The newest Hiya Toys Aliens: Colonial Marines 3.75″ Scale Figures are making their way to fans now. The two newest releases are the Crusher Alien and the Raven Alien. These figures are some of the largest creatures from the Colonial Marines video game, and Hiya’s releases reflect that, with them towering over their previously released figures.
Hiya Toys sent along the two figures for us to review. We have a full photo shoot as well as a review, including assorted photos with G.I. Joe figures to show how well the releases work together. Read on to check them out.
Hiya Toys Aliens: Colonial Marines Raven Alien and Crusher Alien 3.75″ Scale Figures
Pros
- Huge figures for the scale
- Improved quality control compared to original releases
- Detailed paint apps
- Strong joints
- Nice overall sculpt work
- Crusher Alien is big and heavy
- Good articulation
Cons
- Plastic still has a bit of a gummy feeling
- Raven face sculpt looks a little soft
Overall
Each figure comes packaged in a collector friendly window box. The window is large enough to check out the figure and its included accessories. The box design features art from the Colonial Marines video game, while the back showcases photos of the specific figure. Each release is packed on a clamshell style tray, allowing figures to easily be place back in for storage. Both figures include interchangeable hands and LV-426 inspired stands.
Even in packaging, these figures look massive compared to the first assortment of Hiya Aliens figures. Both the Raven and Crusher were towering figures in the game, and Hiya did a good job of capturing the larger feel. The Raven Alien stands roughly 6″ tall when his legs are fully extended, while the Crusher Alien is just under 12″ in length from head-to-tail. With the larger scale comes room for more detailed sculpt work. I’m happy to say that Hiya embraced that opportunity, with far more intricate sculpts, which are much more in line with their excellently sculpted Predator Figures. Detail lines are sharp, with a surprising amount of depth achieved, especially on the Raven. The only area that feels a bit soft is the Raven’s face. It’s not bad, it just seems to lack the harder edges and refinement of the rest of the sculpt. Overall, the plastic used here is a huge improvement, which is likely due to the larger overall size. A few spots still feel a bit soft and gummy though.
The joint system used is reminiscent of NECA’s earlier Aliens releases, which is welcome here. The joints themselves are solid, with a good range of motion, though they are a bit overly tight at times, especially in the shoulders on both figures. Working them a little got them to loosen up without the need for a hairdryer, but I would recommend keeping one handy. The Raven has more overall articulation due to his design. The Crusher is a bit more solid, with a much more noticeable heft to the figure. He has a bit less articulation and range of motion, which will help it hold any running or even standing positions, but it’s bu no means a brick. Both figures also include articulated jaws, with extendable inner jaws included, as well as wired tails.
Paint work is strong on both the Raven and Crusher. Each figure has a base gray paint, with multiple color washes to highlight the sculpt work. The Raven has bronze detail paint throughout, combined with additional brown and dark blue washes. The Crusher has more blacks and grays, with a hint of blue throughout. Both figures have a clear coat over the paint, which gives them a nice sheen.
If you’re looking for some smaller scale Aliens, maybe to work with your G.I. Joe or other 1/18 scale figures, then these two are the ones to start with. They’re a little too small to work properly if you’re a NECA Aliens collector, but if scale isn’t a concern, then these could be great smaller Aliens to go alongside even those. Over the last few releases, Hiya seems to be finding a better balance of cost and quality control, which will hopefully continue with upcoming releases. Check out some select photos 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!
CompaniesHiya Toys
CharactersCrusher AlienRaven Alien
Scale3.75 Inch