Star Wars Clone Wars Ultimate Blaster Asst

So here we have the blaster answer to the build-your-own lightsaber kits that have been doing the rounds in the last couple of years. While I've still given The Clone Wars a wide berth, the clone blasters are ideal inspiration material for this toy. I first wondered about the garish-looking blue and white styling, but in retrospect I really rather like it; it adds to the toy's 'building set' feel and also gives it some comic book styling, and of course, you're unlikely to frighten anybody in quite the same was as if it were painted black. Tips, triggers and iron sights are finished in blaze orange, presumably to comply with laws more than anything else.

The toy is made up of seven components - a basic pistol (the core component), magazine, butt stock (stamped with the Republic crest), folding stock, scope (sadly nothing more than a tube), barrel and additional central chamber. Through a neat system of contacts these bits and pieces can be fitted together to create an advanced version of the basic pistol, the long (we're talking well over 2 feet once assembled) clone rifle seen in the films or something resembling the rifle wielded by clones and stormtroopers alike in the movies. Adding components produces sound effects, and then the combination used gives a different firing speed and sound, all taken from the movies. It's eschewed the crystals route of the lightsabers; probably a good thing, as those were small and easily lost, negating certain sound and light functions on those toys. Star of the show is the central chamber, which when added gives off a neat blue pulse up and down the barrel when fired. That it looks and sounds awesome is undeniable, and it feels pretty hefty once assembled; I'd be interested to see what smaller hands and arms make of the full 2'+ assembly. Probably more suitable for ages 8+.

There are three minor disappointments though; first, when all seven pieces are assembled, there are still two slots left - one is interactive, the other not, and having some components to go here wouldn't have gone amiss. Second, for that same reason, seven components are only going to fit together in so many ways, and ultimately your decisions boil down to magazine on or off, scope on or off, because it's three core weapons that you are able to build. Third, the folding stock is flimsy and, no matter which of the three points you assemble it in, apparently useless - it doesn't work as any of a carrying handle, stock or bi-pod, and ends up being just for show.

Extra icing on the cake would have been some TLC for the scope, which could have been fitted with the internals from even a cheap kid telescope, but I risk overlooking the fact that this is still great fun, and like the lightsaber kits means you've bought one toy that can become several. It also strikes me as pretty durable (stock aside), and components can only go together 'one way'. It's also not greedy with the batteries, requiring just 3 AAs. A toy that's excellent fun for sure, and I hope we see more like it soon!

This is an excellent bit of kit. You can make the pistol, short rifle and long rifle with this; each part snapping smartly together with great sound fx. It's a good size for adults as well as children (a bit big for 8 or under I'd say). Changing where the magazine is connected can change the sound the rifle makes, as does changing the barrel combinations.

Good fun!

Star Wars Clone Wars Ultimate Blaster AsstStar Wars Clone Wars Ultimate Blaster Asst
Purchased this for my 5 year old son for Christmas 2009. There is already a detailed review of what is included in the box so I will concentrate on the playability. My son loves this toy, which I would say is better than the equivalent lightsaber. The sound effects are very good and change as you build the three versions of the blaster. When my son is wearing his Captain Rex costume and wielding this blaster he really looks the part. He and his friends have had hours of fun with this product, which is very sturdy, and one that I highly recommend. Shop round for the best price.