Received my shipment of these basics from BBTS today, I'll review them from my favorite to least favorite. These are based on just the figures themselves since I don't have a deluxe to combine them with.

 

First they all come with blue Energon chips, which in the show is "super" energon. They all come with blue weapons that also serve as the hands and feet of their repective gestalt. They can also be attached to the figures in vehicle mode.

 

Treadshot: Vehicle mode is very nice. Aside from the fists there's nothing that really scream out, "GIANT ROBOT!" The baby blue used works here, unlike on Landquake. It goes with the black really well, but then again, what doesn't? Robot mode is also very nice, and has very good articulation. Transformation is pretty simple so no new colors are introduced or deducted. His weapons are kinda weird, double sided blasters from the looks of it. But they look ok in robot mode. Attached to vehicle mode, they just don't look good. Overall a very solid figure. I was pretty impressed with it, seeing as how another Autobot basic, Skyblast, is less artitculated AND Treadshot makes a leg or an arm for Superion. I highly recommend this one.

 

Sledge: Again, vehicle mode is nice and not too far fetched at all. When I first saw pics of this one in bot mode, I thought: BRICK! But to my suprise, he is very well articulated. Even his waist is articulated, although it is vital to the transformation. The picture on the back is just terrible, but that shouldn't have been too suprising. I like how the Decepticon symbol is hidden in vehicle mode. This guy really is a robot in disguise. (Well except for the spark crystal I guess.) His weapons is for melee and looks like a fork really. It attaches to the back of the vehicle mode, and doesn't look to bad. Another highly recommended figure.

 

Sky Shadow: I like to call this guy Powerglide instead. This one actually has my favorite vehicle mode, because everything is well hidden. That kinda hurts the robot mode in this case though. I'm not a big fan of the "hidden fists" that some Transformers have. An Energon example would Starscream, but his aren't so bad. Anyway, like the previous two figures, Sky Shadow is also very well articulated. He also sports waist articulation due to his transformation. His weapon is a double barreled blaster, but its too bulky and doesn't look good. It does not look right attached to vehicle mode either. Still, I also highly recommend this figure.

 

Duststorm: If you think I'm going to get four home runs in a row, forget it. I don't like Duststorm. Vehicle mode is ok. I'm not a big fan of the colors, the blue doesn't match his contructicon brethren very well. It's kinda annoying that his hook doesnt move. Robot mode is a mess. It might just be mine, but the ball joints for his legs are very loose, and you can't position his crane arm without tipping it over. This figure also suffers from hidden fist syndrome. His waist is articulated though. That is good, because I do not like the chest they way Hasbro tf's this figure. I have the head and arms turned around and use the back as the chest. I just think it looks better. His weapons is a pincher that he can either hold in his hand, or at the end of his crane. I actually like his weapon though. In vehicle mode it also goes on the crane. I really can't recommend this figure just by itself. If you want to complete Devastator.. er "Constructicon Maximus" :roll then it is recommend. However I would seriously consider buying doubles of Wideload though, since Duststorm's colors don't really sync up.

I'm thinking about ordering them from BBTS instead of waiting for them to hit the shelves. For basic sized figures, do you think they're worth the 9.99 a piece pricetag?

nice review. i'm really looking forward to these guys and it's nice to hear from a fellow fan with them in hand. can't wait

I was kinda thinking of buying duplicates of the green crane as well

I'm thinking about ordering them from BBTS instead of waiting for them to hit the shelves. For basic sized figures, do you think they're worth the 9.99 a piece pricetag?

in a word

 

No

 

I think its a rip off. I'm sure as they become more available, other online stores will have them in stock at better prices. I'll wait.

Nice review there. Anyway, here's a photo of C1, C2 and C5 with two limbs courtesy of Bruticus. Perhaps you can judge for yourself if the color matches or not.

 

 

Anyway, Steamhammer and Sledge are very nice pieces. Duststorm is ordinary.

I'm thinking about ordering them from BBTS instead of waiting for them to hit the shelves. For basic sized figures, do you think they're worth the 9.99 a piece pricetag?

Its probably better to wait. The next Basic case is going to have 2 of each figure so they won't be shortpacked or anything like that

 

http://www.TFormers.com/article.php?sid=3409

 

EDIT: Oh and MZ awesome pic :thumb

I've seen worse mark ups, before. (Right BG? :) )

 

It's worth it if you really want the figures. I would wait just because I don't like Duststorm.

I've seen worse mark ups, before. (Right BG? :) )

 

It's worth it if you really want the figures. I would wait just because I don't like Duststorm.

*Tucks away $35 Shockblast, $22 Sharkticon, $22 Demolishor, $22 Downshift and $30 Meister from AHQ*

 

I have no idea what you'd be referring to :tflaugh1

Thanks for the input, usually $$ wouldn't be an issue but the cash flow is a little tight right now. These figs (aside from the off paintjob on Duststorm) are really nice though. :thumb