08.12.07
Matchbox Battle Pod (Regult)
REVIEW(Updated): They don’t come in peace
Packaging & Extras: (3/5)
When the styrofoam tray is replaced by the cardboard cut-out to keep toys safe on the inside of the box then the box itself becomes inherently less stable and more prone to being crumpled, torn, and otherwise beat. Such is the case with the Battlepod’s box and why it’s hard to find really pristine boxes in your search for this collectible. The toy comes partially disassembled. Easy to read instructions tell you how to get it together and all stickered up (pic 1), there’s a fairly standard sticker sheet which does dress the toy up nicely (pic 2), and the toy also came with an invitation to join the RDF Fan Club (pic 3).
Charm & Collectibility: (3.5/5)
It’s really difficult to understand why no other manufacturer has taken a stab at this toy. It was the most prolific enemy in the Macross universe and yet it only has one toy to-date and it was made for Robotech? Well, that alone is enough to make this toy somewhat collectible. No diecast, transformation, or scarcity keep it from really generating any fervor though. Like many Robotech toys, this toy has at least three variations. Toys made in Japan have a more baby blue tone with black accents, toys made in China have a darker blue and a charcoal gray accent, toys made in the other China plant have gray legs (see if you can’t pick out which is which in the picture below). A picture of two of the manufacturing stamps is also provided so you know what to look for.
Sculpt, Detail, and Paint: (7/10)
As mentioned previously, some versions of this toy have different appearances from others. The Japanese version of the toy is the most akin to what is seen in the show. The representation is fair although not perfect. Some detail is present, the decals help, but more could have been included. In the picture below the Battle Pod is compared to two stellar Yamato contemporary efforts, the 1/48 VF-1 and the 1/60 VF-1.
Design: (7/10)
It’s an average score for an average design. The toy can be a bit gangly and awkward at times. Other than fitting an action figure within its opening cockpit there really isn’t much in the way of frills here. Below is a picture of how that mechanism works and a glimpse at the detail inside for the 3 3/4″ action figure. I probably don’t have to mention this but the scale is all wrong, a Rick Hunter action figure should appear tiny inside a Battle Pod, he should not look like a Battle Pod’s natural pilot.
Durability & Build: (7/10)
Another average score here as the toy has some parts that can be broken with play but nothing that seems prone to breaking from simple accident. The plastic feels thin but the toy is essentially an egg with legs so nothing stands out precariously.
Articulation: (6/10)
How poseable should an egg with legs be? Well, let’s just say it exposes the weakness of the legs pretty quickly. The system used is the same as the one employed on the Officer’s Pod which means it would also benefit from being able to achieve a wide stance and incorporating ankles. It does feature a toe that allows you to mix things up ever so slightly. A big let down here is that the little antennae and guns all move slightly but never enough where you could actually point them somewhere the toy might be looking. The little adjustable “shoulder” jets are a nice but nearly useless touch.
Total Score: (33.5/50)
The Battle Pod is a very simple toy and it’d be hard to imagine one so great that it wowed me in every category although I certainly look forward to the day (should it ever come) where some manufacturer steps up to the plate and tries to make it happen. In the meantime we have this toy and things could certainly be worse. It’s no eye-sore and it’s built to a scale that’s comfortable with a lot of hero mechs as demonstrated by the pic above (that’s a Yamato 1/60).
NOTE: This review has been updated
Original Post Date: May 25, 2006
micronian said,
August 12, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Unfortunately to update this post I’ve had to lose all the comments that were available. The new posting shows the toy next to Yamato’s 1/48 and 1/60 as was suggested by previous comments. I also made this comment on the last post and I’ll keep it here:
I am missing lots of the Matchbox/Playmates toys that were released under the Robotech or ExoSquad names. You’ve touched on a few but here’s a more complete list:
1) Zentraedi Male Power Armor (Botoru - Green)
2) Zentraedi Male Power Armor (Quadrono - Purple)
3) Rick Hunter’s Super VF-1S (fit the figures, non-transformable)
4) Hover Tank (Dana Sterling’s, also fit the figures, two-mode transformer)
5) Invid Scout (little red one)
6) Invid StormTrooper (bigger purple one, fit the figures)
They didn’t get around to making the really cool Invid figures like the blue Enforcer or Royal Command Unit.
Marc said,
January 27, 2008 at 12:48 am
Matchbox had the red “leader” Bioroid and hovercraft as well - both looked pretty inaccurate though. There was also a Southern Cross hovercycle. I don’t own them myself but I’ve got photos if you want them. Love your thorough reviews - thank you!