Toy Review - Construct-Bots Wave 1

[i_amtrunks]

Series - New series
Sub-line - Construction
Size/class - Scout, Elite, Triple Changer and Ultimate
Wave - 1
New/remould/redeco - new moulds, with some pieces shared across the classes.
Released here - August 2013
Approximate Retail Price - Various prices for each class
Approximate Size - Varies
Allegiance - Autobot / Decepticon
Alt-mode - Each has a standard and customisable alt mode
Main Features/Gimmicks - Build a character, interchangeable parts with other figures from other size classes, customability.
Main Colours - Grey, Black, white, green, red, blue, gold, tan, purple
Main Accessories - Various

Scout Class:
- Ironhide
- Starscream

Elite Class:
- Wheeljack
- Soundwave

Triple Changers:
- Bumblebee
- Blitzwing

Ultimate:
- Optimus vs. Megatron

[i_amtrunks]

Mods please feel free to remove/update/change these posts as you see fit. Also could not find good pictures to use for the opening thread.

Review time:

I ordered both Elite and Scout sized figures, but only had time to build one. Since other members had mentioned building Ironhide I went with Starscream.

Starscream
Series - Construct-Bots
Sub-line - Construction
Size/class - Scout
Wave - 1
New/remould/redeco - new moulds, with some pieces shared across the classes.
Released here - August 2013
Approximate Retail Price - Various prices for each class
Approximate Size - Varies
Allegiance -Decepticon
Alt-mode - Futuristic jet
Main Features/Gimmicks - build your own bionicle style hero, interchangeable pieces, transform without removing or changing parts like the kreo sets.
Main Colours - Grey, Black, white, red, blue, gold.
Main Accessories - 2 mini guns

Starscream is the smallest of the new Construct-Bots sets, running in at a measly 40 pieces (compared to 45 for his case mate Ironhide).

The build is pretty easy and quick, but that has nothing to do with the instructions. You could build Starscream from a look at just the packaging which is good, what they advertise is what you get. He has a great range of movement due to the tight ball and socket joints, and there is plenty of opportunity to customise and adapt the figure to look and stand however you want. The build is easy, fun and as you build you are already thinking of ways to better or adapt the very basic design.

The concept is fantastic, even if the whole figure feels oversized and hollow, there are lots of gaps and ugly pieces, but it is a decent start, future waves should be able to rectify the build issues and overall aesthetic of these toys later on.

What I cannot understand is the quality of the whole package. While the packaging is very nice, with raised printing and shiny pictures, once you open the box it is all downhill. The plastic itself feels brittle and tacky, like KO toys you buy from the markets. Some pieces are different colours or look different than they do in the instructions, not a problem for an adult, but could be annoying or problematic for younger hands and eyes.
Another issue is the instructions themselves. They are printed poorly on what feels like cheap toilet paper and look worse than something you would've printed off your home printer a decade ago. Overall it cheapens the feel of a product that should feel special and different and engaging.

Worst of all Starscream's head is only 1/3 painted black. The rest is Hasbro grey. This is the type of QC that should be picked up on immediately, as mine is far from a one off case.

Overall this is an okay toy. It gets the build right, I was interested in the whole process even through my annoyances at the cheapness of Hasbro. The original design is basic and hollow, which is partially to cut costs, and partially to invite customisation. Parts and pieces will be making their way into many kitbashes and scratchbuilds in the future I am sure.
They will not be replacing your real transformers, nor do I believe they are ever intended to. It is a widening of the brand that in no way dilutes or reflects poorly (any more than other QC issues in the main lines do) the transformers brand.

If only Hasbro could employ someone with a good design background to create their Construct-Bots and Kreo lines to give them a bit more of a magic or special feel. As is, they are a pale imitation of Lego Bionicle and subsequent lines.

Hopefully the other 3 figures I have yet to construct can brighten my outlook for this subline.

[Cat]

Short and sweet: the smaller size classes are awesome. Absolutely love them.

Do NOT buy the triple-changers. They're nothing but disappointment and frustration.

[griffin]

I started on the smallest size class and worked my way up... and after the two Scouts, I was a bit disappointed at how "cookie cut" these are.
Each one, no matter the size, is made up of the same 16 core parts, with differently moulded bits attached to the same spots. It felt like the Kreo Build sets, with each of those being the same core build with different kibble.

And of that base/core build, the kibble build were of just one of two formats - car and jet - and any figure in each format transforming almost exactly the same.

After the first two, I was actually able to build the next ones and convert them without looking at the instructions.

I like the idea behind the concept, and I think there will be a lot of people who will like them (especially kids who get a couple sets and customise them - swap parts - because they don't know the classic characters enough to keep them "pure"). But for me, it just got a bit too repetitive after just two figures... and I am not keen to customise because I am collecting them for the characters, not the customising concept.

I will say that I was pleasantly surprised that these actually transform once built, unlike Kreo that require a complete rebuild to make each mode.
Even the triplechangers are properly transforming figures, but not between the two vehicle modes. But labelling them as "triplechangers" is inaccurate. They are more like a "duo transformer", in that you decide which alt-mode that character can become, and you attach the kibble to match it before transforming it. (i.e. - if you want Bumblebee to be a car Autobot, you add the wheels and car kibble before you play with Bumblebee - in other words, it will NOT have kibble on it to look like it can be a jet AND a car, so is not even designed to look like a proper triplechanger)
But even when you ignore the "triplechanger" claim, those two transform exactly like other car and jet Construct-Bots, so the only bonus feature is that you get to decide what alt-mode you want to customise the robot into (what kibble you want on it).

Probably the big (objective) complaint I have is how the Elite class (second smallest) is not worth the price difference over the Scout class (the smallest ones).
Since these figures are all using the same core 16 pieces plus unique kibble, Ironhide and Starscream are the same size as Soundwave and Wheeljack... with similar amount of parts (Ironhide has 45 parts, Soundwave has 48). But it is a 50% increase in pricing.
The Triplechangers are the same size as the Scouts, but are 2 & 1/2 times the price. The only difference is a second set of kibble bits to create a car or a jet... and that's only another 20 bits on top of the standard 40-45. Hardly warranting a 250% increase in pricing (of US retail prices).

My recommendation - if you aren't a completist or a fan of particular characters, just buy the Scouts. They are the best value figures, as they give you the exact same experience of the concept and the same sized figures as in the other (more expensive) sets.

[griffin]

Worst of all Starscream's head is only 1/3 painted black. The rest is Hasbro grey. This is the type of QC that should be picked up on immediately, as mine is far from a one off case.

And I thought mine was just one that slipped past QC. Sounds like they might have all been mis-painted.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/a724.jpg

I'll have to see if this is a common thing on the global fansites.

[griffin]

Looks like it is with all Starscreams, so is an odd factory error... as it doesn't seem to be intentional, because there is nothing mentioned to say it was meant to be like that.

[i_amtrunks]

Looks like it is with all Starscreams, so is an odd factory error... as it doesn't seem to be intentional, because there is nothing mentioned to say it was meant to be like that.

Just more pathetic QC. It seems to be on every Starscream head. Certainly something that should have been picked up on.

[UltraMarginal]

I think they look sexy in their packaging, they should sell pretty well.
personally I will probably wait for a sale and grab soundwave and Wheeljack, they are the most appealing to me visually.

[griffin]

Considering the price for the size of the Scouts, compared to regular Deluxe figures, they are definitely look like good value. They are a bigger figure that can convert, and even on the shelves it is a bigger box next to the bubbles of a Deluxe (or even a Cmdr class figure that is the same price).

[Cat]

Yeah, all Starscreams are mispainted.

The one at Hasbro's booth at Botcon (or maybe it was SDCC) even had it. Even they couldn't find a properly painted one.

I do think these are a really good value for the smaller sizes. I really don't believe you'll feel ripped off for the smaller kits. They're large, contain a decent number of pieces, look good, offer lots of play in transforming and easy customisation, and are just FUN.

The larger ones just aren't worth it. Though they attempt to smooth it out with the storage tray, which is...well....yay?

Also, some parts are in the corner in a separate tray. One is the head, which makes sense, nice to keep it separate and semi-visible to the buyer, but also a couple of other random pieces. You'd think they're extras or spares, a bit extra for your cash for screwing around. NOPE. They're actually needed. There's absolutely NO reason why those pieces couldn't just be in the bags with the rest of the same-shaped pieces. It's strange.

[i_amtrunks]

The smallest sets are at a perfect price to compete with the lego Hero factory, Chima and whatever future "bionicle" sized/styled lines lego release as well.

The larger sets are very overpriced, and not that much bigger in even in the packaging. They might be a harder sell.

[griffin]

Also, some parts are in the corner in a separate tray. One is the head, which makes sense, nice to keep it separate and semi-visible to the buyer, but also a couple of other random pieces. You'd think they're extras or spares, a bit extra for your cash for screwing around. NOPE. They're actually needed. There's absolutely NO reason why those pieces couldn't just be in the bags with the rest of the same-shaped pieces. It's strange.

The random bits are there to show people exactly what the parts look like, as there isn't a window in these boxes, and they are a new concept... plus, it looks more interesting having that little corner there.

[griffin]

In case people haven't seen the pics of these on display at BotCon and SDCC, these are the first wave figures (except Optimus and Megatron, which are still on their way to me)...

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/a725.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/a726.jpg

The scouts look a bit anaemic in vehicle mode (especially Starscream), but the robots are very similar in size, considering the price differences between the sets.
Probably the one thing I am most impressed with, is the way Soundwave has two jet engines that can swivel in a way to allow one to sit on the shoulder like the classic Gen1 figure.

[Cat]

How come you've left off the insignias on most of them in robot mode?

[griffin]

I forgot to relocate them after transforming them. I didn't even notice them missing.

[Cat]

Ahh.

Thought it was a deliberate choice, which seemed strange to me, as those symbols are nicer than the ones we get on the regular toys.

[UltraMarginal]

Just out of curiosity, are the tyres rubber or plastic?

[Cat]

Plastic

[SMHFConvoy]

I got Ironhide and Starscream yesterday. I agree they're very basic in build and transformation but I have noticed with the Predacons Rising theme in this line that Bulkhead and Bumblebee have lower profiles in vehicle mode.

They're fun just a bit smaller than a Hero Factory, a bit lighter in weight. I like the co-molded ball-joints but I find them a bit tight.

[reillyd]

Worst of all Starscream's head is only 1/3 painted black. The rest is Hasbro grey. This is the type of QC that should be picked up on immediately, as mine is far from a one off case.


I bought Starscream from BiGW today, and after ten minutes drying time with some acrylic paint, I had my Starscream looking right again. I'm no customizer, but its a relatively easy fix. There's just a smidge of pain on his faceplate but not worth the expense to buy another one. Quite a fun toy to assemble though, and definitely worth picking up.


http://www.davidreilly.com/ebay/Starscream_Constructobots.jpg

[SMHFConvoy]

Picked up a Wheeljack today. It's okay but not really a fan of the rear wheels becoming arm kibble. It has a fuller vehicle mode thanks to the clip on the back of the main gun. I'm finding that you get better car modes when you use the rear as the front. Will post pics on the custom thread soon...

[SMHFConvoy]

Well two of the 'C'-clips have broken on an Ironhide which is really disappointing. It took much longer for 'C'-socket on a bionicle to eventually fail. Hopefully Hasbro is aware of this because this toy's play pattern is more versatile than just being attached to the transformers brand.

[Omega Metro]

I keep looking at Soundwave and Starscream in the shops as these are the only ones that remotely appeals to me. But the price and quality scares me. Also not totally convinced of either mode. With Soundwave at $30, I could spend an extra $9 and get a voyager.

[SMHFConvoy]

I keep looking at Soundwave and Starscream in the shops as these are the only ones that remotely appeals to me. But the price and quality scares me. Also not totally convinced of either mode. With Soundwave at $30, I could spend an extra $9 and get a voyager.

It really depends on the type of consumer you are. I bought the Soundwave, it's actually one of the best ones (IMO) and if you're just going to build it once, convert it once I'd buy it. These guys are all roughly the same size of a voyager class figure.

If you're like me you have to be careful, the C-clips aren't as durable as I thought. Lego has been at this a lot longer than Hasbro, I am hoping that they'll learn from this because I'd like to see them using construct bots with it's other brands e.g. GI Joe or ressurect brands e.g. Centurions

[lancalot]

i just got starscream and putting the wings to the back made heaps of difference in robot mode and he still can transform
http://imageshack.us/a/img41/978/b535.jpg

[Deonasis]

Are these joints and clips useful to strip out for customs or is there still better quality parts fodder out there? When i first saw this line my first thought was they would be ransacked for the joints.

[SMHFConvoy]

They need to make the C-clips stronger, I'm noticing that there is some stressing on the insides of the clips but the ball joints and sockets are pretty good and are tight.

[crankcase76]

And I thought mine was just one that slipped past QC. Sounds like they might have all been mis-painted.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/a724.jpg

I'll have to see if this is a common thing on the global fansites.

Had this problem as well, so shot off a email to Hasbro Customer service and this very helpful email returned.:)


Hi Shannon,


Thank you for your recent correspondence. I am sorry that in this instance your Transformer has not lived up to your expectations of a Hasbro product. I just wanted to reassure you that we are committed to providing the best quality of product we can on all of our range.


When we receive feedback from customers regarding a fault or operational difficulty, we forward the issue directly back to the manufacturer to be considered for future production.


The product has been assessed by our quality control department and it was found that the entire range of product has the same coloured appearance. The situation is that this was the initial design of the product, then a change was added at a later date.


While this does not help your own situation, rest assured we are doing everything possible to ensure the quality of the product is of the highest standard.


I have ordered the required part from overseas. Please email me your mailing details and upon receipt of the parts will send it to you in the next mail.


Please be patient as this process may take a few weeks to obtain the parts.


I'd like to thank you again for your correspondence, and assure you that we do take on board your concerns, and that we do everything we can to ensure that our products represent value for money.


Regards




Hasbro Consumer Services
T: 1-300-138-697 - custservau@hasbro.com
HASBRO AUSTRALIA LIMITED: ABN: 69 004 348 565

[UltraMarginal]

Wow, that's pretty good customer service. Good work Hasbro Australia.

perhaps the "original design" was to have paint over the outside of thehelmet only as the contrast of the grey on the inside edges near the face looks pretty good against the black where it's actually painted.

[crankcase76]

May be UM, Guess will find out soon.:) when the parts are sent.

[griffin]

Finally got the 2-pack, and was surprised to find that both sets have about 12 extra parts for you to customise your figures... but aren't noted anywhere as extras, or featured in the photos. So it can be a bit confusing at first to try to figure out the why and where for these parts. (a bit like putting something mechanical together and having some parts left over)

[BigTransformerTrev]

I've got Soundwave, Ironhide and Blitzwing. Had a go at Soundwave tonight. Damn annoying to transform and the alt mode doesn't look great (then nor does the robot mode). Had read a few negative reviews of these guys, sad to find out they are fairly accurate. Had fun putting him together while watching Doctor Who and drinking beer however :) Hopefully Ironhide and Blitzwing will impress me more

[crankcase76]

Well happy to say that the parts for starscream turned up today and they look fantastic on the screamer. Full painted head is what we should have got. Will post up the pics soon.:)

[Cat]

Seriously? They sent you a fully painted head???

Please share pics!!

[lancalot]

Here the code for 100,000 point that came with my starscream if anyone want it.. enjoy
871-1713-9535-439

[crankcase76]

Well finally got to those pics with the new head that hasbro sent , so here they are...:)

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd430/megatron84/image_zps6b0b77fd.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/megatron84/media/image_zps6b0b77fd.jpg.html)

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd430/megatron84/image_zpsa3afbe10.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/megatron84/media/image_zpsa3afbe10.jpg.html)

[Bumbleb33]

Picked up Bumblebee, I cannot say I am impressed, build is fun but I was surprised at how limited the customisation options were. Wait for a clearance sale if you intend to pick these guys up.

[GoktimusPrime]

I picked up Ultimate Optimus Prime Vs Megatron yesterday ($45). I'm not a massive fan of building Transformers, but I thought I'd just grab at least one set. I must say, these Construct-Bots are a lot nicer than Kre-Os IMHO. The two things I don't like about Kre-Os are:
+ they don't actually transform and need you to disassemble and reassemble them to "transform."
+ they have left over parts. I wish they'd incorporate all their parts in both modes.

Construct-Bots trump over Kre-Os on both counts! Much to my surprise, they do actually transform without need for disassembly/reassembly, and they don't leave left over parts in either mode! (although they do come with additional parts for further personal customisation) :D This was something I hadn't expected at all and was quite pleasantly surprised by. The toys use a lot of ball and socket joints, allowing a great range of poseability and both the vehicle and robot modes are much more solid than Kre-Os. I also like how they have working missile launchers.

Now I don't necessarily mean to bag out on Kre-Os: they're just not my cup of Energon. I understand that Kre-Os are designed for a different kind of play pattern (i.e. Lego style play), and that's great for people who enjoy that kind of play. Construct-Bots are a different thing.

Having said that, I don't really see myself buying any more Construct-Bots. While I appreciate what Hasbro's trying to do hear in creating a line where kids can easily mix and match parts of different figures together to make original creations, it's just not my thing. I'm not a fan of the "skeletal" robot forms and the transformations and alt modes aren't exceptionally inspiring.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Just got round to opening up Ironhide after a month of him sitting in his pack in a corner. Crappy transform, but the most happy, friendly Ironhide head I've ever seen, even more than the Robot Heroes one :)