Imperial AT-AT (All Terrain Armored Transport 2010

July 10, 2010
Photos and Story by Chris Spice (Darth Spice)
Graphic Work by David Syczylo (Boba Binks)

INTRODUCTION
The AT-AT was one of the greatest vehicles Kenner ever produced for the vintage Star Wars toy line. As opinionated as fans can be, that is one thing I think all could agree on. While Hasbro has used that same mold a couple times in the modern era, the success of large scale vehicles might have created the desire to recreate one of the most iconic military vehicles in the Star Wars universe. Collectors and kids alike will all share the magic together, as Hasbro didn't merely catch lightning in a bottle, this could be viewed as the equivalent of uranium enrichment for toys. The Millennium Falcon, Turbo Tank, AT-TE, and AT-ST were incredible, the new AT-AT is simply off the charts.

The newly designed AT-AT really does help the Empire “prepare for ground assault” with all of the incredible features that include:

Includes AT-AT Driver action figure and pop-out speeder bike.
The body opens on both sides.
Rotating "chin guns" with sound F/X and LEDs.
Can play multiple sounds simultaneously (for example walking & firing)
Zip line from belly to recreate the signature Luke Skywalker scene from Episode V.
Holds up to 20 figures, 6 of which can fit in the head of the AT-AT.
Two levels within the AT-AT, with sound F/X and LEDs.
Two repelling platforms for troop deployment.
2 firing projectiles.
Articulated legs.

The head features a redesigned cockpit that now holds six figures, versus the traditional two. In fact with the viewscreen and other added features make it appear like the exact scene you saw in Empire Strikes Back. You can even reposition some of the monitors, and decode the Aurabesh messages! If you press the button there are several phrases, including some from Lord Vader himself. There is no question they outdid themselves on the cockpit.

They really opened up the playset options on the AT-AT. I'd bet a kid could spend hours upon hours, since I've been having quite a bit of fun for nearly three days! We all wondered how the Troopers got down from the towering AT-AT, Hasbro answered that question for us with two very cool Troop repelling platforms. The added touch of the ladder, sights and sounds also make the inside of the body head and shoulders above anything previously created. In fact one of the quotes mentions "Blizzard Squadron" that honors the nickname of Snowtroopers by the 501st Legion. Another personal touch Hasbro passed along in the never-ending thought process put into the new design. The ladder is a little tough to snap in on the bottom, but it's pretty easy to snap a figure and make it look like he was investigating trouble "down below."

Speaking of which, they perfected the once attempted iconic scene of Luke Skywalker bombing the AT-AT from the ground. We all remember the button on the side of the modern era AT-AT, and the string never seemed to hide right. This was also recognized and with the touch of a button inside the body, you can pull down a cable that will pull Luke Skywalker up into the AT-AT. It's a bit noisy and annoying but the kid in me quickly ignored that! They didn't miss a trick on the inside of the body, right down to the details in the stickers on the gun controls. The doors snap off pretty easy, so you don't have to worry about the kiddies, or over-zealous collectors breaking the doors.

While we did not see the Speeder Bike or Scout Troopers on Hoth, Hasbro has packed a whole bunch of junk in the trunk on the new AT-AT! The door opens on the back and with the touch of a button you have a Speeder Bike ready to perform recon. While the cannon original trilogy purist in me doesn't quite like this, again the kid in me takes over and I can't help but think it's the coolest thing since bottled beer. I'm not quite sure what the gun sights are for in the back, other than to help the Blizzard Squad work on their pull-ups! The opening doors on the rear-end are another original touch, they will no doubt help add play value and recreate the AT-AT exploding from within. This isn't your Daddy's AT-AT, as I told my young son who helped produce some of the video. From the support rods on the feet, and everything else from the over two-feet tall beast that has reset the bar on quality toys. Hasbro has shown us they can do it time and time again, all we can hope as fans, collectors and kids is they will continue to answer the bell. This isn't just coming out swinging Troopers, you factor in the $99.99 price tag, this is the knock out blow.

Those of us who gave it up, will regret they did. In fact, if you are left with anything but the desire to be eight years-old again, I'd be shocked. What a great way to commemorate the anniversary of the Empire Strikes Back by slam dunking not just my favorite, but the favorite of many that every collected Star Wars toys. An incredible job to Hasbro, perhaps the best of any toy ever. A special thanks to the team at Hunter PR for the generous gift.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES