Review - True Heroes Hovercraft
My kids bought me this hovercraft for Christmas. I mentioned I had my eye on it but I hadn't wanted it enough to just buy it for myself. This is from the Toys R Us "True Heroes" line, and it is modeled much more closely to the Navy's LCAC platform.
Construction: Much like the rest of this toy line, the plastic is not as sturdy as that of the Hasbro line. It should be fine for what I like to do - diorama photos and display - but I don't think it will hold up well to heavy play from kids. I don't think any of the plastic parts will break, but the green panels do have a tendency to pop out from the black base. It also comes with a small, one-person tank that is of the molded treads variety.
Action Features: The first question on any Joe collector's mind is, "Will it float?" The answer is no. The bottom of the "air cushion" is all cut out. It won't have any buoyancy whatsoever. What they do offer is a pair of Nerf-style main guns and a set of six missiles. They have a good range, but I'll probably fashion some depth charges to go where the spare storage is. The fans are a big improvement over the WHALE's, though - they are self-contained and electronic.
Playability: Even with the way the plastic fits together, I think this has a high play value. The vehicle bay fits most medium, "truck" sized Joe vehicles like the Smoke Screen Transport above. The Bridgleayer, the MBB, the Wolverine, the new VAMP / "Ninja" jeep from the Retaliation line all should fit. I think the MOBAT too, though I've long-since discarded mine for hte Patriout Grizzly. The LCAC has three seats: One back center with a searchlight in front of it, but I'm totally claiming as the driver's seat, and two rotating heavy machine gun stations.There is also a walkway space between these and the cargo bay where you can stand a row of figures. The walkway is open to either side and has ladders, so SEALs or Marines can join the fight as fast as the vehicle can.