It’s been a while since I’ve looked at any Kre-O, and all of
my previous posts (and purchases) on the subject have related to Transformers.
But today, we take a look at another license that Hasbro is using for these
building toys – Dungeons and Dragons.
I’ve discussed on numerous occasions my love for the game
here – but these Kre-O sets do not really seem to be intended to be
incorporated into a “proper” game of Dungeons
and Dragons (though no one is stopping you from doing so). Rather, they
seem to be elements for creating a Crossbows
and Catapults-style wargame.
This is a starter pack and comes with two main elements. A
catapult (complete with three marble-sized projectiles) and a small barricade
with a flag. The catapult apparently goes with the Orc and the barricade with
the Barbarian, but I’m sure you can mix them up as you see fit. There are also a few details about rules included too, and
some relevant cards. I pretty much just skipped over these, as I won't be playing.
Kreons – the name Hasbro has given their little Kre-O
people—are quite visually endearing. Aesthetically, they sit somewhere between
a Minifigure and Minimate; like the aforementioned products, a base body is
used to create all the characters, with differentiation coming via paint apps
and accessories.
In the plus column, they have increased articulation in
comparison with a minifigure. Their shoulders and hips are ball-jointed, and
their torso can also swivel. This comes
at a price though; the torso is wont to pop straight off, as there is only one
plug and very little friction holding it to the waist. As a result, the whole
thing tends to feel fragile and delicate in comparison with your average
minifigure. In spite of their shortcomings, the two included with this set are both a lot of
fun.
The Barbarian is
the main reason I bought this kit. Though I am primarily a DM, Barbarians are
my favourite class to play. You can definitely see touches of Frank Frazetta’s
take on Conan in him, but he’s distinct enough that they’re not in danger of
getting sued. He comes with an axe, which he holds in one hand on promo art –
but it seems like it’s actually a greataxe, and he can grip it in both hands.
Of course a Barbarian with a mighty axe is useless without
an enemy to hack into, and so the set comes with an Orc too. He’s wearing heavy armour, in contrast to the barbarian’s bare
chest.
Presumably he’s a devotee of Gruumsh, based on the scar over his eye,
and stitched up eyelid. He’s much cooler than I thought he would be – distinct
enough to be an individual character, while generic enough to be an army
builder. He’s armed with a massive, bone-crushing
hammer. You would certainly not want to be on the receiving end of one of its
blows.
Both figures also include a stand for stability in posing.
It fits the Barbarian fine, but the Orc seems quite awkward on it, and won’t
fit properly in regular standing pose.
I could see myself picking up some of the blind-bagged army
builders that Hasbro has released to support this line, but I don’t think I’ll invest further in the starter sets like these.
Though better than I anticipated, I am quite content playing the more
traditional form of Dungeons and Dragons,
and ultimately my heart belongs to Lego when it comes to building toys. But
this kit will make a nice supplement to my Castle-themed
sets.
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