AT-RT Assault Squad - TAC - Battle Packs (Exclusive)

Agile and lightweight, AT-RT walkers can move through challenging terrain to scout out the enemy's presence. The walkers are also used to patrol borders, giving their clone trooper drivers more mobility and better visibility than they would have on a foot patrol. AT-RT walkers are deployed during the Battle of Kashyyyk against the droid armies that attempt to take control of the jungle homeworld of the Wookiees.

Hasbro really took Order 66 to the max in the 30 (77-07) line. Not only did collectors receive two series of TARGET exclusive two-packs specifically called Order 66, many of the exclusive Battle Packs sets that came out also had the same running theme. Can we really blame them for milking a pivotal part of the Star Wars universe where Jedi were murdered and the beginnings of the Galactic Empire set foot in the galaxy? It’s a very fertile ground for some great toy concepts and Hasbro was sure to take advantage of this. Take for instance the AT-RT Assault Squad TARGET exclusive Battle Packs set. This “rare'� Battle Packs made its debut during the Fall of 2007, but really didn’t see widespread release. As a result, it fetches a premium on the aftermarket. But surprisingly, the included contents many just be something you might not need entirely for your own collection. We love it and there are some real gems here, but it isn’t perfect. It’s quite a bulky set as it contains to “deluxe-sized� miniature vehicles as well as three action figures, two of which are the same but all are unique to the set. If you love all things “Kashyyyk,� this is definitely a set for you and the set as a whole nicely complements the stuff Hasbro has already given us which showcase this “camouflaged� battalion of clone troopers.

Inside the set you get two camouflage-styled AT-RT vehicles. These are repainted versions of the AT-RTs we received in the Revenge Of The Sith line in 2005. They of course are battery operated and can walk quite well, despite looking awkward when they do so. They look amazing painted in green and what’s more, you get two camouflaged AT-RT Driver action figures that can sit atop and stride them incredibly well. (These are just repainted versions of 2005's ROTS AT-RT Driver (III 54) figures.) Admittedly, they look fantastic and are reason enough to pick up this set. The AT-RT Drivers come with the same weapon that they did in the 2005 ROTS line but do not come with the large heavy assault cannon with projectile. The paint jobs on these figures are spectacular and it’s a style that would have fit in well in the film should Lucas and company seen it prior to editing. You’ll find new insignias on their armor and the color palette is just gorgeous. But don’t expect to see them anywhere in the Star Wars universe except the toy line. This is a Hasbro inspired concept. We applaud them for their ingenuity here because the set does look great. This style of the AT-RT and the corresponding clone troopers have never been seen in Episode III or any of the related Expanded Universe sources. And honestly, it doesn’t matter. The set is really just so cool.

The included Clone Commander may be the one and only set back in this set. Hasbro stubbornly reused the awful 2005 ROTS Commander Bacara (III 49) sculpt and we have to say that the action feature on that figure is horrific. But to give credit where credit is most certainly due, Hasbro gave this figure a spectacular paint job. You definitely feel the “Gree-ness� in the action figure and again, was this made from a superior sculpt, we would have said it was one of the best Hasbro concepts delivered unto collectors. As a whole, there is major value in this set. Just the AT-RT with a pre-posed pilot would have set you back $15 and here you get two AT-RT vehicles with two super-articulated pilots to accompany them. And on top of the you get an all-new Clone Commander (or “newish� if you don’t consider repaints new figures). As we had previously mentioned, this set came and disappeared almost instantly. It seemed to be more prevalent at TARGET’s website during its original availability and would sell through at brick and mortar. Still, if you’re looking to get this set now, you’ll likely pay double the price (or even much higher than that) now. We recommend it. It’s a striking set and we love 80% of it because it’s a lot of fun. The included Clone Commander is a partial disappointment, but we’re sure he could serve a purpose in your collection too.