Review – Star Wars: The Force Awakens Goss Toowers Action Figure

I recently reviewed Sarco Plank from Hasbro’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens action figure series (review here) and that toy was so wonderfully fun that I had to try another one from the line. I can happily report that Goss Toowers* continues the vintage-like feel of the newest Star Wars action figures, so you can go do something else now since I’ve said the most important thing first: Yes, this toy is incredible.

There is one problem.

Up front I’ve gotta say that the Goss Toowers* action figure has one problem that could negatively impact playability: The toy leans forward and can only stand on the flattest of surfaces. The character design — that body shape! — was already threatening to topple forward, and the toy’s sculpt pitches things forward ever so slightly so that the toy can easily fall. I wish Hasbro’s designers had tilted things back just a tad to shift the center of gravity.

No other problems.

Once we get past the balance issue, though, Goss Toowers* is incredible and fun. You could use action figure stands* to avoid the balance problems, or seat the toy in a vehicle, or just constantly stand it up when it falls, but however you look at it this is a playable design and features a wonderful sculpt.

As I said in my Sarco Plank review (posted here), these newer Star Wars action figures are a fabulous blend of Kenner-style playability with modern skills, and just looking at the Goss Toowers* photos I’ve posted here prove that the sculpt is absolutely perfect.

The toy definitely has more sculpted details than many of Kenner’s original Star Wars action figures — check out the texture on the bandana and the ridged pattern on the figure’s torso — but the second you see those t-hip joints you’re taken back to an era when Kenner and Star Wars ruled the toy shelves. And unlike Sarco Plank, Goss Toowers* has that fifth point of articulation at the neck: a ball-jointed head gives the figure a bit more character without detracting from playability.

Closing Thoughts

It is almost certain that the character has almost no screen time in The Force Awakens, but even if he’s one of those “blink and you’ll miss him” characters I can say that Goss Toowers* fills a great role in a child’s Star Wars playtime. An alien. With a gun. And described as a starfighter tech. How could such a toy not be welcome when it’s time to join your friends and play with your Star Wars toys? Pew! Pew! Pew!