2025 marks a period of transformation for the Power Rangers brand, as Playmates Toys has officially ushered in a new phase for the franchise within the toy industry. Previously held by Hasbro, the license for the Power Rangers franchise was passed to Playmates Toys this year, and it wasn’t long before we heard about the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Re-Ignition line being the starting point of the next chapter in Power Rangers toys. This new phase has now begun with Playmates Toys introducing their first wave of Power Rangers action figures, Zords, and roleplay items, and we’ve had an opportunity to examine them to determine if they meet the expectations of Power Rangers enthusiasts.
Auto Morphin Power Rangers
Let’s kick things off by bringing back the Auto Morphin Power Rangers action figures, modeled after the Bandai figures from the ’90s (and subsequent updates and re-releases). Much like their predecessors, these figures can be activated by pressing a switch at the back, causing the unmasked head to pop up and then return to its original position. Except for one that appeared to have a hitch, all of them functioned exactly as described.
The primary distinctions lie in the area of joint movement. Earlier versions and certain follow-ups lacked substantial articulation, offering only basic knee and arm swivels. In contrast, these new models boast elbow and knee joints, as well as rotational capabilities at the hips, wrists, and feet – a significant enhancement. However, similar to the originals, the main body and heads cannot move or turn. This limitation means that while you can achieve some extra poses using the arms and legs, your overall range of possible poses remains somewhat restricted.
In general, the unveiled portraits appear quite impressive all-round, significantly better than their older counterparts, although there’s one aspect I find less appealing. It’s purely aesthetic, as the base mechanism that rotates the head is not concealed or smoothed this time, which means you can see the screws and metal bars on both sides. Despite making the figure slightly less bulky, these visible parts stick out a bit. However, my daughter didn’t seem to mind at all and was unaware of it, as she was captivated by the transforming function. Additionally, they seem quite durable, suggesting they can withstand a fair amount of rough play before getting damaged.
Collector Power Rangers Set
Introducing the Collector Power Rangers 6-Pack by Playmates! This collection features the main five Mighty Morphin Rangers, along with the Green Ranger. Each figure stands approximately 5 inches tall and comes equipped with their primary weapon, two Blade Blasters, a holster for the Blade Blaster, and an array of articulation points. These include elbows, hips, knees, neck, wrists, and ankles. For Power Rangers enthusiasts looking to add a set from the new line to their collection, this 6-Pack is undoubtedly the best choice. The standout feature is the impressive paint applications that look stunning in real life (with one minor exception I’ll address later).
One drawback to these figures is that they lack two key features that could improve them significantly. The most significant issue is the absence of swivel or articulation in the chest and torso, which restricts the range of poses that can be achieved. This limitation eliminates a number of potential poses from consideration, which is unfortunate. Despite this, I was able to create an attractive display with all six characters. If only they had some chest or waist articulation, the display would have been even more impressive. Another minor concern is the color choice for the Dragon Shield. While it may seem insignificant, it’s still worth mentioning.
As a fan, I’m thrilled to see these action figures come alive on the playfield once more! Their detailed articulation opens up possibilities for engaging play scenarios and thrilling action sequences when we put them into action. The use of more rubbery materials in their construction, as seen in other toyline releases, is a reassuring choice for parents like me who are always mindful about our children potentially getting hurt by these small toys and their accessories.
Rita Repulsa and Putty Patroller Villain Figures
Besides the hero characters, there are also some villainous figures like Rita Repulsa and a Putty Patroller in the collection. Unlike the Ranger figures, these characters have unique action features. For instance, Rita has a Spell Castin’ Action and a spell effect that can be attached to her hand along with her staff. After my daughter played with her, Rita stood out as a favorite. I haven’t seen her since then, which is an excellent sign for an action figure.
As a die-hard fan here, let me share my thoughts on the upcoming figure – the Putty Patroller. This bad boy brings an exciting feature called Head Spinning Action, not to mention the convenience of swapping out two alternate weapon hands. The head spin works flawlessly, and so does Rita’s spell action. With the addition of two extra hands, one a massive fist and the other a blade-like form, you’ll have plenty of options to customize your display if you decide to grab a couple. I must say, the villains have truly outdone themselves, and I eagerly await more additions to this fantastic line!
Combinable Zords
Any fan of Power Rangers is well aware that Zords are essential additions to their toy collection, and Playmates offers two exciting choices for enthusiasts right away. One choice is the Combinable Dinozords, which can be bought separately. When you own all five, you can combine them into either of two forms. The Tyrannosaurus, Mastodon, Triceratops, Sabertooth Tiger, and Pterodactyl each have a solid construction and boast durable joints that don’t seem fragile or likely to break under pressure. To be honest, these Zords are incredibly enjoyable to play with individually, especially considering the extra features like launching missiles from the Sabertooth Tiger and Triceratops Zords. The Pterodactyl even comes equipped with a miniature Ranger team for size comparison.
When you opted to merge them, the procedure proved generally uncomplicated with minimal complications, save for one instance during the final stages of assembly that left me slightly puzzled. Post-assembly, the Megazord towers at approximately 11 inches, boasting a commanding presence on display. Despite its imposing size, it’s ready to storm the toy battlefield without worrying too much about sustaining significant damage. Additionally, you have the option of deploying it in either Megazord mode or Tank mode, both of which can be effortlessly switched between.
Although the paint quality and craftsmanship on this toy don’t meet the high standards of the Zord Ascension line, I wouldn’t feel good about my daughter taking it off the shelf to play with. However, I have no issues with her handling it, regardless of its mode, and the same goes for each individual Zord in their respective forms as well.
Ultimate Electronic Megazord
If you prefer a ready-to-play Megazord without the need to buy individual Zords and enjoy added light-up features, consider the Ultimate Megzord Electronic Figure. Standing at 12 inches tall, it boasts a chest button that illuminates its eyes and plays over 15 sounds. The articulation level is similar between this version and the combinable one, as most users don’t typically create complex poses with either, regardless of which you choose. Best of all, it’s priced at just $40.00.
Although I find the combinable version more appealing because of its flexibility and range of options, if one is primarily concerned about sheer enjoyment as a toy and cost-effectiveness, then this version seems like a better choice compared to the combinable one. The latter demands an investment of $125.00 for purchasing all five Zords individually at a price of $25.00 per piece.
Tyrannosaurus Battle Bike with Red Ranger
Instead of discussing the Red Ranger’s Battle Bike in terms of a traditional motorcycle and action figure set, let’s explore something new. The Battle Bike offers a distinctive action mechanism that functions as promised, although it caters to a specific play style. This set comes with a Red Ranger figure and a special harness designed for attachment on the bike’s extended bracket. After securing the harness, you can place the figure on the seat and activate his adventure!
When you press the rear part of the bike, it propels the Ranger upwards, causing him to perform a mid-air flip before landing on his feet in front of the bike. Although it may not work flawlessly each time, if used correctly, it usually functions effectively and is quite rare among motorcycle packs. I can envision this feature being played with frequently without the action aspect, and the bike itself appears stylish. However, while the action aspect is novel, it’s not something I see children continuously returning to once the initial excitement has subsided.
Power Morpher
If there’s a child in your home who dreams of becoming a Power Ranger, Playmates offers a variety of roleplay items to make that dream come true! Let’s begin with the Power Morpher. The Power Morpher comes equipped with all five core Power Coins, each one activating a unique sound to complement the red light-up feature. Once morphed, the Power Morpher features a pull-down handle and a clip for easy attachment to a belt, making it perfect for little Rangers-in-training!
Potential issue: Removing and inserting the Power Coins could prove tricky. The process requires some power due to the Morpher’s design, which may necessitate your assistance depending on your child’s age. Moreover, given the compact size of the Morpher, there’s a risk of accidentally obstructing the mechanism that ejects the Power Coins. On the plus side, each coin comes with distinct Ranger sounds, but it might be beneficial to test this toy before purchasing to ensure it suits your needs.
Power Rangers Role Play Masks
If you’re planning to fully embrace the Ranger role, completing your look with a Ranger Mask in your preferred color is definitely a must! At launch, Playmates offers masks for all six Rangers, each one accurately representing its character. These masks come equipped with an adjustable strap at the back for optimal comfort. And the best part? They’re priced at around $13.00, making it easy and affordable to get your child’s favorite Ranger mask and let their creativity soar! It’s a no-brainer choice.
Dragon Dagger
If you have a Green Ranger enthusiast among your friends or family, consider expanding their collection with the Dragon Dagger toy. It boasts some nifty characteristics: over 15 sound clips and phrases are included, and there’s even a Dragonzord Power Coin for use in the Power Morpher. Among all available versions, Hasbro’s Dragon Dagger stands out, but this one has been slightly scaled down compared to others – it lacks light-up features and the full remix function of the music.
Instead of merely offering distinct sounds and tracks upon pressing its buttons, this item uniquely allows you to invoke the DragonZord. The dagger’s mouthpiece serves as a button that triggers the famous DragonZord melody when pressed, making it quite impressive.
Blade Blaster
The last essential part of the first wave is the Blade Blaster, a must-have accessory for any Ranger. This gadget seems to have been lifted straight from the TV series, and it allows you to slide the handle to switch between blaster and sword mode. It also features 20 sounds and phrases heard in the show when you press the trigger, and the front of the blaster glows red as well.
This toy is an excellent choice for young Ranger fans, offering a fun and engaging experience, albeit with one area for improvement. The trigger mimics sounds from the show along with a real blaster sound, but the balance could be more precise. In all modes, the button repeats the same sounds in the same sequence, often not producing the blaster effect as intended. A better design might include a separate ‘blaster’ button and one for phases, ensuring a smoother user experience. Despite this minor flaw, many young fans will undoubtedly be drawn to this toy and desire it for their collection.
In Playmates’ initial release of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Re-Ignition, there’s plenty to delight fans, especially children – it’s evident that this toy line is geared towards kids first. As Re-Ignition aims to rejuvenate the brand for a new crop of followers, focusing on child-friendly aspects is a smart move. While I have some reservations about certain decisions, it’s important to note that many of these issues are from a collector’s perspective and not a play perspective. Some components work better than others, but the Combining Zords, villains, Ranger Collectors Figures, and the effectiveness of roleplay items collectively make for a robust start. Playmates is off to a promising beginning, with potential to expand significantly on this foundation in the future. You can explore the entire collection on Walmart.com by following this link.
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2025-07-23 05:11