According to WOTC, players can use it as a cool desk/shelf ornament or to play in either an RPG or the Star Wars Miniatures game. The interior packaging shows some snowtrooper miniatures facing off against some Hoth rebel trooper miniatures so you can get an idea of the scale, which is pretty reasonable in my opinion.
In addition to a nicely pre-painted plastic AT-AT, you also get a double sided fold out map that has the Hoth battle zone (snow is so exciting) depicted. The model also comes with counters the model's stat card and a booklet with rules and scenarios for the game.
In the SW miniatures game, this model kicks major butt. Points-wise, it's a war band plus. It is armed with a heavy laser cannon that nukes heavy damage on the target it hits and splashes hurt around to adjacent figures (reckon that's vague enough) around the target. It also has medium lasers and can 'stomp' opponents foolish enough to be in the wrong place at the right time. Like the movie version, the AT-AT plods unceasingly forward. It also has damage reduction that prevents minor damage from cramping its style (Blasters are useless against that armor!).
Its in-game effects are impressive, making it excellent for use as a centerpiece for a big battle with your friendly neighborhood gaming group. The scenarios and map are nice extras that can add variety to your typical, too. I was happy that the thing included a map. I'm always on the lookout for more maps for SW and D&D minis and it's nice to have something new to play on.
All in all, the AT-AT is an excellently done model. It's reasonably scaled with the other miniatures in the game. It's nicely painted and has a lot of detail. Like R2-D2, it has obvious carbon scoring (not joking, it's actually painted to show the typical non-pristine Star Wars 'equipment actually gets dirty and used' atmosphere).
Frankly, the biggest drawback of the piece (other than its size making for sometimes difficult storage and transport) is its hefty price. I realize that this is a high-end model and I think compares very reasonably with things like a Warhammer 40k Land Raider or a giant monster from Warhammer Fantasy Battles. When you consider the fact that you don't have to paint it, it's really a pretty decent deal.
Considering that this piece could wind up doing double or triple duty in other wargames (StarGrunt, I'm looking at you) and RPGs, it's about par for the course for miniatures pieces of this size. To paraphrase Ferris, if you can afford it, I highly recommend picking one up. They are so choice.
