“Invasion Force” was the rather odd name given to the “mini-rigs” of the Episode I line.  The other three (Sith Attack Speeder, Gungan Mini-Sub, and Armored Scout Tank) were small toys that were inspired by on screen counterparts (Sith probe droid, Gungan Tribubble Bongo, and the Armored Assault Tank, respectively).  In this case, the toy is represented on screen, but not in its proper form.  The toy is presented as a piece of artillery that shoots a projectile, and is fired by an operator.  The cannon is actually based on one half of a two-part Gungan deflector shield, several of which were employed during the Battle of Naboo.  The shield generators were carried into battle by Fambaas.  One Fambaa would carry the “ignitor”, while another would carry the “radiator” (both of these are for lack of better terminology).  This piece was the “ignitor”.  It would shoot a beam of plasma energy into the center of the “radiator”, which would then spread a dome-shaped deflector shield around a large radius, protecting those inside from small to medium energy weapons.  It did not, however, stop infantry from advancing right through it.

Hasbro released an FAO Schwarz exclusive Fambaa in 1999.  This large beast included the “radiator” described above.  If you were Daddy Warbucks and could afford a second Fambaa, you could replace that piece with this Assault Cannon, in order to accurately depict how these were deployed with the Gungan Grand Army.  In the photos above, you can see the complete Fambaa, as well as an alternate image where this cannon is placed on top.  It is not attached, unfortunately.  Hasbro did not design this piece to properly interact with the Fambaa, which is too bad.  The cannon “fits” in the space on the saddle, but there is no way to secure it, so it is just loose.  It still looks screen accurate, it’s just a bit of a missed opportunity that it doesn’t attach.

The cannon otherwise displays very sturdily on a flat surface.  This may not sound like much of an achievement, but there are many cannons that have been produced in the line over the years that don’t sit flat on the ground.  Here’s one recent example.  The spring-loaded projectile is activated by the grips in the back of the cannon.  It also shoots pretty well for distance.  As an added feature, the “muzzle wings” spread apart, for an alternate display option.

The cannon comes with Jar Jar Binks.  The figure is a different sculpt than the basic version, but for all intents an purposes, it offers nothing more or less than that version.  This one doesn’t have lower body articulation, but it does interact with the firing grips perfectly, which is a plus.  In retrospect, it would have been better, if it was a generic Gungan warrior that came with this toy, instead of another Jar Jar.  I believe there were 5 Jar Jar figures released in the Episode 1 time frame, but they just had slightly varying degrees of articulation and facial expressions.

The set is decent.  It’s a nice piece to add to your Battle of Naboo display, but it would have been cooler if it could be properly attached to the Fambaa.  It also would have been better with a Gungan Warrior.  As it is, it’s not a terrible toy, it just could have been made better with a couple of minor tweaks.  I’ll give it a 5.