The Clone Trooper goes through a design change which reflects a noticeable evolution to the Original Trilogy era. For the new Revenge of the Sith Collection 1 action figure, Hasbro infuses a kiddie attractive action feature along with great articulation to impress pose-ability obsessed collectors. The result is a troop builder which should see limited duty hanging around on a peg.

In what seems to be the gold standard for Collection 1 action features, the figure swings his right arm upward when his legs are pressed together --- dubbed the Quick-Draw attack this time around. Hasbro reuses some pieces from the excellent Clone Wars super-articulated Clone Trooper, most notably in the torso, arms, and hands. The main difference is in the new ROTS era helmet and the wider stance needed for the action mechanism along with the ROTS Clone also lacking the ball jointed waist of the Clone Wars version.

A neat extra for this new Clone Trooper is the interchangeable left shoulder plate --- one sporting the emblem of the Galactic Republic and one without. Whether this has anything to do with the plotline remains to be seen, so let the speculation begin. Last, but certainly not least, our genetically produced warrior comes readily armed with a blaster and blaster rifle.

While feelings are mixed so far on the new Revenge of the Sith packaging, the initial impressions on the figures themselves are overwhelmingly positive. Hasbro certainly has done their homework since the Episode 1 era, and by downplaying the gimmicks and hiding the gadgets while at the same time offering top notch sculpts and articulation, 2005 is building up to be quite the year. Let's hope the movie delivers just as well.  

UPDATE: "Mace Windu" informs and corrects us that the emblem (showing a circle with 6 spokes instead of the 8 on the Republic emblem) on the shoulder plate is actually that of what the Galactic Republic eventually becomes...The Empire.

CLONE TROOPER- Quick-Draw Attack!
Collection 1
Item No.: 85279/85173
Sequence: 6
Includes: Blaster, Blaster Rifle, 2 interchangeable shoulder plates
Action Feature:  Squeeze legs together for Quick-Draw Attack!
Retail: $4.99
Availability: April 2005

Bio: Clone Troopers are the genetically engineered soldiers that are the Grand Army of the Republic. They are sent throughout the galaxy to fight the droid armies that belong to the Separatist forces. (MORE IMAGES)

Discuss in our forums