Hot Toys Resident Evil: Albert Wesker S.T.A.R.S Ver. 1/6 Scale Figure Review

Hot Toys VGM10 Albert Wesker (S.T.A.R.S. Version) is the 1/6 Video Game Masterpiece figure from Resident Evil 5 / Biohazard 5, released in early 2010. It captures the classic S.T.A.R.S. look rather than the black-coated “Midnight” RE5 outfit. Reviewers at the time consistently praised the likeness, tailoring, light-up eyes, and accessory loadout. It remains one of the stronger older HT video-game pieces, though secondary-market prices have climbed sharply.

The figure stands about 30–31 cm (roughly 12 inches) on Hot Toys’ TrueType body with 36+ points of articulation. Head sculpt is by Kim Jung Mi, paint by JC Hong, art direction by Yulli—the same portrait used on the Midnight version.

Head Sculpt and Light-Up Eyes
The portrait is widely regarded as spot-on for Wesker’s RE5 appearance: sharp jawline, slicked-back blond hair, and the characteristic cold expression. Skin texture includes fine wrinkling typical of that era of Hot Toys. The standout gimmick is the battery-operated red LED eyes (button cells included). A small switch sits at the back of the neck under the hair. When lit, the glow is bright and reads well through the sunglasses—exactly the “virus-altered” look from the games. Reviewers repeatedly called this the most striking feature, especially in a darkened display.

Outfit
He wears the S.T.A.R.S. uniform: navy-blue shirt (sleeves sewn rolled), white undershirt, olive/navy-green tactical vest with pouches and straps, black cargo pants with a working belt, and molded black combat boots. Tailoring is tight and accurate. The vest has sewn pockets, clips, and rivets; a side holster and knife sheath (mountable on belt or back) are included. The overall silhouette is slimmer than the bulkier Chris Redfield S.T.A.R.S. figure from the same wave.

Articulation and Posing
The TrueType body gives good range for Wesker’s signature stances—hands behind the back, one-handed shotgun pose, combat-ready stances. Double-ball neck, pin-jointed elbows/knees, ball-jointed shoulders and hips, and swivel thighs/calves are standard. It is more poseable than some rubber-covered bodies used on other RE5 figures in the line. Wrist pegs are interchangeable.

Accessories and Weapons
The loadout is generous for a 2010 figure:

• Sunglasses (removable, iconic)
• Magnetic headset + radio with pouch
• Flashlight
• Knife + sheath
• Samurai Edge handgun (removable magazine, S.T.A.R.S. branding; slide can be posed)
  Hydra triple-barrel shotgun (opens, comes with shells)
• L. Hawk Magnum
• Two incendiary grenades
  Three extra posing hands
• Display stand with Biohazard 5 logo and nameplate

The Hydra is a highlight for fans of the Mercenaries/Versus modes. Most small parts are well-scaled and painted.

Value and Current Market
Original retail was in the $150 range. Today complete, boxed examples commonly list in the $900–$1,900+ range depending on condition, whether the box is sealed, and seller location. Loose or incomplete pieces still command high prices because the figure is long out of production and relatively scarce. Light-up function on older units can fail if batteries were left in or contacts oxidized, so check listings carefully.

Midnight Version vs. S.T.A.R.S. Version
The earlier VGM08 Midnight version uses the same head and eyes but wears the black patterned coat, zip-up top, and more RE5-specific weapons (MP5, extra magnum, laser sight, smartphone). Many collectors prefer the Midnight look for “final boss” display; others prefer S.T.A.R.S. because it is the more classic, recognizable Wesker silhouette from the first game and the extra modes. Both share the same core strengths.

Verdict
This is a high-quality 2010-era Hot Toys figure that still holds up for likeness, the light-up eyes, and the S.T.A.R.S. costume. It is not as feature-packed or as refined as modern HT releases, and the price on the aftermarket is steep. Buy it if you specifically want the classic S.T.A.R.S. Wesker on the shelf next to a Chris Redfield S.T.A.R.S. figure and you accept the secondary-market premium. For most people the Midnight version is the more “RE5” display piece; this one is the nostalgia/classic-look piece.

If you are hunting one, prioritize complete accessories, working LEDs, and a seller with clear photos of the head and joints.