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'08 | #09  Imperial Evo Trooper - The Force Unleashed (Reviewed 5-02-2008) 

Includes:
• FA-3 Flechette Launcher & Blaster Pistols
• Removable Backpack
• Random Cheat Code for TFU
• Stand 

Click thumbnail for large image Spice: The Force Unleashed video game has the unique task of telling what is the next chapter in the Star Wars Saga. There is very little information about these Environmental or Heavy Stormtroopers, but I did find a little information at Wookiepedia that suggests they are possible predecessors to not only the Hazard Troopers but the Sandtroopers as well. Therefore that would explain the similarities of the gear. One thing is very clear, this isn't your average Stormtrooper. What is so special about these soldiers designed to take the worst weather conditions in the galaxy?

Click thumbnail for large image As much as the Evo Trooper will remind you of a Stormtrooper, fans of the Empire will also be reminded of AT-AT Driver because of the hoses and chestbox that extend from the helmet down to the chest. There are a number of differences in the armor too with some of the most notable being the "knobby" shoulder and knee pads, and the double detonator across the small of the back. I can also appreciate the various canisters as well as the reload rounds for the FA-3 launcher that appear on the right calf. It's great to see the technology of a 12-gauge shotgun implemented into the Empire! This makes for a very unique touch as most collectors dare I say are becoming bored with another Clone Trooper, it was great to see the many changes made for this ground-breaking video game.

Click thumbnail for large image As much as I'd like to talk this thing up, there were a couple of things that I really did not like at all. The first one being as much as I like extra weapons and accessories, the smaller blasters do not have holsters as they did with the Clone Commander that they were originally issued with. Which leads us right into the next production issue and that would be the fact the right hand will not hold the smaller pistol which is about ridiculous. How in the world do they leave production if they do not do what they are supposed to do? I was also unimpressed with the "Flechette" Launcher, if you care to rename the B.F.G. that we've all seen on the Sandtrooper for months, can't they take the time to make it even a little bit different mold wise? The articulation and paint was really good, which makes me wonder why they couldn't give it a well rounded effort.

Spice - Overall the holster issue wasn't enough for me to point a thumb down on this new brand of Imperial bad guy, but you would only wish Hasbro put superior quality and commitment into the line instead of taking a leak on our head and telling us it's only rain. Collectors are smarter than that, as a half-cocked effort isn't hard to spot, even from far away.

(Figure '08 | #009, Asst. No. 87500, Item No. 87482, Backing Card P/N 6726213600, Window Insert P/N 6652801600) 

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