chuckdawg1999

If you remember the deluxe WFC Prime you, like me, remember a cool robot with an overly complicated transformation. Well, let me tell you, voyager WFC Optimus Prime is a chunky beast! I haven't held a voyager that felt this solid in both modes in a very long time. Transformation is smooth and intuitive. The weapon gimmick is nice but the arm comes off a little too easily and I would've liked storage in robot mode. Quibbles aside, this is a figure that you really should add to your collection.

Deluxe Class Optimus Prime is a great figure with an interesting transformation. I can't recommend this or the Warrior Class version over one another as they both do different things. Ultimately the decision is up to you if you want to dip or double dip.

It was expected that a figure like Core Class Ironhide would be released following the release of Core Class Ratchet, as both share the same mold since the start of the franchise. Ironhide has a new head and a pelvic region that closely resembles the animation models. While there were some issues with panel fitting on my copy, overall, Ironhide is a decent figure that complements the other G1 Core Class figures.

Of all the Warrior Class figures I've looked at for the Earthspark collection, Terran Thrash stands out as the best. The transformation process is seamless and unlike any other motorcycle transformation, I've seen before. Similar to the other Warrior Class toys, the weapon feature does not obstruct the robot's movements and enhances the overall experience of the toy. If you are considering purchasing just one Warrior Class figure from Earthspark, Thrash should be your top choice.

Legacy Evolution continues the updates to the Insecticons with Shrapnel. Shrapnel is a solid toy all around, with fun transformation, and a solid insect mode. I find myself enjoying the figure more than I did Kickback. If you see Shrapnel, grab one to complete your Insecticon collections.

Here's a unique look at the Japanese releases of the Flex Changers and Deluxe Class Bumblebee. These are exactly the same as the US releases but with stickers on the packaging for the Japanese market. What is different is the price, both figures shipped cost less than what Deluxe Bumblebee goes for on eBay. Flex Changers Bumblebee is really fun and is the definition of a desk toy. Deluxe Bumblebee, unfortunately, doesn't live up to my expectations and doesn't feel fun in my hands, stick with the Studio Series version.

Finally, Earthspark Megatron is here to complete the wave 01 Warrior Class figures from the Earthspark line. I have to say that this figure is just as good if not a little better than the Deluxe Class version of Megatron. Transformation is simple and the weapon gimmick doesn't interfere with the figure at all. There's a surprisingly large amount of articulation, including waist swivel and ankle pivot. I highly recommend this version of Megatron especially if you're passing on the Deluxe Class version.

Having finally gotten the last of the Wave 01 Battle Changers in hand I can say that this is my favorite subline from ROTB. Rhinox has some great detail for the price point and I enjoy the spinning Chain Gun of Doom. Bumblebee is what you would expect so no complaints there. Both have very interesting transformations that are a pleasure on the hands. Any of the figures are a solid recommendation and I'm excited to see what's coming next.

While Smash Changers Optimus Primal is a simple toy, I'm very impressed with how it handles the gimmick and I feel it works better than the Optimus Prime toy. Transformation is smooth and you clearly have three stages to the transformation that are easy to activate. One thing I will say the Optimus Prime toy has over Primal is the inclusion of elbows, although the head rotation of Primal does allow for some expression. This is a novelty toy that works well and you can have some fun with.

When the masks were first revealed I was intrigued with them and had a few questions; how would they work, fit, and feel? Well, I'm happy with both of them but I really enjoy the Optimus Primal mask that much more. Transformation is relatively simple, any issues might come from the ratcheting joints having to be worked into the right positions. Surprisingly the straps don't really get in the way and tuck nicely into the back of the figures. The price might be a little off-putting so if you can only get one, Primal is the way to go.

If you liked Optimus Primal then there's more of the same here with Arcee and Bumblebee, literally, their beast partners share tooling. Obviously, Arcee and Bee are far more involved with their transformations than Primal. Each set offers its own positives and negatives so it's ultimately up to you which character you like the best.

I think Mirage is supposed to be part of Wave 02 but with the way figures are being released, who knows? Regardless, Mirage is a really fun, simple transforming interpretation of the character in the film. The flip-out weapon gimmick is fun and doesn't take away from the rest of the figure. I'd like to see the Battle Changer Class transcend the movie line and become the new entry point class in the future.

At first, I was going to say that Nightbird was the worst of the figures I've reviewed, but after spending some time with it while I still have issues I can appreciate what the designers were going for. While not the strongest figure of the set, buying Nightbird as part of the set might take some of the edge off and make up for a few questionable design decisions.

Cheetor is a fantastic figure and I really feel this is the version of the character that should've been released in the Kingdom line. Transformation is simple but more involved than you might think, I really like the folding arm panels that try to cover the robot kibble. Of the deluxe figures I've experienced in this line thus far I think Cheetor is the best.

Wheeljack should be a great figure. Unfortunately, the use of clear plastic in a very tight space to hold the feet ultimately ruins the figure. The sculpt is great, I really like the curve to the legs that allow the van mode to have that classic look, and aids in a natural A-stance in robot mode. Transformation is fun and the result is a very secure vehicle mode, but getting back to robot mode will eventually lead to breakage. If you really want this version of Wheeljack the Jungle Mission three pack is the best option as you'll save a few bucks off the cost of the figure.

I have a real sampling of figures today from the Beast Alliance subline of Rise of the Beasts. Battle Changer Optimus Prime is the simplest fully transforming figure in the line, while Cheetor and Rhinox transform from beast modes to cool weapons to use with other figures in the line. These are fun and worth a purchase.

Well, this is something new. Hasbro continues to innovate, for better or worse, the simplified one-step conversion with the new Flex Changers. Transformation revolves around rubber bands that connect the panels that have to move for transformation. In the case of Nightbird, you end up almost turning the figure inside out. Unfortunately this new design results in no articulation whatsoever, but the tactile feel of transforming Nightbird back and forth more than makes up for it.

With a new movie line, there's usually some role-play product that ties in. once again Hasbro uses their Nerf brand to bring us an Optimus Prime figure that transforms into a fun blaster. Transformation is actually surprisingly involved, especially in the arms which I appreciate, moving beyond a simple one-step or flip-change transformation. While not for most collectors, if you're looking for something fun for an office battle this fits the bill nicely.

When we first got a look at Scourge, the main villain in Rise of the Beasts, I was intrigued by how Hasbro would be able to pull off the character in toy form. Well, the SS series figure, which due to delays is our first look at Scourge in toy form, is really, really good. Transformation is surprisingly simple but results in a solid vehicle mode. I was really surprised by how cool Scourge is, I just hope the character is just as good in the film.

I kinda want this, I love role play toys.

If there's one gimmick in the ROTB main toyline that will attract collectors it's the Beast Weaponizers, small robotic animals that turn into weapons like blasters, swords, crossbows, and chainsaws; the last two are featured here with Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime. Both Primal and Prime are basic figures but feature more articulation than the Beast Combiner figures, which makes them a bit more fun. The Weaponizers remind me of the Arms Micron era of Transformers and complement the larger robots well. Between the two I feel Optimus Prime is better due to having more articulation and a more pronounced alternate mode.

Finally, we have some official, non-side-released, Rise of the Beasts toys to check out. Beast Combiner Optimus Primal with Skullcruncher is a fun toy, borrowing heavily from the Spark Armor concept from Cyberverse while bringing something new to the table. You really have to like the wink and a nod homage to the very first Beast Wars release from back in the day. While targeted towards younger fans, there's more than a little here for older fans as well.

After cancelations, push-ups, more delays, and one significant push-up; here's Flip Change Bumblebee.

Origins Jazz is a FANTASTIC figure and a great addition to the Origins subline, of a subline, of a subline. When Hasbro does good, Hasbro does good.

Ever since the Bravo Class Starscream release, I was curious about how an Alpha Class version of the toy would come out. While I appreciate the extra articulation, the figure is shaky from the waist down and doesn't feel as fun as Megatron of Soundwave. With that said I do think younger hands will enjoy the figure and it does give us a nice G1/Cyberverse hybrid.