Death Trooper Specialist - Premium Format Figures

We have to be frank with you. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to write such positive reviews on the gorgeous products that make up the Premium Format Figures line when the prices for them are almost completely alienating the people who are interested in them. When we began collecting the Premium Format Figures line, the figures averaged $250. Now they average more than double that price. And what’s worse is that Sideshow Collectibles is taking a couple of shortcuts (like PVC bases instead of polystone) which appear to cheapen the quality of how a sculpture should look. All is not lost here. Sideshow Collectibles needs to get back on track and get these pieces up to higher quality levels. When it comes to the Death Trooper Specialist, Sideshow Collectibles meets the mark in many areas but misses the mark in others. The sculpt is beautiful. We love everything about the pose, the interchangeability of parts and the exclusive accessory. But besides the price, we feel that the Death Trooper Specialist is a little overbearing when it comes to its assembly.

There were no paper instructions on how to assemble the Death Trooper Specialist in our box, so we had to go to Sideshow Collectibles website and look for links to assembly videos or instruction sheets. We found them. There are too many loose parts to this piece. It took us over an hour to get everything in place. Not only is it time-consuming to figure out where everything goes, but it’s also nearly impossible to fasten the straps and add parts due to their tiny size. If you have large fingers, you’re in trouble. It is one of the most irritating pieces we have ever attempted to assemble. What’s more, the Death Trooper Specialist has two looks. The obvious Death Trooper Specialist, but you can also convert him to a standard Death Trooper without most of the gear. It was a literal pain to complete the Death Trooper Specialist in both modes. And if you take into account the exclusive accessory, this Premium Format Figure has three configurations, so more time is wasted trying to complete it. It was arduous to ensure that our photo gallery was complete with all three versions of this character.

The Death Trooper Specialist is decorated beautifully. Sideshow Collectibles found the perfect black paint with the right sheen to give this character the appropriate likeness. As we’ve mentioned, the figure comes with a ton of tiny parts. But once you expend the time to put him together with all of the included parts, you realize how much time and energy went into creating this piece. We’re particularly taken with the helmet. Not only is it screen accurate, but Sideshow also added electronics. The two circular green communicator knobs light up in brilliant lime green just like we see in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and the effect is gorgeous. But you will appreciate this piece from head to toe because it’s evident that Sideshow made a high-quality collectible here. If we had to nitpick, the only thing missing from this piece is the plush stormtrooper doll we see one of them holding in the film. Sadly, however, there is more to be upset about here. The Death Trooper Specialist retails for $549.99. The Premium Format Figures keep riding in cost, and a ceiling hasn’t been found yet. We’re not happy, and these pieces are starting to feel no longer worth those high prices anymore.