Shock Trooper - Unleashed

The end is near. The secret Order 66 has been issued by Darth Sidious. All Jedi Knights are now enemies of the Republic. These genetically engineered, meticulously modified clone trooper soldiers, once sworn to serve and protect their Jedi commanders during the Clone Wars, are ordered to hunt down and destroy the Jedi Knights. Completely bereft of free will or any concept of individuality, these remorseless warriors work together to meet their new objective and obey their master's secret command without question. On Utapau, Felucia, Kashyyyk, Coruscant and planets all over the galaxy, the clone troopers systematically betray and murder the Jedi. On the lava-rich mining planet of Mustafar, several shock troopers accompany the newly-appointed Emperor to retrieve the mutilated body of Darth Vader. As Vader's body is reconstructed and the cloud of the dark side sweeps across the galaxy, the clone troopers will play a new role in the galaxy. They are now the army of the first Galactic Empire.

Love shock! Baby, love shock! Well, that’s usually our feelings when it comes to the awesome Coruscant Guard and the Imperial Shock Troopers. But the Unleashed Shock Trooper, however, leaves a little bit to be desired. It’s not because Hasbro didn’t use a great base sculpt to create this Unleashed figure because they did. it’s the new parts that Hasbro us scratching our heads somewhat. Actually it’s only one part: the portrait. After developing a stellar Clone Trooper (as based on the ones that appeared in Attack Of The Clones), Hasbro felt that it was time to produce a phase II clone. Part of the final wave of Unleashed figures (which almost got completely canceled by the way), the Shock Trooper has many strengths, but one MAJOR weakness. What in the world happened to the shape of his helmet? He looks like Droopy Dog. We’re not even kidding. What is up with the wide, long-faced shape of the phase II helmet. Why does it bellow out like that? What is so frustrating about this is that Hasbro has decorated this character perfectly. And with the inclusion of a gorgeous all-new Mustafar inspired base, it could have been one of the highlights in the line.

OK, so maybe we didn’t mean to blast this Unleashed figure right out of the gate. Let’s talk about why this Unleashed figure is quite nice, because interestingly, most of it is quite nice indeed. The paint operations are pure perfection. It’s the stuff dreams are made of when it comes to the deco. Collectors would die for the day when a 3.75” figure looks this good, especially the clones. The Unleashed Shock Trooper is loaded with carbon scoring marks. And the parts of the armor that are crimson red have etches of white meant to simulate where the red paint has rubbed off of the armor. These battle-damaged markings are seen throughout the armor head to toe and they’ve been done so realistically we can’t find fault with them in the least. Obviously, this Shock Trooper is on Mustafar as evidenced by the base. Shock Troopers were seen in multiple locations in Episode III, but Mustafar is obviously a very rough planet and the wear and tear that this clone’s armor has represents this very well. As noted earlier, the sculpt of the Shock Trooper is based on 2004’s Unleashed Clone Trooper figure, but an all-new head sculpt was tooled in addition to the scene-specific base. Hasbro did a great job translating the original sculpt into something that looks totally different. We’re impressed how something like this has been reused to look completely redone.

The Shock Trooper’s base is really an incredible sculpt and it almost stands out a smidgen more than the actual figure. If you’re a collector of all scales, you could use this base to incorporate into the 3.75” line if you’re so inclined. It is a beautiful environmental piece that you can make work for your 3.75” figures. Not all of the Unleashed bases will work equally as well, but this one does. As far as accessories, articulation and interchangeable parts, the Shock Trooper is one of the more simple figures. He comes with a removable DC-15 blaster. You can switch it out for the DC-15 blaster rifle that comes with the Clone Trooper if you desire that, but we prefer the look of the shorter gun with this character. The point is you have options. The Shock Trooper (and its wave mates) were part of the final wave of Unleashed figures produced. Essentially a Walmart exclusive wave (there were almost “no” other store reports of this wave anywhere else), the three Unleashed figures that made it up are what could be considered a repack and repaint wave (although there has to be a lot of new tooling because the figure don’t have a lot of moving parts generally speaking). This final wave was nearly canceled and almost didn’t make it out. We’re glad it did because it really contained some nice figures, despite a couple of issues with each of them.

As a bonus feature to this review, we have provided the original artwork created for this Star Wars: Unleashed figure. Click the thumbnail to the left to see the amazing illustration.