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Series: Ultima Online

 

Craftsmanship: 8.1 out of 10

- Balanced to a fault

- Classic articulation points

- Great detail and sculpt

- Excellent paint application

- No holes in the feet

 

Playability: 7.6 out of 10

- Extremely compatible with the other Ultima figures and practically every female figure McFarlane

has ever produced

- Many accessories to lose – even though they are perfectly suited

- Good durability but limited appeal

 

 

 

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Captain Dasha (Ultima Online)

by McFarlane Toys

 

captain-dasha.jpg (34295 bytes)

 

While the card-back (or paper insert nowadays) describes Captain Dasha as a “lovely master of war and sorcery,” she’s no looker – but I suppose the “master of war and sorcery” part is correct.  However, even given these powers she can’t stand worth a damn.

 

I should qualify that last statement.  Without wearing and holding the full complement of accessories, Captain Dasha can’t stand worth a damn.  After wracking my brain, I haven’t been able to come up with another figure that won’t stand well without holding the accessories.  I can think of plenty of figures that fall over when holding accessories – they’re a dime a dozen (or $25 at most comic shops).  Compounding this problem is the fact there are no holes in the feet to allow pegging to a display base.

 

Part of the balancing problem is the overall sculpt.  She leans in a provocative way – much like Abbey Chase from the Danger Girl line.  However, the details are terrific with an interesting mix of stitched cloth and exposed chain mail.  Even the accessories have been given attention and really do look hobbled together with all-natural fibers.  I really like the trilobite wrist gauntlet that fits on her left arm.  Instead of having the standard black omega fasteners, there are two bone-like hooks that make for continuity of the entire ensemble.  The paint is applied without oversplash and the overall style is consistent with the rest of the Ultima Online figures.

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Poseability is hampered by the classic articulation arrangement: seam joints at the hips, shoulders (and two on the left arm, one on the right), and neck.  There could have been more articulation, but the fact there are a limited number of joints makes her somewhat more durable.

 

Whenever I put a figure through the playtest, I always secretly hold my breath.  I hate breaking a perfectly good figure.  Most pull through with no problems and Captain Dasha was no different. (I would expect nothing less from a master of war.)  The blade on her right wrist can be snapped off, but it’s a simple matter of gluing it back on.  She is extremely compatible with practically every female figure McFarlane Toys has ever produced and fits right in with the rest of the Ultima figures.  As a result, interesting dioramas are possible (and many play opportunities if you’re one of those closeted collectors who plays with his toys).  Accessories can be lost but some of this is alleviated by the fact they all attach to her or hang off the belts.  Another detraction is that she lacks that “cool” factor.  She looks impressive with all her weapons and armor just standing there – but when you actually play with her, she doesn’t hold your interest.

 

Completionists, collectors, and fans have already snagged Captain Dasha to round out their collection of Ultima Online figures.  With all her problems, she still manages to look good on display (when she stays standing).  For people more concerned with playability, they may want to think twice.

 

- Omni

 

 

 

 

 

 

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