
In fact, this is the first version that I’d really consider a “swamp” rat. The use of black for the outer panels of the uniform with the red highlights really brings this figure to life for me. The third time is apparently the charm as this version is the best looking yet. It did, however, lack the serape of the first figure. The second single carded version leaned toward more of a jungle scheme with a primarily green and gray body. The first Swamp Rat figure had a very desert paint scheme comprised of pale earth tones. Swamp Rat is yet another example of how a new paint job can further improve an existing character. It’s not THE Snake Eyes figure but on a design-level it’s pretty sharp.

#Desert battle snake eyes timber update#
All in all, this is a terrific update of a classic character. The wolf is solidly made and features a dark paint wash down its back-just like Timber used to appear in the Sunbow comic series. The inclusion of Timber is a fantastic “hat nod” to older fans as well as something that should appeal to younger fans as well. One important “accessory” of note is Snake Eyes’ wolf companion Timber! Not since the 1985 v2 have we had a “real” wolf accessory packaged with Snake Eyes. So, until then this figure will be one that is visually stunning but not quite perfect when it comes to articulation. I’ve read of a few modifications to the bottom of the torso that fix this issue but I haven’t yet attempted any myself. It’s a shame as this figure is otherwise quite poseable-being the second Snake Eyes mold to feature rotating wrists. It would seem that the fit of the torso and the legs simply doesn’t allow for a great deal of sustained lateral movement. I swapped out the o-ring with one from the plethora of Mirage figures I seem to have accumulated but the problem remains.

Any movement of the legs to the side simple causes them to snap back to attention. My figure seems suited to standing at attention only. The only issue I have with Snake Eyes seems to be a combination of a slight design flaw and a really tight o-ring. It’s nice to see Snake Eyes return to his “pre-ninja” roots ala the 1982 version and I think that’s how I’ll leave this figure in my collection. His vest is removable and can be modified to carry his black-matte bladed weapon yet I see myself leaving the sword behind. Both of his rifles are new weapons and the UZI features a folding stock! He does come equipped with the obligatory sword but no sword sheath. When it comes to character design, I think Hasbro has a winner here.Įven SE’s gear seems to be more commando-oriented this time around. He even has an ankle sheath-although none of his included weapons will fit in it. Also, the belt, boots, and kneepads all look extremely realistic. Aside from the rolled over shirt sleeves, both the pants and visor shown wrinkles in the “fabric” which definitely makes SE look more commando and less superhero. The uniform itself is loaded with some nice details that give it the appearance of being made of cloth rather than spandex. In other words, this design captures the most basic essence of the character. This is a figure that seems designed for stealth he travels light and makes little noise. There are no oversized holsters that plagued that Spy Troops version, no proliferation of trench knives or gadgets. The molded gear attached to the uniform is simple, yet practical: knife, shurikens, and what appears to be either a data pad or an Ipod. The overall design seems surprisingly simple-a pair of black pants, boots and a dual-layer shirt (notice the rolled sleeves of the over shirt) with a mask. Packaged with a killer repaint of the Swamp Rat, does this figure make the cut? Has Hasbro at long last found one figure that all fans can agree upon? Read on….įor this particular incarnation of Snake Eyes, the design team seems to have gone more “commando” (no pun intended) than “ninja” and I, for one, am glad! In fact, this Snake Eyes seems to be a direct nod back to the 1985 Snake Eyes v2 right down to the visor on the head. Hasbro, however, seems to be continually trying to create that one perfect Snake Eyes and so the Wave 7 version is the newest release. It’s almost like reading Little Red Riding Hood-“this version’s too tall”, “this version’s too short”, or “this version’s visor is just the wrong shade of black”. When a character is as popular as the Joe team’s original commando it’s hard to find a version that fans can agree on as the “definitive” version.


If any single figure from this wave, aside from the repainted Viper, had Joe fans drooling with anticipation it is the new Snake Eyes sculpt.
