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03-10-2008, 09:08 PM | #1 |
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: WI./IL. Border
Posts: 187
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Well I've been working on this review for a few weeks now. Everyone else is doing it so why not me also. This review is a blend of reviews, 80's figure comparisons, top 10 list. Please feel free to comment if you agree or disagree with any of my reviews.
What used to make 80's G.I. Joe's so cool and fun to play with for me back in the day was the look of the character, the accessories it came with and the usability of those accessories (never had to deal with articulation since all 80's Joe's were the same back then). Well here we are 25years later, now being spoiled by newer toys that have tons of articulation, loads of pose ability options, and working vastly detailed accessories. How could Hasbro ever compete with that? Well they did and boy did they do it big time!! Now every single new 25th Joe has new articulations for great pose ability, highly detailed new looks, great weapons and accessories, and the cherry that tops the ice cream Sunday; all new WORKING holsters and belts that now can HOLSTER guns and knives that the old Joes used to just have molded and painted onto the figure. Some figures Hasbro has taken the liberty of vastly upgrading the visual gear that used to just adorn the older figures into things you can actually use this time around with the 25th version. That is what I call the "WOW factor". You look at this crazy new stuff they did and have to just say WOW cause you cannot believe they made that a working part!! Now with all that you would think every single 25th Joe would be top notch quality. Well that is not the case my friends. We have absolute winners, average ho-hums, and down right dogs in this toy line. Here is a run down of what figures I have and how I think they compare to their 25yr old counterpart. I've also marked what are my top 10 favorite 25th Joe's. When I get a new figure I'll add to the review list and I plan on adding side-by-side pics of the 80's figure and it's 25th counterpart. These numbers indicate my personal ranking Upgrade +: These figures are the very cream of the crop of 25th Joes in my opinion. There are new looks or vastly upgraded accessories that put these figure at the top of my Joe collection. #2 Storm shadow / Red Ninjas - The original Storm shadow was one of, if not, THE BEST figure in the original 80's line. How in the world could Hasbro do it any better? Well by keeping everything that made the original awesome and giving it an updated look that makes you want to put it back in the TV screen because it looks that good. What would have made this figure #1 in my 25th Joe list, is if they would have given you a place to put his bow on his backpack like the original and if they would have made the arrows removable. Red Ninjas are the exact same figure but with a huge ridicules looking bow/spear. I'm glad as hell to have Red Ninjas now but that bow/spear is pointless. WOW Factor: For me on this figure, is the removable dagger they place on his hip. That was just CHERRY! #1 Snake Eyes V1 (series 5) - By far the #1 figure for me in the 25th line. This figure is such a huge upgrade from it's original I don't know where to begin. The fact they used the original accessories idea but did them in a modern look was brilliant. The black color of the figure in series 5 rather then the box set version gives this figure the ol' school classic look. The 80's version of this figure was very plain with lots of molded on and painted adornments like guns and knives. Now on this 25th Version you got a complete action figure with loads of removable parts. Just the absolute best you can get in a Joe in the 25th line. WOW Factor: Perfect blend of classic look made modern also the new removable knife and gun top this figure off. #3 Destro V1 - To put it simple. This is THE MOST COMIC/CARTOON ACCURATE LOOKING DESTRO EVER!!!!! What would have put this figure at the top of the list, is if they would have been able to make those grenades and missile darts on this wrists removable. Also this figure needed to come with a silver head. But that's an easy fix, just go buy the two pack Destro and make a quick head mod and you'll be set. WOW Factor: Figure size, body and look just scream DESTRO!!!! #4 Beachhead - Now this is Beachhead the way he was supposed to look. With what looks like a very realistic looking SWAT vest and loads of sweet looking accessories. The original was always very cool and one of my favorites but this new 25th version is just BADASS!!! 25th Beachhead now looks the way he sounded and talked in the cartoon, you just don't want to mess with Beachhead or he'll tear you a new one. WOW Factor: Are you kidding me? You can remove the crossbow from his pack now?!!! Oh how NICE!!! #7 Torpedo - From how plain the original looked to what they did with Torpedo now, this 25th version is just what you would want to expect from Hasbro and the 25th line. I used to hate 80's Torpedo and how simple looking his black and gray suit looked. But now this version is in my top 10 favorite 25th Joe's list! Hasbro has made a crappy looking figure into one of the best looking figures I've seen yet from the 25th line. WOW Factor: Just plain COOL looking now compared to how much I used to hate this figure in the 80's. Holes at the bottom of the fins so you can keep the fins on and still display figure on it's stand. Just plain GENIUS!! #6 Hawk - Again just what the 25th line should be doing, making a drab 80's figure now look 25th fabulous. WOW Factor: Again those new great looking working holsters with removable accessories make what used to look simple and ugly into awesome and cool! #5 Airborne Trooper - Now all the troopers made so far have been great upgrades. But what sets this one very far apart from the rest of course is the jet pack, a removable facemask w/ helmet, and an extra helmet to make him look like just a normal comic looking trooper. I've always wanted troopers that looked just like the comic versions so having the red face masks is very cool for me. WOW Factor: That face mask helmet is just TOO COOL. Same goes for the jet pack. Upgrade: Every 25th figure is pretty good, but these are just a tad above the rest. Once again, holsters and removable accessories make figures that you cannot be without in your 25th Joe collection. This goes for pretty much all figures on this list so not much description is needed for most. #9 Cobra Commander battle armor - Either you loved the original 1988 figure like I did or you hated it like so many other vintage Joe collectors did. Now again your either going to LOVE this version or just hate it once more. What made the original so cool to me was that removable hose on his face mask and the futuristic look of the battle armor. Back in 1988 it was time for Cobra Commander to get a new look and for me the battle armor look was very much enjoyed. Now this version is very much up to par to the 88 version but with some minor set backs. Though I'm not too crazy about the oversized backpack, the gun is now silver not black and there is a holster on the leg but does not work properly. But what saves this figure is the removable helmet!! What you say? His helmet comes off? Why yes Sir it does, and not just that there is a mysterious man underneath wearing a black mask (we all know who this is, or do we?). Now that is what I call WOW Factor. The original didn't do that and this was a huge but very welcomed surprise to me. #8 Destro IG - A fantastic looking upgrade to what was already a very nice looking figure. I'm just not too crazy about the plastic looking gold gun but who cares, this figure ROCKS!! Stalker - I used to hate him now I love the 25th version, what more can be said. #10 Snow Job - still chalk full of accessories and that's what made this figure cool before, and that's what still makes this figure awesome now. Wild Weasel - Just a spectacular updated look and also a removable visor is just CHERRY!!! Cobra Soldiers/Officers/Stinger Drivers/Scarface - I just love the look of all these guys. They would all be upgrade+ but since airborne comes with a few more extras that put it over the top these will have to fall one grade below them. Breaker Torch - Both of these are just awesome looking 25th upgrades. Breaker could use a smaller head and beard and that would have given him an upgrade+ grade. Torch is awesome looking but there was no "WOW Factor" for me to give him an upgrade+ grade. Average: These are just your average 25th Joes. They look great and have slightly upgraded parts and accessories. Every 25th Joe should be at least this grade if not better. Firefly - This figure does have some nice looking accessories and details but falls very short of my expectations of one of my all time favorite characters. To me he just looks to damn weak, if a bulkier body could have been used it would have done wonders for this figure (and that's what we will get in the new comic pack waves). The wool sweater look of his shirt just does not fit him at all. He should have still had his green gun and phone, and what would have really been nice is if they would have made a place to attach his phone on his pack or body. And again why make a knife on his leg if your not going to make it functional. Scarlet Rock & Roll - Visually these are much better looking then their original 80's version but for being a 25th upgrade there was nothing spectacular to me on either of these figures. That is why they just get an average grade. Rock & Roll does suffer from the tiny helmet on huge head syndrome also. Cobra Commander hooded Cobra Commander helmet head, black CC helmet head - Both of these are great new looks for CC but there was nothing that made them standout more then other better upgraded Joes and Cobras. No real "WOW Factor" to either of them. Black Cobra Commander with helmet head (legions battle pack) nice new look but not too crazy about it, so still just average grade. Buzzer Ripper - Both of these new Dreadnoks are visually a huge upgrade from their originals. There are a few missing details like holsters and guns that are now missing that could have been given the 25th treatment so that is why they don't get an upgrade grade. Roadblock - Has the total look and feel of the original 80's Roadblock but I'm just very disappointed he didn't have the same kind of backpack you could attach his tri-pod to. Also this new tri-pod is way too small and sucks to set up RB in any good shooting pose. Crimson Guard (Fred) - Helmet is slightly wider and better then the regular 25th CG but still no silver on the eyes. Removable helmet with blonde Fred underneath is really nice so that's what puts this version of the CG above the regular 25th CG's. Still have to deal with a revolver but now we have to deal with a crappy shotgun. Flint - Ugh!! How could Hasbro forget to paint the gloves? Disappointments: Again not all bad figures, they just needed a few things fixed in order to be placed in the average or upgraded department. Duke - Binoculars down right suck and are too tiny and where is his backpack? The backpack could have been given some really cool 25th upgrades. Also the tiny helmet on huge head syndrome really sucks on this figure. Shipwreck - Missing his star on a rope and the hook that was on his belt to hold the rope, hate the fact he comes with plenty of guns but has one closed fist, what sense does that make. I Do like the new gun look but miss the rope thing that kept gun on his wrist. Gung Ho - This figure needs lots of help in the visual department but it's not too far of from being a good 25th remake. Main things that bother me is the skin color not looking like all other Joe's and his gun always falls apart. I like the idea they had with the gun but it could have been executed better. Crimson Guards - If it was not for the helmet I would be so in love with this figure. I grew up with CG's being my all time favorite figure, so having this ugly mug on this 25th update makes me sad. There is no visual appeal to the face mask the missing silver eye visor is a HUGE mistake not to put back on. The narrowness of the helmet and face making this figure look like it has a horses face. Just down right ugly. I guess I might as well complain about the revolver in his holster just like everyone else. Any other gun would have been much better then a revolver. If a new gun would have been used in the CG's holster and if they would have at least added a tad of silver to the eye slots then this figure could have easily been at the top of the upgrade+ list. Dropped the ball big time!! Not that all these figures where completely bad, some of these were alright figures but some could have been perfect if just a few things were changed. Snake Eyes & Timber V2 - What?!! You must be saying to yourself "This guy must be friggin NUTS! Off his rocker NUTS!!" Well no I'm not nuts, just very much disappointed. Now the body looks good but it's nothing we haven't seen Hasbro do with SE before. Timber on the other hand was a vast improvement no matter what version you have white or black. Even if Timber was never black but more like a dark gray at best this black version to me looks better then the white one. But what brings this figure down for me is a few things. To start where is that classic cool looking backpack and if there is no backpack to put the sword in, where is a place for SE to sheathe his sword? That right there really pisses me off, the only figure with a knife or sword but has no place to put it. The new sword looks more ninja like but I liked the old black one a lot and how it looked placed on SE's smooth looking black backpack. All that put the '85 figure over the top but now it is very much missed. One other minor detail that got to me was the disappearance of the silver mini dart on SE's wrist. That small little detail used to make the original figure truly have the feel of a ninja assassin. And finally we see Hasbro got lazy and decided to just make the gun and holster of the original SE vanish from his leg so now they didn't have to make a holster and removable gun on this newer version. Small details like this that don't stay true to the originals makes this SE a huge disappointment for me. Now if they would have given SE the proper 25th treatment, just think of how much better this figure could have been. Baroness - I keep trying to like this figure cause really she does have a nice looking costume. But that FUGLY looking head and hair bring this figure down a lot. Plus whenever I look at this figure and how skinny it looks I feel bad for her and keep trying to force feed her a plastic cheeseburger. Serpentor - Yes we all know how craptastic this figure truly is. Now what they need to do is keep the cape and the snake holders on his neck, remake the entire figure, use the original Serpentor look down to the cobra head thing that went behind his head and presto you will have a bad ass Serpentor. Now get to work on that remake Hasbro before the Air Skiff comes out. Zartan - Now what have I been talking about the whole time that makes a 25th Joe a standout figure? Your right, accessories. Do we get that with the new Zartan? NO. Now the fact we still get the mask that goes into the backpack and the look of Zartan is there from the neck up. The whole rest of the figure is a down right ball dropper. Now we no longer have a full body that changes color in the sunlight, there is no chest plate you can remove that had a very cool color changing effect of it's own, there is no more removable color changing leg pads, but we also get no sign of the classic Zartan gun. Hasbro could have done soooooo much more with this figure that to me it was not up to 25th standards. What makes the 25th line such a success is giving those old figures we grew up with a much more updated look, but the good ones have stayed very true to their original counterparts. This figure does not. Tomax & Xamot - Alright, after your going to spoil the hell out of us you go and make the Twins without a removable knife and gun!! What kinda crap is that? We can see them right there on each leg but we cannot pull them out and play with them just like as if we were back in 1985. This was such a huge let down, but that was not all. Next we have to deal with these ridicules looking guns and what's worse is that they are GREEN!! They look nothing like the original guns and that was a big distinguishing factor of the original twins. Oh wait there is more downside. Now we have these hideously oversized shoulder pads that look like some freakish medieval knights armor gone wrong. If you want to impress me with fashion touch ups Hasbro should have made those red sashes on the twins cheats out of cloth. I always thought that was kind of an elegant touch to the original Twins look and cloth would have done these figures wonders. Now the final downfall of these figures. The most fun I ever had with Joe's was with the Twins. Why? Because they came with the greatest accessory ever made for Joe's, THE SKYHOOK!!! Why oh why in all that is mighty would they not recreate that wonderful simple little contraption for the new generations of fans to enjoy again? Now I'm done with my rant on the Twins. Lady Jay - There is not much I need to say about this figure. Just a big let down. But thank goodness Hasbro has already shown a remake that will put this version to shame. Ace - I'm sure we were all disappointed to get the waste of plastic Hasbro calls Ace. Now the original was no great masterpiece but this figure just made things worse. What could be so hard about making a figure in an authentic looking fighter pilots suit. Now if I want an astronaut looking figure that has absolutely no practical arm functions, then I know what figure to dust off. Last edited by DAHUNTER; 07-22-2008 at 03:19 PM.. |
03-11-2008, 05:13 PM | #2 |
Cobra Bounty Hunter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 257
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Your reviews are very detailed and well done. Further, I agree with most of them.
However, I think you are too caught up in accessories. Dismissing Snake Eyes (V2) who is basically identical to your favorite figure (Snake Eyes V1) based on accessories seems a bit dramatic. Plus, dubbing Xamot/Tomax as "dropped the ball big time" simply becasue they don't have working holsters, green guns and no cloth sash is too much. I agree the shoulder gauntlet is silly, but these are incredible looking figures. SE (V2) and the twins were my favorite figures growing up. So, I should be as equally hard on them...but these really are stellar figures. I have to admit that most of your critiques are right on though. I too love SS, SE (V1), Beachhead, Torpedo and Destro. I also disliked Torpedo as a kid, but this figure is AWESOME. Same goes for Snow Job, what a lame figure back in the day...now he's easily in my top 5. Anyway, great reviews, nice to see someone so passionate about collecting. |
07-22-2008, 03:28 PM | #3 |
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: WI./IL. Border
Posts: 187
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Thx for your comments. I was very hard on some of these figures cause I did compare them to their older counterparts. All figures were either upgraded, the same or just downgrades of what I grew up with. I am very hung-up on the accessories cause to me that is what really makes Joes so cool.
The main reason Snake Eyes V.2 got such a low grade IMO was because they missed a lot of stuff the original figure had but the new version was not faithful with. Snake Eyes V.1 got a high rating IMO cause he was by far a much more upgrade then the original 80's version was. Same goes for the Twins for me. Sure dropping the ball is a bit harsh to call them but like I said in the description of that section. "It's not that these figures are totally bad, it's just a few extras would have put these in upgrade status very easy". Thx again for your comments. |
07-22-2008, 03:29 PM | #4 |
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: WI./IL. Border
Posts: 187
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If you were a huge fan of the originals then this review was made for you to compare with.
This thread was made back during wave 2. I would love to add more reviews, do the comparaison shots and update this list but only if people actually read it and comment. If I'm doing this for nothing, then what's the point. |
07-22-2008, 05:37 PM | #5 |
JOES BEFORE HOES
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Westland, MI
Posts: 5,939
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very nice and complete review...some agreed and some not so much, but all in all i can respect the time you took to do this...
now, where you "dropped the ball", NO PICS!?...what the heck?!...how can you have 80's comparisons without pics?!...i took the time to read it all before scrolling down to see the comparison shots only to be sad...i know you didn't say there were gonna be pics, but i felt led on by the "80's comparisons" comment... |
07-22-2008, 09:41 PM | #6 |
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: WI./IL. Border
Posts: 187
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Thx for taking the time to post.
I did want to do the comparison pics but only if people cared to even look. I'll try and do a few tomorrow for you. |
07-22-2008, 09:45 PM | #7 |
JOES BEFORE HOES
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Westland, MI
Posts: 5,939
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it's only fair...i post comparison shots when i make a custom...well, sort of...
only way i'm letting you off the hook is if you use a PS3 as your main computer...no copy and paste function with it makes posting pics a real drag... |
07-23-2008, 01:01 AM | #8 |
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: WI./IL. Border
Posts: 187
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lol.
Well before I start taking a bunch of pics, what would work best? I'll take back views once I know what comparison pics work best. Click on the pics for a larger view. side by side or each by themself |
07-23-2008, 01:54 AM | #9 |
Cobra Viper
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Hillsboro, IL
Posts: 167
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I actually kind of agree with you on your assessment of the 25th V2 Snake Eyes w/ Timber. I don't think he's horrible, but he's definitely NOT an improvement on the vintage figure. He might have more articulation and detail, but he doesn't capture that "cool-factor" that made the vintage figure so great. In fact, he's a little lanky and goofy looking.
The all-black V1 Snake Eyes is the best modern version of the character, with the 1985 V2 Snake Eyes being the all-time greatest version of this character in 3 3/4" action figure form. Hasbro obviously has no problem with resculpting Snake Eyes again and I'm actually looking forward to the inevitable all-black rerelease of the upcoming cartoon deco SE: |
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