AT-ST DRIVER Battle of Hoth
30th Anniversary Collection Ultimate Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87565 No. 87566
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, removable helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $49.99 (part of a set)
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: A chance discovery by a probe droid reveals the Rebel Alliance's main base on the planet Hoth. Darth Vader prepares for a surprise long-range attack, but his plans are ruined when Admiral Kendal Ozzel leaves hyperspace near the planet, setting off the Rebels' early-warning sensors. Vader then launches a ground attack with a powerful onslaught of Snowtroopers and AT-ST Walkers. The Rebels target their laser turrets at the invading Imperials, and Luke bravely leads his fellow Rebels into battle with the formidable walkers. But the Alliance is outnumbered and outgunned, and the order is given to retreat. The Rebels succeed in fleeing the panet, giving the Empire a cold and bittersweet victory. (Taken from the set's box.)

Image: Adam's toy shelves.

Commentary: One of the things Hasbro has become particularly adept at lately is finding new ways to recycle old molds into compelling figures. This AT-ST Driver managed to cobble together parts from two previously released figures from opposing sides of the Galactic Civil War into a new baddie for your amusement. The body is the 2004 Han Solo in AT-ST Driver Disguise body, which itself is a modified 2001 Imperial Officer. The head is taken from the 2007 Capture of Tantive IV Battle Pack, specifically one of the Rebel Troopers with recolored hair. Since there isn't a post-POTF2 AT-ST Driver without a Han Solo head, this is the first-- and was released alongside another, similar figure with a different head in yet another Target exclusive Battle Pack.

So, let's say you went ahead and got this figure-- what do you get? The figure itself has an excellent sculpt and mostly holds together nicely-- the body originates from around the time we started seeing figures decline on the whole "not falling apart" scale. With 10 points of articulation, he can sit or stand easily plus manipulate the controls to some extent. His left hand is molded with a comm in it, which is a nice little detail but may prove limiting in some environments. His legs are normal legs, but his arms are fairly movable. Each one has a joint at the glove, and another between the elbow and shoulder which allows for limited swiveling. The entire body is decorated with a little dirt to bring out the detail, which is good because the flat grey plastic is somewhat boring.

To top it all off, the figure has a removable helmet and a standard Imperial blaster. He seems to have a little difficulty carrying his gun, but the helmet fits just fine. As far as accessories go, you really couldn't ask for more-- especially given the figure also came in a box with an AT-ST. This figure, and a similar AT-ST Driver packaged in an Endor set, are probably the best versions of the walker-driver you can buy today, so I'd suggest getting either or both if you have the means.

Collector's Notes: This figure worked as a nice generic Imperial trooper, and came and went in a hurry. Many Targets sold through the Battle of Hoth Ultimate Battle Pack before the clearances kicked in, and with good cause-- even at $50, it was quite a deal. As such, this particular figure has been out of circulation for some time, and there are presently no known plans for a reissue. Perhaps if/when the rumored new mold AT-ST makes its debut, we'll see him (or a new version) again.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 753: May 28, 2008