Guys, these are much sturdier than the previous kits. The articulation is still mainly barbell joints, which work much like the Ball socket joints. It is also better hidden this time around. The knee joints are very similar to the new articulation Hasbro is using on its Star Wars figs. The detailing is nothing short of amazing. Think 300th Fett only better. I did warm up my parts before assembling just as a precaution. The first kits I snaped together cold w/out problems but after reading that Jesse had broken his, I thought better to proceed with caution on these. The Shot Gun Holster that comes w/ Hicks is a little weird and comes apart too easily but its extra so it doesn't bother me much. The Gun Straps are removable and can be positioned differently depending on if the figure is using the weapon or if it's strapped over the shoulder. This poses a slight problem, because the Straps come off too easily. On the Marines I'd say the Good outweighs the bad. The Aliens However are not as asteticly appealing in my opinion. I think this is mainly do to the fact that they are based on the Alien Rubber suit Costumes used the the "Aliens" movie. I prefer the ones based on the CG Aliens in "AVP". But that's just my personal preference. If I had a choice to go back in time when I placed this preorder, I would have gotten More Marines instead of the Aliens. Although the Aliens are much sturdier than the 1st 2 waves.
So, My final verdict is, Buy the Marines. If you want Aliens get them from the 1st two sets and skip these.