There are action figures that feel like updates, and then there are action figures that feel like resurrections. The NECA Ultimate Lasershot Predator belongs firmly in the latter category — a figure that doesn’t simply modernize a cult classic, but reimagines it with such reverence, such obsessive attention to detail, and such unapologetic weirdness that it becomes something more than a toy. It becomes a statement. A restoration. A celebration of a forgotten corner of Predator lore that only the most dedicated fans ever knew existed. The Lasershot Predator was originally released in the early 1990s as part of Kenner’s wildly imaginative Predator toy line — a line that embraced neon colors, cybernetic augmentations, and comic‑book exaggeration at a time when the franchise was still defining itself. The original Lasershot was a bizarre, beautiful anomaly: a hulking, magenta‑armored Yautja with a massive shoulder cannon, a cybernetic eye, and a design that felt more like a Saturday‑morning cartoon villain than a creature from a hard‑R sci‑fi horror film. NECA’s Ultimate version takes that eccentric foundation and elevates it into something worthy of the modern collector’s shelf. It is a figure that honors the original’s spirit while adding layers of sculpted detail, articulation, and engineering that the 1990s could never have achieved. And, crucially, it retains the one thing that made the original so iconic: its LED targeting eye, now recreated with modern electronics and integrated seamlessly into the sculpt.
To understand why the NECA Ultimate Lasershot Predator is so special, you have to understand where it came from. The early 1990s Kenner Predator line was a fever dream of creativity — a time when toy designers were given free rein to invent new Yautja variants with little regard for canon. The Lasershot Predator was one of the crown jewels of that era, a figure that combined cybernetic enhancements, tribal armor, and a color palette that could only be described as “aggressively 1990s. NECA’s reinterpretation embraces that legacy rather than shying away from it. Instead of toning down the flamboyance, the company leans into it, treating the original design not as a relic of toy‑aisle excess but as a blueprint for something grander. The result is a figure that feels both nostalgic and modern, both faithful and elevated.
Sculpting:
One of the joys of the Ultimate Lasershot Predator is discovering the hidden details that NECA has incorporated into the sculpt. The armor features tiny tribal etchings that reference Yautja culture. The cannon includes sculpted circuitry that suggests a level of technological sophistication beyond typical Predator gear. The skin patterns are unique to this figure, with speckled markings that echo the original Kenner design. NECA’s sculptors have always excelled at capturing the biomechanical complexity of Yautja armor and anatomy, but here they push themselves even further, blending organic and cybernetic elements into a cohesive whole. The head sculpt is a standout achievement. The dreadlocks are individually sculpted with segmented ridges, giving them a sense of weight and texture. The mandibles are sharply defined, with subtle asymmetry that adds realism. But the true centerpiece is the cybernetic targeting eye, which is seamlessly integrated into the skull. The mechanical housing around the eye features tiny sculpted bolts, ridges, and circuitry, creating the impression of a surgical augmentation performed with brutal precision.
The torso sculpt is equally impressive. The musculature is exaggerated in a way that pays homage to the original Kenner figure, but the detailing is far more refined. The chest armor features layered plating, tribal etchings, and mechanical tubing that wraps around the body like a fusion of ancient craftsmanship and futuristic technology. The abdominal region is sculpted with sinewy detail, giving the figure a sense of raw physical power. The arms and legs continue this theme of hybridization. The right arm, in particular, features a massive, cybernetically enhanced gauntlet that houses the figure’s signature laser weapon. The sculpting here is intricate, with overlapping plates, exposed wiring, and mechanical joints that suggest a level of engineering far beyond typical Yautja gear. The legs are adorned with armored greaves and textured skin patterns, creating a visual contrast between organic and synthetic elements. Every inch of the figure is sculpted with intention. Nothing feels generic. Nothing feels reused. This is a figure that was crafted, not assembled.
Paint Application:
The paintwork on the Ultimate Lasershot Predator is where NECA’s commitment to honoring the original truly shines. The color palette is unapologetically bold — metallic purples, shimmering golds, deep blacks, and vibrant magentas — but applied with a level of sophistication that transforms what could have been garish into something strikingly beautiful. The armor features a metallic purple finish that shifts subtly under light, giving the figure an almost iridescent quality. Gold accents are applied with precision, highlighting the edges of plates and the contours of sculpted details. The skin tone is a mottled blend of browns, blacks, and reds, with speckled patterns that mimic the natural camouflage of Yautja hunters. The cybernetic eye is painted with a glossy red finish that enhances the LED effect when activated. The mechanical components around the eye are painted in gunmetal and silver tones, with subtle weathering that suggests years of use in the field. One of the most impressive aspects of the paintwork is the way NECA balances the figure’s flamboyant color scheme with realistic shading and weathering. The armor is scuffed and worn in places, the skin is shaded to emphasize musculature, and the mechanical components feature tiny paint applications that bring out their complexity. This is a figure that could have easily looked like a toy. Instead, it looks like a piece of art.
Articulation:
Despite its bulky armor and intricate sculpting, the Ultimate Lasershot Predator features an impressive range of articulation. NECA has refined its articulation engineering significantly over the years, and this figure benefits from that evolution. The head sits on a ball‑jointed neck that allows for expressive posing, even with the cybernetic eye housing. The shoulders feature a wide range of motion, and the elbows and knees are double‑jointed, allowing for dynamic action poses. The torso includes both an ab crunch and a waist swivel, providing excellent flexibility for a figure with such a complex design. The hips are particularly well‑engineered, allowing for deep stances without compromising stability. The ankles feature pivot and rocker joints, enabling the figure to maintain balance even in aggressive poses. What’s most impressive is how well the articulation integrates with the sculpt. Nothing feels obstructed. Nothing feels forced. The figure moves naturally, despite its elaborate design.
Accessories:
The accessory loadout for the Ultimate Lasershot Predator is both extensive and thoughtfully designed. The centerpiece is the massive laser cannon, a multi‑part weapon that attaches to the figure’s right arm. The cannon features articulated components, translucent energy effects, and sculpted details that echo the original Kenner design while adding layers of complexity. The figure also includes a removable mask, extra hands, and a variety of energy effects that can be attached to the cannon or the figure’s gauntlet. Each accessory is painted with the same level of care as the figure itself, with metallic finishes, translucent plastics, and weathered details that enhance their realism. The most iconic accessory, however, is the LED targeting eye. This feature is a direct homage to the original Kenner figure, which included a similar electronic element. NECA’s version is far more refined, with a bright red LED that illuminates the cybernetic eye housing. The effect is striking, especially in low light, and adds a level of theatricality that elevates the figure beyond typical action figure fare. The LED mechanism is integrated seamlessly into the head sculpt, with a discreet switch and battery compartment that do not detract from the figure’s appearance. The wiring is internal and invisible, ensuring that the electronic feature does not compromise the sculpt.
NECA’s Ultimate Lasershot Predator packaging combines premium display appeal, Kenner nostalgia, and collector-friendly presentation to make the figure stand out on shelf and in search results. The window box format, opening flap, and retro-inspired graphics make it easy to showcase the figure’s accessories and appeal to Predator collectors.
The Ultimate Lasershot Predator is not merely accurate to the original Kenner design — it is reverent. Every major visual element from the 1990s figure is present, but enhanced. The metallic purple armor, the cybernetic eye, the massive cannon, the tribal motifs — all are recreated with modern sculpting and paint techniques that elevate the character without losing the charm of the original. The NECA Ultimate Lasershot Predator is one of the most ambitious, visually striking, and lovingly crafted figures in NECA’s Predator line. It succeeds not only as a collectible but as a piece of character‑driven art. From the sculpting to the paintwork to the accessories to the LED feature, every element feels intentional, premium, and deeply respectful of the character’s legacy. For hardcore Predator fans, this is a must‑own centerpiece. For casual collectors, it’s a stunning introduction to what NECA can achieve at its highest level.
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