Monday, October 20, 2025

Action Figure Review: Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 
   
   If you talk to some fans of G.I. Joe, especially folks who just jumped back in to collect the Classified Series, you'll often find that many really only collected the first few years of the A Real America Hero line. The A Real American Hero brand of G.I. Joe has been around for about 43 years now and, from 1982 through 2018, 1/18th scaled figures were released in every calendar year except for 1995, 1996, and 1999 (though other Joe product was available). There's also been an ever present cycle where the line tried to reintroduce characters and previous concepts and then goes and steps the brand forward. In 1991, G.I. Joe really began to push new takes on the most popular characters including Snake Eyes, who we're checking out today. This version is based on the 1991 "version 4" figure that changed Snake Eyes' traditionally all black look for a lot more grey and blue. I never had this version of Snake Eyes as a kid in the 1/18th scaled line though I did have the 1992 12-inch "Hall of Fame" figure of Snake Eyes in this outfit. This looks for Snake Eyes was used on most G.I. Joe licensing art and merchandise throughout the early 90s including video games and the DIC animated series. While we haven't received a figure based on Snake Eyes v3 yet (which was my Snake Eyes), this look is pretty unique and I was excited to get it in hand. How is he? A bit of a mixed bag, unfortunately, though mostly that has to do with accessories. Ready to check out the Classified Series take on the 1991 Snake Eyes? Then join me after the break...





The Facts:

Height: 6 and a 1/2 inches

Articulation: Swivel/ hinge ankles, boot swivels, double hinged knees, swivel thighs, ball jointed drop down hips, ball jointed waist, mid-torso hinge, butterfly pecs, swivel/hinge shoulders, bicep swivels, double hinged elbows, forearm swivels, swivel/hinge wrists, ball jointed neck base, and a barbell jointed head.

Accessories: Submachine gun, magazine, suppressor, 2 swords, sheath, grappling hook, thigh pouch, and holster.

Non-Scalper Price: $25- $28 dollars.





The Positives:

* I'm not someone who typically just wants a 1/12th scaled version of the classic figures as I appreciate the modern touches and updates. Snake Eyes definitely is recognizable as his 1991 counterpart though there are some design details that do improve him. He still uses blue, but there's less of it, blended with black more, especially on his pants and boots. He's still rocking the grey combat vest though it's not more intricate looking and complemented by a belt, a thigh pouch, and a holster. I know this is a product of 1990s design, but it doesn't scream outdated to me at all. I really like how Hasbro enhanced the armored elements on Snake Eyes' forearms and shins. That seems like it would be very important for someone up close and aggressive with enemy combatants. 




* I am absolutely a fan of the headsculpt here. it's really not all that different from the 1982 Snake Eyes' mask; it's just given some color. Silver for the facemask/ grill, blue for the goggles, and red for the lenses. This would have been an excellent figure to give us a scarred Snake Eyes portrait with, or at least removable goggles to show off his scarred eyes (the 12 inch figure allowed you to see his eyes, though they weren't as scarred as in the comics, though he did have some reconstructive surgery by that point so maybe that's the version we got). We've got to get an unmasked Snake Eyes portrait at some point, right?



* The arm bracers are really cool and have Japanese kanji on them. The left arm has the kanji characters for Raijin, the thunder god (Google translate gave me "Thor") while the right has the kanji for Kujin, or the Japanese wind god. That's pretty cool! the bracers do rotate freely and have great printing on them. 




* On Snake Eyes' right hip is a pouch for holding some kunai. They're not removable, though since they're so small I'm not that bothered by it; they'd be pretty tiny and easily lost if they came out. They do get some paint applications, too, so the presentation is quite  good. 







* How's the articulation? It's as good as nearly any other G.I. Joe: Classified Series figure with just a couple differences. The torso hinge is restricted by the vest, but that makes sense and is kind of unavoidable. The forearms are articulated, however, allowing you to pose the bracers facing the direction you want. Not bad at all! Everything feels solid and sturdy, and I still believe these figures offer the best blending of articulation with durability on the market today. 






* The vintage figure came with very bright accessories (almost a neon pink/ very bright red) but that color scheme has been toned down here, giving the accessories some red highlights. Snake Eyes comes with an MP5 submachine gun, a weapon we've seen quite a few times before. It's a pretty standard weapon but it does look good, especially with that red paint highlight. 





* You also get a removable magazine and a removable suppressor. Everything fits fine and you can pop pieces off and on to allow a lot of freedom in setting up your display. 







* Snake Eyes' katanas are reused from the Snake Eyes Origins figure of Storm Shadow. They're decent katana sculpts, though, and the red paint apps on the blade sure do make them look really fancy. They really look quite impressive. 









* Rather than the large grappling hook launching backpack of the vintage toy, Hasbro has instead given us a simple maroon grappling hook with an actual string. Not bad. Not the most exciting accessory, sure, but not a bad extra.






The Negatives:

* I'm not a huge fan of the backpack that comes with this figure. It's holds the blades well (though the blades are exposed) but it just doesn't fit well on Snake Eyes back. If you start moving or posing him, this backpack is coming off. Bummer. The peg just doesn't seem to be long enough to attach solidly into his back through his vest.








* There's a holster on Snake Eyes left hip for his MP5 but it's the worst holder in the line I've seen to date. There's no actual pocket or pouch that the gun fits in; instead, the holster is really a flap that just sort of folds over the gun. It falls out at the drop of a hat. It's a very poor design and I really wish Hasbro had gone with something different here. 





   I'm sure there are plenty of fans for whom this was their Snake Eyes and they'll be very eager to get him in their hands. The figure itself is largely quite good; it's the accessories that are pretty uninspired. There's just a lot of reuse here, a good deal of which doesn't really add anything to the figure or work well with him. There's also the issue that this guy was originally $25 bucks a couple months ago (when I got him he was) but now he's retailing for $28 (though some places still have him for $25). Yikes! I'm usually very enthusiastic about G.I. Joe: Classified Series figures, but this guy? He's a Good and a 1/2. He's lacking a lot of the coolness that so many of the Classified Series figures have, particularly when it comes to their accessory loadouts. The backpack doesn't stay on, the holster doesn't work, and there's really no new or  exciting gear here. The helmet, design, and the kanji on the bracers is wicked cool, but at the new higher price point that's not as impressive as it once was. 


If you're a fan of Snake Eyes check out my reviews of the G.I. Joe Sigma 6 Ninja Paratrooper Snake Eyes, Snake Eyes from the G.I. Joe Retaliation Tactical Ninja Team, and the G.I. Joe: Classified Series Snake Eyes, Snake Eyes deluxe, Snake Eyes & Timber: Alpha Commandos, Snake Eyes (Retro), and the G.I. Joe Origins Snake Eyes. 

Looking for more G.I. Joe: Classified Series reviews? Then check out the following:
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