The final pieces of the Alien vs Predator Arcade Tribute Figures are in stores now from NECA Toys. Earlier this year, the Predator Assortment was released. With the release of the Dutch Schaefer and Linn Kuroswa 2-Pack, as well as the Aliens Assortment, fans have a pretty hefty line up of figures based on the fan favorite video game. In the arcade game, which was released in 1994, you can pick from the Predator Hunter, the Predator Warrior, Major Dutch Schaefer, and Lieutenant Linn Kurosawa. Along the way, the players face off against a wide array of Alien xenomorphs, who have invaded California. The game served as not only a top notch beat ’em up, but a successful merging of the Alien and Predator franchises. It’s remembered fondly for it’s quick paced fighting, outstanding visuals, and great character designs. The game never received a home console port.
Our friends at NECA have sent over the figures for us to check out. After the jump, you can find my review and photo gallery.
Buy the Alien vs Predator Figures here: Entertainment Earth • Big Bad Toy Store • Megalopolis Toys
Alien vs Predator Arcade Appearance – Dutch Chaefer and Linn Kurosawa 7″ Scale Figure 2-Pack
Pros
- Outstanding looking set
- Strong paint application
- Dutch’s robotic arm is full of surprises
- Linn has an articulated ponytail
- Solid articulation on both figures
Cons
- Linn’s sheath tends to pop off
Overall
The 2-pack features a window box inspired by one of the posters for the arcade game. The arcade’s logo is featured prominently, with a large display showing the figures. The back of the box has photos showing the figures in action. The figures sit in a plastic tray that works perfectly for storage if needed. Dutch includes two robotic hands and a firing effect piece. Linn includes a sword with sheath, a pistol, and a two interchangeable right hands for holding the weapons.
Of all the releases in this collection, the Dutch and Linn 2-pack was my most anticipated. I’ve always loved the character designs from the game, and always knew they could translate into some solid action figures. Thankfully, NECA did not disappoint. While there are some parts reused from previous figure both figures have a solid amount of newly tooled pieces that bring the designs together nicely. Articulation is on par with most standard NECA releases, with single jointed knees and elbows, full torso articulation, and ball jointed head sculpts. Range of motion is good on both figures, with very little to hinder movement. Neither figure has the “pixelated” look of some older NECA Game Appearance Figures, but the paint application does keep the spirit of that look with pre-painted shadows here and there.
In the game, Dutch was best known for the oversized robotic arm, which is fully represented here. The arm has a decent amount of articulation, with functioning pistons and connected wiring. I was surprised to see the firing mechanism work completely, as you can slide the barrels out, as well as extend the back of the arm out to “vent” the arm. The open and closed fist hands swap out with no problems, and the firing effect attaches perfectly. the new head sculpt is a more realistic take on the games portrait of Dutch, but captures the spirit nicely. Paint work on the figure is really well done. I do wish the eyes were a little more defined, but it does capture the heavily shadowed and squinting look of the games character model.
The Linn figure turned out near perfect. It’s surprising how good some of the reused parts work (such as the pants). The new pieces, such as the upper body armor, blend in really well. Linn’s portrait is a bit more cartoonish compared to Dutch’s, which works great for me. I especially love the articulated ponytail, which is ball jointed where it meets the back of her head. The sword can slide nicely into the sheath, and there’s a small square at the base of the hilt that helps it to lock in tightly. The pistol can sit on Linn’s hip holster, or you can swap out her right hand to display the figure holding the gun. Linn has a brighter paint deco than Dutch, and the figure has sharp clean lines throughout. The only issue I really had here was that Linn’s sheath had popped off her belt, as the connector was very small, and not much glue was used. I was able to reattach with some super glue of my own, but it’s somethign to keep in mind while handling.
———————————–
Alien vs Predator Arcade Appearance – Alien Assortment 7″ Scale Figures
Pros
- Three great Alien designs
- Chrysalis has some great features based on the game
- Excellent paint work
- Excellent articulation across all 3 figures
Cons
- None
Overall
Like the previous releases, the Aliens are each packed in a window box based on a poster for the game. A picture of each specific character appears on the front, with a larger photos on the back of each package. Each figure sits in a plastic tray with some twist ties holding them in. No accessories are included with the Aliens assortment.
Unsurprisingly, the Alien assortment was a really strong entry in the line up. Each of the Aliens uses a different Xenomorph as the base body. The Chrysalis uses an Alien Warrior body, the Arachnoid uses the Dog alien body, and Razor Claws uses the Big chap as its base. Each of the figures feature fully updated articulation, and have the same range of motion we’ll be seeing in the upgraded version of those molds.The unique, and over the top character designs not only fit in with the AvP arcade line, but could also easily work with the Kenner assortments if desired. Paint work is outstanding on each figure, with bright base colors enhanced with finer detail work and numerous paint washes.
Chrysalis is bound to be an immediate fan favorite. Aside from the Queen-like additions to the head sculpt, the figure packs a really great surprise. The Xenomorph head under the dome can slide out quite far to replicate the attacking feature from the game. Not only that, but the extendable inner jaw is longer than most Xeneo’s, giving is a lot of great display options. Razor Claws has a great new dome design which lets you see the newly designed creature skull underneath. The figure is aptly named, as each hand packs massive claws that would make Freddy Krueger proud. The hands are articulated, with hinged knuckles for some extra posing options. Arachnoid may seem to be closest to a more straight up repaint, but there are definite changes here. Especially in the portrait, which is a nice hybrid between a Xenomorph skull, with the back end having a translucent dome. I ran into no issues with the Aliens assortment. Joints were strong, and none were locked from paint or warping.
The Alien vs Predator Arcade line has been a fantastic treat for fans of both franchises. It’s the first time since the Robocop vs Terminator video game releases that we’ve gotten a full fledged line in the Video Game Appearance series. Each release is well worth picking up on their own, and they all look great when placed together. Check out a selection of images below, and the full gallery after that.
Some of the backgrounds featured in pics below are from Extreme-Sets.com. Enter code TOYARK at checkout and get 15% off your order!
CompaniesNECA
CharactersDutch SchaeferRazor ClawsChrysalisArachnoidLinn Kurosawa
Scale7 Inch