While it does have great articulation I think there are a couple places it could use improvement. If you really want to open up the arms for some good poses a bicep swivel would work wonders. The elbows also feel a little limited due to the machinery on their forearms. The only other thing I can think of that could improve the articulation is an ab crunch. I’m sure NECA has considered such things as well and they may not have worked out for aesthetic or cost reasons. These figures are still some of the most articulated and versatile movie figures ever made in this scale.
So how much will you pay for a fine figure like this? If you can find them in a store they will cost you about $18 at Toys “R” Us. I can also safely say this is one of those lines that you will actually find there. Toys “R” Us is pretty good about stocking NECA Predator stuff. You will have to act quickly though if you want the City Hunter because as I mentioned before he is only a two-per-case figure. The price is right for these guys for a couple reasons: first because it’s cheaper than anything out there in this scale, and second because they are easy to obtain in the “real world” so you don’t have to worry about shipping and the additional charges that causes.
Should you get into the Predator line? Yes I say go for it, but be careful as it can become a quick addiction. There are so many good Predators out there, and on top of that there are nine Lost Tribe members you will feel inclined to track down. After you have grabbed the tribe you will need to get all the figures that came with trophy skulls in order to fill your trophy wall. Then by the time you are done all this the wave with Dutch will be out. At that point you will be thinking, “I could really use some space marines and aliens to go with these.” Well do not fret as those are on the way as well.
You aren’t going to find a higher quality and better priced 7″ scale line than the Predator by NECA. I think everyone owes it to themselves to at least try one out. If you are a fan of Predator 2, this version of the City Hunter is probably the quintessential version especially if you prefer a Predator in a mask. I’ve always been a bigger fan of the masks being on due to the menacing look of them, as a kid I was always afraid of something horrible being behind that mask. When I finally saw the movie my fears were proven correct. I find the first two Predator films to be classics. NECA has done Predator all the justice in the world with these figures, and any toy enthusiast would have to appreciate the engineering, detail, and value of these figures.
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I love these guys. I wonder why he is only 2 per case? Possibly because he has been previously released in a 2 pack? Strange. I assumed that Big Red was the short packed figure. I’m hoping NECA makes the AVP predators for Series 9, and the Wolf Predator from AVP2 in series 10. Not sure where they would go after those 4, perhaps new (more articulated) Berserker, Falconer, and Tracker from Predators. Maybe they’ll start doing Predator designs from the comics. Getting Danny Glover’s character from Predator 2 would be vanilla. In an unrelated side note, I really hope NECA can get the rights for all the Colonial Marines so that we can have the whole squad on our shelves. Ripley, Bishop, and Newt would be icing on the proverbial cake! Anyhow, it’s late and I have started to ramble!
If you shop at the TRU I shop at, you definitely would think that Big Red is the short-packed figure. Those guys are moving like hot cakes (which is ironic, because the hot cakes really aren’t moving).
I can see lowering the case pack on City Hunter a tad, since there have been several figures of him before, both masked, unmasked, and battle-damaged. But why keep the Falconer’s ratio high? That figure’s also see several releases, and the half-cloaked paint scheme really isn’t all that exciting.
Yeah I am a bit surprised the Falconer was packed so heavy, I would think the iconic look for the Masked City Hunter would be a big hit.
Sweet review, excellent pics! Would love to collect this line, but budget and space limitations prevent that.
By the way, I think you mean “waist” articulation. };D
Thanks! No matter how many times I proofread I’ll still miss something as simple as that 😛
Great Job Jon!
Ha, I remember being stoked when I found that McFarlane Predator all those years ago.
But your pic says it all! The NECA stuff goes beyond setting a new standard.
Glad to hear Big Red will be plentiful; I’ve never bought a Predator figure (though I’ve read many glowing reviews of them), but Big Red looks nice.
…though I do think the “add samurai swords = BAD ASS” concept is a little lame. And I wish he had a plasma caster.
You can attach the plasma caster from the Classic Predator and the Jungle Hunter to Big Red’s back. It’s just not red. lol.
further proof that NECA, right now, rules the world.
Are his various armor pieces and little bag attached with string or a thin rubber? I have the City Hunter from the two pack with the Berserker, and one of the armor plates tore off. If they’re string I may consider picking up this guy.
His belt and pouch are string so they can be replaced, most the other armor is plastic and glued on though. But they are made with customizers in mind so you could definitely fix up broken armor.
I happened to find the last City Hunter on peg, and used my rewards dollars and it only cost 13.00. Sweet. I am in the process of buying the lost preds.
I’ve been getting Neca predators from the begining and its too addictive not to keep going. Lot easier to track down than transformers or marvel figures these days. THey also put motuc to shame.
this is my first NECA predator. i’ve always been on the ‘no ab-crunch, no buy,’ but i really wanted to try one out. this figure is sweet!