Cool Stuff: Star Wars Imperial Probe Droid Sixth Scale Figure By Sideshow

Sideshow Collectibles sent me a sample of Star Wars Imperial Probe Droid Sixth Scale Figure. Lets unbox this figure and take a look at whats inside the box. After the jump you will find photos of Sideshow's Star Wars Imperial Probe Droid Sixth Scale Figure, alongside my thoughts on the product.

From its introduction in the opening of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, the Imperial Probe Droid was one of those things that haunted my childhood. I know its just a spy robot, but something about it creeped me out as a child. As I got older, I was taken with the Imperial Probe Droid's more complex design (especially compared to many of the droids we saw in A New Hope) and fascinated with the creepy choices that went into its design (look at those roving eye details and the tentacle like arms).

The Sideshow Star Wars Imperial Probe Droid sixth scale figure is all that you get in this package, aside from a stand that holds the unit on display. The figure also requires a but of assembly, as you can see from the above images. While the huge box may be light on extra parts and pieces (that we've come to expect from other Sideshow and Hot Toys releases), the figure is heavy on fine details and extra built-in design bits.

The figure is constructed of plastic (I'm sure a metal version would have cost and weighed much more) but the paint job designed by Jason Eaton and Anthony Mestas features lots of nicks and scratches, giving it a very realistic metal look. I'm amazed that the sculpt features so many moveable pieces, from the fully articulated tentacle arms (complete with expanding hydraulic forearm pieces) to the gyroscopic eye within rotating eye sockets. Other fine details include the droid's blaster which features articulation, an extending antennae

The figure has two powered features, a button on the head that turns on a light in the main eye with the choice of two different colors. This light is not your basic light up feature, its almost blinding from the front view. The other electronic feature is a button in the lower half that will activate the Probe Droid Communication Sound. You can see a snap of the butto, which is hidden into the design of the droid, below:

The base and support rod comes with a Removable sculpted Hoth base "hugger" which presents a snow-covered rocky Hoth environment. I don't imagine anyone would display this figure without the "hugger" over the support base. My one and only complaint about this figure is the black support rod. It is very noticeable and ruins the illusion of realism. I wish Sideshow would have been able to come up with a way to create the illusion of levitation, even something like a clear rod may have helped, or even better, something like the bendable support rod the came with the Man of Steel figures. That said, its an amazing figure and will sure to look good floating next to the Hoth Han Solo sixth scale figure which is scheduled to be released late this year.

Here is the official product description for the Sideshow Toys Star War Imperial Probe Droid Sixth Scale Figure:

"An Imperial probe droid. It's a good bet the Empire knows we're here." Joining the Militaries of Star Wars Sixth Scale collection, Sideshow is proud to present the Imperial Probe Droid. First introduced in the opening scenes ofStar Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, this tenacious spy sets intergalactic war back in motion upon locating the Rebel Alliance base, hidden on the icy surface of the planet Hoth. Displayed hovering atop a museum quality base with an optional snowscape theme, the immense Imperial Probe Droid Sixth Scale Figure is packed with personality. Ominous black eye lenses, brilliant light up features, and a squawk box loaded with garbled transmission sound effects distinguish the Probot with a dramatic, less than friendly impression. Designed for searching, scanning and sampling, the diligent patrol unit has a wide range of motion with rotating dome, retractable antennae, and fully articulated manipulator arms. Just be cautious when handling; theyre armed with blasters, and in some cases theyve been known to self-destruct.

The Star Wars Imperial Probe Droid Sixth Scale Figure is sold in the US by Sideshow Collectibles for $249.99 plus shipping.