As everyone is aware, GI JOE was pushed back almost a full year. Of course this is a disappointment for fans across the world but we will get our movie and toys. As with any major movie release, there is a toy line and GI JOE is no different.
GI JOE has a limited product release across the country and most can find the first series of vehicles and figures. Hasbro did announce that the second and third waves were cancelled but fear not, we will see them in some form around March 2013.
The first release includes several figures, vehicles and play accessories. One of the vehicles in question is the new HISS Tank. This, of course, is an iconic vehicle of the GI JOE brand and many collectors will at least look at this toy. Now many might wonder, how does this new version hold up to previous releases? I have that answer for you.
Most wide eyed collector will see that the treads are now molded. This to me is a major let down and a direct result of being spoiled from POC and the 30th Anniversary. Once you get movable treads, you never want to go back.
As stated above, the treads are now molded and a tad smaller. The overall feel of the vehicles screams cheaper plastic. It seems Hasbro did not put their heart into these toys. Now do not get me wrong, it is a neat retake on this vehicle but compared to POC, it is a step back.
The main cannon swivels from side to side and seats one figure. It also shoots out one projectile from the turret. This is cool as the POC version lacked this ability. On each side you have support weapons that make this HISS a bad ass. I only wish you could turn them with ease. I think kids will find this difficult to a degree. In reality this vehicle reminds me of the Joe Vs. Cobra era and this is mainly due to the sculpting of details.
The nose gun is stationary and lacks any movement* and you no longer have the ability to move the main assembly. The POC version actually moved up/down and side to side. Hasbro did allow the ability to move weapons into other positions. If I remember correctly, this started around the time of Direct to Consumer line of vehicles. This allows fans to create new versions of the same vehicle. The interior is lacking all detail and is quite boring. I do like the glass canopy but at the same time I like realistic cockpits, even on tanks.
Pack in figure
The pack in figure is Cobra Commander. This version of the historic leader of Cobra is a pure win, sculpt wise. Articulation wise it is garbage. I know Hasbro wanted to cut costs and pack in figures took the brunt of this. All figures took a hit but I really thought we were past the POTF2 days. For the first time is “Joe history”, we get a figure that has 5 whopping points of articulation. This is absurd and a travesty to the GI JOE brand. Some vehicles were a must have due to the driver or pilot. I would have preferred NO figure for this vehicle and to me, where is savings at retail? I hope Hasbro fixes this situation and take GI JOE seriously. We have 9 months to pray for a significant change for the brand.
Final thoughts
I do like this vehicle but barely. Past offerings have been better and with more oomph. This vehicle has grown on me but I know it could have been better. I just hope the HISS has a good role in the movie because I would love to see this vehicle tear into some Joes. Overall if I was to rate the Retaliation HISS, I would give it 6 out of 10 due to the figure pack in.
For added review I also took a few shots of the POC Hiss Tank. Also no decals were applied to this sample.
*Nose gun does not move but the turret moves side to side
