Spy Troops Wave 4 (Wave 7.75) - Sand Viper
Was Wave 6 really that long ago? Actually, it wasn’t but it feels that way…seems like it took forever for Wave 7 to hit, but then everything just spiraled after that…to think we got 2 Waves the first six months, and then we’re looking to have FOUR waves in the last third of the year! Yipes.
I clearly remember my pick of the litter back in Wave 6...what a great figure Sand Viper was, and still is. I really wish he was more than just a desert trooper, because I have a lot of uses in mind for him, but still, you take what you can get, I suppose…
The figure is one of the nicer ones Hasbro has produced for this new line…slim, yet muscular, with a LOT of layered detail in the mold. The numerous buckles, straps, belts and metallic gauntlets and plates are just scattered throughout the figure and all placed perfectly. His metal shoulder guards and chest plate look terrific, and the embossed COBRA emblems everywhere add even another element of greatness to the overall figure.
And really, this version is no different in the detailing arena. He, of course, maintains all of the intricate sculpting and precision work that the original did, and the only real difference is a reversal of colors. They were able to make the figure look remarkably different using the same basic color pallet, which is pretty cool, I think. This figure has the aura of being a lot brighter and almost more regal due to tan being the most prominent color on the figure. The brown trim is placed in all the right areas, though, although I would still have loved to see some more elaborate color.
All I can think of is how cool this figure would be in red/blue and worn metal, and how one of these days I’ll have to customize one.
Still, as desert soldiers go, these one is great. If it’s something that Hasbro can produce, it’s a great desert trooper. From Desert Scorpion in the original line, to the two Sand Vipers here (conveniently ignoring the putrid Wave 2 Desert CLAW), the big “H” definitely has the ability to use those environmental troopers well. I only wish I had more desert around here that I could use these figures with…still, they are cool figures and ones I might have to work in somewhere else if time allows.
This 2-pack is about middle of the road. The O-ring Desert CLAW is decent, although not terrific, and this figure is pretty nice, even though it hasn’t been changed much from the original. I’d say there are a couple of packs you could pick up in this wave before grabbing this one, although there are worse as well. If you live in a desert climate, do not hesitate. :)
