Review: Terminator Salvation: Hunter Killer
While it was watchable, Terminator Salvation wasn't something I consider memorable. While it certainly wasn't the only issue, Salvation tried too hard to stick to the template of the Terminator franchise instead of focusing on the premise. Ultimately, the film makers failed to perceive that this was supposed to be a war movie, not an adventure flick.
But where the script was lacking, the design was spot on. The post-apocalyptic landscape looked fantastic, and, with a few exceptions, the robotic monstrosities patrolling the future were great.
Among the varied machines was a favorite that's certainly not new to the series: the Hunter Killer. Personally, I've always loved the look of the thing, almost a submarine with jet engines. When Playmates released a toy version, I almost grabbed it.
But... it just seemed a bit overpriced considering it was plastic and not die cast. So, reasoning it would likely go on clearance eventually, I held off.
And here we are a year later. Guess what? It went on clearance. This is, of course, part of the same line that includes the T-1, T-RIP, and T-700 figures I reviewed last year. Obviously, this isn't in the same scale. Officially, this is in the 3.75 inch scale, since it comes with a T-700 in that size. That said, if this were really scaled to those toys, it would be at least twice as big.
But where the script was lacking, the design was spot on. The post-apocalyptic landscape looked fantastic, and, with a few exceptions, the robotic monstrosities patrolling the future were great.
Among the varied machines was a favorite that's certainly not new to the series: the Hunter Killer. Personally, I've always loved the look of the thing, almost a submarine with jet engines. When Playmates released a toy version, I almost grabbed it.
But... it just seemed a bit overpriced considering it was plastic and not die cast. So, reasoning it would likely go on clearance eventually, I held off.
And here we are a year later. Guess what? It went on clearance. This is, of course, part of the same line that includes the T-1, T-RIP, and T-700 figures I reviewed last year. Obviously, this isn't in the same scale. Officially, this is in the 3.75 inch scale, since it comes with a T-700 in that size. That said, if this were really scaled to those toys, it would be at least twice as big.
Appearance and Construction: 5/10
Like just about everything Playmates produces, this is clearly a toy first and a collectible second. The level of detail we're used to from other companies just isn't here.
That said, the likeness is pretty good, at least from a distance. The engines look pretty good, even up close, and the guns are decent.
There are a couple play features that intrude on the sculpt, though. First up, there's a large wheel poking out of the top that rotates the engines. I'll have more to say on this later, but in terms of appearance... I actually don't mind it that much. Playmates did a good job keeping the plastic color consistent and blending this into the sculpt. Sure, you can clearly see it, but, really, does a giant gear look that out of place on this? Sure, it would look better without it, but I don't consider it a big deal.
Actually, I find the firing missile more intrusive. The firing mechanisms are actually well integrated - they're the small fins just above the holes, by the way - but the holes themselves disrupt the sculpt. Pop the missiles in, and it looks even worse.
The score is something of compilation of these issues. The lack of detail work really ensures that this isn't getting anything higher than a seven, the action features drag it down to a six, and, finally, the fact they made this out of plastic instead of metal pulls it down another point.
That said, the likeness is pretty good, at least from a distance. The engines look pretty good, even up close, and the guns are decent.
There are a couple play features that intrude on the sculpt, though. First up, there's a large wheel poking out of the top that rotates the engines. I'll have more to say on this later, but in terms of appearance... I actually don't mind it that much. Playmates did a good job keeping the plastic color consistent and blending this into the sculpt. Sure, you can clearly see it, but, really, does a giant gear look that out of place on this? Sure, it would look better without it, but I don't consider it a big deal.
Actually, I find the firing missile more intrusive. The firing mechanisms are actually well integrated - they're the small fins just above the holes, by the way - but the holes themselves disrupt the sculpt. Pop the missiles in, and it looks even worse.
The score is something of compilation of these issues. The lack of detail work really ensures that this isn't getting anything higher than a seven, the action features drag it down to a six, and, finally, the fact they made this out of plastic instead of metal pulls it down another point.
Packaging and Extras: ----
This comes packed in a large box that does little to protect the contents, but, to Playmate's credit, does offer a decent sized window showcasing the product. At the very least, you know what you're getting:
The back gives you a brief rundown of the action features. Overall, the packaging is nothing unusual, but it does it's job. The Hunter Killer comes with a few accessories, but they're nothing to get excited about. First, there's the obvious pair of missiles you can fire from the sides. These are fairly straightforward.
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In addition, Playmates has included a 3.75 inch T-700 that confirms my decision last year not to collect Terminator toys in this scale.
While it's somewhat similar to the 6 inch version, the production kind of deteriorates in this scale. I can't tell if it was a bad sculpt, if the figure partially melted while being produced, or if the paint ops are just that bad... and frankly I don't care enough to spend time trying to determine why this isn't better. Likewise, the articulation is more or less the same as the 6 inch figure, minus the ankle joints. That leaves pins in the elbows, knees, hips, and double-pins in the shoulders. The legs are warped, so you'll have some trouble getting him to stand for extended periods of time. I suppose it's better to get something than nothing... but not by much. |
Play and Display: ----
There's more to discuss here than I'd expect. Most of it isn't really good or bad - just weird.
I doubt it'll surprise anyone that there's not much articulation on this thing - it is, after all, a vehicle. There are a few moving parts, though. The gun turrets on the bottom move around, and there's a secret hatch on the underside, as well.
The hatch opens to reveal a clip where you can attach your T-700 and forget about him. Alternatively, you could just as easily throw him away. To their credit, the hatch is well concealed and doesn't interrupt the sculpt. I'm actually fairly happy with this.
The wheel on top is connected to the engines, which rotate together. The downside is that they can't move independently of each other, but that's not really a huge problem. You can also spin the front and back turbines on each engine if you want, though I can't imagine why you would.
The missiles shoot with a decent amount of force, but, again, I'd have been happier if they'd left out this feature.
Finally, the Hunter Killer includes landing gear, which the instructions make clear should be used for balance when it's set down. This is kind of odd, because the Hunter Killer can only stand upright when the landing gear is up. There's an issue with the legs where each opens to a different angle, creating a situation where it simply can't balance on them. It's fine without them, though, so either someone at Playmates has a warped sense of humor or they're not doing much testing.
So, ultimately, there's a lot going on here, but it adds up to nothing.
I doubt it'll surprise anyone that there's not much articulation on this thing - it is, after all, a vehicle. There are a few moving parts, though. The gun turrets on the bottom move around, and there's a secret hatch on the underside, as well.
The hatch opens to reveal a clip where you can attach your T-700 and forget about him. Alternatively, you could just as easily throw him away. To their credit, the hatch is well concealed and doesn't interrupt the sculpt. I'm actually fairly happy with this.
The wheel on top is connected to the engines, which rotate together. The downside is that they can't move independently of each other, but that's not really a huge problem. You can also spin the front and back turbines on each engine if you want, though I can't imagine why you would.
The missiles shoot with a decent amount of force, but, again, I'd have been happier if they'd left out this feature.
Finally, the Hunter Killer includes landing gear, which the instructions make clear should be used for balance when it's set down. This is kind of odd, because the Hunter Killer can only stand upright when the landing gear is up. There's an issue with the legs where each opens to a different angle, creating a situation where it simply can't balance on them. It's fine without them, though, so either someone at Playmates has a warped sense of humor or they're not doing much testing.
So, ultimately, there's a lot going on here, but it adds up to nothing.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 5/10
Like I said before, this is a fine toy but only a passable collectible. Playmates is behind the curve. While most toy companies have moved on to complex sculpts and interesting features, Playmates is still producing the same sort of things they made in the 80s and 90s.
And, so long as you know what you're getting into, that's fine. There's a real sense that all of my complaints are rendered moot by the fact the box this came in has a huge, open window. I could see exactly what was inside when it was sitting on the shelf.
Which is why I scoffed at the original price tag of $26. Over the past year, that's gone up and down. I wound up find this one at a Toys R Us Holiday Express in March (yes, there are Holiday Express stores that appear to be open all year round), where it was marked down to fifteen and sitting beside a sign advertising that all Terminator Salvation toys were half off.
So, in the end, this ran me $7.50, which is a pretty good deal. I'd actually say it's worth as much as $12 or $13, but I'd hesitate to recommend paying any more.
And, so long as you know what you're getting into, that's fine. There's a real sense that all of my complaints are rendered moot by the fact the box this came in has a huge, open window. I could see exactly what was inside when it was sitting on the shelf.
Which is why I scoffed at the original price tag of $26. Over the past year, that's gone up and down. I wound up find this one at a Toys R Us Holiday Express in March (yes, there are Holiday Express stores that appear to be open all year round), where it was marked down to fifteen and sitting beside a sign advertising that all Terminator Salvation toys were half off.
So, in the end, this ran me $7.50, which is a pretty good deal. I'd actually say it's worth as much as $12 or $13, but I'd hesitate to recommend paying any more.
To put this in context, this is the correct way to display your Hunter Killer, according to the instructions.
Anyway... I've got a blog, some fiction, and a book, while you've clearly got too much time on your hands, because you're still reading this.
So check out those links!
Anyway... I've got a blog, some fiction, and a book, while you've clearly got too much time on your hands, because you're still reading this.
So check out those links!
