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

Today is day 2 of my G.I. Joe: Classified Series marathon and this time I'm checking out Desert Commando Snake Eyes. Another Snake Eyes variant? Yup. I do have to admit that while Hasbro has done quite a few Snake Eyes variants in the Classified Series thus far, they've definitely been exercising more restraint than they did during the 2000s and early 2010s. They've also been all really good figures. Desert Commando Snake Eyes is noticeably different from his other brethren in that he's wearing brown and tan rather than black and grey. He's a repaint/ kitbash, yeah, but still he's noticeably different. There was a desert version of Snake Eyes released in a 6-pack at Toys 'R Us back in 2004 (that's almost 20 years ago), so it's nice to see ol' Snakes geared up for some arid regions again. Ready to check out Snake Eyes? Then join me after the break...

The Facts:

Height: 6 1/8ths inches

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

Accessories: 2 swords, sheath, pistol, suppressor, uzi, knife, holster, leg sheath, two pouches, bandolier, and backpack.

Non-Scalper Price: $25 dollars

Comparison:

* Desert Commando Snake Eyes (left) is a repaint of the original Hasbro Pulse exclusive Snake Eyes (right) with the head from the retro Snake Eyes figure. It's impressive how different this mold looks with a new paint job as the tan and brown color scheme definitely brings out the detail in the sculpt more. Since there is so much reuse here, though, I do get to reuse portions of my previous review. Taking the easy way, baby!

The Positives:

* This body seems to draw more from the 1985 "ninja" Snake Eyes than from the 1982 "commando" Snake Eyes, though the addition of the retro styled head. He still has visible details of military styled equipment (holsters, pouches, webgear) but the sleek, armored suit (loaded with textures) seems more reminiscent of the ninja side of Snake Eyes. He still makes me think of the Valor Vs Venom Snake Eyes, particularly due to the web gear, as well as the Sigma 6 Snake Eyes, and the Rise of Cobra Snake Eyes. The new paint scheme is fantastic as the armored bits and the bodysuit contrast nicely. The pants also have a different color with padded and armored sections that stand out.

* I love the use of the retro Snake Eyes head here. I just prefer the goggles over the visor and it feels more suited to a desert operative. The goggles look excellent in gold. Now Dusty has someone to pal around with.

* There's a lot of going on with Snake Eyes' uniform, especially on his torso. There are two removable straps with pouches that fit over his biceps and a removable bandolier with sculpted grenades that fits across his chest. There's a new logo on his web gear, too. Previous figures has the Arashikage symbol but this one looks more like a simple, stylized sand dune something. Maybe it's just me, but those grenades look incredible in tan.

* There's another cool patch on Snake Eyes' right shoulder. It doesn't look like a wolf, though. More like some sort of big cat.

* Since Desert Commando Snake Eyes is a repaint of the first figure introduced in the line, his articulation scheme is one we know quite well. Everything works great and the joints are incredibly useful for getting excellent poses out of the figure. There's not much more to say except that he's an incredibly fun figure.

* Snake Eyes' backpack is reused, only this time it's molded in brown plastic. It has lots of sculpted pouches and pockets and there is a hole on the right side for storing the scabbard for his sword.

* Snake Eyes comes with two swords this time around and the first is a ninjato. It has a silver blade and a brown handle, so it's pretty nice looking. It's the same model as the sword that came with the Red Ninjas but it looks much nicer.

* His second sword is blade based on the 1985 v2 figure that has an unusual blade with a heavier tip and a serrated blade closer to the hilt. It looks really cool and this time it gets some very nice paint applications to match the desert color scheme. I love the bronze and silver blade!

* The sheathe can fit either sword and is now molded in brown. There aren't any paint apps on it but it still has a rather nice texture and the Arashikage symbol molded on it. There's a peg on the sheathe so it can attach to the side of Snake Eyes' backpack or plug right into the backpack hole on his back.

* Desert Commando Snake Eyes' faithful Uzi also has a really slick looking brown and tan color scheme. It's impressive! I should note that all of the weapons included with Snake Eyes are good and solid; not at all rubbery.

* Snake Eyes' pistol is also reused from the original deluxe release. It's a realistic looking pistol with an extended magazine and a longer barrel which allows for the use of the included suppressor, though this time the pistol is tan and the grip gets a brown paint application. The suppressor can fit on the Uzi as well.

* Need to store the pistol and suppressor so Snake Eyes has his hands free for some dirty work? The removable holster gets the job done and looks great doing it.

* Want to get close and quiet? Snake Eyes also comes with a very nice knife. The blade is painted silver while the handle is tan this time around.

* The removable sheathe for Snake Eyes' left hip also holds the knife perfectly.

* Here's a quick shot of Snake Eyes' sword and scabbard attached to his backpack. Everything feels more secure this time around.

OK, so yes, Desert Commando Snake Eyes is just Snake Eyes in tan, but Hasbro did do a really nice job of painting this guy to look quite different and bring out more detail. The weapons are still really cool with paint applications on most of them, plus he now has two swords. New symbols on his outfit and using the retro styled head also makes him feel even more different from the previous releases besides just the desert color scheme. I'm actually a huge fan of this figure. He's definitely an Epic version of Snake Eyes and one that manages to look very different from the rest of the Snake Eyes figures in the line.

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.

For more G.I. Joe: Classified Series reviews check out the following:

Alley Viper

Alvin "Breaker" Kibbey
Arctic B.A.T.

Arctic Mission Storm Shadow

Baroness with Cobra C.O.I.L.
Baroness (Retro)

Baroness (Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins)

B.A.T.
B.A.T. (Python Patrol)

Blue Ninjas

Cobra Commander

Cobra Commander (Regal Variant)
Cobra Eel

Cobra Infantry
Cobra Officer

Cobra Trooper (Special Missions: Cobra Island)
Cobra Valkyries

Cobra Viper
Cobra Viper Officer & Vipers
Cobra Viper (Python Patrol)
Copperhead
Courtney "Cover Girl" Krieger
Craig "Rock 'N Roll" McConnel
Crimson Guard
Croc Master & Fiona
David L. "Bazooka" Katzenbogen
David L. "Bazooka" Katzenbogen (Tiger Force)