Name
 Godzilla 2014 Movie: Tail Strike
Version Source
 Godzilla (2014)
Company: Bandai
Extras: None
  Order
Classification: Figure Reissue: No
Release: 2014 Height: 17 centimeters
Comments
Chris Mirjahangir

One of Bandai's "Fighting Figures", along with Smash Strike Godzilla, this toy has an action button that causes the tail to lash out as a more "traditional" style action figure. The toy is fun to play with, but comes with a few minor downsides as a result of its action element including its stance and appearance.

Side View

Compared to the Smash Strike Godzilla, this figure has some differences. The most obvious being the tail which is sectioned into three pieces. The tail is controlled by a moveable button in the chest area which can make the tail move from side to side in a swiping motion. How hard it hits its target depends on how quickly you slide the chest button. Because the tail is so light, it puts the figure off balance so when you set it down, it rests on the tail.

The articulations in the legs fare better with this figure in contrast to the Smash Strike Godzilla but not by much. The figure is able to "sit" somewhat when the legs are pushed forward. The arms can move up and down but the jaw on this figure has no articulation whatsoever. The head is a solid piece and looks slightly smaller in comparison to the Smash Strike Godzilla.

Package

The Tail Strike Godzilla features a rubberish sort of material for the backplates so they're softer to the touch for smaller children. The "Fighting Figures" are the most interactive toys in the line so it's important that they're as comfortable as can be as well. That's my theory anyway.

In terms of the paint job, it's applied nicely on this figure and the teeth look like extra care was placed into them which was appreciated. Like the Smash Strike Godzilla, the beady eyes have a tiny spot of yellow paint for color and the chest and under tail area isn't painted the light green color as it is part of the mold.

Overall, the "Fighting Figures" seem like they would be fun for the younger crowd around the intended 4+ age range which will have a blast with them. The only obvious downside is that the action elements of this figure, the button on the chest and segmented tail, aren't very visually appealing on their own but do offer some fun through play.

As a side note, here is the Fact Sheet listing for this figure:

GODZILLA 2014 MOVIE FIGHTING FIGURES
SRP $14.99
Item: 39520
Control Godzilla with these Fighting Figures! Choose from "Tail-Strike™" Godzilla with swinging tail manipulated via a chest control, or "Smash Strike™" Godzilla, whose devastating upper body attacks are activated through an upper-tail control lever!

Rating: Star Rating