Article Number

RV0033

Author

Mechaworx

Toy Line

D.I.C.E.

Manufacturer

Bandai

Thanks to the fine folks over at Bandai America, we at Mechaworx were privy to a first look at Bandai's second series release of D.I.C.E. figures. This review is on the upcoming 4.5 inch Gild Up Hero Tak figure for Bandai's 4.5-inch action figure assortment. I gotta say right off the top that I'm very impressed with these figures, especially within the articulation department, more on that later. For now, what is D.I.C.E.? Read on.

The D.I.C.E. Story

D.I.C.E. stands for DNA Integrated Cybernetic Enterprises and is a large organization assigned the task of protecting the Sarbylion galaxy. DICE F99 is made up almost entirely of children and when there is a problem, when evil needs to be vanquished then it's D.I.C.E. to the rescue!! If they can't solve the problems themselves then they can rely on their Dinobreakers, dinosaur-type vehicles to help out. These Dinobreakers can transform from vehicle to dino mode and are pilotted by the D.I.C.E. members.

The Packaging

Our Gild Up Hero Tak figure came to us in blister card packaging. Very impressive graphics with the right blues reds and yellows mixed in. Right off the back, this toy screams to be freed from it's bubble prison.

The Figure with Accessories

Upon removing the figure from the packaging, I was impressed with the amount of accessories you get. Our Gild Hero Tak figure comes with two weapons, a gold coin (also doubles as a figure stand) and a trading card. The trading card gives a brief biography of the figure included and his Dinobreaker. In this case Tak Cater and his Dinobreaker the Dimetrover, a Dimetrodon dinosaur.

I will assume that additional figures for the line will be similarly equipped. The weapons are made of a soft rubber-like material that is definitely child safe. Don't worry moms; little Johnny won't be poking his eyes out with these. The weapons are designed to fit snuggly into the hands of the figure.

Figure Playability

As previously stated, I'm very impressed with the figures pose ability. This figure moves at the head, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles. With these numerous points of articulation, this figure can assume a myriad of action poses. Not to mention that the armor at the shoulders can also move.

Throw the gold-plated figure stand into the mix and you can really pose your figure into unbelievable action poses as indicate by the pictures to the left.

Conclusions

I gotta say, I'm very impressed with these figures. Not to mention the excellent detailed paint job especially around the head area with it's blacks, golds, silvers, and reds. With a suggested retail price of $4.99 you too can afford to collect all the figures in the 4.5-inch assortment. But of course what's a figure without its Dinobreaker. Hopefully, well learn more on that in another review. The second wave figures are scheduled for release this June so grab them as soon as they arrive at a retailer near you. You can view D.I.C.E. on the Cartoon Network at 6:00 am on Saturdays. To view more toys scheduled for the June 2005 release check D.I.C.E. in the toy database.

Gerry