A lot of sci-fi fans have clamoured for some good
Predator figures and McFarlane steps up to the plate in a big way with this pair
of Predator figures (packaged separately but reviewed together here). The last
Movie Maniacs series featured a
Advertisement
deluxe Alien vs. Predator, but since I never got
hold of that set this is my first look at Predator.
Firstly, these guys are loaded with articulation – about 13 points of
articulation along the lines of the articulation scheme developed with the Metal
Gear Solid 2 figures (released late 2001). It utilizes a mix of ball, hinge and
seam joints. The placement of
Advertisement
these
points allows a wide variety of poses, particularly thanks to ball-jointed hips
and ankles. (If you picked up Spawn Image 10th Anniversary the articulation is
quite similar.) If you’re into display, this means lots of action poses – more
so if you’ve snagged the Alien figures of the series. And they’re also
relatively stable in a variety of different poses.
This poseability breaks the mold for Movie Maniacs figures, which have nearly
always landed on the side of display figure rather than action figure. I’d like
to see this tradition carried over to other Maniacs figures.
I don’t know where to start with the detail. McFarlane’s has absolutely nailed
the movie likenesses – high marks all-round. There are minor differences between
the two Predators – one closed mouth, one open mouth. The closed mouth Predator
comes packed with a helmet/facemask and a forearm that can be snapped out to
create battle damage. It has fluorescent blood spatters, too.
The other Predator’s open mouth makes him look particularly ferocious, more so
with the spear raised above his head. Otherwise, they’re identical – the same
dreadlocks, the same armor, the same back-strapped targeting reticule, the same
retractable claw gauntlet. Which one you pick depends on your preference –
you’ll be satisfied with either but there’s more playability with the
closed-mouth Predator.
When it comes to playability you’ll get the most satisfaction if you get both
Predators and the Alien figures (including the deluxe Queen Alien set). Even on
their own, there’s quite a bit of playability to be had, especially when played
with outside to re-create those movie moments. It’s too bad McFarlane didn’t see
fit to make a translucent figure to emulate Predator’s cloaking ability – now
that would have been cool! – that would open even more play options. But the
danger is that you’ll lose or break off the small pieces (the targeting reticule
especially). The closed-moth Predator’s forearm can be lost as well. Each
Predator comes with one of those cool, decapitating Frisbees and they’re small
enough to go missing easily. The holster that’s made to hold it does not work
well, if at all. It’s supposed to snap into place but it doesn’t thanks to
McFarlane’s unwavering dedication to the source material. No matter how hard I
tried, it just wouldn’t fit in either holster. Since only the closed-mouth
Predator can actually hold the disk, you’re bound to lose the disk sooner rather
than later.
Fans of the movies should grab Predator – either one or both. The detail and
articulation are extremely good, and even if you play with your toys you get
your money’s worth.
