The Yoda Line Class I Vehicles
Item No.: Asst. A0918 No. A0920
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: MTT Droid Fighter, blaster, Obi-Wan Kenobi, 2 rockets, lightsaber
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: January 2013
Appearances: n/a
Bio: Piloted by Battle Droids, MTT Droid Fighters attack Republic ground forces led by Obi-Wan Kenobi. Deployed from Trade Federation MTTs (Multi Troop Transports), MTT Droid Fighters have missile launchers that mount on the wings for wide-sweeping firepower, or attach to the vehicle’s body for more focused blasts. (Taken from Hasbro.com.)
Image: Adam's photo venue.
Commentary: The Battle Droid Pilot is pretty awesome. The funny thing is Hasbro has been pretty hesitant to crank out blue-bedecked Battle Droids over the years, and if memory serves the last (and only) other one also came in a Mini-Rig-type set in 2000, which also didn't get a lot of fan love. The figure mold is the same as the 5-jointed droids included with the full-size 2012 MTT vehicle, so you know what to expect. There's a good reason for this mold, as the mini MTT Droid Fighter was initially developed to fit into a compartment on the back of the MTT but got costed out. And that dang thing was already expensive. It's a great little goofy vehicle, and I do suggest getting it. But I digress! Let's talk about the droid.
With five points of articulation (and sadly no backpack) he fits in his ship perfectly. He stands well, has no problems holding his gun, and has a delightful blue deco on his shoulders and chest. As a cheap figure - and this is a cheap figure - it's pretty fantastic, its only shortcomings being an obscene amount of articulation and an equally obscene amount of paint to give it a battle-worn appearance. Hasbro's cheaper Battle Droids tend to look a little too clean and bright, so some dirt or scuffs or indeed even a darker shade of tan might help make the figure look a little more battle-weary. As it is, though, I still like it and it serves its purpose as a pilot well. I applaud Hasbro for giving him unique deco in this set. Obi-Wan Kenobi (included, see background) is recycled from the awesome Naboo Battle Pack from 2012. It's awesome, but not distinctive in any noticeable way.
Collector's Notes: This is a fantastic set. For $20ish it's an ideal "birthday present" gift, as Obi-Wan can fit inside and steal the ship, plus the ship's wings can be folded, twisted, and reconfigured with the removable cannons. It's a fun toy set that actually gives the kids a bunch of play options, not the least of which is as an upgrade to a larger toy you already can't find at retail. Kudos to Hasbro for putting together a good package at a good price, although I'm a little miffed both the full-sized MTT and the MTT upgrade ship both include Obi-Wan Kenobi and not, oh, let's say absolutely anybody else.
--Adam Pawlus
Day 2,026: March 20, 2013
1 comment:
I believe there were also 2 pilot battle droids included in the TRU exclusive STAP Attack battle pack.
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