Sculpt--3/5
I missed the POTF2 version so when Hasbro announced this one, I knew I wasn't going to pass it up. I wasn't expecting much in terms of getting a new sculpt, and Hasbro didn't disappoint me. While I don't own the POTF2 version, I do own the vintage one, and the sculpt really hasn't changed. There are a few very minor differences, but they aren't worth mentioning. And while I don't mind that it's the same old sculpt, I do wish they could have updated the cockpit somehow. The cockpit consists of the seat for Luke and Dack, and that's it. No control panels, no dash, not even a sticker. There's plenty of room in there, so I think something could have been added. There's not really anything new in terms of sculpt. Features--2/5
The snowspeeder has a retractable landing gear and an opening cockpit. The landing gear is very cheap as Hasbro has removed the spring from the gear so it only operates by the force of gravity. You pull a switch back, and the landing gear just kinda falls out and down. Meh. It would have been nice if they added those flaps that serve as air brakes, but that's Hasbro for ya. Accessories--4/5
One of the real reasons to buy this set is to get your hands on the first ever Dack Ralter figure. Dack's headsculpt is decent. It sucks that he doesn't have a removable helmet, because that would have been awesome. The helmet sculpted on Dack's head isn't quite accurate scale-wise, but it's not as small as some of the older rebel pilots heads (like POTF2 Luke X-wing). The helmet is actually the most well-scultped of the non-removable helmets. It's got nice defined edges and it even has the slot where the built in goggles would be. The bodies (crotch and torso) of both Dack and Luke is from the Biggs Darklighter figure with a puffy collar glued to it. The arms and legs are from either the POTF2 Luke X-wing pilot or the Wedge figure packed with the Millenium Falcon carrying case (I think they're the same anyway). Luke's head is from the POTF2 X-wing figure and it sucks. I immediately took off the head and replaced it with a Luke Bespin Duel head (I found one that wasn't too beat up looking), and then put on the POTJ Luke X-wing helmet. He looks much better now. Paint--4.5/5
The paint might be the second reason to buy this Snowspeeder. I think Hasbro did a good job with making this thing look worn and battered. Hasbro used two colors for the "streaks" that give the ship its worn look. The light bluish-grey paint gives the Snowspeeder just the right touch of color. The black paint looks good too, but I think they overdid it just a little bit. There's also some dark grey accents on the thicker part of the gun turrets which also helps make the snowspeeder much nicer than past versions. The pre-applied stickers also do a good job at making the Snowspeeder look more detailed than it is. They're pretty accurate too, which is cool. The only sticker I don't like is the simulated crack in the windshield. It doesn't look very realistic...it's actually quite pathetic looking. Packaging--3.5/5
The Snowspeeder is packaged in the diorama style and it looks good in the box. This is great for Mint In Box collectors. The only problem MIB collectors may have is that it's not too sturdy. Because of the large window, the front left corner of the box is very weak. The fact that it is at an angle doesn't help either. It's very easy to crush the box from the top or from the side, resulting in bent up windows. Overall--3.5/5
I'm pleased with the Snowspeeder overall, but I wish they could have updated something besides the paint job. The new Dack and Luke figures are decent, but nothing to get overly excited about. All in all it's a nice set, especially if you don't own the Snowspeeder yet. And hey, when was the last time Hasbro gave us TWO pack-in figures? --Photos and review by Garett Yoshimura
garett@carrotnetwork.com | 
