For the latest assortment of Predator figures, NECA revisits the Alien vs Predator franchises, giving fans three very different characters. For this wave, I’m going to take a look at each one individually, starting with the Serpent Hunter Predator. This figure comes from the 2010 Alien vs Predator video game. Also known as the Alien Head Predator, the character was available only as a pre-order bonus for the multiplayer mode in the game. Toyark sponsor Entertainment Earth sent along the figure, and we have 55 high resolution images to check out, as well as a full review. Read on to check them out.
Related Entertainment Earth Links: NECA Predator Series 17, Alien vs Predator Diorama Pillar, Predator 30th Anniversary Figures
NECA Predator Series 17 – Alien vs Predator Video Game – Serpent Hunter Predator
Pros
- Spot on representation of the in-game model
- Great mask
- Interchangeable hands
- Very good articulation
- Opening wrist gauntlet
Cons
- Slightly loose hips
Overall
The Serpent Hunter Predator is packaged in the same blister card style packaging as most of NECA’s Predator figures. The cardback features artwork and styling based on the AvP video game as opposed to the AvP movies. The back of the packaging features the bio for the Serpent Hunter, a close up image of the figure and a checklist of Predator Series 17. Inside, you’ll find the figure on a plastic tray, held in with a single twist tie. The figure includes a removable plasmacaster shoulder cannon, a sword, a shuriken and an extra set of interchangeable hands. The figure stands over 8″ tall and has over 30 points of articulation.
For casual fans, the Serpent Hunter is a rather obscure design to release. Available only to those who pre-ordered the Alien vs Predator video game for PS3, Xbox 360 or PC, the character is one I would say is not widely known outside of diehard fans. NECA has gotten so far into the Predator lore, and so deep into their run of figures, they can begin really digging into the characters longtime fans have always wanted figures of. And while I wasn’t overly familiar with the character when it was announced, having it in-hand, I can say it’s a really enjoyable addition to the line up. The figure has a truly unique Xenomorph inspired mask design that ranks up there as one of my top 5 to 7 in their run. The other unique aspect to the figure are the symmetrical wrist blades and gauntlets on both arms. Both sets of blades are extendable and the gauntlet on the left forearm opens up. The included sword can be stored in the sheath on his lower right leg and the plasmacaster can be removed if so desired.
There’s a good range of motion in all of the joints on the Serpent Hunter. The double jointed knees and elbows are always welcome additions to any figure. The head is ball jointed as is the upper torso. If you’ve handled any of the recent Alien vs Predator figures by NECA, then the Serpent Hunter’s articulation is on par with those. You can get some great dynamic poses, with the figure being sturdy enough (for the most part) to not need a figure stand. The figure includes interchangeable hands that allow for the figure to hold each of the weapons and those swap out easily. The grip on the hands is tight enough to hold the weapons comfortably.
The only issue I ran into were loose hips, otherwise all the other joints were nice and tight. Paint quality was great, with nice detaisl throughout and multiple layers, giving it a nice, life-like look. Sculpted details are also handled very well, with some very strong texture work on the mask. The Serpent Hunter release has also seen an issue where the far left tooth on the mask is broken. This figure did not have that issue, but if you do run into that, contact NECA CS as they have been replacing those head sculpts for those that run into the issue.
Serpent Hunter is a fun addition to the line up, and gives fans of extended Predator and AvP lore a unique character for their shelves. The great mask design, high level of articulation and superb paint are hard to pass up. Check out a few highlight photos below and the full gallery after that.
CompaniesNECA
CharactersSerpent Hunter Predator
Scale7 Inch