I remember when this figure was announced, and I was completely underwhelmed.  I feel like the AT-AT driver is one of those barely visible characters that has gotten an overly generous amount of attention in the action figure line over the years.  Kind of like their fellow Hoth combatants, the snowtroopers.  Those guys are barely on screen and yet we’ve gotten tons of versions of the character.  But just like the Black Series update to the snowtrooper, this AT-AT driver is worth the effort.  It’s much better than previous under-articulated versions, and becomes the best one available for your collection.

The AT-AT driver was seen only briefly, from the shoulders up and from the front and back, while piloting General Veers’ AT-AT during the assault on Echo Base.  This figure is true to that appearance, as well as via other behind the scenes references.  The sculpt is outstanding, and adds true super articulation (plus!) that was previously absent.  Besides all the standard joints, the AT-AT Driver also sports a ball jointed waist, making it one of the most articulated figures in the Legacy Collection.  While the AT-AT Driver might not have the most screen time, nor have much to do in the way of on screen action, the figure can be posed in several fairly dynamic poses.  But most importantly, it can sit perfectly inside your AT-AT, because that’s what we pay him to do.

Details include separately sculpted flight suit straps, armored chest and shoulders, and lots of pockets and texture folds in the bodysuit.  The helmet is removable, revealing what appears to be a non-clone face underneath.  OT purists may or may not like the removable helmet, but at least it’s not a Clone.  As for the aforementioned helmet, it is a bit large, but seems appropriate and not misshapen.  Helmets are supposed to be large, in order to fit over an actual head.  It’s unfortunate that the scaling of the CGI clone troopers in the PT has thrown off our perception of what a helmet should look like proportionally, but I feel this figure gets it right.  The helmet is attached to the chest control box via two air hoses that connect to the rear of the helmet.  The unfortunate result is the large circular hole in the center of the chest when the assembly is removed.  I wish Hasbro could find a better way to sculpt something like this so that it doesn’t look so off-putting when displaying the figure without the helmet.

The paint applications are fairly simple, and are decently applied on my sample.  Close inspection of the helmet/chest box, where most of the paint apps are located, shows that there is room for improvement as for sharpness and accuracy, but the overall effect is still pleasing.  The imperial insignia, eye lenses, and other markings on the helmet look good.  The figure also comes with a standard E-11 blaster.  Sadly, there is no holster. Again, I understand this wouldn’t be screen accurate, but I feel certain figures need a place to stow their blasters.

This is a good looking figure, and the added articulation to put it in true the category of true super-articulation is a decent upgrade, even you’ve had your fill of this trooper.  At this point, I would declare this TLC version the definitive AT-AT Driver figure, with no real reason to upgrade further.  A solid, if not spectacular, figure. 8/10.

If Hasbro were inclined, the only real reason at this point to re-issue (barring another release of the AT-AT, or something similar) would be to get it on a Vintage cardback.

Build-A-Droid 

AT-AT Driver contains the body of HK-50.  This was a model of assassin droid from the Old Republic era, built by Revan.  Source:  Knights of the Old Republic II - (Legends).