REVIEW: Hasbro Indiana Jones "Jungle Chase" Box Set

New Target exclusive figure set worth chasing down?

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When the announcement hit that Target would be getting Indiana Jones box sets with 5 figures for $20, I lost my mind with excitement. The value was evident, and I was certain that I’d be in love with the sets. Then I bought the Jungle Chase box set, and my attitude changed completely.

When I bought the item in package, I thought I was in few a real treat. The set looks fantastic in its box, and for those MIB collectors out there, just get this. In fact, get the ones from "Raiders" and "Last Crusade" too. Go find them now. The packaging is stellar. The display is not 100% movie accurate, but it still looks cool, with pieces in both the foreground and background and character dossiers on back.

The MIB set showcases how neat the Indy figures look together; and for those who have the whole line carded with the figures separate, this is a wonderful opportunity to add something to your collection. The set is a sound MIB deal at $20, and those collectors have something new to track down.

However, if you are a collector who opens and displays your stuff, you will likely be disappointed - at least, I was. There is plenty of “value” here if you are looking at cost-per-figure in set vs cost-per-figure individually, with the set of 5 coming in under the cost of 3 carded figures at retail. So, that value is evident, and for those who are just looking for army builders, character filler (if you didn’t invest in the KOTCS line) or custom fodder, this set will likely be a pleasant treat to fill in gaps or build your armies; but frankly, these figures aren’t as good as their carded counterparts.

For example, the single-carded KOTCS Indy has interchangeable left hands, one with skull, one without, but the version in the pack has no interchangeable parts, so he’s stuck holding the skull; additionally he’s missing his pistol. Dovchenko is missing the AK-47 that the single-carded figure included, and Spalko is missing a pistol and extra sword (I didn’t pick up Mutt or the Russian individually, so I am unsure if they were missing things). Also, the set includes no artifacts or crates, which I know for some means nothing and should not have been expected; but I love the crates for display building, and the relics are loads of nerdy fun; so overall, the figures included less to me.

That criticism aside, however, the figures are still good in and of themselves. They are the same molds Hasbro previously used, and the paint apps are relatively clear and crisp—not as good as later-produced waves but up to par with the initial releases. Also, if one is saving $2-3 PER figure, isn’t the loss of a few extras worth the sacrifice? For non-die-hard-collectors, absolutely it is. Children, for example, who receive this set as a gift at Christmas, will be ecstatic. The set is a self-contained play unit; and while the figures each have less than they would have included alone, there are enough intermingled accessories that a child would still get HOURS of play from the purchase. I am sure children will love it - I know I would have as a youngster. Also, as I said before, those who are just casually into Indy or the line may get some fill-ins for their incomplete collections.

There’s not really much more to say regarding the figures that Jon Clarke didn’t mention in his KOTCS review, HERE. I had not picked up either Mutt (yes, I am one of THOSE people) or the Russian Soldier previously, so the set was good for me to get new characters and some fodder; but for those loyal fans who have already bought these figures individually, I see no need for the purchase of this (or the other) boxsets. I would recommend getting the individually carded figures with the full accessories and bonuses. Hasbro should have pulled a “Star Wars Battle Pack” and included a single variant or unreleased figure to offset the missing accessories and get collectors interested. This set, for example, could have included a Dovechenko sans hat, a few monkeys, or beat-up/dirty versions of Mutt, Spalko, and Indy.

Seeing as how the included figures add nothing new, the die-hards have no incentive to buy the pacakge. Of course, as I said previously, for MIB collectors or kids who have a handful of Indy figures, this will be a great buy. So before rushing to Target to snatch this up, be sure you know what you’re getting (and what you’re not). You must choose... but choose wisely.

CLICK HERE for more images of the Jungle Chase box set!

Review and Photos by C.J. Stunkard

Jungle Chase Photo Gallery