T-800 {Steel Mill}
Like I said in the Endoskeleton review, The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day were childhood favorites of mine. Funny story, I actually saw Terminator 2 before I saw the original Terminator, so that was kind of confusing! Nonetheless, they are both fantastic action movies that have stood the test of time. If you’re gonna get someone to play a killer cyborg from the future, who better than Arnold Schwarzengger to be the implacable killer?
Fortunately, NECA got the rights to use Schwarzenegger’s likeness and the effect is fabulous. The level of detail impresses, far surpassing the already laudable work on the Endoskeleton. From the flesh tones on the T-800’s face to the exposed bits of shiny robot innards to the realistic wear on the leather paints, the paint work is wonderful. The toy really looks like Arnold and it really looks like the Terminator. The jacket is even riddled with bullet holes. The attention to detail is second to none.
As Angela pointed out to me, the Terminator is totally giving side-eye. This is great and never stops being funny. Your T-800 can side-eye any of your other toys like Sophia Loren side-eyeing Jayne Mansfield.
Like the Endoskeleton, this is based on an older figure. It also has some of that old-fashioned McFarlane vibe. The hips are totally immobile as is the right leg, excepting the foot, which can twist. The left leg has some articulation, but it’s completely useless.
Who wants a cut joint at the thigh and another at the calf on only one leg? This is basically only good for making Arnold stumble around like a zombie. But on the bright side, that’s really my only criticism of this toy!
The T-800 comes with two guns. The first is a grenade launcher that looks nice and has a believable wood grain pattern. He even has a great bandolier to hold his extra grenades! But it looks like he’s used them all. Oh well.
The other weapon is a nice-looking handgun. It fits well in his hand, looks nice, and I have no complaints with it at all. It may not be flashy, but it gets the job done.
Articulation of the arms is good with a ball joint at the shoulders, swivel and bend for the elbows, and ball joint at the wrists. As you can see, he can shrug awkwardly when asked about his penchant for mass murder. “Eh, it’s a living!”
He also has a waist joint unimpeded by his rubbery jacket and a head swivel that is nothing special, but gets the job done.
Is this a perfect figure? No, but it’s pretty solid and far better than the Endoskeleton. Just toss that in the junk pile, buddy. Until NECA comes out with a T-800 with articulated knees and hips and multiple heads with multiple hilarious facial expressions, this really hits the spot. It’s not mind-blowing, but it’s solid and enjoyable and recommended for Terminator or Schwarzenegger fans.