As stated I got Bulkhead today in the post.
Vehicle mode is about the same size as the voyager class from the movie.
However he's very short in robot mode with his head height only being up to the deluxe line, however with the back kibble he's about the same size as a voyager.
Looks wise it reminds me very much of Cybertron Crumplezone.
The transformation is pretty simple, hopefully hasbro won't be able to screw it up with their poor instructions this time.
The only real surprises to the transformation were some pseudo-automorphing gimmicks. When you open up the back the arms literally spring into position. Also as you move the chest into position the head comes out on its own. If you've seen the video footage from the animated previews it transforms just like it.
Weapon wise, there are no guns and no places for it to really hold guns.
Each arm has a gimmick, the right has a button which when pressed raises the forearm (maybe some kind of punching motion).
The left arms my favourite, you flip a piece of plastic on its side and a missle fires out (no springs used in this motion) with a length of string attached. It looks pretty cool and I think it was shown in the animated previews or at least the painted toy. The only problem is getting the string back in is a pain.
Apart from that I really enjoy this transformer and I look forward to seeing more of the animated line.
If you have any questions I'll do my best to answer them.

Here's a question; Why did you post this in the 'movie' section, Mister Brilliant?

Why'd you buy an ugly red prototype for so much? Not attacking, just want to know why ppl do that.

Whoops! Posted in the wrong forum, I didn't realise at the time, I hope a one of the mods can move it for me.
Mister Brilliant is an ironic nick name since I screw up alot.
I like buying prototypes, I always impatient and want to see what the new toys are like asap.

I can't comment past a certain point because I absolutely hate TF:Animated...with a passion. I will say, however, if the Automorph gimmick is present (and we won't know until the line actually hits, for sure)...that's great. In fact, I hope they implement the Automorph on all the new lines.

It's one of the best things about the movie line and I'd certainly hate to see it go.

Of course it has it's share of problems, but when it does work, it's such a neat gimmick.

I'm impatient too. If I was rich, I'd probably do it too. My issue is I dont like unfinished quality. What would make this thread better is if you had some pics. Proto are still fun to look at online.


What do you hate? The look?

I would like to point out the need for pictures in this thread.

USELESS WITHOUT PICS.

anyone remember Mighty Orbots? Bulkhead looks like Crunch. (pic courtesy Arioch's Mighty Orbots Archive)

My question is where are the pics.

If it is the look, I feel sorry.

I can't say I'm going to dislike something just cause of how it looks. We only have a rough idea of the plot of the series, but we have yet to see any actual footage other than the craptastic video on Youtube that somebody took of a clip from the show at SDCC.

As for the toys, they seem innovative and neat IMO. Just like the movie toys. I'm going to give it a chance. Worst case scenario is I won't like the show or the toys save for possibly a few (though I highly doubt it since I like the look of the show and toys and the plot that we've been told about, and the fact that Jazz is going to be in it, and Weird Al is also going to be in it are big pluses in my book).

The video was kind of poor but it did let us see that they'll be making a G1ish Arcee, Grim, and Swoop made an appearance, as well as the fact that they are doing pre earth figures. I was originally turned off by the poster of the Autobots but now that I've seen them in motion. I'm looking forward to DVRing the series as it comes on.

A string attached to the missle? That'd be a first

Automorphing, hidden missile launcher, and a punching action. So much for what Hasbro said before about transforming being the only gimmick in the new line.

Emerje

I was hoping to avoid the whole "I hate/I love" debate, and being told why I'm wrong, etc, etc.
But yes. The designs, overall look, feel, etc.

Granted, the clips we saw on YouTube were crap, but they were enough to give a good idea.
We've seen still shots of the characters from the show. It looks like Batman: TAS and Teen Titans dressed up as TransFormers for Halloween.
I saw the toys in the pictures (protos, painted protos, etc) and I find them ridiculously goofy and ugly. Not to mention disinteresting.

It's like someone got a bunch of cans of pastel and neon paints, and slapped it all over a Fisher Price design.

None of that is my cup of tea, at all. I can't find anything in it that I like. I will say, however, that the storyline idea intrigues me, and I'd like to see where it could go.

Now, on the flip side of that, I will give Hasbro credit for:

1.) They kept their promise of making the toys at least 90% show accurate. Even though I don't care for the designs, show, or the toys...I have to admit, they did a damn fine job of translating 2D into 3D and it still transforms. That to me is impressive.

2.) It's aimed at kids, and it should be. For once, in a long while...TransFormers that are aimed at the kids (core audience, people!) and it looks to be something they'll enjoy. The A/E/C trilogy was aimed at all ages, but definitely collectors. They gave us enough fanwank repaints and molds throughout those lines to keep us happy. Oh sure, kids bought into it, but it wasn't just for them. This time, however, this one is aimed at the kids and I think that's fantastic. Because without the kids (or us being ones at one point)...TFs wouldn't be here. It's nice to see them going back with a gift for the core audience.

And to the rest of you: I hope you enjoy it to it's fullest, and I sure hope you have an easier time finding the figures than we had with this damned movie line. Oy.

No, they said there was no OVER-ARCHING main gimmick, like Combining, or minicons, or Cyber keys.

Zounds! Optimus Primal has sword slashing arms, hidden missile launchers, automorphing chest, and more weapons than he can hold all hidden in his body! CLEARLY he's bogged down with gimmicks and the toy is a lame transformer.

this series is going to suck so bad.

Well, I am really hopeful.Why?


It is made in the US again!

Armada was crap- I mean the Mini-Cons is an AWESOME concept. Little partners to team up with Transformers. Relationships like that are the best (Just look at Bruce Wayne and Terry McInnis from Batman Beyond whom work so well together.) but the writers just threw that out the window because Mini-Cons could not communicate normally.

The Mini-Cons were also woefully underused- if they were really THAT important then the Transformers would be using them all the time. Which they did not. Good thing the comics made better use of the idea.

Energon was even worse. Kicker was annoying as hell. I do not mind him disliking Transformers but his big mouth and incredible arrogance rubbed me the wrong way. Big plot holes completely ruined the show for me. And since when did Optimus Prime need to combine to take on Megatron?

Have not seem so much of Cybertron but that looked pretty decent. Yet, it was ONCE AGAIN a search for a kind of power and I am getting so tired of that.

If Rattrap proved anything in "The Agenda Part III" it is that power is not everything. Rattrap may have been one of the weaker Maximals pshysically but he still managed to destroy that transwarp cruiser.

And this new series is surely to be completely different so I am already liking it but I can only say for sure once I actually see it.

Same for the toys. At least it is an interesting direction they are taking and not the same path over and over again.