The ranks of Cobra continue to grow thanks to Hasbro’s new Extreme Conditions: Winter Assault
box set, an internet exclusive featuring 7 Cobra soldiers. With only two repacks of previous figures, 3 new vipers, a re-deco of a Cobra leader, and a repainted shout-out to the die-hard fans, the Extreme Conditions Winter Assault should be at the top of collectors’ wish lists this holiday, and many will happily get multiple sets for a full Cobra Winter army. Thanks to the low $32 – $40 per set at various retailers across the web, each figure costs less than $6. That’s less than single-carded figures, but still featuring all the trimmings of filecards, stands, and accessories. The sheer amount of gear and figures alone make this set worth picking up; and luckily, the quantity is matched with high quality figures—for the most parts.
Let me get the unfavorable item(s) out of the way. Really, there was only one of the six figures I found disagreeable or lackluster, and it happens to be one of the figures to which I was most looking forward—the Heavy Weapons Viper. He’s really more of a pain than a present as his re-used forearms/hands from Roadblock make it difficult for him to hold his weapons well; so despite his looking fantastic he’s a bit useless. Plus, he’s a winter soldier in short sleeves which I never understood before and still don’t get now. He really appears to have the full deco from the 2004-2005 figure “Barrel Roll” and the color scheme looks great. It is just ineffective and silly for a winter soldier. I basically gave up on having him hold the heavy weapons and armed him with his pistol instead. Overall, I was really disappointed in this figure – as I was with the previous Viper I reviewed, here. If Hasbro decides to release a Python Patrol Viper—which is a heavily requested item at this point—I really hope they focus on the many critiques fans have brought from across the web to give them one perfect Viper figure.
They are getting close. In fact, the Winter Viper included is my favorite Viper to be released in the 25th line. In some ways he almost makes up for his fellow Viper, the studly-dud of the set. The Winter Viper uses the exceptionally well engineered and wonderfully sculpted trooper body that has been a staple of the 25th line, and the simplistic yet highly posable upper body is perfect for allowing the viper to hold his laser rifle (which happens to be one of my personal favorite Joe weapons of all time). His vest is a re-deco of the previous Viper releases and his booted legs compliment the upper body very well.
The third Viper in the set is the Winter Tele-Viper, an perfect arctic version of the soldier with fantastic accessories. This is an amazing figure and truly a highlight of the set. He features fantastic re-tooled gear from two old figures—the Joes’ own computer techs, Dial-tone (whose Gun is re-tooled) and Mainframe (who lends his computer) that makes him a real tribute to Joe communications technology. On top of that he features opening backpack with removable radio and knife. The figure is pretty much the standard of quality, heartfelt memory, and fantastic utility for which the 25th line is known and loved.
Moving on, the set also includes three Snow Serpents—two of which are repacks of the basic figure, while the third is the Snow Serpent Commander. Huge, huge, huge Kudos to Hasbro for the deco on the Snow Serpent Commander. For those not in the know (and losing half the battle) the 25th Snow Serpent Commander features the paint decos of a G.I. Joe Club Exclusive Snow Serpent release from 2005, which likely flew under the radars of anyone not a die-hard fan. The figure was a fantastic version of the Snow Serpent character and Hasbro’s decision to give it a nod is a bonus for those getting back into Joes while also a great shout-out to those who have stayed loyal through the years.
Thankfully, the sculpt and design on the 25th Snow Serpent is excellent, and all three of these figures look great, hold their weapons well, and allow for great play and display. I’ll be honest, I love the original 1986 Snow Serpent and I held off on buying the single-carded 25th release because I saw no need for it. I am very thankful to have gotten these via this set. One is a basic version, the other is a “Heavy Weapons” version (same sculpt, different accessories). Both are fantastic, as is their leader. Given the exceptional design of each of these figures, as well as the immense amount of gear included with each (including Snow shoes and missile launchers), the Snow Serpents are truly a highlight of this set. They rule. Seriously.
Last but not least we have what appears to be the team commander, Scrap Iron, a second-tier Cobra affiliate that has been done outside of his classic costume for the first time. Scrap-Iron is not a character to which I have connected, so I was very indifferent to his inclusion in the set. He’s a solid figure, though. Given his cool rocket launcher accessory, his unobtrusive holder for his sidearm, and his removable goggles (thus revealing his facial scars) the figure lives up to the 25th line’s standard for quality and detail. And he looks fine given his decos. Is he a worthy addition to your collection? Well, that’s in the eye of the collector—particularly those who are not intending to buy the new comic pack that includes him in his original deco.
So there you have it. Aside from an arguable dud in the Heavy Weapons Viper, the Extreme Conditions Winter Assault Set is fantastic. Given it’s six great figures and singular goof it’s still a solid venture from Hasbro overall. Given the loads of cool gear, both retro and new, alongside the perfection of the Tele-Viper and Snow Serpents, this set is well worth the cost associated. Once again Hasbro delivers a high-quality product at an incredible value – increasing not only the ranks of fans’ collections, but also the company’s own already extensive and impressive portfolio.
Click here to see our full photo gallery of the Hasbro G.I. Joe Extreme Conditions ‘Winter Assault’ Box Set!
You can read more of C.J.’s musings on film, toys and music over at stunksstage.com.