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FULL REVIEW HERE:
That Figures: REVIEW: Elite Force LT (Army NBC Troop)
Final Thoughts
I could have picked any one of the figures from the Elite Force line and my core impressions would have remained the same, so before I go onto highlight some of LT's positives (and negatives) I'm going to quickly comment on the line as a whole.
The Elite Force line suffers from some quality control issues - specifically when it comes to the paint app. Some figures will be fine, others not so much. I'll admit, I was unable to find an acceptable app on one figure I was considering this weekend and, as a result, I passed on making a purchase. But then again, I was also unable to find a GI Joe: Retaliation Joe Colton that didn't look boss-eyed until very recently, so it's not like Hasbro is above such problems, either.
On a positive note, the level of articulation these figures sport is highly impressive. Sure, the T-crotch is a pain but it's not an insurmountable problem and, as I mentioned above, unless you're going for Ninja high-kicks or crazy acrobatics, it's really not going to be an issue. And when you consider that both Mattel and Hasbro seem bent on going back to the Old School 5 PoA set-up, it's refreshing to see a line that's so well-articulated.
And then there's the pricing. I know some collectors will make the mistake of assuming the $5 price tag is an indication of quality (or a lack thereof) but nothing could be further from the truth. The sculpts are the equal of anything I've seen from Hasbro or Mattel, the articulation (again, T-crotch aside) is virtually on par with what GI Joe was offering just a few years ago, the paint apps (when they're done right) are good and each sports a good range of accessories and weapons, all of which work well with the figure. It's an impressive accomplishment for sure.
As for LT, in terms of design he's one of the most striking and unique-looking figures line the line-up. And yet paradoxically he's also one of the simplest in terms of sculpt. But I like that BBI hasn't tried to make this real-world character into something he's not. There are no laser-powered Ninja blades or turbo helicopter backpacks here. This is a realistic design based on uniforms and equipment used by the military right now. For some who prefer their figures with a little more oomph they may seem bland but for collectors of accurate military toys then this line will be most welcome.
Yes, LT has a couple of faults, chief of which is the very flexible weapon he comes packed with and his fairly generic paint work. But neither are insurmountable issues and can both be fixed. And sure, the T-crotch articulation is a flaw the line is saddled with but we've already mentioned it (repeatedly) and so I'm not going to criticize LT for being part of the toy line he's a part of.
Overall then, LT is a great example of a very cool line. If you're a fan of military toys and you thought th real-world styling of Pursuit of Cobra was GI Joe's finest moment then you should definitely check-out these toys and - more importantly - this figure. I think you'll like what you find.
Proof that you can do great figures at a low price. Hasbro and Mattel take note.
That Figures: REVIEW: Elite Force LT (Army NBC Troop)
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