Armored Scout Tank (With Battle Droid) - EI - Invasion Force

Specially designed for the Trade Federation's secret army, the light armored scout tank is a nimble vessel capable of presenting the enemy with a blistering hail of assault fire from high-power twin laser cannons. Piloted by one battle droid, but usually travelling in formations of three, the scout tank is perfect for quick hit-and-run missions.

As Hasbro and Star Wars fans entered the new Millennium, the Episode I line had changed in interesting ways. Right out of the gate in 2000, Hasbro presented collectors with the Invasion Force line which perhaps was their answer to Kenner’s Mini Rigs for the Episode I line. Admittedly, there was some charm in the sub-line. And some of the concepts went from believable to downright silly. And although we’d properly designate the Armored Scout Tank (With Battle Droid) as a “silly” release, we can’t help but appreciate the efforts Hasbro took to make a “dumbed down” Trade Federation Tank and pair it with an action figure for half the cost of a full-sized vehicle. The Armored Scout Tank (With Battle Droid) does indeed look like a micro version of a Trade Federation Tank. And for the first time, they’ve paired it with an OOM Pilot Battle Droid. If you recall, the B1 battle droids with blue markings are seen at the beginning of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace while the Neimoidians are figuring out how to deal with the boarded Jedi and Queen Amidala down below on Naboo. The Battle Droid is specific to this release and doesn’t look right without steering the Armored Scout Tank, but at least we have a uniquely-colored Battle Droid action figure. New is always good.

Hasbro had to make up a bio about the Armored Scout Tanks, so they utilized clever words like “secret army” and “quick hit-and-run” to help play on the fact that we never see these in The Phantom Menace. We appreciate the diversion and explanation greatly. But the bio also goes on to explain that the Armored Scout Tanks travel in formations of three. So it looks like for your collection to be complete, you’ll need three of these to be “off-screen accurate.” The Armored Scout Tank is perhaps best described as “cute.” It’s a plausibly designed vehicle for quick battles or security, and it has strong elements of the Trade Federation’s design that helps show that this is simply another one of the tools they use to instill order. Curvy and boxy, the Armored Scout Tank also follows the same color palette as the Trade Federation Tank and is tan and dark tank throughout. Hasbro also added little “feet” to give it balance and a slight “hovering” effect. It works quite well. Lastly, the Armored Scout Tank fires two missile projectiles via turning the knob behind the seating area. If you turn it clockwise, one missile fires. Then you turn the knob counterclockwise and then the other missile fires. It’s a decent play feature, and kids will likely love it. Collectors may enjoy it also.

The included Battle Droid figure sits behind the steering column and stays in place with a clip, although, we had difficulty using the clip to secure the figure. And the Battle Droid’s arms are angled at 90 degrees, which makes it a cinch for it to hold onto the handle grips. When fully situated on the Armored Scout Tank, the Battle Droid looks fantastic. The Battle Droid has five points of articulation, including a ball-socket head, two hinge-jointed elbows, and two hinge-jointed hips. The figure can’t do a whole lot of anything, and it looks the best for which it was designed: sitting and piloting the Armored Scout Tank. Aside from the blue color flashes, the Battle Droid also has some dirt applications. It isn’t too noticeable, but it’s there. On the figure’s back, Hasbro gave the figure a designation call number. The detail is very nice. And aside from the Armored Scout Tank, the Battle Droid doesn’t come with any accessories. That doesn’t matter because it would look ridiculous holding one, thanks to the way its arms are angled. For $9.99, this is a very fairly priced line. When action figures by themselves are going for $6.99, for $3.00 more, you get an action figure on top of it. And we feel the vehicle by itself it worthy of $9.99. This is a fun release, and right now it’s the only way to get the OOM Pilot Battle Droid in the Episode I line.