We’re proud to bring you another review based on the Acid Rain World of collectible Figures, Playsets and Mech Vehicles from Oritoy! This week, we continue our march through the Acid Rain World with a review of the Acid Rain Speeder Mk II.
As part of the 88th Division, this highly mobile Mecha can handle all combat arenas, regardless of whether it’s in a torn down city or off-road. It’s current color scheme at time of release indicates a primary focus on Desert theaters. This piece just screams FUN from the minute you take it out of the box. As I held it in my hand, I couldn’t help but think A.W.E. Striker of the future. It comes with one figure, a Sol Commander, but comes with a neat feature that allows the Speeder Mk II to carry another passenger (more on that later).
We’ve compiled nearly 70 images for your enjoyment. You can enjoy the gallery here -Oritoy Acid Rain World Speeder Mk II Sand Division Photo Gallery – Hisstank. Join us after the jump for a full review of this cool new item from Oritoy!
C.I.A.D. says
We're proud to bring you another review based on the Acid Rain World of collectible Figures, Playsets and Mech Vehicles from Oritoy! This week, we continue our march through the Acid Rain World with a review of the Acid Rain Speeder Mk II.
You can view the full gallery of images here - Oritoy Acid Rain World Speeder Mk II Sand Division Photo Gallery - Hisstank
Now, as with the Winged Victory of Samothrace Set, the Speeder Mk II includes a Sol Commander Pilot. We will not be reviewing this figure again, as our focus will be directly on this amazing transforming Speeder.
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Packaging
As with all Acid Rain World products, the Speeder Mk II comes packaged in a brown inner box with a white outer sleeve depicting artwork of the item inside and details on the package contents, along with the Acid Rain Banner and company info.
I've noted this before, but I'm beyond impressed with the attention to detail Oritoy has put in to the packaging. For instance, the Speeder sealed in a Styrofoam enclosure. The foam has Acid Rain imprinted on one side and Speeder on the other. Very nice touch for something that really isn't going to be on display (well, at least on my shelf anyway).
The outer Sleeve artwork is on par with the rest of the beautiful artwork shown throughout the line. 3 Speeders are shown in Robot form, battle ready, with a smoldering pile behind them. As always, the Acid Rain World pieces come with a "Feel it!" feature on the box that allows you to feel the texture of the piece inside. The instructions are HUGE, displaying the outer artwork in poster form. I did not include an image as I do not have a set up large enough to give the fold out the respect it deserves. As such, it'll be a nice surprise when you see it in hand. There is also an insert of "paperwork" that one can cut and fold to either be placed in the included cases (more on that later).
Speeder Vehicle Mode
From the minute I took the Speeder out of his box, I knew this piece was going to be a lot of fun. I don't know why, but I see it as a futuristic A.W.E. Striker. As with other Acid Rain offerings, this piece has received the full weathering treatment and it looks fantastic. There are also a few really neat features included in vehicle mode, such as removable gear that can be used by your Sol Commander. The gear includes a Pick Ax, Shovel and two cases to carry your important battle plans and maps around in.
The vehicle itself is a 6 wheeled all terrain attack speeder. It has room for one figure within it's cockpit and has a panel on the rear of the vehicle that allows for another figure to be carried along. What's really neat about this feature is that it carries over in to the mecha mode as well.
The details are amazing. The Instrument panels inside the cockpit, the rear view mirrors, front facing guns and rusted out headlights...all amazing. Once again, my hat is tipped to Oritoy as the paint work and detailing really set this piece apart. I think one of my favorite details is the Sugar Rocket Girl logo on the roof. It's nice little touches like this that give this whole line a unifying feel.
The Sol Commander is held within the cockpit by a Y harness. The Sol Commander requires a good push to get him situated, but once he's in, he's in there nice & snug. The straps were pretty easy to get back on their pegs as well. Ok, now that we have the particulars of the vehicle out of the way, let's get on to my favorite part
Speeder Robot Mode
I know that many might not be in to Mecha/Transforming Robots/etc....but for those that are, there's only one way to put this: The Speeder is BAD ASS. Whereas the Acid Rain Stronghold is a BEAST of a Battle Tank, the Speeder Mk II is small (well, smaller than the Stronghold) and just feels like a Mobile Mech Suit.
The transformation from Vehicle to Robot Mode was simple, yet nice and clean. The Transformation points are hidden well. To transform, the arms come out from it's sides and the hips are pulled outwards, then downwards as they "flip out" and lock in to place. The front wheels swing outwards, then upwards, turning in to really sturdy platforms, or feet if you will.
The shoulder stay in place and rotate upwards, allowing for full range in the arms. Now this is where it gets fun - The Speeder Mk II wasn't built to shake hands, it was built to destroy anything in it's path. Rather than sport hands or anything of that nature, it instead carries two double barreled guns. You can just imagine it running through city streets as though it were ice skating, guns blaring as it's taking down an enemy. As I said earlier...simply bad ass.
Another neat detail is the "ammo clip" that is visible when in Robot Mode. I love little details like this as they make the gun more believable (for what that's worth).
As far as size goes, This piece stands taller than a Voyager Class Transformer. I've included Generations Blitzwing for comparison. Unfortunately, they didn't play well with one another and the Speeder Mk II smacked the life out of Blitzwing. At this time, no further details on the incident are available (mostly because I only took 3 pics of them together; aren't you lucky).
My final thoughts? If you are deciding on getting in to this line, the Speeder Mk II is a MUST HAVE. It has play features and a size that displays well with G.I.Joe vehicles of it's size (Bravo) and it's Alternative Robot Mode is just simply KILLER. He's an absolute Champion and Oritoy knocked this one out of the park.
Well everyone, that's it for this week. Our next review is a refresh of the Oritoy Acid Rain World Stronghold Marine Version...but through the eyes of the ever talented Monte Williams.
Monte's photography shouldn't be something new to anyone and we here at Hisstank are proud to bring you an exclusive photo gallery and review through Monte's eyes. We'll be posting that up soon!
We hope you've enjoyed this review. Question and comments are welcome!
C.I.A.D. says
FYI Everyone - The images above are intentionally smaller to help with load time of the article. You can view nearly 70 full sized images of the Speeder Mk II here - Oritoy Acid Rain Speeder MK II 88th Sand Division Review - GI Joe News
You can also check out new Acid Rain World designs and story lines by visiting the official blog here http://acidrainworld.blogspot.hk/
Noga87 says
Yeah, I need this. Thanks for the review.
C.I.A.D. says
I don't say this to kiss Oritoy's ass and I want to be as direct about these toys as possible so people know what they're getting in to. Maybe I'm bias because I love robots...but with that said, these pieces are amazing. I like the Stronghold (the big Tank), but I LOVE the Speeder. It's just so much fun. It's the perfect kind of "hand kibble" IMO as it makes you want to fiddle around with it. I loved how it held it's poses as well; those wheels do a great job of holding the weight in robot mode.
An image that I didn't include (but I included an image of the instructions because I'm a lazy bum) is a panel that flips out of the rear of the vehicle to hold another figure. What's really cool is that when in robot mode, the 2nd figure can basically "ride" on the Speeder's back and provide additional support. I'll update this later with an actual image. Sorry everyone.
Shock Viper says
Please provide pictures with GI Joe figure used.
C.I.A.D. says
joewolfsoul says
Where Hasbro has failed to merge their two most popular toys (other than in comics & recently Con exclusives). Another toy company is about to extremely upgrade the world of action figures making fun time and the imagination, their battlefield.
gingaio says
Thanks for the review. Just a couple of questions:
1) Are the wheels free rolling?
2) Are the joints ratcheted and sturdy (as with the Stronghold)?
Thanks!
Monte Williams says
Awesome! I feel ya on the A.W.E. Striker vibe.
I'm having one surprising, pleasantly counterintuitive reaction to the Stronghold that also applies to this one, but I'll save that for my review.
And Shock Viper, my review is going to feature many, many photos of Joes.
C.I.A.D. says
1) Are the wheels free rolling?
2) Are the joints ratcheted and sturdy (as with the Stronghold)?
Thanks!
Hey Gingaio,
1) Yes Sir, all of the wheels are free rolling and rubberized!
2) Oh yes, the joints are amazingly sturdy. There's a very strong "Click" any time you move any of the bits (just like with the stronghold).
Keep reading: Oritoy Acid Rain Speeder MK II 88th Sand Division Review - Page 2
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