chuckdawg1999

I wasn't expecting to like ROTB Cheetor, but I was pleasantly surprised by a simple transformation that's still fun, and a very clean Cheetah and robot mode. From what has been shown in trailers the paint deco is fairly accurate to the movie, now we wait to see how much screen time this big cat gets.

Well, this is an interesting little guy! While I'm not sure how it'll be handled in the film, Freezer has three weapon modes, including one that combines with the soon-to-be-released-not-sure-when Leader Class Scourge. Out of the three, I think the hand-held rifle is my favorite as I see it as the most useful. The robot mode is interesting but the loose joints and oddly molded legs make it hard to hold a pose. I recommend it just for the weapon modes alone.

Core Class Arcee is a great figure. I'm amazed how much detail Hasbro could pack into such a small figure. Transformation is simple but satisfying, it's nice to see the arms properly transformed unlike in the preview pics. I'm curious how they could refine this transformation at a larger scale if at all. Arcee is definitely worth the purchase.

Flip Changers is a bit of a misnomer, I think tap and change describes better the technique needed to transform these figures. Swindle borrows a few design cues from its Combiner Wars figure with a softer pastel color pallet. Soundwave's design borrows more from the 2015 RID cartoon and the Prime-era Stealth Jet. As with previous one-step changes these make for great desk toys, but please, don't throw them in the air.

Since I'm experimenting with reels and shorter reviews I'll be doubling up here and there to see what gets more views and analytical hits (makes money.)

One thing I realized while doing this review is that Metalhawk has never gotten an entirely new mold toy even though it's been released a few times. Do you really count the POTP Primemaster? This release is a heavy repaint retool of the Kingdom Cyclonus mold, which is almost two years old. The work done to change Cyclonus into Metalhawk is extensive and gives us a figure that is closest to the original G1 inner robot we've ever gotten, but I do hope to see one day a fully original Metalhawk. Any looseness of joints I experienced with the Generations Selects release of Cyclonus is not seen here and in some cases, the legs for example, the transformation has been refined a touch. Overall this is a fine figure and a great homage to the Autobot Pretender leader.

While it might be surprising to see Grimlock, the Dinobot Leader being used as a leg, I find it refreshing to see how Hasbro can still come up with unique ideas for the Dinobots. Robot and T-Rex modes aren't that great, but they're better than what we got with Sludge. It really feels like leg mode was the priority and everything else came after. If you've ever wanted a pocket Grimlock then this Core Class version just might fit the bill.

We all knew Twincast was coming some way when Blaster was released and was a new mold. There's not much here except a new face and deco, all accurate to the character's history. I'm not sure I can recommend Twincast to anyone unfamiliar with the Japanese Headmasters cartoon, but if there's a sale it's worth the purchase.

Classic Heroes Team Starscream is a fun figure and makes for a great desk toy. It's great to see more "Classic" Transformer characters being brought into the line.

Don't sleep on this reissue!

Let's see if I'm right in 12 months!

Food for thought!

Here's a little thought for the day! http://youtube.com/shorts/-SXZijbrT-0?feature=share

That's a good kitty! Finally, we have a new mold Lio Convoy released in the US as Leo Prime. While the figure is more fiddly than I would like, it reminds me of those Beast War II-era figures. Leo Prime does come together quite nicely and from the right angles, you can't see the robot bits in Lion mode. Obviously, if you're a Beast Wars fan this is a must-have, but if you're a fan of big cats like me, you'll find something to enjoy.

This looks incredible. I can't believe that Takara got away with this much of a nod to Macross.

Here's the big guy himself Menasor! I am very impressed by how the four Stunticons come together to form the limbs, especially the Wildrider and Breakdown, they do add to the silhouette of the overall gestalt. I was taken aback by the heft of the figure, especially the core torso. I hope those that are still looking are able to find the Stunticons because I think you'll be pleased by the end result.

While it took a little longer to get, The Beholder Diceling was worth the wait. I find Beholder to be the least fiddly of the other Dicelings, especially the Dragons. If you want to just sample the line, the Beholder is the one you want to buy.

After three really good deluxe Stunticons you would think that Breakdown would follow that trend, unfortunately being a repaint and mild retool of Wildrider, Breakdown just feels meh. The figure looks good and the joints are surprisingly tight but nothing feels special and after all these months of waiting to finally complete the team, it all feels anti-climatic. Obviously, you'll need Breakdown to complete the team and Menasor, but if you've been holding off on the others or just aren't interested in the Stunticons, Breakdown is an easy pass.

The Double Targetmasters hit me deep in the nostalgia feels, they were some of my favorite later G1 figures and I dug the gimmick. Needlenose is much better than I think anyone thought it would be. Articulation is spot on, even includes swiveling wrists. Articulation is so good you can even pull off some good sniper poses. Transformation is smooth and intuitive resulting in a great jet mode. This should be the first purchase from the wave.

Warrior Class Optimus Prime is much better than I expected. Like Elita 1 the weapon gimmick is manual, with no springs or levers getting in the way of movement or transformation. Speaking of which, transformation is straightforward but does get a bit fiddly right at the end getting the arms to peg in, then again that could just be mine since the shoulders and elbows are tighter than usual. Right now this is my favorite figure from the Earthspark line.

Armada Hot Shot is the figure we should've gotten with the Universe release some years ago. It remains faithful to the classic design while updating the articulation and giving the overall look a modern spin. I am disappointed that Jolt, Hot Shot's Minicon, wasn't included as I feel that's part of the overall package. While maybe not the first deluxe from the wave that you should purchase, it should be close to the top.

Iguanus is a fun figure but I can see how the price is a bit off-putting. It's interesting to look at the Predacon and see that these basic figures laid the groundwork for what we know as one-step changers today. If you can find the figure on sale or are comfortable with the price of the reissue then it's a solid purchase.

I still think this is the best transforming toy made in years, nothing has topped it since its release.

Wow, who would've thought out of that group Slag would have been the one to still be around post movie?

Finishing up the Wave 01 Core Class figures from Legacy Evolution we have Soundblaster and Sludge. Soundblaster looks great but is a bit looser in some areas than Soundwave and really doesn't offer anything new. Sludge is much better in hand than stock photos have made it look, but you still have to get used to how the figure works below the waist. Once you understand all that Sludge has to do, forming the torso and upper legs of Volcanicus, you start to appreciate the figure more. Overall, both figures are fine but I would pick up Sludge first just to have the next piece of the Volcanicus puzzle.