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02-02-2014, 01:29 PM | #1 |
SurveillancePort.com
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: M.A.R.S. EVERGLADES ARMORY
Posts: 21,464
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Hey everyone! We're pleased to kick off our month of Acid Rain World reviews with one of the main troop builders of the line, the Sol Commander! For the review, I will do my best to touch upon every point of the figure, from paint to articulation to over all fun factor. Although some images have been mirrored here, you can view the full series of nearly 40 images here - Acid Rain World Sol Commander Gallery
Before we begin, I'd like to thank our friends at Oritoy for allowing us to share these reviews with you. We hope you enjoy, so on that note, let's get started! Packaging First and foremost, let's talk about the packaging for the ARW Sol Commander. Like so many of you, I am a big fan of packaging art. It immediately makes me nostalgic, reminding me of the days of walking in to a toy store and seeing all the eye catching artwork on all of the toys. Each package had a story to tell and the packaging for the Sol Commander is definitely no different. The outer package (more on that in a second) artwork is fantastic, depicting the Sol Commander emerging from the cockpit of a ST-1 Stronghold aka Quad Eyes. The character's name is in a large font across the top of the package, along with the tagline "The last line of defense." Sol Commander 88 is also printed along the top of the box. What's unique about the packaging is that it doesn't stop there. The artwork itself is on an outer sleeve. A simple push on the side and the inner box slides out to reveal a sturdy cardboard box with the Acid Rain logo and colors very reminiscent of the Acid Rain World itself. Once the box has been opened, you see that the Sol Commander is packed extremely well, being encased in a foam insert. All in all, I absolutely love the presentation of this figure and it's ease of returning it to it's case for easy storage and/or display...but now that we have the box open, let's move on to the meat and potatoes! Sol Commander The Sol Commander is one of the primary Troop Builder types in the Acid Rain World. Be he a Mech Pilot or on the front lines, the Sol Commander is typically found in every combat arena on the unforgiving Acid Rain World. My breakdown will consist of 4 parts:
Paint Apps I know that many of you haven't had the chance to see these in person or hold them in hand, but once you do, you'll actually feel the work that goes in to these pieces. In respect to the Sol Commander, is paint work is perfect, giving a feel of weathered combat conditions. His armor (ie - Helmet) displays rust as does his weapon. Each item feels as though it's been damaged by Acid Rain which is a really neat effect, seeing as how this is the primary draw point for the entire line. His colors are military based, with hues of green, brown, grays and orange being used. Again though, the real draw here is the amount of detailing that's gone in to the weathering effect on the Sol Commander. Even down to the dirt in his boots, Ori Toy definitely got this one right. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the customizers in our community think about the paint work once they have these in hand. Articulation I joked around about how I would describe the Sol Commander's articulation in the Acid Rain World Discussion Thread...and to be honest, I'm still having a tough time finding the right words. I know that there are many lines out there with massive articulation, but I personally have never been fortunate enough to hold one in hand. Sol Commander seems to have the perfect balance of functionality and Articulation. Instead of saying "he has X amount of points", here's a breakdown -
The amount of articulation found in the Sol Commander puts most, if not all of the Modern Era figures I've held in hand to shame. As mentioned, he has a rotating ball joint in his neck which is something I haven't seen in a figure of this size. I'm sure some of you have though, so forgive me for being blown away by it! Playability Considering that this is a high end, fully painted piece, one would think that you have to be gentle when playing with....er....displaying your Sol Commander, but I'm pleased to report that this is not the case at all! The Sol Commander is built very well and feels sturdy enough to handle any combat mission. The Sol Commander comes with a Rifle, removable vest and helmet. The Sol Commander's head is covered in a Gas Mask which one would assume is a necessity on the Acid Rain World. The helmet sits on the figure's head in a way that allows you to display him with the helmet covering his eyes or in a "Quad Eye" configuration just like the Mech of the same name. Going back to articulation, Sol Commander's ease of mobility definitely makes him fun to display as there's really no pose that he can't be put in to. He is able to hold his weapon well and in many different poses. Compatibility A key question that I and others have shared is "How will Acid Rain World toys interact with my beloved G.I.Joe Modern Army Figures?" Well, my friends, I'm again pleased to report that both lines "interact" quite well! For comparison purposes, I grabbed a basic assortment Shipwreck figure placed him alongside Sol Commander. Both figures are roughly the same height and as the Sol Commander shares similar construction (ie - ball joint head), I was able to create a quick and simple LBC with just the "pop" of a head. The ball joint on Sol Commander was just a bit smaller than Shipwreck which lead to a tighter fit, but that's just a small and insignificant nitpick. Final Overall Thoughts - From packaging to final execution, the Sol Commander, in my opinion, is a home run. He's built well and painted in a way that really makes him look and feel as though he comes from a polluted environment. His articulation allows for fun, dynamic poses and the fact that he's compatible with Modern Era figures is just icing on the cake. As our month long Acid Rain World reviews continue, we'll show you how the Sol Commander interacts with both the Stronghold and Speeder Mechs, along with other Modern Era pieces. Some have expressed their concern over price point. Although that concern is definitely understood, I can say with ease that you get what you pay for with the Sol Commander. All new parts, extensive paintwork and accessories that compliment the figure, not overpower it. If you find yourself in the position to add Sol Commander to your collection, I'd say that you won't be disappointed! Next week, we'll introduce you to the first environment/diorama piece in the Acid Rain World, the Winged Victory of Samothrace Set!
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The Surveillance Port - Toy News | Discussion | Pictorials Follow me on Twitter | Follow me on Facebook | Follow me on Instagram Last edited by C.I.A.D.; 10-07-2020 at 03:48 PM.. |
02-02-2014, 02:35 PM | #2 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 2,293
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I really dig it even as a stand alone figure. If the price point isn't insane I think I will try one. If anything I encourage a 3rd party 4 inch market. Even if they are out of my price point they are fun to look at |
02-02-2014, 02:39 PM | #3 |
SurveillancePort.com
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: M.A.R.S. EVERGLADES ARMORY
Posts: 21,464
|
You aren't kidding, my friend. The paint apps are out of this world.
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02-02-2014, 02:45 PM | #4 |
Joe Gramps aka Mr H
Join Date: May 2012
Location: NJ ▬▬ι═══════ﺤ
Posts: 16,579
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Considering that I've been buying FSS figures from others here, I don't think prices on these will be too outrageous. I'm in
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02-02-2014, 03:05 PM | #5 |
Hold My Drink.
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 739
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The mechs look awesome. I haven't seen any mech suits like this 1:18 compatibility AND greatness in a long while. The price point is steep but the prices will only go up if they do well. So I'll snag at least a Sol Commander asap...or make one of my own.
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Back to customizing... |
02-02-2014, 03:05 PM | #6 |
SurveillancePort.com
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: M.A.R.S. EVERGLADES ARMORY
Posts: 21,464
|
That's the same way I look at it, Mr. H. Considering what FSS figures are priced at, these will actually be lower in cost.
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02-02-2014, 03:07 PM | #7 |
Joe Gramps aka Mr H
Join Date: May 2012
Location: NJ ▬▬ι═══════ﺤ
Posts: 16,579
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Good to hear C.I.A.D. I'm looking forward to seeing other figures from the line.
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02-02-2014, 03:37 PM | #8 |
SurveillancePort.com
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: M.A.R.S. EVERGLADES ARMORY
Posts: 21,464
|
I'm sorry that the pictures in the Gallery are out of order. I'll need to fix that. :(
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02-02-2014, 03:40 PM | #9 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Iowa
Posts: 4,439
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What is the price of figures? I know their vehicles cost as much as a sideshow figure.
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02-02-2014, 03:43 PM | #10 |
SurveillancePort.com
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: M.A.R.S. EVERGLADES ARMORY
Posts: 21,464
|
To my understanding, Hahoo, the price will be about $20 USD. Now, that number is not confirmed as of yet, but that's what it breaks down to after looking at pre-orders on Asian websites.
Well worth it, IMO, as the overall package is priced at a point that's comparable to other offerings in the 1/18th segment. |
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