chuckdawg1999

Swapped or normal?

Siege Megatron makes for a fine H-Tank and a great update to the classic G1 design. One thing I really like is how the tank barrel forms the fusion cannon and a really great sword. Definitely worth the pick-up.

The Battlemasters and Micromasters are the heart of the COMBAT system that Siege is built around. I think of them as the old accessory packs that would be released for GI Joe and Masters of the Universe for example. The blast effects are a nice touch that I hope we continue to see down the line. Overall, I feel Aimless is the best of the bunch but the Rescue Patrol is a solid set as well.

You would think the company known for making robots that transform into vehicles would be able to nail a transforming character from a line that is based around giant robots combining, you would be wrong. Cruise feels like a figure from the old Star Wars or Marvel Crossover line, a transforming figure made by people who never made a transformer. I fully believe that if the design of this figure was given a second look over many of the problems could've been corrected. If the design was shown to someone from the Transformers brand, it would be fantastic. Even to a Power Rangers fan, I can't recommend the figure.

The Big Powered gift set from the Takara Legends line features three HEAVILY retooled Titans Return figures reimagined into Dai Atlas, Roadfire, and Sonicbomber. All three figures feature a "Base" mode and can combine together like the legendary G1 toy. If you don't have an interest in the Japanese history of G1 this might be a pass, but for the rest of us, this set is a must-have.

Studio Series Optimus Prime is a great figure and can be seen like a true version of a movie style G1 Prime. Transformation is intuitive and fun to do, every panel has a place in both robot and truck mode. This is one of those figures that can bridge Generations and Movie figure collections.

Wheeljack has always been a favorite character of mine from the original G1 cartoon. Surprisingly it wasn't until the release of the cartoon accurate deco of the Masterpiece figure that I finally got around to opening the original release. Transformation isn't that complex and after a few transformations can become intuitive. While many will say the original toy deco has more detail. I find the less "busy" cartoon deco picks out more of the sculpted bits on the mold. Either version is a worthy addition to your collection.

Hot Rod and Wheeljack are fun additions to the One-Step sub-set of the Cyberverse line. Both feature a fun weapon gimmick and in the case of Hot Rod, one that works better than the larger scale toy. Each figure makes for a fun desk toy and enjoyable addition to any collection.

Chromia is an OK figure that I feel is taking a spot from a more deserving character in the Siege line. Transformation is fairly easy but the amount of clear plastic used in the mold gives me concern over long term durability. The included COMBAT weapons are a nice touch and really fun to use and play around with. Recommended if you're only a fan of the character.

For those who weren't able to get Cogman under The Last Knight line, Hasbro has re-released the figure in the Studio Series line with some different paint details, sorta like going from last years car model to the current year's design. While the figure looks nice unfortunately second mold syndrome rears its ugly head and this version of Cogman is a floppy mess. If you missed out the first time this is a good opportunity to grab a representation of the character.

Prowl is a solid deluxe class figure and a nice update to the previously released Classics and Combiner Wars versions. Transformation is smooth and intuitive but the resulting figure has short legs that cause the overall proportions of the figure to look off. Being a core member of the Autobots it would be hard not to recommend their actual RoboCop.

Most collectors have ignored the Scout Class line from Cyberverse which is a shame since they're fun figures. Ratchet draws heavily from its RID look with a slight nod to G1. The gimmick of a tow hook is fun but a little confusing since it doesn' really fit with the character. Overall Scout Class Ratchet from the Cyberverse line is a fun figure and worth a look.

The Wave 2 Siege figures pick up where Wave 1 left off. Sorta Cybertronian updates to a set of Classic Transformer characters with liberal sprinkling of the COMBAT weapons system. Ironhide is a large deluxe that feels solid but suffers from some thin plastic and weak panels with a weapon that could've been designed better. SixGun has a weaker vehicle mode than Cog from Wave 1 but makes up for it with the sheer number of weapons it can form. Both are solid additions to any collection.

Much like Bumblebee Authentics Optimus Prime is much more limited in terms of articulation but has a unique transformation that I don't remember seeing on a Prime figure before. Both size classes of Prime feature the same transformation but the larger figure has the strange addition of an inside bending elbow joint. Both are fun figures and would make for great desk toys.

Megatron and Starscream are the real standouts from wave 1 of the Authentics line with Megatron being the best figure overall from wave 1. While simple, these figures are highly articulated and would fit in with any Scout/Legends sized figure.