Toy Review - Generations FOC Grimlock

[griffin]

(Please post photos, comments or even a fully comprehensive review - these are just brief details to start you off)

Series - Generations
Sub-line - Fall of Cybertron
Size/class - Voyager
Wave - 2
New/remould/redeco - New
Released here - not here yet (released globally December 2012)
Approximate Retail Price - $40-50 (US$20-25 in America)
Approximate Size - 18cm
Allegiance - Autobot
Alt-mode - Dinosaur
Main Features/Gimmicks - light-up eyes and mouth, chomping jaws.
Main Colours - Grey, "gold", orange.
Main Accessories - Sword, shield.

NOTE - the original official image is below. The actual Hasbro toy does not have that metallic shine to it. If official photos of the actual toy is released, it will be added here.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/tftoys/gen39.jpg

[5FDP]

Watched the Kapow! Toys video review last night and now know why most of the promo images are of Grimlock side-on when in dino mode - he looks hollow underneath. I know this is for his transformation to bot mode (the dino head tucks away) but it looks ugly. Also, the transformation seems far too simple for a Voyager toy, a sacrifice made for most toys that require batteries. I may change my opinion of him if I saw one IRL, however for me it's an easy pass.

[Bidoofdude]

Watched the Kapow! Toys video review last night and now know why most of the promo images are of Grimlock side-on when in dino mode - he looks hollow underneath. I know this is for his transformation to bot mode (the dino head tucks away) but it looks ugly. Also, the transformation seems far too simple for a Voyager toy, a sacrifice made for most toys that require batteries. I may change my opinion of him if I saw one IRL, however for me it's an easy pass.

It's quite a shame with the hollowness and again, as you said, the batteries are a sacrifice. I would have been more excited if there was some sort of gold (same shade) that could click in when in dino mode, but maybe a third party company can do that?
I'll still get this regardless as I love Grimlock.
I think it would have been slightly better if they went with the game transformation. i.e. Legs are bulkier and go together to form head (feet are jaws) and tail is more game-like (would have to be shorter) and just goes on the back, instead of going into the torso and not folding into it.
This would have to be sacrificed for the chest glowing in robot mode, as batteries would most likely have had to be put in the legs.
I would be much happier if it went like that.
Just my 2c, for y'all. :D:p

[ILikeSoundwave]

Mine should be arriving next week along with Kickback!:D

[Iriorne]

I think it would have been slightly better if they went with the game transformation.

I thought the game transformation was pretty close to this toy (and the G1 toy, too)? Robot arms --> T-rex feet, robot legs --> tail, T-rex head magically appears out of the chest... in that respect, perhaps the hollow chest is game accurate? ;)

I found this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n0WMLLPmRM) which has some good background on the FoC Grimlock animation. I noticed that many of the transformation animations in the game were "cheats" - just involving parts shrinking into/expanding out of other parts. Grimlock seems no different, particularly the head/neck and tail which seem to pop out of the body and legs.

I actually miss Grimlock's dino-neck shoulder pauldrons/wings. I assume they were just a design compromise on the original G1 toy, but they helped bulk him up and gave him a cool silhouette. :)

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I actually miss Grimlock's dino-neck shoulder pauldrons/wings. I assume they were just a design compromise on the original G1 toy, but they helped bulk him up and gave him a cool silhouette. :)
That's true, but considering his size, I suspect they may have been left off as they would have obstructed the player's view of the game more than it needed to be.

[VERT]

Got him just then. Have had a look and a transform. He is simple but the bot mode is a good size and he does look very cool. I may add a little paint to him though.

[Jim_jim]

I think I will skip this one and wait for the Jap version, so as Blaster.

[klystron]

I'm a little underwhelmed with this version of Grimlock. Why can we not get a good modern remake of this character? Classics? ...good alt, poor robot. Animated? ...not bad, but missing a dinosaur chest. FOC? ...good robot, but missing half the T-Rex.
In order to have the light gimmick work in bot mode, the dinosaur is missing its underside. Its just completely not there. It looks terrible from most angles; all hollow and thin. Probably acceptable as a deluxe, but not as a voyager.
Some fold out panels could have been included in rear of the robot chest cavity, to fill out the Dino underside. Would've prevented some bot lighting & maybe meant the Dino head would have protruded a little further out from the robot back, hey, that would've just made it more G1-ish.
T-Rex arms pop off quite easily too.
Robot mode is the stronger of the two, and what I will be displaying him in (which is a shame for a Grimlock figure - the dinosaur is/should be the main mode). Looks beefy and well represents the character. Nice articulation as well. Can get some nice poses with his two cool accessories (awesome sword!). I'm not loving the head sculpt tho.
This is my first non-Combaticon FOC figure, and I must admit the plastic does not feel great either. Still has that cheap feel like the Bruticus bots.

I would recommend him only if you really love the character (I do!) or the FOC toys/game. Or are a completist. Or really love transformers... :D

For me, this should have been a deluxe with no gimmick. Would fit better with other figures too. (Unless grimmy really is that much bigger than OP in the game; I dunno, I've not played it).

[M-bot]

Really underwhelmed by this figure. He's a reasonable size, but the mould is ordinary. In dino-mode, he has virtually no underside at all, almost as if someone removed the head, back and tail from the actual figure and stood it up by itself. He'll be in robot mode forever in my collection I think.

He has very limited posability in either mode - his legs are virtually completely stiff in robot mode, which also means the tail in dino-mode is also stiff. If transformed as per the instructions, his dino-legs (which are fine as arms in robot mode) are only moveable at the knee.

I don't mind the silvery-grey, but the 'gold' pieces are just a horrible flat yellow-brown. It's a terrible colour. If you haven't bought this one yet, this particular criticism may be made moot by buying the Takara release, which I'm guessing will be better in this regard.

On the plus side, his weapons are beautiful. Gorgeous colours, including a nice gunmetal grey.

[GoktimusPrime]

I'm a little underwhelmed with this version of Grimlock. Why can we not get a good modern remake of this character? Classics? ...good alt, poor robot. Animated? ...not bad, but missing a dinosaur chest. FOC? ...good robot, but missing half the T-Rex.
Masterpiece Grimlock is pretty decent, although with an overpriced RRP IMHO ($150 was a bit rich I thought...) But yeah, I'm not impressed by the photos of this Grimlock, coupled with what I'm hearing here I'll wait for a local release... hopefully if I can find it on sale.

[Bidoofdude]

Masterpiece Grimlock is pretty decent, although with an overpriced RRP IMHO ($150 was a bit rich I thought...) But yeah, I'm not impressed by the photos of this Grimlock, coupled with what I'm hearing here I'll wait for a local release... hopefully if I can find it on sale.

Indeed, MP Grimlock is one of my grails. That is a good classics. This is more of a representation that you can relate to the game and put it with others (and play with, of course:D), rather than a classics sort of figure. Still good in my eyes, as I LOVE Grimlock.
I might wait for a local release like you Gok, but my lust for Grimlock says different.

[Trent]

Might skip it entirely from the impression I'm getting. Shame as I was looking forward to this.

[kup]

Judging by pics, it seems like another case of lazy design/Cost cutting.

I don't see why they couldn't have added some 'door' panels not unlike the G1/Classics toy to over that gap since the whole assembly just hangs from his back in robot mode.

Another 'Close but no cigar' figure. Too bad as it had a lot of potential.

I still like Grimlock as a character so I will wait to see what Tomy does and then judge the better version to get.

[VERT]

I just had to do it to him. FOC Grimlock meet gold paint.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff473/VERTYSNAP/DSC_0400-1.jpg

And this is the before pic
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff473/VERTYSNAP/DSC_0389-1.jpg

Think that makes him look alot better. :D

[Bidoofdude]

That gold makes him look really good, VERT. Nice job. Are you going to do the crotch in metallic red, too? That's really good stuff mate.

[VERT]

Thanks. Not sure about the red. Is his crotch red in the game? Can't remember and its the game colors that are the boss with this. :-)

[Bidoofdude]

http://www.google.com.au/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://theawesomer.com/photos/2012/04/200412_transformers_fall_of_cybertron_grimlock_gam eplay_t.jpg&sa=X&ei=qkbdUOKzGMqUmQXvlYCADw&ved=0CAwQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNFTEESE57l-xTC2M2FxEd-qLfLs_g
Yes, the crotch is quite a bright red. I didn't notice until I really looked. :)

[VERT]

Looks like I need to get some red paint :D

[Bidoofdude]

I'd say something metallic like the red on takara FOC Optimus. Suits him well. I honestly think you could sell some like that.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I couldn't resist and ordered one. Oh MY God was I disappointed....

He is so hollow, thin and cheap. It's an embarrassment to the Grimlock name...

I do find the robot mode fun and very pose-able, but his floating shoulders and shin guards that don't lock in well really annoy me. He is very light, but at least that makes it easy for him to hold a pose. Don't look at him from the back.

The dino mode is awful. Hollow from the bottom, if you connect the legs in he has not movement at the hips. A stomping dino that can't stomp! I think the head is a bit small as well. I find the clever use of the light gimmick (i.e being small and contained within dino neck) has not been capitalised on for the robot mode and the tail is just waaaaay too fat.

Very Shoddy, Very poor, very cheap feeling toy.

I am severely disappointed.:(

[5FDP]

I think the head is a bit small as well.

I thought that it was actually too big. I agree with the rest of your review though.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I thought that it was actually too big. I agree with the rest of your review though.

Comparing it to the game model (http://www.forevergeek.com/wp-content/media/2012/04/Transformers-FOC-Grimlock-fire_8.jpg) and the image on the instructions (I know, bad idea... :p ) the head is really large.

Man, of all the FOC figures, I really wanted them to get this one spot one...

[sideswipes brother]

I will wait for the TakTom version like i always do.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I will wait for the TakTom version like i always do.

It'll take more than the colour changing majiks of Taktom to save this toy.

Good Luck

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Really torn on this guy, I love the look but can't stand the engineering and the fact that his body is a shell. He does looks right size for Classics Optimus though so I will include FOC/WFC in part of my classics chronology methinks.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k313/Wootnchoo/IMG_0782_zpsa7e63cb9.jpg

[5FDP]

Just reading some comments of FOC Grimlock over on TFW (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/752493-tfw-fall-cybertron-grimlock-gallery.html)... did they get a different (better) toy to what we have seen :confused:

[kup]

Just reading some comments of FOC Grimlock over on TFW (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/752493-tfw-fall-cybertron-grimlock-gallery.html)... did they get a different (better) toy to what we have seen :confused:

They are just less discerning.

[Bidoofdude]

Yeah, most would display him from the front and he looks pretty sweet like that.
He's more of a liability than an asset, kinda...:D
He's alright. Not too shabby.

[Paulbot]

I bought two of these (to save money) but haven't open mine yet. I did see M-Bot's though and see what you all mean about the hollow beast mode. And the simple transformation.

It does look nice in robot mode though, although the bestial Autobot symbol kinda bugs me.

[Deceptic_Optic]

i guess we all have our own opinions... but have you seen any transformer that can hold there sword as well a this Grimlock... please correct me.

IMHO i dont mind him at all :cool:

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz231/Deceptic_Optics_2010/image_zpsd5bf51b8.jpg

[tinyJazz]

I bought two of these (to save money) but haven't open mine yet. I did see M-Bot's though and see what you all mean about the hollow beast mode. And the simple transformation.

It does look nice in robot mode though, although the bestial Autobot symbol kinda bugs me.

Isn't that his "Lightning strike coalition" symbol? Or whatever his team is called in the game.

I love the look of the robot mode, but I'm hanging out for the takara release.

[Defcon]

My opinion piece!!

I voted NO. I think this figure is an absolute waste of money. I wouldn't even recommend at a cheaper price, if you must have it purchase it for around $10. I regret selling 2 figures to members in my sale thread.

Heres why. First impression is Grimlock looks to have a solid looking bot mode, but upon handling him out of the package you will notice he is of cheap plastic, and has a very bland color scheme. He feels light, because of many hollow parts. Transformation is simple, so simple it really is no fun at all.

The light feature, the glowing red eyes and mouth is pointless on such a bland looking figure. I would of prefered speech instead. The sword and shield are cool accessories and are nicely detailed, they provide some play value for this toy if you like to pose the figure, or have battles.

The Japanese version, having better colors and maybe more detail will approve this figure just a little bit. I do not recommend. Just save your money and buy something else instead, as this toy is found extremely wanting!!!
:mad:

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

My thoughts on this guy in a sexy 15 minute video (http://tetstoys.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/fall-of-cybertron-grimlock-video-review.html)

[Tallestblue]

a Flaccid Grimlock is a sad state of affairs indeed. I'm still eager to get him.
I look forward to my hopes being dashed in person.

[Tallestblue]

Welll...In Hand...I kinda love this guy. He feels nice and sturdy to me. T-Rex mode isn't so great but i think the other features of the toy make up for it. He'll be replacing Classic Grimlock on my shelf I believe.

[Sutton]

Welll...In Hand...I kinda love this guy. He feels nice and sturdy to me. T-Rex mode isn't so great but i think the other features of the toy make up for it. He'll be replacing Classic Grimlock on my shelf I believe.

Pretty much sums up how I feel about him.

All of his flaws are forgiven on the basis of how badass he looks.

[Bidoofdude]

I could imagine a third party making a shell that goes over the t-rex head/neck thing in robot mode to give him more bulge, which could also fold out some tabs to go in the hollow bit in t-rex mode. That would be kinda cool, IMO.;):cool:
It would take a bit of work but it could work.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8540675867_56530a65b2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/68801062@N05/8540675867/)
Third Party FOC Grimlock add-on Idea (http://www.flickr.com/photos/68801062@N05/8540675867/) by Bidoofdude (http://www.flickr.com/people/68801062@N05/), on Flickr
If only I had a 3d printer! (and a Grimlock:p)

[BigTransformerTrev]

Well, I timed it so that FOC Grimlock would be my 1200'th TF figure (I go by my counting method - NOT the UCM) as Masterpiece Grimlock was my 900th. Was it worth having him as my milestone figure? If it wasn't for the fact that the character is Grimlock, I would have said no.

Transformation sequence: Not particularly complicated, though I found maneuvering his golden tail tips so they locked in together a bit annoying.

Robot Mode: Da Bomb! Big, powerful and the sword and shield are great!

T-Rex mode: No guts! Plus on mine I have had to dislodge one of his back talons to make him stand flat properly. The head looks a lot better than I thought it would. Personally, I find as long as l'm looking at him from side on it's ok.

Lights: Meh - can take or leave'em.


Worth Getting?: It's friggin Grimlock! Hells yes! But the best Grimlock ever? Not by a loooong shot!

[CBratron]

I have him and like him. I'd like him more if he wasn't $50 retail.

[LordCyrusOmega]

If T-Rex's were ants Grimlock would be their queen. Tail looks like an egg sack that has a small dinosaur attached.

[Bidoofdude]

Got this reply today:
"Hi Ryan,

Thank you for your email.

Unfortunately, there are no plans to introduce this wave of Transformers to the Australian consumers.

If you wish to purchase the wave from overseas, please try an independent site that send s to Australia as Hasbro.com is an American site and will only service American and Canadian consumers.

I am sorry I cannot assist you.


Hasbro Consumer Services
T: 1-300-138-697 - custservau@hasbro.com ":(
Looks like I'll have to bite and buy both off of RK, which is actually considerably cheaper shipped than retail, on the plus side.:cool:

[GoktimusPrime]

:mad: :( :mad: Swear words!

[Bidoofdude]

Gok, you may want to cave and buy off of Robot Kingdom, provided you are comfortable. It's a bit cheaper than retail and the shipping is very fast, if you care about it.
You should be able to get both Blaster and Grimlock as a set for cheaper, IIRC.
(Or is that Blitzwing and Springer?:confused:)
You can find them (http://www.robotkingdom.com/services/eshop/main.php?action=details&CatType=&II=TF2012VOY002-3&lang=us&CatID=)here (http://www.robotkingdom.com/services/eshop/main.php?action=details&CatType=&II=TF2012VOY002-1&lang=us&CatID=), if you feel like it. :)

[GoktimusPrime]

As others have said, a rather underwhelming and disappointing toy. The shoulders don't lock in robot mode (although the nature of the mould stops the shoulders from dislocating too far, but it's purely a coincidental benefit), the leg doesn't lock into position very firmly (even after pressing very hard it still doesn't feel very solidly locked in), and the heel claw design is awkward (it should be able to swing back another 90 degrees). And as others have noted, this toy is quite hollow.

You're not missing out on much if you don't have this toy.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/foc_grimlock02_zps0faf5e71.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/foc_grimlock03_zps3ef28c13.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/foc_grimlock01_zps93566ec1.jpg

[Megatran]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/foc_grimlock02_zps0faf5e71.jpg

Wow.... Grimlock's tail looks like his head. Is that intentional?

[UltraMarginal]

Wow you're absolutely right!!. I've never noticed that before!

[GoktimusPrime]

It doesn't look quite like that IRL because there's the tail tip (which you can't see in my pic from that angle; also grainy mobile pic :p)

[i_amtrunks]

Worst non movie toy in years, due to design rather than substandard qc or poor workmanship.

Won't harp on as others have said it better already, but he has a huge backpack in robot mode to allow for the gimmick, the tail does not like to clip in correctly in alt mode, nor do the shoulders. It's lazy and a poor result for what could have as easily been a great figure with minimal tinkering.

[GoktimusPrime]

My tail clips in correctly, but only just, and I have to fiddle and use excessive force. :( I can easily envisage the tail not connecting properly at all on other figures.

[kup]

Seems that we will have to rely on 3rd parties for a decent Grimlock (if they ever actually do one! :rolleyes:).

Very disappointing as this was HasTom's chance to make a proper Grimlock and instead they botched it! All they had to do was execute G1 Grimlocks's basic engineering which is simple enough to be adapted to a modern toy, be satisfying and not increase costs too much.

What a failure.

[Sinnertwin]

Robot mode's decent enough for me. That's about all of the praise i can afford this figure.

[UltraMarginal]

I'm honestly surprised at the Hate for this figure. it's not perfect by any means but it's not a complete failure.

The game model is pretty faithfully reproduced for the robot mode, the sword and shield look great. There is a bit of a back pack going on but we've never had a grimlock that didn't have a bunch of Back kibble, even masterpiece Grimlock has huge flaps of dinosaur chest hanging off his back. This Toy has a comparatively small backpack I think. It's poseable and has an excellent silhouette. (IMHO the colours are best on the Takara release)

The frustration is with the hollow chest of the Beast mode. It would have been great to have some panels that fill that up.

The tail is too chunky, but where else do you put the huuuge robot legs? From the side and above at the front it looks pretty good. It's not overly poseable, but seriously how many poses are you going to put a T-Rex in that aren't "Grraaahhh".

Nearly every transformer that's had a battery operated gimmick of some sort has had design concessions to accomodate that gimmick. This gimmick is differnt in that it's not a battery box in the middle of the toy that has the rest of the toy attached to it on all sides. it's in the extreme end of the alt mode and operates from behind the chest of the robot mode. I don't care for it but it's fairly well implemented.

Initially I was fairly non-plussed with the fairly basic transformation and apparent lack of locking limbs. I have grown to like it a fair bit. After some time with it I found most structure at least pops into place in beast mode. This incarnation of the T-Rex isn't supposed to have it's tail dragging along the ground, it's supposed to be leaning further forward with the tail lifted. Th modern understanding of the T-Rex is a more mobile creature whos tale was primarily for balnce rather than something that weighed it down in the back.
As such the hollowness is underneath the alt mode like nearly every other Jet/Car/vehicle transformer ever produced, it's just a bit more obvious on this figure.

[GoktimusPrime]

I filled out the online survey for this toy today. I rated it 2/5.