Samus Aran (Metroid) - Action Figure Reviews

Series: GamePro Presents 3

Craftsmanship: 7.0 / 10

- Interchangeable heads!

- Just basic articulation

- Does not look like it was “ripped right from the game” but you can tell who it is

- Stands easily

Playability: 8.7 / 10

- Surprisingly durable

- You may lose one of the heads

- Big figure

Related Links:

- Review: Metroid Prime (GC)

- Classic: Metroid (NES)

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Samus Aran (Metroid Prime)

by Joyride Studios

There aren’t too many action figures that are akin to all-terrain vehicles. Samus Aran is one such figure. After almost two months of being dropped, stepped on,

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dunked, buried, kicked, and thrown by my son in a marathon of abuse (i.e. playtesting), Samus survived, albeit with a few scratches and dents.

I find this amazing for a number reasons, but mainly because her right (gun) hand is on the spindly side and has limited articulation. In fact, all the articulation is muted. This is likely to disappoint those

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expecting more. Her “robotic” form should have allowed much more practical and useful articulation since it’s easier to hide articulation. Take for example Joyride’s Jupiter (MechWarrior) figure – the articulation is all in plain sight but none of it catches your eye. In comparison, Samus’ articulation is rather glaring. Not only that, the articulation is restricted. Her shoulder joints are seams underneath the “shoulder pads” meaning her arms are barely mobile. A better solution would have been to make the shoulder pads ball-jointed for great mobility. It almost goes without saying, those looking for poseability won’t be happy. The tradeoff is that she’s tough and very playable.

The color scheme is all right but it’s not outstanding. The metallic sheen of Samus as seen in Metroid Prime (GC) is not present. Instead, she looks more along the lines of what a Saturday morning cartoon based on the game might look like. Overall, it does not look like she’s been ripped right from the game even though some of the small details are bang on.

As a display piece, Samus ranks lower on the scale. Although she’s recognizable and stands easily she just doesn’t reach out and grab you, which is too bad because Samus is such a popular character. Samus comes with interchangeable heads: one helmeted, one not. They can be popped in and out easily, but just be careful about losing one or the other (or both).

Overall, collectors are likely to be disappointed with Samus. Although it’s good to finally see a Samus figure, it just doesn’t go far enough; however, if you’re into playing with your toys Samus is a great figure.

- Omni
(July 20, 2003)