So the new 25th anniversary stuff is out. Most people would know I have not been optimistic about them since the first pictures appeared on the net some months back. But to be totally fair, I bought some figures so I could make an informed judgement with them "in hand". The verdict? I'm afraid my fears have been confirmed. The new stuff does have some good points; the sculpting is great, the accessories are awesome, and I love the proper holsters molded onto to some figures.
However, the positives are outweighted by the negatives. Most obviously, the new scale makes them hard to integrate with any "old" Joe figures and vehicles (try and sit one in the Vamp!). I can accept taller versions of Roadblock and Gung Ho, after all they are supposed to be big guys. But a Scarlett that's taller than virtually any "old" Joe just doesn't work for me. Secondly, the new articulation is a mixed bag. Some of the new points are cool, but others don't move as far or as well as the regular Joes. The chest just doesn't look right on some figures, and the heads all look strange when viewed from side on. Another concern is how "delicate" the new figures feel. I was hesitant even when removing them from the packaging, as they felt like they were about to break at any second.
So overall, I have to say I'm disappointed with the new stuff. As a result I most likely won't buy any more, unless Hasbro make some improvements (and knowing Hasbro, that's unlikely).
I know alot of you folks are really impressed with the 25th figures, and I'm happy for you , I truly am, but I'm not going to spend money on lesser versions of characters I already have so many versions of.
