'05 | #12  Sandtrooper - Tatooine Search (Reviewed 03-12-2005)

Includes:
• Blaster
• Electrobinoculars
• Base

Click thumbnail for large image Spice: I'm still trying to figure out if this is a way to butter us all up after the tragedies of figures nine and ten. A Stormtrooper at eleven wasn't a bad choice, although there is never a bad time to rehash a Stormtrooper. The same could be said of the Sandtrooper, because after two months of release I have yet to see one of these on the pegs. They don't last long in stock with any of the e-tailers either. Proving once again it's not what you reissue, more like who. Army builders are a great thing, and more important doesn't piss anyone off to the point they list their entire collection on ebay. There hasn't been but a half dozen versions of the Sandtrooper released, which is believable someone could have missed it.

Click thumbnail for large image This is a great figure, the paint was wonderfully done to represent the dirt that ensued the search mission. You can see they really tried to recreate the grit and grime. While not up to articulation of a VOTC Stormtrooper, this figure has just enough to give you a few different looks and poses. I truly admired the extra effort that went into the electrobinoculars. I guess that is the thing that stood out the most to me with this one was the paint job. While nothing changed from the Power of the Jedi version, I guess they figured they had it right. I think they could have packed in a little more as far as weapons and accessories go. We couldn't get a modified version of the PotF Sandtrooper that was packed in with the cardboard Cantina playset? I really like the Droid that plugged into the back on that one. I don't know I guess it irks me when they put the exact same thing in a new package.

Click thumbnail for large image What could I possibly say bad about a Sandtrooper? A welcome addition vs. another Chewbacca or Han Solo. Something you could always use another of if you are a loose collector. I was very happy to see a Storm, Scout and Sandtrooper come our way again. These figures will sell thus clearing the way for new Revenge of the Sith product later this Spring. This version wasn't released in nearly six years so again, there is a way to re-issue something. They should think of stuff like this before they jam a Luke Dagobah or the like down our throat twice in a year. I still say they could have given us a Deluxe Super articulated builder set with multiple colored pauldrons and interchangeable accessories.

Spice - Well after a two figure plunge they come right back with three in a row we wouldn't necessarily mind buying again. Although I'd rather an all new sculpt, this is probably the next best thing if we had to get it put to us again. There is no way I could give a Sandtrooper a thumbs down!

(Figure '05 | #12, Asst. No. 85492, Item No. 85172, Backing Card P/N 6385281200, Window Insert P/N 6385291200, ) 

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