Toyguide Update: First Order Flametrooper

toyguide_flametrooper_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates continue our series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at the First Order Flametrooper from wave 1 of the Build-A-Weapon “Desert” assortment.

PROS:  While the movie hasn’t debuted yet, we have received a brief glimpse of the First Order Flametroopers in action via a behind the scenes video. This unit of troops looks to be particularly lethal in their methods and the figure seems to capture that design faithfully. They come across as a lot bulkier that the standard First Order Stormtrooper and evoke a silhouette reminiscent of the Republic Trooper from The Clone Wars era. The figure stands well even with his bulky backpack and the paint (or lack thereof) is applied well.

CONS: The figure could have been served better if the arms were sculpted to be able to hold the flamethrower rifle with both hands, as it looks a bit silly in an outstretched arm. Despite being a pretty solid figure, there does seem to be an issue with the hose from the flamethrower staying attached to the backpack. It seems to stay in place initially, but if you pose the (right) arm, the tension on the supply hose can result in it coming off peg. Not a huge deal but maybe frustrating for the kiddos during play. And what is that build-a-weapon pack-in supposed to be? A shield? A gun? A key fob? Obviously it is part to a larger construct, but on it’s own, it’s as out of place in the line as the other individual BAW components.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.