G.I.Joe: Pursuit Of Cobra H.I.S.S. Tank V5 With Driver

Last week, we did a review for one of Hasbro’s new G.I. Joe: Pursuit of Cobra and told you that Joe fans had reason to rejoice. Now we bring fans one more reason to be happy as we take a look at the new Cobra H.I.S.S. Tank V5.

The new H.I.S.S., though not perfect, is one of the cooler re-designed G.I. Joe vehicles I have come across in some time. It is bigger than the original H.I.S.S. and has more firepower. Along with two mini-cannons on the front of the tank, it has a Gatling Gun and Firing Cannon with rocket that attach to the top or the sides of the tank. When placed on top of the tank, the Firing Cannon has a button that you can slide back and forth to move the cannons to the left and right.

A button on the tank elevates the actual tank portion elevates off the tank treads, similar to the feature found on the version IV H.I.S.S. A big improvement on the newer version is the ability to rotate the tank 360 degrees while elevated. Another nice new feature this H.I.S.S. has over previous versions is the actual working treads.

Inside the tank, the new H.I.S.S. has a standard one-figure cockpit on the topside and another area on the bottom that can hold another figure or be used as a storage area for transporting weapons or supplies. The bottom area is accessed through a drop-down door and does not connect with the cockpit on the topside.

Speaking of figures, the tank comes with an updated version of the H.I.S.S. Tank Driver. Similar in appearance and articulation to the 25th Anniversary version, the biggest difference in the new figure is the removable chest piece, belt and backpack. The paint scheme is also a little different, sporting a darker shade of red and a larger Cobra symbol on its chest. A Cobra staff can be held by the figure or placed on the outside of the tank.

As cool as this vehicle is, it’s not perfect. In all honesty, these complaints are based more on personal preference than actual problems with the vehicle. First, the tank is painted a dark brown color opposed to the classic black. Since the storyline makes the tank a desert-based vehicle, the color actually makes sense from a practical standpoint. I still think this one would look better in black (rumor is a re-issue down the road will be in the classic black colors).

Also, the canopy isn’t see-through. From a practical standpoint, having a tank that is completely metal plated (including the canopy) probably makes sense, but I think being able to see the figure inside the vehicle is cooler from a toy standpoint. The thing I don’t really like: having to apply the decals to the vehicle yourself. I know this is one of those things constantly debated among collectors, but I prefer to have them already applied – especially when dealing with the really tiny ones which are plentiful on this vehicle.

Despite these minor things, I really think this is a great vehicle. Like the “Pursuit of Cobra” figures, Hasbro really created a new and updated vehicle for their Joe line that captures the appeal of the classic stuff while making it appealing to new fans. Whether you’re new to G.I. Joe, someone who has been collecting a long time, or even a collector who drifted away from G.I.Joe in recent years, this new vehicle will make a great addition to your collection.

Thanks to the folks at Hasbro for providing us with this product for review.

Appearance 18/20
Features 10/10
Playability 10/10
Final Judgment 39/40