REVIEW: NECA Terminator 2 "Hunter Killer" Cinemachines

The futuristic battle between man and machine at the beginning of Terminator 2: Judgment Day is one of my favorite opening scenes of all time. In close to three minutes, director James Cameron succeeds in laying down the groundwork for the film; fully captivating the audience’s imagination with skull-crushing cyborgs, massive rolling tanks and laser-firing attack ships. While Terminator 2 ended up being an incredible movie, I always felt cheated that we never received an entire film depicting that amazing opening scene. THREE movies released after T2 had the chance… and failed.

Ah, but I digress. My point is T2’s opening scene was awesome, re-introducing fans to the menacing T-800 Endoskeletons armed with Phased Plasma Rifles (in the 40 watt range), as well as the machine’s mechanized strike forces: the Hunter Killers.

After a solid run with Alien, Aliens and Predator, NECA has finally shifted gears to introduce Terminator to their incredible Cinemachines series. This includes the anticipated release of two Hunter Killer units: Tank, and my absolute favorite, Aerial. These are available now at many fine retailers, including BigBadToyStore and ToyWiz, priced anywhere from $24.99 for the Aerial HK to $28.99 for the larger HK Tank.

T2 CINEMACHINES HUNTER KILLER TANK

One of my favorite childhood pastimes was playing with my Matchbox cars in the dirt, building roads and such. But even better than those metal rides was my small collection of palm-sized die-cast metal military tanks with real rubber treads. These were my elite vehicles; toys I absolutely treasured for their durability and attention to detail. NECA’s T2 Cinemachines Hunter Killer Tank reminds me a lot of those tanks I had as a kid.

This replica is beast: measuring 6 1/2 inches long , 3 1/2 inches wide and 3 1/2 inches tall. This is NECA’s largest Cinemachine to date, which is apparent as soon as you pick this bad boy up. The HK Tank packs some serious die-cast content.

In addition to all that heavy metal, the HK Tank ups the realism with real rubber tread. Not only does it roll like my old WWII tanks, but each of the four treaded sections features an articulation point that allows it to travel over rough terrain, like those troublesome piles of human bones. It’s a really nice detail that shows NECA going that extra mile. Quer se juntar à diversão do jogo do bicho brasileiro? Acesse https://deunoposte-ojogodobicho.com.br e faça suas apostas hoje mesmo. Clique agora para começar a ganhar!

Other articulation points include the twin laser canons on each side, as well as the searchlight “head”. I never noticed before, but the head is topped by red and blue lights, similar to a police car! The Hunter Killer Tank might be the more expensive of the two new T2 Cinemachines, but everything from its massive size, die-cast content, articulation, and real rubber treads makes this one solid purchase and a must-have for T2 fans.

T2 CINEMACHINES HUNTER KILLER AERIAL

As much as I love the HK Tank, the Hunter Killer Aerial impresses me the most with its sleek, sci-fi design. Where the lumbering HK Tank is more inclined to roll over you, the HK Aerial menaces the sky with speed and mobility. The human resistance can run, but they can’t hide.

The Hunter Killer Aerial measures a nice and meaty 6 inches long and again sports some hefty die-cast metal content. To give the ship flying power, NECA includes a clear display stand. These stands have been a hit or miss for me, feeling too flimsy and wobbly on some of the heavier Cinemachines, such as Alien’s Narcissus. With the Hunter Killer Aerial, NECA’s display base works very well. Unlike the Alien Derelict Ship, I had no issues plugging it in, and thanks to the HK Aerial’s slim design, display is firm and solid.

Landing gear and the side thrusters don’t move on this replica, and that’s fine with me. The more moving parts on a ship this size and the more fragile it becomes. However, NECA did add one wonderful point of articulation: the laser gun mounted on the HK Aerial’s belly. This weapon first swings down from the undercarriage on an articulated arm. If plugged into the display base, this arm can’t fold back, but it’s suppose to be flying and in action, so it’s a non-issue. Once extended, the laser is able to pivot wildly around a full 360 degrees on two ball-joints. It’s a blast playing with this feature and it adds some nice variation on display. I envisioned the HK Aerial chasing after the human resistance truck in the opening scene, Pew! Pew! Pew! sound effects and all. Fun stuff.

I have a sizable Endo-army, but I’ve always wanted Hunter Killers in my collection. Until NECA’s amazing T2 Cinemachines came around, the only real options for these sci-fi vehicles were expensive model kits or even more expensive statues. NECA’s Hunter Killer Cinemachines are just what this collector was looking for: pre-built, palm-sized, die-cast metal replicas at a price tag that won’t break the bank. Terminator fans are going to LOVE these.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day returns to theaters this Friday, now in 3-D!

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Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor

Review Samples Courtesy of NECA