I really want to touch on the figure first, since in all honesty, that's my main draw to some of these, especially the Rock Crusher ATV.Built To Rule - Rock Crusher
Whether or not to review these items was a pretty tough question for me to answer. Technically, these things are not really part of the GI Joe line, and in some ways do not fit at all. However, in other ways, these vehicles are not only pretty neat building blocks, but in design, some of them are actually BETTER than the regular stuff.
But how to tackle these things? Review them as Joe vehicles/figures? Or review them as something completely different? Well, all I know is GI Joe, so that's the focus I'm going to use. I couldn't even begin to try to compare these to actual building block sets, since I don't have a lot of experience with those, but how do these function as Joe vehicles, or as toys in general? That's an issue I'll attempt to cover.
I really want to touch on the figure first, since in all honesty, that's my main draw to some of these, especially the Rock Crusher ATV.
Gung Ho has been a staple of the Joe team since 1984, and his look has changed considerably over the years. This current version is no different. He loses his hat in this mold, and I really like the look of his head. It gives Gung Ho a whole new personality, and this is a great new way to look at the venerable GI Joe Marine. Not only is the head great, but I love the overall mold as well. His interesting jacket/strap combination really looks pretty cool, and the detail throughout is fantastic. An interesting modern look tothe figure, but still looks military and not too futuristic. The figure overall just really draws me in and would work as a new figure, yet still makes a nice impact as a redone Gung Ho. This version is worlds above the Wave 1 version, but really begs the question, is Hasbro doing completely new figures for the BTR line or not? I've examined this figure and the Wave 8 Gung Ho, and they seem to be different...of course I can't be sure without getting the Wave 8 GH in my hands, but they seem to be different figures.
Of course the real question is, what about those stupid pegs on the arms and legs? Unfortunately, they do take away from the figure slightly. They seem kind of out of place on an otherwise great figure, and those pegs alone may keep me from featuring this otherwise excellent figure in a future Dio-story. Who knows, I may find a way to use him, but at this point, I don't see it happening, which is a shame, because this is one sharp looking figure, and alone is almost worth the buying price for the ATV.
But what about the Rock Crusher itself? I am actually pretty pleasently surprised.
The ATV is a little on the large side, and of course there is the bumpy surface, but over all, it's a very neat, sleek, interesting small sized vehicle. The oversized wheels, interestingly shaped surface, and sloped hood all combine to create a much more interesting four wheeler than the paltry GI Joe Attack Quad from year one. I would feel much better about Joe's chances using this against the Ferret than that poor man's excuse for an All Terrain Vehicle.
But what about the BTR concept? I actually find myself liking it more and more. At first glimpse, I wasn't real impressed, although I wasn't fully against it either. I was firmly in the middle ground. Now...well, I'm still of mixed feelings, but a little more on the positive side. First of all, there's the assembly. For the first time since the new figures came out, I have that great, classic feeling of building my own vehicle again. Opening up a box full of tiny, useless pieces and creating something out of it is a cool feeling.
Then we have the customizing possibilities, which are also appealing. You can mix and match and swap parts around until your heart's content and make just about anything your mind can think of. You can even combine other BTR sets to try and make some sort of super-vehicle, although the atrocious color combinations of using these different BTR sets makes my head hurt just thinking about it. Another neat aspect is that Hasbro even includes two different sets of instructions to make two completely different vehicles with the parts included. Of course, the other version of the Rock Crusher is a "land luge" but suffice it to say I'll be skipping THAT part of the review...ick.
Anyway, I've always liked the concept of building block toys, but never had the space or budget to really explore them. I can see why they appeal, and this figure and vehicle combination are pretty interesting.
But as a Joe vehicle? Does it work or not? In the end, I think it does. While there are those trademark bumps and pegs all over the vehicles, I think it still works in the format of a standard GI Joe vehicle, at least this one does. There are plenty of sloped edges and smooth parts that this thing really doesnt look too out of place and works for what it is. I can see myself integrating this into my GI Joe vehicle lineup and completely pushing aside the Assault Quad to take over it's spot as a small Joe attack vehicle.
Overall, in spite of the building block design, the vehicle's look, purpose and customization ar enough to overshadow it's questionable parts. The oversized tires and sleek look are different, yet very cool, and the kind of stylized look that would be cool in this line instead of a lot of the rounded, chunky vehicles we have been getting. The scale is pretty cool, it looks large, but works as a larger vehicle, and with the weapons being fully movable there's no complaint that the missile launcher would blow Gung Ho's head off! :) I think when you look at the figure and think of the possibilities, this little set is worth the $8.00 price tag, and it's something that is worth your time as a separate entity OR as part of your GI Joe force.
The rockin and rollin', infamous Hasbro "Land Luge". What is it with them and land luges, anyway??