Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,767: Imperial EVO Trooper

IMPERIAL EVO TROOPER The Force Unleashed: Sith & Imperial Troopers
The Legacy Collection Toys R Us Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 33259 No. 33261
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 pistols, 1 grenade launcher
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: August 2011
Appearances: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed video game

Bio: Trained to survive the galaxy's most treacherous weather conditions, EVO troopers have enhanced armor that withstands heat, acid and lightning. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' former kitchen.

Commentary: The good (or bad) thing about figures like the Imperial EVO Trooper is that Hasbro can easily tweak them and release them for another round at retail. This is the third one. The figure was originally released in 2008 with some dirt on its shins and slightly different deco than this release. Number two had brown camo splotches, and hit in 2010. This one came out in 2011, and is my favorite so far-- I like having a figure with crisp detail and no mud on it. Little silver details are painted, as are the hoses and the red stripe on his helmet. The figure still has a flat, unpainted panel on its chest that looks like it probably could have benefitted from a tampo or extra sculpted detail. The figure has a big, all-black grenade launcher as well as two smaller clone pistols for you to misplace when you move. If you like the design, the figure is on par with most troopers from 2005 on-- you get 14 joints, sitting is sort of tricky, and the detail is pretty good. The armor is a little chunky and may get in the way of some poses, but at this scale it seems Hasbro is still perfecting articulation on this kind of figure. I expect you'll like it if you get it, and this figure was the only straight-up repaint of an existing toy in this particular gift set. It's a good one too.

Collector's Notes: You may be able to find this at a store near you right now. I suggest that you buy it-- some of the Force Unleashed stuff has been getting expensive after it finally disappears from retail.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,767: March 22, 2012