.co.uk Review

Now almost unrecognisable from his earlier gung-ho incarnation, Marine Mission Action Man shows that tough guys care about defending Planet Earth too. He measures approximately 29 cm (12 inches) high. Action Man is all ready for an oceanic assignment, dressed in a one-piece green sleeveless wetsuit with fluorescent orange flashes down each side, which fastens with Velcro down the back for those all-important quick changes. For underwater missions he's equipped with goggles and breathing apparatus, which are fastened to a detachable harness.

Transportation has changed for our square-jawed hero too. He now gets around on the back of a friendly dolphin, which measures approximately 32 cm (13 inches) in length. The dolphin is also prepared for marine combat, sporting body armour, which Action Man's versatile harness can also be attached to.

To defend himself against his foes, Action Man is armed with a harpoon gun, which slides onto the gun harness and can fire small darts (which parents will be relieved to hear are too blunt to be deadly weapons) at the flick of a trigger. The pack contains a set of cardboard targets, so budding eco-warriors can practice their aim.

As his name suggests, the real fun in playing with Marine Mission Action Man is when he's placed in water. A small stopper on the dolphin's back can be removed in order to fill it with water. Squeezing the dolphin's soft body then releases a jet of water from the blowhole on its back, guaranteed to render your enemies into a state of submission. Bath times are transformed into the scene of dramatic ocean battles. Because of small parts, Marine Mission Action Man is not suitable for children under three years of age. --Alison Drury