Reviews return to
JediDefender.com... How long that lasts? Who knows.
Should be good for a few here though.
And to wrap up the Saga Collection I decided to review the
Endor Rebel Soldier variant figures.
Clicky button to read review!
So The Saga Collection is wrapped up with this review, and it goes out on a fairly sour note. The Endor Rebels are a step above their original figure they were based on, however Hasbro didn't knock one out of the park. Such is a kit-bash and not a ground-up resculpt. All rebel Troopers at this point just need to be done from scratch, and all new sculpts. Throw out the past. Look at the future. Give us Rebels that are equal to the Imperial army builders these days.
Of course the main flaws with the figures lies mostly in the old parts... The vest restricts most arm movement, the lack of ball/socket joints at the arms (elbows and shoulders) is disappointing in this day and age. Really though the shoulder joint kills the figure.
Add to that the slight "lean", the wide leg stance (why Hasbro?), and minor flaws like the holster not fitting the pistol properly and a lack of a bandoleir accessory (I didn't even count this last one in the review, but it's still annoying), and in general the Endor Rebel's not cutting the mustard. He doesn't live up to modern standards by far.
Is he an improvement? Over his original figure, yes... Over the POTF2 figure, yes... But he's not up to snuff with other figures he shared the pegs with. Even the Naboo Soldier he shipped with was generally a better figure. That's sad. What's worse is he's the best Rebel Soldier out there, and that's REALLY sad.
Read the full review, share your thoughts... I got a couple of this figure for customizing. Without the vest they're more poseable/tolerable and I'm fixing the legs myself. What I'd do for all 3 Rebel Trooper types to get resculpted though at this point. We need some SA Rebels, STAT.
I hope 2007's figures bring a bit more positive reviews than 2006 did.
PS:
For the curious, the variant figure in "white" (it should be a very light grey, so the color is technically inaccurate), is from cut footage during the battle of Endor of the Gunners on the Millenium Falcon. The figure is a cool nod to cut footage, so kudos to Hasbro there, however the pants are wrong, the character didn't wear a bandoleer, and as noted the color of the outfit is wrong. A neat idea though, so they get an 'A' for effort at least. These figures will hopefully become just good fodder for customs or background filler for a better Rebel Commando someday.
