Categories
Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

JUSTICE LEAGUE’S MARTIAN MANHUNTER/J’ONN J’ONZZ (DC COMICS ACTION FIGURE)

SUMMARY:

From DC Comics’ Justice League action figure series, this approximately 7½ -inch Martian Mahunter (aka J’onn J’onzz) figure has a heavily muscular physique. 

With the exception of his attached blue rubber cloak, his entire costume is painted on.  The figure possesses the following articulation:  1. With effort, the head can turn a full 360-degrees.  2.  Aided by elbow joints, the otherwise stiff arms will move fairly well and can extend outwards.  3. Despite its limber knee joints, the legs barely move.  5.  For some unknown reason, the blue boots will swivel a full 360-degrees.  6.  If properly positioned, he can indefinitely retain some a standing pose.  7.  The bottom of his right boot includes a single peg hole to insert J’onn J’onzz on any display bases he may fit.    

REVIEW:

Sporting a spot-on resemblance, including his red eyes, this super-ripped Justice Leaguer effectively brings back memories of his classic look.  Its high-caliber paint job and sturdy construction are this Martian Manhunter’s most vital assets.  However, the figure’s stiffness, unusual heaviness, and almost non-existent articulation, however, doesn’t make it an ideal choice for a kid’s playtime.  Instead, this statue-like figure proves best as a display-only option for J’onn J’onzz fans.  Its imposing presence should inspire some interesting comparisons to his various other figure incarnations.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

To the best of this reviewer’s recollection, this figure might come with a Justice League display stand.

PACKAGING:

Being unable to pinpoint its manufacturer, this segment of the review, unfortunately, must remain incomplete.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    6½ Stars

Categories
Basketball Sports (TV & Videos) Toys & Games Video Games

NBA 2K7 (PLAYSTATION 2)

SUMMARY:

Released in 2006 (based on the 2005-2006 NBA season), this ‘E for Everyone’ game for 1-2-players was produced by 2K Sports. The Miami Heat’s Shaquille O’Neal is featured on its cover. 

This annually-released game started with the 2000 edition (NBA 2K).  Features include ‘blacktop’ mode (various outdoor parks) for street-style ball; exhibition games; tournaments; ‘association’ mode (by playing as a team general manager building or re-building a team); fantasy drafts; ‘scramble starters’ (for random line-ups in exhibition mode); and various Eastern and Western ‘all-star legends’ squads varying for each decade dating to the 1950’s-60s.  A ‘stat book’ function is also included.       

REVIEW:

Using the same engine, NBA 2K7 is a mild upgrade over its predecessors.  For its time, the graphics are reasonably good.  The game play itself is a pretty smooth ride, but the automated computer play is middle-of-the-pack.  The bottom line is that it’s just a fun game to play and is easier to follow than its rival, NBA Live.       

BONUS FEATURES:

The soundtrack has a playlist that can be edited.  The ‘VIP Room’ allows players to customize (decorate) by purchasing achievement upgrades through points earned in exhibition games.  There is an online feature that is likely long-defunct.  Its hefty how-to booklet is a valuable tool for beginners.         

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:             8 Stars

Categories
Basketball Sports (TV & Videos) Toys & Games Video Games

NBA 2K8 (PLAYSTATION 2)

SUMMARY:

Released in 2007 (based on the 2006-2007 NBA season), this ‘E for Everyone’ game for 1-2-players was produced by 2K Sports. The New Orleans Hornets (now the Pelicans)’ Chris Paul is featured on its cover. 

This annually-released game started with the 2000 edition (NBA 2K).  Regular or updated features include ‘blacktop’ mode (various outdoor parks) for street-style ball; exhibition games; playoff mode; ‘association’ mode (by playing as a team general manager building or re-building a team); fantasy drafts; ‘scramble starters’ (for random line-ups in exhibition mode); and various Eastern and Western ‘all-star legends’ squads varying for each decade dating to the 1950’s-60s.  Like NBA 2K7, a ‘stat book’ function is included.       

REVIEW:

Utilizing a new gameplay engine, NBA 2K8’s graphics look about the same as its predecessors, but the animation is smoother.  The ‘association mode’ is harder to navigate, as it has become more complex.  The game play itself is solid, but it seems more of a copy-and-paste version of NBA 2K7.  One helpful element is that, during exhibition games, in-game play continually updates stats for players on the court.  Overall, this game isn’t quite as good as NBA 2K7, but it is still substantially better than its rival, NBA Live, in terms of face scans and overall gameplay.    

BONUS FEATURES:

The soundtrack has a B-grade rapper-style playlist that can be edited.  The ‘VIP Room’ allows players to customize (decorate) by purchasing achievement upgrades through points earned in exhibition games.  There is an online feature (broadband) that is likely long-defunct.  Its thin how-to booklet isn’t much help for beginners, so the game is probably meant for more experienced players.         

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                7 Stars

Categories
Toys & Games Video Games

PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES: GARDEN WARFARE (PLAYSTATION 3)

SUMMARY/STORY:

Released in 2014, this third-person shooter was developed by PopCap Games and published by EA (Electronic Arts).  It’s rated for ages: everyone 10+.  Based on the original mobile game, the plot imagines the Plants fending off the Zombies from taking over the world!  The story changes depending on which game mode users are participating in.

ENGINE/GAMEPLAY:

Developed in just two years, this game feels slightly incomplete.  PVZ isn’t really an innovator, but it’s more of a kid-friendly rebranding.  One can imagine a sense of relief for parents, who don’t need to worry about blood, swearing, or mature content. The game also feels repetitive or falls flat because co-op ability is unavailable. With that being said, users can still invite their friends to join their public or private servers.  However, please keep in mind that the game require on-line access.

As a third-person shooter, the game allows up to 24 players in a 12-on-12 battle as either Plants or Zombies.  From there, users can pick between four different Plants and four different Zombies, as displayed on the case.  Each Plant or Zombie has individual strengths and weaknesses. There is also a customization feature to either upgrade or personalize characters.  An added bonus is that each Plant and Zombie has roughly ten alternate versions of the base character with different looks, abilities, and gear.

GRAPHICS:

There really isn’t much to expect from this game in the graphics department.  Essentially, they’re solid for the time being, but don’t hold up quite as well as today.

GAME MODE(S):

This game is just built on game modes!  Ten of these can be found under the ‘multiplayer’ tab while Garden Ops is almost a spin-off mode.

Team Vanquish Teams compete to see who can get 50 kills before the other team. Revivals take a point away from the other team.

Classic Team Vanquish – it’s Team Vanquish without customization.

Gardens and Graveyards The Zombies attempt to capture all of the Plants’ ‘Gardens’ by turning them into ‘Graveyards.’

Classic Gardens and Graveyards – it’s Gardens and Graveyards without customization.

Gnome Bomb – Plants and Zombies aim to blow up to three of their opponents’ bases.

Suburbination – Plants and Zombies strive to capture three different bases.

Taco Bandits – The Zombies try to kidnap three tacos from the Plants.

Welcome Mat – A beginner’s map that allows players to learn the ropes.

Vanquish Confirmed – think Team Vanquish yet, to earn a point, players must pick up orbs.

Mixed Mode – A randomizer of any game mode (besides Garden Ops), with a limit up to 16 players in a single server.

Garden Ops – The Plants hold onto their base in 10 rounds against AI zombie opponents (limit of four players).

REVIEW:

This game is really in a class of its own.  Unlike other games, such Halo or Star Wars: Battlefront, this game doesn’t have a main story or campaign mode to follow.  Because of this, it’s easy to hop in and not need to be caught up on anything.  Is this better than the sequel?  No, not by a longshot, but there’s a certain magic to this game that’s hard to find amongst other kid-friendly, third-person shooters.

BONUS FEATURES:

N/A.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:              7 Stars

Categories
Action Figures MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

X-MEN’S POLARIS (MARVEL LEGENDS/HASBRO ACTION FIGURE)

SUMMARY:

Released in Hasbro’s 2017 “Build-A-Warlock (New Mutants)” Marvel Legends series, this 6-inch Lorna “Polaris” Dane of the X-Men appears in her classic green costume. 

Aside from a detachable green rubber cloak, her costume is completely painted on, including the gauntlets and tiara.  The articulation points include: 1. The head nods and comfortably swivels in both directions.  Yet, the head rotation is encumbered by her hair.  2. Bending at the elbows, her arms can rotate a full 360-degrees.  3. The wrists have minimal flexibility.  4. Her upper body doesn’t swivel but can slightly bend into a bowing pose.  5.  The knee joints allow slight bending.  6. The legs sport decent flexibility.  7.  When properly positioned, the figure can stand indefinitely in display poses. 

In her back is a peg hole for the dark green cloak.  Her ‘magnetic powers’ are represented by two light green energy rubber props that her hands can grip.  The bottom of her feet include peg holes for display stands she will fit on, though none are included.    

Note: Other figures in this particular series are: Colossus; Shatterstar; Dazzler (classic ‘70s look); Cyclops (90’s uniform); Sunfire; and Old Man Logan (Wolverine).

REVIEW:

The look of this Polaris figure is superb, including a flawless paint job.  Sporting a wonderfully sculpted face, her green eyes, eyebrows, and lipstick are top-caliber.  In terms of her articulation points (or more its lack thereof), this figure should really be construed more as a display choice than an actual toy.  The well-constructed ‘magnetic powers’ certainly help for various posing angles.  However, the detachable cloak is problematic — trying to re-attach and keep it firmly in place by maneuvering around her hair is harder than it should be.  Still, as an addition to any action figure collection, this Marvel Legends’ Polaris is a stellar homage to this long-time X-Men member.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The ‘magnetic powers’ are a cool prop that easily attach to her hands.  The Build-A-Warlock piece included is his left leg.

PACKAGING:

Hasbro does an excellent job promoting the figure in its nicely-manufactured box.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8½ Stars

Categories
Action Figures Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

“MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE IN PURPLE MACHO MAN T-SHIRT & BLUE JEANS (WWE/MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this 6¾-inch WWE figure represents the legendary “Macho Man” Randy Savage casually dressed with a painted-on ensemble. 

His outfit consists of: baggy light blue jeans with a light brown belt; black wristbands and black sneakers; a pair of his favorite shades; and a vintage ‘80s “Macho Man” t-shirt.  His articulation includes: 1. His head nods and will rotate a full 360-degrees (see note below).  2.  His buff arms are easily flexible, in part due to the well-built joints in his elbows and wrists.  Both the arms and wrists easily rotate the full 360-degrees.  3.  His waist also rotates 360-degrees, but his abdomen & ribs don’t bend.  However, his entire upper body can bow.  4. The stiff legs barely bend at the knees, so a sitting pose isn’t a viable option.  The legs, however, swing back and forth just enough to simulate walking.  5. His ankle joints slightly bend and turn. 

Note: It’s advisable to only turn this figure’s head sideways.  Rotating his head around a full 360-degrees seems to loosen the head’s attachment to the neck.

REVIEW:

With or without the sunglasses, its resemblance to Savage is absolutely spot-on.  Even his blue eyes and brown hair & beard are depicted with impressive care.  The paint job (especially his light purple T-shirt) appears immaculate.  The only thing inexplicably missing is a “Macho Man” bandanna, as it could have been a painted non-detachable extra.     

This figure is likely best as a display option instead of playtime.  Strangely, its limber upper body (which is loaded with posing choices) is a stark contrast to the thick and near-immobile lower half.  Despite limited options for lower-body poses, this figure stands up indefinitely once the feet are properly positioned.  Peg holes are included in the bottom of the sneakers, but a display stand isn’t part of this package.  Whether he is posing or elbow-dropping somebody, this Randy Savage figure is still worth ‘digging’ at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Though somewhat flimsy, Savage’s distinctive black-and-white sunglasses are detachable.  These shades are easily re-attached through his hair. 

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective.  Savage’s photo shows him wearing the same light purple t-shirt.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:          7 Stars

Note: A later release of this figure comes with a ‘tough-talking’ voice chip.  However, instead of Savage’s actual voice, it’s a laughably bad imitator. 

Categories
Action Figures Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

“MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE, RICKY “THE DRAGON” STEAMBOAT, & “ROWDY” RODDY PIPER (WWE/MATTEL: WRESTLEMANIA III BASIC ACTION FIGURES THREE-PACK)

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this ‘basic’ WWE three-pack of approximately 6” to 6½” figures consists of: “Macho Man” Randy Savage; Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat; and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, all wearing their wrestling attire from March 1987’s pivotal WrestleMania III at the Pontiac Silverdome.  Steamboat pursued the wily Savage for his WWE Intercontinental Title.  Piper’s advertised ‘retirement’ match vs. “Adorable” Adrian Adonis also meant the sore loser gets a truly awful haircut.  These wrestling legends’ gear (including the wrist tape) is painted-on, though Savage and Piper both have tightly-secured rubber knee pads.     

To accurately define WWE ‘basic’ figures, it means: 1. The figure’s head can nod and make a 180-degree turn both ways.  2. The arms and wrists can twist, turn, and bend enough to make a classic curled bicep pose.  3.  The abdomen and ribs don’t bend, but the figure’s upper body at spin at the waist a full 360 degrees.  4. The legs can bend at the knees and ankles, but they can’t extend into splits.  The legs, however, can bend forward and backwards to simulate running or kicks.  5. The calves don’t rotate. 

Note: These versions of Steamboat & Savage (and probably Piper, too) are also sold separately.  The figures have a 2011 trademark.

REVIEW:

Starting with Piper, this figure’s likeness is spot-on, even down to his distinctive sneer.  Despite its modest articulation, his sturdy frame (including the terrific paint job) is exactly what a fan would want.  To Mattel’s credit, even Piper’s physique is realistically depicted.  Like Piper, Steamboat’s likeness is near-perfect, down to his red headband and the dragon logo on both of his boots.  Though his physique seems slightly embellished, everything else is exactly right (including his 5’10” height).  Of these three figures, Steamboat expresses the most articulation (in upper body and definitely lower body) points.  Unencumbered by clunky knee pads, his legs are the most limber for imitating his aerial maneuvers.           

Savage’s figure, however, is a mixed bag.  At a glance, the Macho Man’s likeness (including the paint job) is virtually flawless.  Yet, his figure is unnecessarily nearly a head taller than Piper.  The real Savage wasn’t nearly as lanky, considering he and Piper were roughly the same height (about 6’1”).  This Savage also towers a full head taller than the Steamboat figure, though their real height difference was far closer.  Savage’s lower body articulation (in part hampered by those rubber knee pads) makes him close to immobile.          

Posing options are limited, but these figures stand up well by properly positioning their feet.  There are holes in the bottom of the feet for display base pegs. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  Unfortunately, there isn’t a WWE I-C title belt for Savage & Steamboat to feud over; Savage’s trademark sunglasses & headband combo; or Piper’s “Hot Rod” t-shirt & Scottish kilt combo.  If there had been room for a fourth figure, either George “The Animal” Steele or “Adorable” Adrian Adonis would have been ideal.   

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic but effective.  Its theme predictably relives WrestleMania III.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:               7½ Stars

Categories
Action Figures Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

“NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR (WWE/MATTEL: WRESTLEMANIA VIII BASIC ACTION FIGURE)

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this ‘basic’ six-inch WWE figure represents WWE World Champion “Nature Boy” Ric Flair for his fiery WrestleMania VIII title defense vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage at Indianapolis’ Hoosier Dome in April 1992.  To define WWE ‘basic’ figures, it means: 1. This figure’s limited articulation doesn’t allow his abdomen & ribs to bend; 2. The legs can bend at the knees, but they can’t extend into splits; and 3. His calves don’t rotate. 

REVIEW:

In terms of its resemblance to pro wrestling’s self-described “dirtiest player in the game,” this figure is spot-on (though the physique is somewhat embellished).  His trademark peroxide blonde mullet, of course, is immaculate.  Though limited, the  articulation includes the ability to turn and nod his head; bend elbows; swivel his waist; rotate and bend wrists and lower legs; and expand his arms just barely for a classic curled bicep pose.  In terms of its production quality, the figure is impressively sculpted and sturdily built.  The paint quality is high-caliber, as nearly the entire red-and-white outfit is painted on.  The exception would be the red knee pads, which are tightly attached. 

Posing options are limited, but it stands up well when the feet are properly positioned.  His legs move well enough that one could even recreate Flair’s pompous strut.  There are display base peg holes in the bottom of the feet, but a display base isn’t included.  Whether for playing, posing, or just taunting his latest opponent, this Ric Flair is a solid buy at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  Props, like his WWE World Title belt or his flashy ring robe, would have been appreciated.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective.  Its generic theme hints towards his historic WrestleMania VIII showdown vs. “The Macho Man.”

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:               8 Stars

Note: WWE/Mattel have also released a “Macho Man” Randy Savage figure wearing his WrestleMania VIII gold ensemble (minus the cowboy hat).

Categories
Action Figures INDEPENDENT-Related (Comic Books & Graphic Novels) MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

SAVAGE DRAGON (IMAGE COMICS/MARVEL’S LEGENDARY SUPER-HEROES ACTION FIGURE)

SUMMARY:

Released through Marvel in 2007 for Image Comics “Legendary Super-Heroes” action figure line, this 7-inch Savage Dragon likely represents the character’s first incarnation as a toy. 

Its articulation points include: 1. The head nods and can swivel a full 360-degree rotation.  2. Despite not bending at the elbows, the arms can rotate a full 360-degrees and fully extend outwardly.  3. The wrists can also do a full 360-degree swivel.  4. All five fingers on both hands have remarkable flexibility.  5. His upper body can turn a full 360-degree swivel and can bend slightly backwards and forwards at the torso.  6.  The legs and lower body can also swivel a full 360-degrees.  7.  The knees bend, as do the upper portion of his shoes.  8.  When properly positioned, the figure can indefinitely stand for display poses.  The bottom of his feet include display base peg holes, though a base isn’t included for the figure. 

Note: This figure’s subsequent version adds a white, tank-top t-shirt (otherwise known as the Savage Dragon II figure).

REVIEW:

Sporting a spot-on paint job (even the green eyes are well-done), this remarkable figure even has Savage Dragon’s black chest and arm hair faithfully recreated.  His trademark head fin is also sturdily constructed.  Yet, the figure has two distinguishing flaws.  First, as the elbow joints don’t bend, posing action re: his rigid arms is quite limited.  The other weak spot are his knee joints, as they seem the most likely to accidently break.  Otherwise, this Savage Dragon’s manufacturing rates with the caliber as the Marvel Legends of that era.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

No props are included.  As part of the 1-of 6 “Build-Your-Own-Pitt” figure, Savage Dragon comes with its left leg component. 

PACKAGING:

On Image Comics’ behalf, Marvel does an excellent job promoting the figure in its nicely-manufactured box.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                       6½ Stars

Categories
Action Figures MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

SCARLET WITCH (MARVEL LEGENDS/TOY BIZ ACTION FIGURE)

SUMMARY:

Released in Toy Biz’s 2006 “Legendary Riders” Marvel Legends series, this 6-inch Wanda “Scarlet Witch” Maximoff might be the character’s first incarnation as an action figure (at least, in a six-inch incarnation). 

Scarlet Witch’s red-and-pink costume is completely painted on except for her red cloak, which is a tightly-secured rubber attachment.  The articulation points include: 1. The head easily nods, but it can’t turn sideways in either direction. 2. Bending at the elbows, the arms potentially can rotate a full 360-degrees, but such action might damage the elbow joint.  4. The wrists and four fingers (the thumbs don’t move) have good flexibility.  5. Her torso bends and slightly turns in both directions.  6.  The legs have knee and ankle joints, but only the ankles smoothly bend.  7.  The knees and ankles bend.  8.  When positioned, the figure can stand indefinitely in display poses.  Her sky-cycle accessory accommodates the peg holes at the bottom of her wedge-heeled boots. 

Note: This figure is considered rare, as it was short-packed for that particular Marvel Legends run.

REVIEW:

The good news is that the figure comes with some fun extras, as mentioned below.  The bad news is that those same extras come with this dismal Scarlet Witch figure.  Not only is this ultra-flimsy excuse for a Marvel Legend hampered by insufficient elbow and knee joints, it’s too cheaply constructed to muster minimal articulation.  Worse still, like several female Marvel Legends of that era (i.e. Psylocke and Invisible Woman), her amateurish facial features are deplorable.  While the Scarlet Witch’s costume and her sculpted brunette mane are good enough, Toy Biz punted on devising a remotely good face.  The bottom line is that 2015’s redesigned Marvel Legends Scarlet Witch is a major upgrade.  It’s a far, far better purchase than this disappointing predecessor. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Per the “Legendary Riders” theme, an Avengers sky-cycle (with foot pegs) is included, as is a trading card.  A full-length (32 pages) reprint of Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes # 8 (it’s a mini-series finale) is enclosed in a sealed plastic bag.   

PACKAGING:

Toy Biz does an excellent job promoting the figure in its nicely-manufactured box.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              2½ Stars