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Everything posted by chuckdawg1999
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Thankfully I didn't have to wait as long as I thought to experience Core Class Energon Megatron. It's a good figure but nothing groundbreaking or radically different. I do find it funny that the upgrade to Armada Megatron is three size classes smaller. Transformation is simple, joints are tight, and Megs looks just like it did during the run of the Energon cartoon. Like I said, nothing bad but nothing surprising.
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If it continues the Cyber-Combiner subline might produce some of the best toys of 2024. The Cyber-Combiners are the best parts of Crash Combiners, and the Energon Powerlinx system, enhanced for 2024. Twitch and Robby make for a great pair but having both sets in I feel that the best combinations are between each human mech and each Autobot. I recommend the line and look forward to what's to come.
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Once again another early Christmas present in the form of the Cyber-Combiner two packs showed up from Amazon. The Bumble and Mo Malto set is fun and takes the Crash Combiner concept to a new level. The increase in size allows for more articulation for each figure and the combined mode. Yes, there are some hollow bits on both figures and the combined modes but they all feel solid with some heft. Bumblebee and Mo Malto are fun figures for big and small hands alike.
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If there's one word to describe United Animated Bumblebee it's small. The robot mode is small and the vehicle is even smaller, all accurate to the original character design. Transformation is fairly simple, I like how the legs transform and the robot mode is very articulated. Fans of Animated should be pleased with this version of Bumblebee.
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I'm not that familiar with Tasmania Kid, either the toy or the character. I know it comes from the Japanese Beast Wars II cartoon but that's about it. The figure we have here is nice, but I find parts of the transformation fiddly, there will be some lines as is the case with some beast figures. While not the best Core Class figure in United Wave 01, it's not the worst and I know fans of Tasmania Kid will be happy.
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With every new version of Windblade, Hasbro improves upon the figure design. With Legacy United, we have the best version of Windblade to date. The jet mode is excellent, while the transformation is smooth and fun, resulting in a fantastic robot mode that can fit in your Cyberverse or Generations display. It's hard to believe that it's going to be 10 years since the release of the original Windblade toy and Hasbro has released a figure worthy of celebrating.
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Legacy United has to have one of the strongest Wave 01 releases in a long time. Core Class Bouldercrash is our first look at the smaller Armorizers that I believe become weapons for the larger robots. Bouldercrash has a very nice clay red color that's accented by some bright red lines across the figure. Transformation is simple but fun, the weapon mode works best with Voyager or Leader figures, anything larger and the sword might become a dagger, but experiment and see what you like. I look forward to the other Core Class Armorizers and what they'll be able to do.
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Is it a Rock Lord? Is it from that planet from Headmasters? It's a little bit of both. Coming from the Infernac Universe Magneous is the first of the Weaponizer/Fossilizer gimmick for the United line. Building off the perfect transformation of Evolutions Junkions, Magneous feels more solid than previous releases in this style. Transformation is fun and I didn't experience limbs popping off as I did with the Junkions. I find it fascinating that unlike the Weaponizers, Fossilizers, and Junkions; Magneous doesn't have any marking aligning it with the Autobots or Decepticons. Magneous is a great figure and leaves me excited to see the rest of the rock offerings in this line.
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It's great to see how deep Hasbro is willing to go for the Legacy United line by including Chase from Rescue Bots. The basic colors of blue and white pop and I appreciate the inclusion of Chase's handcuff weapon. Transformation is fun with the way the legs collapse on themselves a highlight. While some might pass due to the Rescue Bots connection, Chase is a fun figure all around.
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Thundertron is a unique addition to the Legacy line and shows how deep Hasbro is willing to pull. Transformation is fairly simple but I am concerned about the strain on the mushroom pegs all the twisting will cause over time. The Lion and robot modes feature a striking blue-and-white color scheme that I quite enjoy. I appreciate that the designers could include the best-remembered feature of Thundertron, his peg leg. While Thundertron might not be for everyone, it's nice to see this character from the Prime toy line included.
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So much for giving our wallets a breather! In the waning days of 2023, Hasbro is starting to trickle out their 2024 line Legacy United. The first figure for most of us is Animated Optimus Prime. While I was never a fan of the cartoon, I did respect the toys and how they captured the style of said cartoon. This Voyager interpretation while giving the design some fresh angles, remains faithful to the original look. I think Animated and all Transformers fans will find something to like about this version of Optimus Prime.
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Armada Optimus Prime is the crown jewel of the Legacy Evolution line and a fantastic figure. I'll admit I miss some of the gimmicks like having a proper base mode, but the modern updates like articulation and an overall solid feel are an even trade. If you can find this figure at retail or even on sale I'd jump on it as prices are starting to fluctuate.
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Takara has returned to form with their release of the Earthspark line. For many years Takara was known for having a more premium paint deco on their releases, even doing some retooling and adding accessories. That ended after the Titans Return line with a few odd releases here and there. Optimus Prime looks much better than the Hasbro release, with better symbols and what I feel is a better use of silver paint. Starscream is much improved from the original Cyberverse release and has a more metallic look from what I've seen of the Hasbro renders. These Takara releases make a great gift for collectors who might already have these figures but would appreciate the refreshed decos.
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If there's one word to describe Studio Series Rhinox it's thick. Robot mode is solid with a few interesting tricks in the torso and legs. Rhino mode has a slight gap in the middle but overall it's very chunky too. If you're looking for a movie design that leans more toward the classic Beast Wars look, you might find the mainline figure more enjoyable, but this release fits the bill for a figure that captures the movie look.
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Once again we're taking a look at some figures from the Star Wars Mission Fleet line. The Bad Batch became popular after appearing in the Clone Wars TV show and now are featured in their own cartoon. Each figure features a good amount of articulation for the size and character-specific accessories. I was impressed by how the designers were able to work in weapon storage on such a small scale. If you can find these on sale or clearance they're definitely worth the purchase.
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Full disclosure, I haven't seen an episode of Stranger Things yet so if there's a detail or Easter Egg I miss now you know why. With that out of the way Code Red is an enjoyable figure, the transformation is very intuitive and I found it easy to do by memory after using the instructions initially. The accessories are fun and I appreciate the included blast effect, which is made from a harder plastic so my fear of it melting or damaging plastic is lessened. Hasbro has been producing some excellent Crossover figures lately and Code Red is no exception.
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Somebody at Hasbro must be a big fan of the Thunder Machine because this Crossover set came out great! Transformation is inventive with the leg transformation being a real highlight. While I would've preferred Thrasher, it's great to have Zartan and Zarana in the Retro style, maybe we'll see more Dreadknocks? While the initial price might seem a little high, I don't think this set will stick around like the HISS Tank and AWE Striker so you can pay a premium now or a LOT more later.
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Well, again Super7 got me to invest in one of their designer figures. When I saw that Unicron would be coming in their ReAction line I knew I would fall down the hole again, especially since the figure is based on the G1 toy prototype. Even though I knew what to expect I was still surprised by the arm articulation, usually you can expect decent up-and-down movement, giving the figure some play value. Well, that went out the window as a combination of the curve of the arms and shoulder placement means anything above a slight bend makes Unicron look like it's dabbing. Thankfully I bought this figure on sale and that's the only way I can recommend it.
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Nightbird is a much better deluxe figure than Mirage, but that's not saying much. Much of the transformation is similar to the mainline figure, but I miss the claw weapon and how it and the sword integrated to form the rear spoiler. What is interesting about this Studio Series release is how the bulk shifts from the front on the mainline figure to the rear as a backpack. While it's not a perfect figure Nightbird is good and I'm not looking for a second attempt like Mirage.
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I must say I find myself enjoying Frankentron, even though it's the fifth use of the Impactor mold. Transformation is still fun and I'm happy that all the parts peg and lock into place like they're supposed to and the new accessories capture the spirit of the figure. Overall, I think Frankentron works better as a Crossover figure than Draculus. If you're a fan of the classic Universal film, this is worth the purchase.
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Leave it to Hasbro to keep the best figures for the end of the line. Optimus Prime and its Beast Combiner partner Lionblade are awesome, this is the best set of the line. Prime features great articulation, something the other Beast Combiners lacked. Lionblade is an obvious homage to Lio Convoy or Lio Prime; depending on where you're from. Airazor is a triple changer of sorts and is functional for most figures. Hopefully, you'll be able to find these figures if you are interested.
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There's not much to say about Ratchet, it's a repaint of Ironhide with a new head and waistpiece. I still have issues with the size of the figure and the use of clear plastic but it is a nice representation of Ratchet from the cartoon and movie if you're like me you kind of need Ratchet to complete your 86 display.
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There's not much to say about Frenzy. If you liked Rumble you'll like Frenzy, and now you can decide who is who.