Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,026: Battle Droid

BATTLE DROID with MTT Droid Fighter
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