This part of the review might seem a bit brief. It’s because this figure is a straight up repaint of the G.I. Joe Retaliation Wave 3 Alley Viper. Everything, from the figure to the accessories, is identical to the previous release save for the color scheme. I’m not certain why Cobra insists on maintaining a policy where all officers immediately distinguishable from their subordinates at any range but it does make for a more diverse action figure shelf.

As I’ve already stated, this figure is the same basic build at the Retaliation Alley Viper which makes a lot of sense. He’s essentially a squad leader which means he shouldn’t be decked out in a radically different fashion than his subordinates. In typically Cobra fashion—it’s the colors that set him apart. In this case, the figure’s body is primarily rendered in flat black which gives him a very tactical/spec ops feel. With the helmet off and the equipped with just one of the rifles and the web gear, the Alley Viper Officer almost works as some sort of elite spec ops trooper. There’s only one thing hinders that notion and that’s the melon-colored camouflage pattern that adorns the body. Yes, that’s right—his shield and his camouflage pattern aren’t so much red as they are a melon hue. I’m not certain why this color choice was made; it makes the character distinct from the other Alley Vipers that have been released in generation 3 but it certainly doesn’t do much toward actually help him blend in with the rest of the troops.

The head on this particular figure dates all the way back to the Pursuit of Cobra Jungle Viper. It’s a more angular look for a balaclava head but that also serves to help it stand out amongst all of the other masked troops in the line. As was the case with the Retaliation Alley Viper before him, the head is a touch small for the included helmet which means that it does sit a bit loose on the figure’s noggin. It’s not a deal breaker by any means but just something to be aware of.

For the gear selection, it’s the same kit that came with the Retaliation Alley Viper. I feel kind of lazy for not describing it here in detail but it’s such a recent figure that most fans are going to be familiar with this particular load-out. One highlight is the working sheath and dagger found on the figure’s right forearm. I love it when figures have gear that be stashed on their bodies in holsters and sheaths. It’s the kind of feature I would have LOVED as a kid!

All-in-all, is the Alley Viper Officer worth acquiring? It all depends on how fond you are of the Retaliation Alley Viper from a few years ago. It’s a solid build with a nice range of motion, a solid weapons kit, and lots of playability. The only odd aspect is the melon color that was used for the camouflage as it doesn’t really tie into any of the previous Alley Vipers nor does it blend with anything else in the set. Ultimately, I can’t see collectors going out of their way to troop build this particular Cobra but he’s still a nice inclusion in the set.