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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
You gotta watch your back with this Jack, January 30, 2004
Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars Educational:3.0 out of 5 stars
Much like Hasbro's preceding Stikfas line, the Lego-like Xevoz toys are made of various separate ball-jointed components one assembles himself to create a five- to six-inch tall action figure. Parts of one Xevoz set can be connected to those of another, resulting in the creation of one weird freako after another. It's kinda like an action figure rendition of Mad Libs! Unfortunately, the relatively large size of the Xevoz parts makes them incompatible with Stikfas. On the upside, they're just as limber and poseable, sport more highly detailed sculpting (though they still possess a somewhat `rough-draft' look), and come in a wider spectrum of colors (in this instance: scarlet, black, and white with a hint of neon green). Also, the ball joints tend to be a little tighter, which helps the finished product better maintain the poses you put it in, and keeps parts from popping off too easily. Xevoz are also surprisingly stable, and will stay stood upright in most stances they're put in. This particular kit has all the parts needed (and then some) to produce a Skull Jack Unnatural, which resembles a futuristic pirate skeleton. Although I didn't think much of this particular piece at first, the little anorexic eventually won me over with his cool look and some of the more unusual accessories I've encountered in the Xevoz line. Not only does he sport the usual space pirate accoutrements such as a pair of flintlock-looking laser pistols, the ludicrously broad BloodSword, a peg leg, and a hook hand (which can hold on to weapon accessories almost as well as the toy's actual hands), he also possesses a mallet of doom (just in case he's suddenly under attack by the Three Stooges) and a tentacle appendage. The back-mounted dual banners add yet another dollop of coolness to the package. And for those days when you prefer Jack not go the Captain Harlock route, extra body parts are included that'll make him look like a regular skeleton. Well, as regular-looking as it gets in the world of Xevoz toys, anyway. Some times I'll attach the skeleton parts to my Alpha Trooper figure (this toy can be seen at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000VJJFG/qid=1075306459/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3/103-6214661-6319035?v=glance&s=toys) and make him into a zombie trooper. Or I'll replace one of his appendages to simulate the effects of an encounter with some flesh-dissolving weapon... Also included are seven die sides and two endcaps one can use to create a barrel-shaped `battle helix' die for fights against opposing Xevoz figures. While the game is fairly fast-paced once one gets a hang of the rules of battle (outlined in an included instruction sheet and quick-reference card), it lacks the visual impact of far more complex figurine-based RPG/battle games such as Warhammer. Basically, the loser of the round simply detaches a certain number of parts from his figure according to what the rolled die says. This goes on until one battler's toy is completely disassembled. Not exactly exciting stuff, but it's pretty fun to do when you and a buddy are good and baked... `Late
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