With the popularity of the Metal Gear Solid series and the recent release of the sequel last year and the "remix" coming later this year, it was interesting to find this series of 12 inch figures in the stores based on Metal Gear Solid. This set includes Solid Snake, Liquid Snake, Meryl Silverburgh and Sniper Wolf, each with weapons packed in.

When I first saw these, I was mildly intrigued, as the 12 inch figure market has really seen a boost in the past year with successful series from Sideshow Toy (Universal Monsters) and Palisades Marketing (Resevoir Dogs). But, in comparison to those series, the Metal Gear Solid series left me with a hollow feeling. Yes, they look like the characters and they have some pretty good clothes, especially Solid Snake's outfit. The also seem to have a decent amount of poseability. But, what it boils down to is that the heads all look rather plain. The plastic hair for each character is substandard and the facial modeling is weak at best. The sculpting of the bodies also seems rather plain, most of which is evident in the open chested Liquid Snake figure.

I don't see why Toycom couldn't have invested a little money into this series to beef up the detail and at least give the dolls realistic hair. I also wish there were more assorted items to come with each doll. With what that competition is doing, you'd think they'd put more into a series that already has a fanbase instead of making it like some anime knock-off.

Unless you're a dedicated fan of the Metal Gear Solid series, you'll want to pass on this collection. The lack of details and extras really make this series not worth the money. There are better things out there to buy that show more concern for quality.

- - Kinderfeld