamakura was pretty cool...now I can custom fodder the valor vs. venom one I have. And Dojo roadblock will probably be customed into Bane. I know its the wrong forum but the new batman movie figures are really bad...I might pick up the Batmobile though
Yeah, I could see him working as Bane. He has the super-inflexible knees. :)
it is the same mold on both figures, but my single carded fig didn't have the loose head issue
That is weird.
Colonel Bludd
05-30-2012, 05:58 PM
I couldn't tell, to be honest. Part of me thought it was the Night Adder figure but there are so many parts that are alike that without doing a side-by-side comparison, I couldn't tell.
take off the vest and you will see a molded wife beater with the arashikage symbol..
take off the vest and you will see a molded wife beater with the arashikage symbol..
I knew that was there. But I've never taken off the others' vests so I didn't know what THEY had on! :)
nighthawk
05-31-2012, 12:17 PM
The hips on my Roadblock are very loose. Jason from Atomic Martians said he'd had the same problem too.
So, after reading your review yesterday, when I went home, I checked on my Roadblock and all his joints including his hips are very tight. Guess I was lucky.
boff123
05-31-2012, 12:49 PM
i really like this version. i haven't opened my 3 pack yet but it looks like a far superior version than the single carded fig. granted he does not look like the movie version so that is the trade off.
So, after reading your review yesterday, when I went home, I checked on my Roadblock and all his joints including his hips are very tight. Guess I was lucky.
Nice!
i really like this version. i haven't opened my 3 pack yet but it looks like a far superior version than the single carded fig. granted he does not look like the movie version so that is the trade off.
I think the biggest factor is the hands. I'm sure people will buy both to create a Frankenroadblock from this and the single carded one.
While I honestly still do not want Rock to be a part of Joeverse, I have to say I like this figure. The camo is cool and he doesn't have those silly hands.
Yeah, it's like I said, he doesn't quite seem to fit properly in the Joeniverse for me but it's a neat enough figure.
Krooklyn Dodger
05-31-2012, 01:32 PM
Yo, I love your reviews and how articulate and detailed oriented they are, but Hasbro has lost me for a while with the Retaliation line. They don't look fun or interesting at all. I get that toys are for kids who wanna PLAY with toys. But the articulation was a selling point for me, now the lack of it is a deal breaker. I wanted; I planned to collect the Retaliation line, but nothing looks appealling at all.
generic trooper
05-31-2012, 01:34 PM
The articulation on SE, SS, and the red ninjas is on par with POC and 30th.
That said, there are definitely some very rigid figures as well.
Yo, I love your reviews and how articulate and detailed oriented they are, but Hasbro has lost me for a while with the Retaliation line. They don't look fun or interesting at all. I get that toys are for kids who wanna PLAY with toys. But the articulation was a selling point for me, now the lack of it is a deal breaker. I wanted; I planned to collect the Retaliation line, but nothing looks appealling at all.
Thanks. And yeah, as Generic Trooper says, the articulation on some figures - such as the Ninja Showdown ones - is on a par with (if not even better than) the 30th line.
As for detail, the only major difference is the gear level. But even then it's still more than we got with the 25th stuff.
The articulation on SE, SS, and the red ninjas is on par with POC and 30th.
That said, there are definitely some very rigid figures as well.
I think the key is to cherry pick the best of the line, that way you'll get some pretty neat stuff.
generic trooper
05-31-2012, 01:41 PM
I think the key is to cherry pick the best of the line, that way you'll get some pretty neat stuff.
Definitely - I picked up Zartan only because I wanted a quasi-Renegades Zartan.
Definitely - I picked up Zartan only because I wanted a quasi-Renegades Zartan.
Yeah, although truth be told, I quite like him anyway!
blackbarn
05-31-2012, 01:58 PM
I would never see him as Roadblock and am not crazy about the night ops camo paint, but I could imagine him as a different background type of Joe/military character. Doesn't look horrible, but then I do not have one in-hand to know personally.
I would never see him as Roadblock and am not crazy about the night ops camo paint, but I could imagine him as a different background type of Joe/military character. Doesn't look horrible, but then I do not have one in-hand to know personally.
That is part of the problem - there's a bit of a disconnect between this figure and the Roadblock we know. I know the RoC figures originally had the same problem but this just - as I keep saying - feels more like ''The Rock with a big gun.''
generic trooper
05-31-2012, 02:16 PM
I would never see him as Roadblock and am not crazy about the night ops camo paint, but I could imagine him as a different background type of Joe/military character. Doesn't look horrible, but then I do not have one in-hand to know personally.
Custom fodder for me. The Night Adder vest is pretty cool.
blackbarn
05-31-2012, 02:19 PM
That is part of the problem - there's a bit of a disconnect between this figure and the Roadblock we know. I know the RoC figures originally had the same problem but this just - as I keep saying - feels more like ''The Rock with a big gun.''
Yeah, agreed. I like the RoC team, but to me they are an alternate universe of Joes, or some other team. I think they are cool figures, but they don't always match up with how I see those characters. The Rock as Roadblock is the same way. Maybe he is cool in the movie and a likeable character, but Roadblock is far too iconic to be messing with that much and still think of him as the "real" Roadblock.
Yeah, agreed. I like the RoC team, but to me they are an alternate universe of Joes, or some other team. I think they are cool figures, but they don't always match up with how I see those characters. The Rock as Roadblock is the same way. Maybe he is cool in the movie and a likeable character, but Roadblock is far too iconic to be messing with that much and still think of him as the "real" Roadblock.
Yeah, it's certainly an oddity. We'll see how it pans out post-movie, I guess!
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