Editor’s Note:  This review is re-published from 3/19.  It was the only one of the sets in the second wave of 2010 Geonosis Arena Showdown packs that we had previously reviewed.  We’re carrying it forward here, since we’re in the midst of reviewing the other packs.  It also further highlights the need for an updated Shaak Ti figure in TVC.

In 2009, Target released an exclusive set of six Geonosian Arena Showdown figure 2-packs, which in most cases included a Jedi and a Separatist.  The sets had unique packaging, and could be lined up next to each other to form a continuous arena background, based on the graphics of the window insert behind the figures.  In 2010, a second set of six 2-packs was also released as a Target exclusive.  I believe, although I can’t confirm, that while this set debuted after The Vintage Collection had replaced the Legacy Collection, Target had requested that the packaging remain consistent with the first set of 6 in 2009.  Both sets are numbered “1” to “6”, instead of “1” to “12.”  This particular set, featuring Shaak Ti and a Geonosian Warrior is part of the 2010 set, and is numbered “4 of 6.”

Shaak Ti is a significant tweak to the figure that was released as part of the Revenge of the Sith line in 2005.  Besides paint and fabric coloring differences, the figure sports ball-jointed elbows, instead of the original cut/swivel elbows.  That alone was a huge improvement, however, the figure lacks ball jointed ankles, which is a killer for a Jedi figure at this point.  The sculpt is otherwise pretty good.  The head is done very well, with the Lekku/headtails and Montrals/horns being nicely sculpted and ornately painted.  The face is intricately painted, including the eyes, eye patches, and the bejeweled headdress.  The overall outfit, which is rather detailed for a Jedi, is something that Shaak Ti wore under her standard Jedi robes.  The outfit is repainted from the original release.  The skirt is soft goods, and generally does not hinder the range of motion of the legs much.  Of course, without ankles and ball jointed hips, the posability is severely limited, but the skirt actually hides this anyway.  For accessories, Shaak Ti comes with her lightsaber, which is a pegged hilt, which plugs nicely into her belt, and a blue blade.  Hasbro wisely ditched the separate blade concept.  The tiny pins at the base were a nightmare.  Shaak Ti holds the lightsaber a bit loosely, but can perform some basic THWG’s. 

The second figure is a Geonosian Warrior.  This one is a repaint of previous releases.  In general, it’s tough to say that Geonosians turned out to be good action figures.  They all tend to be a bit wonky, and the coloring is generally pretty bland, at least for the worker soldiers.  Poggle the Lesser was a much more interesting figure.  This particular Geonosian Warrior is probably the best sculpt out there.  It has the most articulation (including knees and ankles) whereas many previous iterations lacked full articulation.  The wings are detachable, and can be positioned in a few ways on the figure’s back.  Also included are two weapons, the sonic blaster and an electrostaff.  The figure can grip both accessories pretty well.  In past figures, it was difficult to get them to properly perform a THWG on the sonic blaster.  This figure does it with no problem, and it’s pretty convincing looking; kind of like the Geonosian version of a Gatling gunner.  Overall, it’s a decent enough figure, but it likely will not strike a sense of awe in anyone.

Overall, the set was good for 2010, but today it struggles to keep up.  Given the lack of articulation in Shaak Ti, I’ll give a generous 6.  As with other figures with this score, it’s still light years ahead of almost any 5POA figure, flaws and all.  Geonosian is sufficient.  I think we can call it definitive.  It’s unlikely there are a lot collectors out there that want more Geonosian warriors. 
Let me be clear that the “High Priority” ranking is specifically meant for Shaak Ti, as she needs a complete overhaul.  It’s time.  The character is a fan favorite, and is a striking looking Jedi.  Full Jedi-Level Articulation (JLA), a well fitting outer robe, and a full saber and unlit hilt would do the trick, and should be ripe for a single carded TVC release.  The Geonosian is fairly bland, but the design of the bug aliens was a bit uninspired.  Not Hasbro’s fault.  The Geonosian is close enough to definitive, while Shaak Ti needs work.