Steel Crusher A.P.V. with Nitro-Viper G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra Review

[Shogi]

The Steel Crusher A.P.V. is much like an old school M.A.S.K. vehicle. At first glance it just looks like a typical Hummer. Then you plug in the plow grill, slide the roof carriage forward popping up the missile launcher, fold down the windshield armor and pop out the hidden missiles on the rear doors and you now have an SUV shaped tank ready for battle! The missiles hidden in the flip down panels on the rear doors are the same as the ones that came with the Modern Era Claw. The spring loaded missile launcher on the roof can rotate 360 degrees and all 3 missiles can be stored next to it. Both front doors can open and close and there’s a hole in the roof above the front seats just like the old toys I had as a small child. There are four foot pegs on the runner boards with one peg in front of each door and two foot pegs on the roof. The two roof foot pegs are covered up when the roof carriage is in “battle mode”. The hole in the roof is partially covered up in “battle mode” as well, the passenger seat has an open hatch with a hole next to it that appears to be where you can plug in a gun. The interior of the Steel Crusher is very detailed as is the rest of the vehicle. There is also plenty of foot room to allow the Nirto-Viper to sit down nicely. One last cool feature of the Steel Crusher, it has rubber wheels like many of the old 80's toylines used to feature.

This vehicle has plenty of play value and can work well in a GI Joe or civilian dio. The only thing that feels remotely fragile on this vehicle is the brush guard on the front, not to be confused with the detachable plow grill. Everything else on this vehicle feels solid and ready to take some punishment.

Vehicle Rating: 9 out of 10

[Shogi]

The Nitro-Viper is made from a Hiss Driver’s torso and arms, Viper’s thighs, an all new head, vest and lower legs. The head has a large clear visor on it that can move up and down. The removable vest looks just like the original Motor-Viper and really ties this figure together. Nitro-Viper comes with removable vest and visor.

A few minor tweaks would have made this figure a prefect representation of the original Motor-Viper. A silver visor instead of a clear one and using some lighter blue would have been two big ones that would have gone a long way. Using Flash’s thighs or even Wild Bill's instead of a Viper’s would have been closer to the original as well. Regardless, this is an excellent figure in its own right with great detail and movement.

Figure Rating: 9 out of 10

[Dawg99]

great review
this was the 1st thing i picked up and it's worth every penny

[GI abe444]

Nice i might pick one up after the all !

[Badgumbo]

Excellent review Shogi! I was going to pick up one for the Motor Viper anyway, but now I may keep the Hummer.

[Zarana]

I havent loved a vehicle this much since the Rage. I thought that the missle launcher would ruin it, but surprizingly it can just be a random piece of luggage in the trunk.

[steve2477]

Thanks for the review. I havent got this yet, but i will be soon.

[SierraSerpent]

I really like it and might get 2 more if I can find it cheaper somehow. The reason I didnt rate it higher than 8 is I wanted opening rear doors and seating. Maybe an opeing rear hatch.

[HawkHauser]

That looks really good actually. If I had the space for vehicles, I may pick that up.

Thanks!

[Banshee]

That actually looks pretty cool! Thanks for the review. I'll pick it up on my next run :)

[COBRACOLLECTOR]

I Got the crusher thru a trade and i love it

now i wish i had the Nitro Viper he looks great if anyone has one extra PM me

[Zoltron]

Do you think we'll get a corrected Motor Viper repaint?

[artiepants]

Do you think we'll get a corrected Motor Viper repaint?

with Zartan upper arms and upper legs...

[GGPiKE]

This is my favorite vehicle/driver combo that Hasbro has released in the past 10 years. I grabbed another one (plus another gunship) at TRU w/ their $19.99 sale. I'm seriously considering picking up another one!

[megatron103]

idk i'm look for more futuristic vehicles for my collection but i might get it for the dreadnocs

[kylethoreau]

love the figure, just wish I didn't have to pick up the vehicle for it.

[Lifeline_MD]

While I'm not a huge lover of the crusher itself, its pretty good for an SUV.

Moto-viper is very, very good.

[RolandofGilead]

BEst vehicle since the introduction of the 25th/Modern Era line. I love it and the driver. He's so close to my ARAH Motoviper it's not even funny. I may have to find someone with skillz to paint one the correct colors for me.

[arc30]

This is my favorite vehicle/driver combo that Hasbro has released in the past 10 years. I grabbed another one (plus another gunship) at TRU w/ their $19.99 sale. I'm seriously considering picking up another one!

Me too! I went back to TRU to adjust my price, and then bought another one.

[darth viper]

i really like mine. price a tad high, but what isnt these days...

[ryankicks]

all navy blue. it's like they ran out of paint on this one.

[Griff]

i gave this thing a five. I have never been a fan of the hummers being turned into soccer mom wagons (in my eyes the onyl hummer are te military tyled ones) and it oly seats two instead of seating four like it should have. If it drops below 20 bucks i may get it but otherwise i dont see myself picking this one up.

[AMBER-ALERT]

I'm hoping like hell they don't force this figure to be something it most certainly isn't . I'm digging this NitroViper , but Hasbro has got to make a real effort on doing a 25th MotoViper. It's too classic and killer looking to be halfassed. I've grown tired of you all settling so easilyfor Hasbro's lack of real effort. I must say in conclusion that NitroViper is my official Rage driver.

[Bernit69]

I would of been much happier with this vehicle if the two back doors open and allowed figs to go in them.

[Highway]

Another excellent review, thanks Shogi!
Very tempted to pick this one up.

[NeoDragonKnight]

I love it, best vehicle in a long time, and its pretty big, bigger then a HISS tank and very well detailed. I might buy a second and try to mod the back by gutting the launcher so that it can act as a troop carrier.

[JR0d28]

I tweeked out my Nitro Motor Viper I swapped the Hiss Driver, Flash, Major Bludd figure with the Resolute Blue Trooper and just switched over the Cobra Trooper head and vest with the Nitro head and vest. Will submit a photo later also painted the visor and the top of the helmet metalic blue to match the light blue in the uniform.

[Gen. Magnus]

I like that you mentioned MASK with this vehicle. I purchased it to use as a 3 3/4" Jackhammer from MASK.

[JR0d28]

I voted a 7

3 out of 5 for the Steel crusher since its too futuristic for me but still looks great

Nitro Viper I voted 4 out of 5 if they would have given hm a painted or frosted silver visor and maybe detailed the vest more it would have been a 5

[KungFuDestro]

If Hasbro were to add another M.A.S.K. figure to the line, this one is so asking for a Cliff Dagger figure.

Maybe I'll make a custom.

[Thal J.]

I like this alot, it rates a 9 from me. If the Viper had the original paints, you know the same complaint everybody has. :)

[Derek2783]

Gave it a 7. I think it's pretty ok, but I'm somewhat underwhelmed when I compare it to the old-school one or especially the black DTC version from recently.

It's too bad there isn't more cargo/personel room in such a large vehicle. Seems like a ton of wasted space.

[CQBViper]

This thing is awesome, and the RoC figures look nice in it.

[tomjefferson101]

I commend Hasbro for simultaneously catering to two markets; kids and adult collectors. The kids get the spring loaded missiles and other gadgetry. Adults get a realistic looking Hummer with rubber tires, a classic Cobra color scheme, and an accurately sculpted Motor Viper.

Sure, we whine about the lack of rear doors, but it was a necessary compromise in order to have the launcher that kids crave. I just wish the Hisstank was retooled to have the same quality with real motile rubber treads for example.

[mech-grunt]

I gave it an 8. I just picked mine up from TRU. I can’t wait till I have a chance to open it.

[JR0d28]

I gave it an 8. I just picked mine up from TRU. I can’t wait till I have a chance to open it.

It s a cool set only flaw no stand for the figure which was no prob made a "Stun-Viper" custom stand just in case but he came with no gun? Almost all the Cobras that were packed with the exception of the Televiper and the Blue Hiss Driver.

[flywheels]

I haven't bought this yet...but after reading the review and looking @ the pics it's on my shopping list!

[whiteknight]

I love it in "plain" hummer mode, without the plow grill. I had already dismissed this vehicle because of that. Now that I know it's detachable, I might get this too when I get some money.

[agentmorris]

Damn, I wish I wasn't broke. I'd totally buy this thing now. Ah, well, I get paid this weekend and really, who needs to eat?:D

[JLPYTHON]

This was the first RoC item I picked up, and the only one I was looking forward to. I think it's a great vehicle - i am completely satisfied with it - and so is my 4 year old boy. Great look and great playability; also love the rubber wheels. I say 9 out of 10 as well.

[gntdrag]

might have to pick this up, looks real good.

[samantha]

Totally a great review. You are almost perfect to my own feelings on this vehicle and figure.

[AMBER-ALERT]

That is NOT a MotoViper. I'm hoping like hell Hasbeen doesn't halfass this fig into a MV . Ol Moto deserves it's own real update. Nitro is my new Rage driver though.

[xhairs]

its cool looking but has alot of wasted space.

[Boombatty]

Nitro-Viper rocks!
Not a driver for me though. This guy was made to be a Bomb-Disposal expert, just look at him. And the name fits as well.

[dcooper]

I am going to get mine tomorrow. I have wanted this since I saw it.

[stad]

You all really have low standards , huh ? That is NOT a MotoViper. I'm hoping like hell Hasbeen doesn't halfass this fig into a MV . Ol Moto deserves it's own real update. Nitro is my new Rage driver though.

No, it's not a Motor-Viper, but it sure is close. The vest is nearly a dead match. Other than the visor (I completely agree here) and the lack of baby blue (not really missing that) you would really have to be quite the nit-picker for this not to be a Motor-Viper.

[erikyurk]

I bought one, i should have bought 10. It rocks!

[AMBER-ALERT]

you would really have to be quite the nit-picker for this not to be a Motor-Viper.


Really ? Would it have been ok if Alley Viper came with a new Night Creeper (v2) head ? Or maybe Ice Cream soldier's ? No. When it comes to the classic stuff. Hasbeen needs to do it right or not at all. They couldn't even bother to paint it accurate. Monotone and typically mediocre as revamps go, but like I said earlier it makes for a fine Rage driver. It already has that "urban combat look".

[VIPER 48]

I just bought mine tonight after work. I must say i was kinda skeptical but with so many people loving this thing, i thought i should give it a try...

[COBRACOLLECTOR]

i voted an 8 on this u guyz got me wanting the driver bad
As i diddnt get him in the trade

I have a MOC Eel for Nitro viper Pm me

[dawingster]

Great vehicle... now I don't have to get a Cobra Stinger jeep.

[Cavbeast]

I bought two for my SDCC CC Springfield Motorcade and I love them. I can't wait for them to use this as an updated Thunder Machine and release a 25th Thrasher.

[M. Aster Karver]

The Steel Crusher is an amazing vehicle and fits in every aspect of my Joe-Verse. I have 2 of them and wish I could afford more!

[VIPER 48]

The Steel Crusher is an amazing vehicle and fits in every aspect of my Joe-Verse. I have 2 of them and wish I could afford more!

Dude, your avatar freaks me out...lol

[firefly6462]

With a little reworking i think it make a nice updated ride for the A-team. But thats just me lol

[OSOK]

I'm just glad the stickers weren't on it, I'm keeping mine plain black, good review!

[Some_Gamer_Dude]

DO WANT!!!

That is awsome, I cannot wait to see it instore.

[foor]

It's a solid toy. A definite home run. Hopefully more vehicles of this quality will follow suit.

[arashikage tat]

I love it I gave it a 9..I got it on the 4th and am still very very happy with it

[~Synder Corps.~]

Very cool. I'll get 2 or more :)

[substancej]

I recommnd removing the missile launcher and filling the compartment with water. Instant hot tub.

[coola784]

this is a very cool vehicle but like ive said before i was disapointed with the wasted space just to include the pop out missle launcher, i think this vehicle would of been alot cooler if it was a four seater and the back doors opened, otherwise it is very nice, great review.

[jiffy18]

Can you open the trunk?

[firefly00]

i bought it the first day when it came out
I love it

[Tammman]

I agree! Definitely the pick of the litter of the movie line vehicles.

[HIT'n'RUN]

I know a lot of folks not happy with the driver to the crusher. It's very plain, and the helmet seems odd.

I don't hate it, but I do think it is an okay figure. It could be frankensteined into a moto-viper, I suppose.

And for you guys who drew the connection to MASK for me, I thank you. It is indeed very much like the vehicle Cliff Dagger drove. In transformation, and design. I wish instead of the projectile launcher, it was the turret gun that he had on his vehicle.

[silence368]

All the bravo vehicles are great so far. I'm loving the gunship and steel crusher. Even the smaller size vehicles are not that bad.

[VIPER 48]

All the bravo vehicles are great so far. I'm loving the gunship and steel crusher. Even the smaller size vehicles are not that bad.

I agree...

[sincboy]

With a little reworking i think it make a nice updated ride for the A-team. But thats just me lol

That is exactly what I thought too when I first saw the pics of this vehicle... Now we need a BA to drive it.

[Rulz]

this is awesome.. !

[willworkfortoys]

I'm suprised this got such good reviews. My first reaction after opening it was that it was four lbs. of fun dropped into an eight lb. bucket. I really dislike overly huge toys that don't make use of their extra space and I think this one doesn't. The missles pop out and the top pops up, I would have like to have some place to store a figure or guns in all that room thats not being used with some readily accessible areas. Not just jingling around in the depths. The opacity of the suv also kills it for me, if I knew there was space inside to hide something it'd be different but for now this is just a big black brick sitting in the middle of my battlefield. I liked the figure though.

[cobraslave]

Hope we see the Moto-viper in his original colors soon.

[C-GDSM 2487]

i give it 7 not very keen on it at all

hasbro could of done a little bit more to it
main bit i like are the side missle on the rear doors nice touch..

rob

[Unclassified]

i have a question, that dont pertain to this thread, but i searched an dont feel a thread should be wasted for my q. so i'm hoping to get a answer here..

did anyone do a review on the ice viper, cus i cant find it.
if not can someone tell me if there's some hidden peg somewhere where his gun can attach? it has a hole on the side like it supposed to click on to his body some where. an the missle ski, you guys think this is a sign we might get a wolf? if we do, i just hope they leave out shooting things like the ice viper comes with. kinda corny lookin'..
thanks

[jeff117]

i don't buy vehicles, but one look at this and the words alley-viper within 3 seconds of each other sold me.

[Gyre-Viper]

i don't buy vehicles, but one look at this and the words alley-viper within 3 seconds of each other sold me.

once the rest of my alley vipers arrive this is exactly what i was gonna
do with my fleet. heheheh. glad to see someone else in the same
frame of mind.

[CG Jackal]

I myself have 2 of them and I absolutley love em, other than the night raven and steel crushier I wont be picking up any other ROC vehicles

[LordHerb]

Got 1 today at TRU. It’s Awesome. As much as I love Cobra, I’m using it as Punisher’s Battle Van. Get 1 b4 the sales OVER.

[JohnnyAngel77]

My wife is on her way home from work and she told me she picked one up for me just a few minutes ago while shopping for my niece. Has anybody tried to take out the missile launcher? I'm wondering if it is possible. Then you could store a few figures back there or at least use it for weapon storage or something?

[mikevoltz]

I think its awesome! They should produce more stuff like this! The Joe's need more stuff like this. Its very unassuming without the Cobra signage and then it strikes!

[Life4Dreadnok]

Looks pretty solid. I gave it an 8 because the rear of the vehicle doesn't open. It would have been nice if you could put figures in the back seat area. I haven't seen any of these at retail yet, but I will be picking one up.

[racerguy76]

It is soooo M.A.S.K. Look out Matt Trakker!

I had to have it. Great toy, the drivers hands fit on the steering wheel so nice.

Very close to the real thing. Rear wiper and power folding mirror inoperative. I wonder if it will start after sitting for two weeks. ;)

I miss my HISS driver.

[Beckley]

I gave it a 9, I have 2 of them and they're some of the greatest Cobra Vehicles I've seen in a while IMO.
Back Seat woulda been nice though, but the M.A.S.K. element is so cool, guess you gotta make a sacrifice.

[Mandingo Rex]

Just opened the box to get the figure out, and other than missing a weapon of any sorts, he's pretty awesome, despite being a bit monochromatic.

I actually like the lifting faceplate and the mouthpiece, it makes him more interesting. I still love the vintage one, but if they're going to update figures, I'd prefer them to do it like this. He's still lacking some paint apps, but all around, I think it's a good candidate for 25th-ing down the line as a repainted version, in more classic colors. And with perhaps a silver facemask.

I'm debating on painting the mask silver, the brush will definitely get taken to his armor to add the silver highlights, but he'll probably get some lighter blue on there too.

The SUV is cool too from what I see of it. I would have loved it as a kid. I am packing it up now to ship to Deckard in a trade, so I won't be keeping it, but it's a cool vehicle. The best from the ROC line so far.

[nite_viper]

I also gave the Steel Crusher a 9/10. To be honest, I wasn't excited about the vehicle until I read this review and some of the comments recently. Couldn't pass it up for $20 at TRU. Opened it today and I've enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. Great detail and love the rubber treads. A neo-viper just belongs in the hole dual-wielding his wicked guns.

It would have been a 10, but here's my gripe. I expected more from the two side, flip down missle bays. Everyone has seen the trailer and sees the missles fire in toward the rear of the vehicle. Why not go the extra mile here and have a couple of spring loaded launchers firing mini missles? That would have put this vehicle way over the top in my opinion. You can't even reverse the existing missles or the doors won't close. I don't want to tear mine up, but my idea is to detach and switch each of the panels, and wa-la, missles face the rear. Anyone else tried that. But, overall, what a sweet vehicle and driver combo.

Can't wait to get my hands on a RHINO and fight the Crusher\Gunship combo. Good times!!!

[Grimwing]

I bought all three of the bravo vehicles. And then returned the ice dagger and gunship. Those are really bad.

The Steel Crusher is my current generation favorite vehicle. Hiss Tanks look miniscule by comparison. Makes a fine get away vehicle for the store exclusive Firefly. Nitro Viper Rules. Just like firefly he does'nt say much he lets his premium driving speak for him.

I hope they do more transforming M.A.S.K. esq vehicles to play up the "Secret War" angle.

Transformering Helicopter/Jet and Cargo Plane/Oil Tanker truck.

Gas Station/ Vehicle Crusher Trap.

[sweeper]

It's my favorite vehicle so far, great figure. Too bad there's a hole visible where the belt buckle should be.

[sweeper]

This new Motor Viper is an improvement, the missing light blue looks better.

[Archrivals]

This is a solid buy for $20. I really dig this. I might get another one…

[artiepants]

It would have been a 10, but here's my gripe. I expected more from the two side, flip down missle bays. Everyone has seen the trailer and sees the missles fire in toward the rear of the vehicle. Why not go the extra mile here and have a couple of spring loaded launchers firing mini missles?

because, unfortunately, child safety laws dictate firing projectiles must be 2.5" (iirc, it might be 2" or 2.25") in length, hence the giant rockets launchers that are nearly as tall as the figures...