Tri-Droid

June 14, 2009 | By More


Star Wars®, Star Wars Action Figures®,Tri Droid, Octuptarra Droid,Hasbro, Action Figure Review

This is probably another one of those things fans will be discussing for ages. Obviously, the Tri Droidis one of the many mechanical maniacs of the Separatists’ forces from Star Wars Episodes 2 & 3. Which one could be debated since there were large and small versions of this three limbed beastie. I’ll quote from the Star Wars Databank, “The tri-droids are gigantic versions of the smaller anti-infantry octuptarra droids.” The entry also discusses the Techno Union’s use of scalabletechnology, allowing a variety of sizes from the same basic design. To me, it sounds as if this should actually be the Octuptarra droid, but decide for your self. The heights are listed as nearly the same for both droids in the data bank just to confuse you a bit more. I would suppose if you were in to the smaller Unleashed battle figures, this could be the gigantic version.

Appearance:

I have to say, this is one of the more unique figures Hasbro has produced recently. I’m so use to buying humanoid figures, this one is a real treat. There is no real front or back and the figure is pretty much the same on all sides.Star Wars®, Star Wars Action Figures®,Tri Droid, Octuptarra Droid,Hasbro, Action Figure Review

The paint on this figure is a treat. There are painted worn patches on the legs, detailing on the guns and a variety of metallic colors. I have to say I was pretty impressed by the overall paint scheme and number of apps. I would have figured with as complicated as this figure is, paint would have been minimized.

Star Wars®, Star Wars Action Figures®,Tri Droid, Octuptarra Droid,Hasbro, Action Figure Review

Star Wars®, Star Wars Action Figures®,Tri Droid, Octuptarra Droid,Hasbro, Action Figure ReviewThis figure looks perfectly ready to tear the head off a bunch of clone troopers. There are claws at the end of each of the legs. In addition there is a gun between each of the legs.

I will say the joints are fairly obvious, on this critter. They are definitely more obvious than the on screen version. I have to say, that even knowing that, it doesn’t bother me that much. The joints are made to look like the obvious mechanical joints needed for a non-cg version of this droid. Let’s face it, the ILM animators didn’t have to worry about Spencer the Terrible Ten year old battling with their models.

Overall, the general look is correct, and is maybe even a bit better than I thought it would be.

As a side note, Mrs. Nerd was a bit creeped out by it on my desk. She said it reminded her a little of some of the mechanical menaces from Rayman Raving Rabbids. (She loves the disco part of the game, hates the shooting part. Yes, I have a pretty cool wife.)

Fun:

Star Wars®, Star Wars Action Figures®,Tri Droid, Octuptarra Droid,Hasbro, Action Figure ReviewI have to warn you. This figure doesn’t come assembled. I was trying to figure that out in the store, and realized none of the legs are attached. While this makes the blister a bit smaller, it leads to a small problem.

The problem is they don’t really tell you the correct way to assemble it. There are three clips on the body, one for each leg. The post that fits in them can be oriented up or down. I started fiddling with different ones out of the package and wasn’t sure which was right until I looked at some pictures online. A little picture on the card would have been nice.

There is one accessories with this globe headed marvel. A stand that doesn’t make much sense, no foot pegs here.

Star Wars®, Star Wars Action Figures®,Tri Droid, Octuptarra Droid,Hasbro, Action Figure Review

This figure reminds me a lot of the older Spawn figures, particularly the “Techno Spawn” line. A lot of cool practical articulation that fits with the design. There’s got to be around 30 joints in this guy.

The claws do open and close. However, and this applies to most of the leg joints, the sculpt limits the motion a bit more than you would think. (Again, I’m reminded of a McFarlane figure.) This isn’t to say that you can’t get him in some cool poses, but just not every pose you can think of.

Overall:

This really wasn’t a figure I was planning on buying. The detailing, paint, and bulk in the package were enough to tempt me. That being said, I’m pretty impressed. This thing will look cool on display and is a nice departure from the standard battle droid rank and file we’ve got up to this
point.

Engineernerd Score: 95/100

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Star Wars®, Star Wars Action Figures®,Tri Droid, Octuptarra Droid,Hasbro, Action Figure Review

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  1. Errex says:

    Very nice figure. I have seen it a couple of times at stores, but I haven’t gotten one yet, mostly because, well, as you pointed out, it doesn’t seem to project much in terms of “personality”. However, after seeing your picture with the clone commando, I have to admit it looks rather unique.