Terminator 2: Judgment Day T-800 {Endoskeleton}

I had purchased the "T-800 {Endoskeleton}" figure mainly because I missed out on NECA's first offering under their "Cult Classics Series 3" line. According to NECA's website, it states that "the still-terrifying Endoskeleton has a newly tooled head and improved articulation, with over 20 moving parts and a Plasma Rifle accessory." What isn't mentioned is the exclusion of the highly detailed "Future War Base" that was found packaged with the "Cult Classics" Endoskeleton figure. Despite NECA's tantalizing description of their "new and improved" T-800 {Endoskeleton}, their execution was extremely lacking.


Flavor Text:

"TARGET IDENTIFIED

Specs: Model T-800 {Endoskeleton}

- Features SKYNET's most advanced control system

- Fully armored in a hyper-alloy sheath around vital areas

- Frictionless bearings in its joints allow the unit to maneuver through its range of motions faster than previous models

- In the event of critical damage, a secondary power source allows the unit a margin of time to complete its mission

- When set to autonomous mode, it can "learn" like a human being, actually becoming more efficient as time goes on"


The Good:

• The details of the T-800 {Endoskeleton} (pistons and wires found all over the body) are pretty spot on from what I remember from "Terminator 2: Judgment Day".
  

• A total of 21 points of articulation: (partially) swivel head, swivel/hinged shoulders, swivel "biceps", hinged elbows, swivel wrists, (limited) swivel waist, (partially) swivel legs, hinged knees, (partially) hinged feet, (open/close) "abdominal area" flap, and (open/close) "shoulder blades". I really don't understand why the Endoskeleton even has those movable parts (referring to the abdominal area and shoulder blades).
  

The Bad:

• The paint application on the T-800 {Endoskeleton} isn't that good. There are random stray (and quite visible) black marks.

• Lack of [working] accessories. It's definitely a great idea to include two [right] hands: 1x grasping the plasma rifle and 1x netural grip. However, the execution failed miserably. The pre-posed grip can't even hold onto its lousy plasma rifle! Why only two right hands? Why not include another left hand as well? Also what happened to the detailed base which was released in the "Cult Classics" line?

• Judging from the texture and feel of the Endoskeleton figure you can immediately tell it's made from cheap, low-grade [plastic] material. Who in their right mind would agree to pay for that?

• I just noticed this but the figure isn't balanced well. The Endoskeleton's right shoulder is visibly higher than its left shoulder. Even the (open/close flaps) "shoulder blades" aren't proportionate as well (the left one is higher than the right one). Also the arms are placed in such a way that it looks like the Endoskeleton is hunched over and not standing upright.

The Ugly:

• I immediately noticed that the Endoskeleton's eyes were sculpted and painted in a way that it looked like it was looking "upwards". I've seen all the photographs of this figure with the eyes staring out from the center. Can anyone explain why NECA decided to have all their Endos peering towards the sky?

• Seeing photos of the Endoskeleton with its jaw open, I immediately had to try it. Much to my dismay, the jaw had trouble staying open. After "playing" with the jaw for some time, it finally stayed open. However, I noticed the left-side wire around its jaw was sculpted a bit short. It wasn't that big of a deal, but then I began noticing a whole bunch of other flaws.

• When the T-800 is facing forward, the neck is already turned to the left. I've tried moving the neck back into the correct position, but to no avail. This also prevents the Endoskeleton from turning its head to the left.
  

• On the right-hand side of the Endoskeleton's chest area, the long wire wasn't properly connected to the "hole". I tried to move it back into place, but it was already glued out of place. (Great quality control there guys!).

• What really annoyed me was the pre-posed right hand. It's sculpted to hold the (only accessory) plasma rifle and yet it actually can't! What's the point of including accessories that don't even work? Even the plasma rifle accessory isn't straight, but curved. That's just really lame.

I purchased the "T-800 {Endoskeleton}" figure online via eBay for a total of $21.89. I recommend searching through eBay for better deals (but recently noticed that eBay sellers are trying hard to jack people). Go check out cornerstorecomics.com/amazingtoyz.com (both links bring you to the same website). I think they have the best deal out there so far, and from my experience with them, they ship on time and package your items in a secure manner. Also, check out bigbadtoystore.com if you want to purchase the entire set. They're pretty good about packaging and sending out item in a timely manner, but they seem to get their items later than other electronic retailers.

NOTE: I DO NOT REPRESENT EITHER CORNERSTORECOMICS/AMAZINGTOYZ OR BIGBADTOYSTORE. I HAVE NOT BEEN PAID TO MENTION THEIR NAMES. I AM ONLY RECOMMENDING THEIR SERVICES BASED UPON MY PAST EXPERIENCES WITH THEM.



Overall, the T-800 {Endoskeleton} is a huge disappointment. For those who've already purchased the Endoskeleton from the "Cult Classics" line, you guys got the better deal. For those of you who haven't purchased it, you can find it on eBay. Don't even bother getting the re-released/"re-tooled" Endo. This is definitely not worth the money.