Toy Review : The DTC 2005 R.H.I.N.O

review by: Hard Snake

Name: R.H.I.N.O (Rapid Heli-Integrated Neutralizing Offensive Vehicle)
Driver: Cannonball
Series: Direct-To-Consumer
Manufactured By: Hasbro (Of Course!)
Released: 2005




Introductions:

The R.H.I.N.O is a sports car, Hummer, and Mobile Bunker on steroids all rolled into one. Released in 2005 for the Direct-To-Consumer market that also released the R.O.C.C but there are somethings that makes this one a must have...


Vehicle:





A two-in-one war machine because not only it does look like a mobile bunker on steroids it has a two seater helicopter.




Though the sleek look might give you goose bumps with the design of this vehicle due to its curves from a far would look better than the Tumbler from Batman Begins film.


Weapons:

One of the factors why the R.H.I.N.O. is no push over because its well armed to the teeth. Though not as nasty as a Rolling Thunder the R.H.I.N.O can survive an army of Hiss Tanks with his Gatling guns located at the back and the front.




Armed with two missile pods (carrying three missiles per pod) that can be attached to the Heli-Integrated vehicle. There is also another weapon attached in the rear, which actually the only spring loaded weapon.





Heli-Integrated:





The two-seater chopper looks like the V.E.N.O.M Switchblade that Miles Mayhem owned. Colors tailored to the base vehicle of the R.H.I.N.O this aerial back-up has the option to use the missile pods that is attached from the base vehicle as well.




Though without the pods the chopper looks bare only armed with machine gun located in the nose part similar to the real life Apache.




The other gripe I noticed that the rear propeller is molded as a solid part of the chopper.


Crew Compliment:

The R.H.I.N.O can carry 13 figures but it depends on how you position them.




Two sits at front (including the driver), and then the deployment area on the left side can carry five. In which having three seated while the two figures are standing by the doors. On the right side theres no opening so they have to be positioned standing.





At the rear right side part part theres a hatch, where someone is manned to use the Gatling gun from the rear. Inside another passenger is seated, but mostly that area is reserved for the manned trooper in the Gatling gun.





The other two are seated in the Heli-Integrated chopper (Pilot & Co-Pilot).


Driver:



Cannonball is a new figure to me not familiar with the appearance, but the name was used in one of the Transformers Cybertron robots as a Decepticon Pirate.





The figure mostly painted vest in yellow and the only accessory he has is his helmet. He is like the vehicles accessory instead of the other way around.


Gimmick:

The cool gimmick that the R.H.I.N.O have is the Heli-Integrated elevating from its seated nest slowly. You just push the button located from the rear of the vehicle.



The only gripe I noticed is that the missile pods are giving chopper a difficulty to elevate, because they are slightly blocking it. You have to remove them in order to have the chopper elevate properly.



The other gimmick is the spring loaded ramp part of the floor, which you position the figure attached to the deploy door on the right side of the vehicle.


Packaging:

Like in any G.I. Joe vehicle it is packaged in a normal square box design, but you only need is minor assembly like attaching the pods, missile, Gatling guns, and the rotating machine gun for the chopper.







Overall:

If your just a minimalist who doesn't want a Mobile Command Center to take up space in your room, and would like to assemble your own troop this is vehicle for you.

I give this a perfect FIVE FLAG POINTS.


Acknowledgments:

Special thanks to Pilgrim Paladin who bought this from Saggie.
Actually He (Pilgrim) did not take this home to his place in Makati, because of the limited space there.

So he ask me to take it home and I was the one who opened it. Finally have this review what supposed to be a surprise for Pilgrim Paladin.

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