Recommended music: The Verve – Bitter Sweet Symphony
It’s #StarWarsSaturday, and this fine spring day we’re back to the snowy plains of Hoth during The Empire Strikes Back. From the Hasbro Star Wars Shadow Of The Dark Side Collection, it’s another AT-ST!
In The Empire Strikes Back, a probe droid discovers the Rebel Alliance’s main base on Hoth. Darth Vader quickly prepares a surprise attack, but Admiral Ozzel brings the fleet out of hyperspace too close to the planet, which alerts the Rebels. Vader then sends AT-ATs, AT-STs, and snowtroopers to launch the assault on the Rebel base.
An AT-ST walker moves across the ground toward Echo Base, using its blaster cannons and concussion launcher for heavy firepower. Its height and mobility give it an edge in battle. Snowtroopers fire at the base with an E-Web heavy repeating blaster, while the Rebels fight back with their laser turrets. Luke leads his team against the walkers, but the Alliance is outmatched and forced to retreat. The Rebels escape, and the Empire claims a victory that feels cold and bittersweet.
Hasbro released this AT-ST as part of the ‘Attack on Hoth’ battlepack in 2010. This Target-exclusive set also included the AT-ST driver, an E-Web cannon, and two Snowtroopers. I mentioned the 30th Anniversary Collection version of this vehicle a couple of weeks ago, but this AT-ST is a big improvement, since it’s a repaint of the Legacy Collection AT-ST from the year before. This version has an opening roof, roof hatch, and viewport shields. You can also swap out the more film-accurate chin cannon for a pair of toy-style missile launchers. The supports on the front of the feet are now removable, which may have made it easier to fit in the box. 🙄 Considering the AT-ST with a repacked driver cost $44 in 2009, this set was a steal at $40 the next year.
The Empire Strikes Back turned 45 last May! I “figure” there will be a new Episode V figure to share here for the rest of the anniversary year. Happy 45 years and counting to TESB!
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