[HISSTANK]

Originally posted by: Shin Densetsu @ Hisstank.com

Quote:

Hasbro has just sent us our answers for the 3rd round of Hasbro GI Joe 2010 Q&A. These answers are pretty informative. The mystery of HISS Interlock revealed! "Classic GI Joe" continued? Did you like building vehicles as a child? Well.....

Hit the title bar to see the answers!


Hasbro has just sent us our answers for the 3rd round of Hasbro GI Joe 2010 Q&A. These answers are pretty informative. The mystery of HISS Interlock revealed! "Classic GI Joe" continued? Did you like building vehicles as a child? Well.....

Here are the questions and answers for the latest round:

1) It was noted that the POC Hiss Tank V5 is packaged in such a manner(disassembled) that the HISS Tank V5 must be "built" as was the norm for vehicles in the 80's and 90's. This clearly allows for a more compact product and does not take up as much shelf space as pre-assembled vehicles. Does this open the door for larger vehicles to be considered or any other changes in future plans concerning vehicles? *For example, other companies are releasing larger and more realistic GI Joe compatible vehicles at a fraction of cost compared to recent, smaller ROC releases.*
A) The move to "build it yourself" style vehicles in the 1982 GI JOE RAH line was in part a way for Hasbro to offer a high-detail, high quality item at an affordable price during a time of expensive plastic and labor costs. As the brand began to build momentum, many of us who grew up with the brand found that this "built it yourself" approach also made for an enjoyable part of the toy experience. In fact, members of the G.I. Joe team recall breaking missiles and little treads off of spru runners to hand to parents who were helping to build vehicles. Moving forward, we are looking at this "build it yourself" approach again to offer good quality items for affordable prices to our kids and fans alike as well as unique play experience.

2) We understand that a toy company's first priority is to make toys for children to play with and that adult collectors are only a secondary concern. Well the Transformers line always seems to cater quite well to both children and adults. The Transformers "Classics" and "Generations" lines were a great way for adults to relive their childhood memories by being able to collect updated versions of their original "Generation 1" favorites. It also gave kids a chance to learn about the classic characters and also about the history of the Transformers Universe. The G.I. Joe "25th Anniversary" line did exactly the same thing. The only difference is that the Transformers "Classics" line has been released on 3 separate occasions now(Classics, Classics/Universe 2.0; Generations which the fandom looks at as Classics 3.0). In addition, in reference to Star Wars, while Clone Wars was released, a Legacy line of figures for collectors was released, and Legends figures have been a staple for the past few years, even alongside movie/cartoon lines. Is this kind of treatment, a line which throws a bone to collectors, sold in tandem with the "main" toyline, off limits?
A)The concept of doing a classic line while at the same time running a kid based line is not "off limits". While we don't have current plans for a line segment like this, we wouldn't rule it out in the future - as we always like to say "nothing is ever off the table."

3) How does the upcoming alpha HISS Scout attach to the Hiss Tank V.5? I see gray clips and the sticker that says "Hiss Interlock" so I assume it attaches there. What is the purpose of this? Rather, what is the the thought behind this?
A) When designing the HISS v5 and the HISS Scout the designers worked together to have the Scout "towable" by the larger HISS v5. You'll notice the small grey clips at the back of the HISS v5. These clips can connect the the roll-cage bars on the HISS scout, right above where the pilot sits in the cockpit of the HISS Scout. The smaller HISS ends up hanging aft of the HISS v5, as if it is being "towed" in to the battle, or "towed" away. It is not a main feature, as the result of the two HISS vehicles connected together is rather, well, awkward looking. But, like many things in the POC line, interchangeability is key, and are features are hidden like Easter Eggs across the line. Congratulations on finding one of the Easter Eggs!

Read More: GI Joe July 2010 Q And A Round 3 Answers @ G.I. Joe - HissTank.com.