Toy Review - Age of Extinction voyager Evasion mode Optimus Prime

[The_Damned]

Robot mode is nice and solid and is better then i thought.

The transformation is pretty easy to work out.

The alt mode is a great homage to g1 prime

See picture is there any more of reason not to get it? (unless you don't like G1)

http://i.imgur.com/eNuGiFV.jpg (http://imgur.com/eNuGiFV)

wow my carpet looks dirty...........

[The_Damned]

If a mod can add a poll that would be great.

[Paulbot]

Would be nice if this was packaged in vehicle mode. I'd like to see the truck mode in person before buying.


If a mod can add a poll that would be great.

You can do it: Thread tools > Add poll

[nonexistent]

I just bought this today. Though it feels light, I really like the robot mode and truck mode. And I prefer this head without the mouth plates. All the primes I own have a faceplate. This one has a good detail face and great vehicle mode. If those who wants better paint work, you can wait for the takara mold, but I am happy with this figure.

[GoktimusPrime]

Disappointing. While the transformation is rather interesting, the end result kinda feels like an oversized Deluxe... only that the DotM Deluxe figure has better articulation and paint apps. :p The truck doesn't look nice from behind, with an unsightly gap at the back of the cab and the legs are noticeably visible. The limb articulation feels somewhat limited. The clear windows are a nice touch, and I love how it has a missile firing weapon. The hubcaps are unpainted, making the wheels look bland. Optimus Prime is a lot better than his case mate Grimlock though, but Optimus still doesn't quite justify a full Voyager price point -- as I said, he sorta feels like an upsized Deluxe. I say 'sorta' because while the robot and vehicle modes look very much like a Deluxe, the transformation is more complex than what you could achieve with a Deluxe (unlike say, Grimlock, who really is just an upsized Deluxe toy :rolleyes:). So IMHO, the toy has an interesting transformation, but doesn't quite get there in the end in either mode and certainly does not justify full Voyager RRP. :o

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/jaam_shoulders.gif

-----------------------------------------

'Scuse the grainy phone pics :p

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/aoe_voyagers1_zpsf53dabd4.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/aoe_voyagers2_zps7e8fc6a6.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/aoe_voyagers3_zps7c011ead.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/aoe_optimusprimevoy1_zps2d052443.jpg

[Sinnertwin]

I've gotta say, that G1 cab looks great from the side & front, one smoke stack & all.
& Optimus' ION CANNON! (:D) is also compatible with DoTM Voyager Megatron, which i thought was a nice touch.

[Deonasis]

From photos, I dislike the red behind the windscreen and the very skinny shoulders.

[ChlorHex]

Cab mode looks great around the red bits...
Not a fan of the bot mode.
Will be a pass unless it's marked down and I'll just add it to my Prime lot.

[CBratron]

I get mixed up about this toy. The red is clearly a hook for G1 nostalgics. But why not extend that to the movie? Yes he's beaten up and faded in the movie but that doesn't mean he can't be beaten up and faded red to match the toy?

At first I thought this is a case of the tail wagging the dog but it's slowly looking like the tail and dog are separate.

[Paulbot]

I get mixed up about this toy. The red is clearly a hook for G1 nostalgics. But why not extend that to the movie? Yes he's beaten up and faded in the movie but that doesn't mean he can't be beaten up and faded red to match the toy?

At first I thought this is a case of the tail wagging the dog but it's slowly looking like the tail and dog are separate.

Interestingly the box art shows a "Movie coloured" Prime despite the toy not matching. Same goes for all the Dinobots that are much more colourful as toys than they will be in the film.

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah, I've noticed that too -- although the movie colours may prove to be more like the toys in the final cut of the film. After all, Sentinel Prime was yellow in the DotM trailer, but red in the actual film like the toy. <shrugs> Either way, I prefer the look of the toys... trailer colours look "custom faded." :p

[GoktimusPrime]

Okay, here's my actual review after having played with this toy more extensively now. My previous post was just an initial impression -- consider this a retcon. :p ;)

Evasion Mode Optimus Prime
Series - Age of Extinction
Sub-line - Generations
Size/class - Voyager
New/remould/redeco - New
Wave - 1
Released here - May 17 2014
Approximate Retail Price - $50
Approximate Size - 18cm
Allegiance - Autobot
Alt-mode - Marmon 97 semi truck
Main Features/Gimmicks - Light piped eyes
Main Colours - red and blue
Main Accessory - Missile launching rifle

IMAGES

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprimevoy5_zps12a3c973.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_opgrim03_zps3f9d6fe0.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_opgrim02_zps4e668856.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprimevoy3a_zps1f527667.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprimevoy2_zps77720cb7.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprimevoy3_zps484d8d24.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprimevoy8_zpsdda94ed8.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprimevoy7_zpsb870f87f.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprimevoy6_zps21468023.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprimevoy9_zpsde2090aa.jpg

Appearance
If Movieverse (Peterbilt 379) Optimus Prime and the original G1 Optimus Prime had a love child, this would be it. ;)

Pros
+ 16 points of articulation
+ The mould is exquisitely detailed. He's essentially the same robot form as Optimus Prime from the previous films, only with a different truck mode. They key visual difference to the robot mode is the grill-abs, which incidentally gives him more of a G1 flavour. There's even detail sculpted on the back of the figure, unlike Grimlock.
+ Colours are a strong homage to G1 Optimus Prime. Also there's no "Hasblo" grey! All the grey parts are a more respectable gunmetal grey.
+ Also a much more solid figure than Grimlock. There's no significant "hollowness" to this toy like with some of the other Wave 1 AoE toys.
+ The upper body transformation is quite interesting. There are several tricky steps involved in making a boxy truck cab into a relatively lean looking robot.

Cons
- A lot of great details in the mould desperately need to be highlighted with more paint apps. Hubcaps are unpainted.
- While the front cab section of the truck mode is decent, the rear is a let down. The back of the cab has an unsightly gap and the legs are clearly visible as legs, particularly the thighs. It's no where near as bad as First Edition Leader Class Optimus Prime, meaning that this toy does certainly have a better executed alt mode relative to its size and price.

Overall
It's one of the better Voyager Optimus Prime figures that have come out lately -- certainly better than any of the Transformers Prime or Animated Voyager Optimus Primes, and he's not as much of a shellformer as previous Movieverse Voyager Primes. The intricate transformation of the upper body allows a lot of the vehicle mode panels to be absorbed into the robot. It'd be easy to say that this toy isn't as good as some other Voyager Optimus Primes, like say Classics Optimus Prime... but that toy isn't an adaptation of a complex CGI movie model like this toy is. So all things considered, they've done a reasonably decent job, although I do wish they could've better concealed the gap in the back of the cab and done something to conceal the thighs more in truck mode (e.g. have the upper legs slide into the lower legs (although that would make the lower legs chunkier)). And the sculpt is just begging for a few more paint apps. Optimus Prime isn't quite the "oversized Deluxe" that Grimlock is.

I've decided to upgrade my rating of this toy to...
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/jaam_jaam.gif

[MayzaPrime]

I am a fan, not as good as classic Prime or 1st Ed Prime (TFP) but overall a solid figure

[GoktimusPrime]

Oh yeah, Classics Optimus Prime completely outclasses this toy and then some. ;) However I do find Evasion OP to be better than TFPFE Voyager OP in certain regards, including:
+ FEOP's robot chest windows are a complete cheat, whereas it's only semi-cheated on Evasion OP's chest.
+ Evasion OP's alt mode is a licensed vehicle, whereas FEOP's is fictitious. This makes Evasion OP a cooler robot in disguise IMO. ;)
+ No mis-assembly on Evasion OP.
+ Evasion OP's robot mode is more solid than FEOP's. The shoulders aren't prone to popping out and there aren't panels which are prone to flopping out either.

But there are some aspects of First Edition Optimus Prime that I still find better than AoE Evasion Prime, such as:
+ Better paint apps, especially on the TakaraTOMY version.
+ Better articulation.
Overall, I personally find Evasion Optimus Prime to be a better toy than First Edition Voyager Optimus Prime though. :o

Anyway, here are some more pics:

Front of the truck mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprime_evasion01_zpsecd9f1bf.jpg

Robot mode comparison w/ ROTF Leader Class Optimus Prime
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprime_evasion03a_zps09a49511.jpg

Vehicle mode comparison w/ G1 & Movie Optimus Prime
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprime_evasion02_zpsd3549549.jpg

Transformation
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprime_evasion03_zps04f5ed1d.jpg

[kurdt_the_goat]

Does he work with any of the movie prime trailers that have been released?
I don't have any of them, but it'd be a nice gesture if it did!

[GoktimusPrime]

I was thinking about that earlier today, but it doesn't appear to be compatible with any Prime trailers that I'm aware of, although I don't have the DotM Voyager Prime w/ trailer.

[jaina85]

two things were super bugging me about this (aside from the paint XD ) - the bit with the fake smoke stacks in robot mode that makes the bottom of the grill in truck mode is always sitting at an angle and not flat, and the windows didn't quite line up, so i did a little mod!

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb366/jaina85/2_zpse0eff24d.jpg

cutting that little stopper type piece back a little bit where i drew the black square fixes it, so now it folds up super flat and YAY, BONUS, the other grill piece can go in a little further now and the windows line up perfectly with no other mods!

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb366/jaina85/1_zps1373b534.jpg

its so square and aligned and perfect now :o

[SMHFConvoy]

Nice, I might try it :-)

[GoktimusPrime]

I've just been having so much fun with this toy for the past 3 days! :D :) More piccies. ;)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprime_evasion06_zpsf331e4e8.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Age%20of%20Extinction/aoe_optimusprime_evasion05_zpse0f40037.jpg

[KingGrimlock]

I got mine yesterday, really good. Only problem is mine has a really loose right arm elbow joint. The joints been designed so well I have no idea how to take it apart to tighten it :/
Edit: Problem fixed, I used some thin red sewing string of the same color and wound it into the joint, tied a knot and bam tighter joint and you cant even see the string and didnt have to take the arm apart. Might be a useful tip if anyone else has the same problem.

[Zommael]

I've just been having so much fun with this toy for the past 3 days! :D :) More piccies. ;)

What's going on in that last one, is he the Amazing Spider-Prime now? ;)

[Deonasis]

What's going on in that last one, is he the Amazing Spider-Prime now? ;)It's like Thelma and Louise only better :D

[Omega Metro]

This would of looked so much nicer if they stuck to the colours on the photo that is on the back of the Voyager box. He has red and grey arms and a grey stripe just under the windows on the robot chest.

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah, the rather lacklustre paint job is a big let down on this toy.


I got mine yesterday, really good. Only problem is mine has a really loose right arm elbow joint. The joints been designed so well I have no idea how to take it apart to tighten it :/
Edit: Problem fixed, I used some thin red sewing string of the same color and wound it into the joint, tied a knot and bam tighter joint and you cant even see the string and didnt have to take the arm apart. Might be a useful tip if anyone else has the same problem.
I have the same issue with mine too, actually. Apparently clear nail polish (http://www.ehow.com/how_7704876_fix-loose-joints-action-figures.html) can work too.


What's going on in that last one, is he the Amazing Spider-Prime now? ;)
Does whatever a Spider-Prime does. :cool:

[Omega Metro]

Does anyone have a DOTM Voyager Megatron and this Evasion Optimus both in their truck modes? I'm interested to see how they scale up.

[GoktimusPrime]

Megatron is smaller than Optimus Prime. DotM Voyager Megatron is kinda "Motormaster-esque" in that the robot incorporates both the cab and the trailer all in one (the cab forms the upper half of the robot, while the trailer forms the lower half), so the result is a smaller scaled truck mode. Optimus Prime is only the truck-cab, so the vehicle is a larger scale. I can post a side-by-side comparison pic later if you like.

[Omega Metro]

Megatron is smaller than Optimus Prime. DotM Voyager Megatron is kinda "Motormaster-esque" in that the robot incorporates both the cab and the trailer all in one (the cab forms the upper half of the robot, while the trailer forms the lower half), so the result is a smaller scaled truck mode. Optimus Prime is only the truck-cab, so the vehicle is a larger scale. I can post a side-by-side comparison pic later if you like.

Yeah I thought that be the case. Not to worry. :)

[Sky Shadow]

It looks so good in vehicle mode that I'm disappointed that robot mode makes me want to vomit.

[GoktimusPrime]

The Evolution Pack (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=18600) version looks to have a better paint job than the original. I'd recommend waiting for that version over the original... shouldn't be too hard to offload the Classics Optimus Prime repaint (or offload your original Classics Prime and keep the repaint ;)).

[Doubledealer]

I voted "totally worth it!!!!!!"

Well, I honestly can't remember the last time I walked into an Australian retail store and came out with a Transformer I genuinely feel excited about. I also can't remember the last time I posted anything on OTCA either but that's neither here nor there. :p I was going to buy a few others but I thought nope, this is the one and I'm going to savour him.

Based purely on looks, this is one glorious bot. The proportions in both modes are spot on in my eyes and the level of detail is just superb. I thought he looked a tad bland online but once in hand, he looks great! I much prefer this version to the new one shown in the two-pack as the colours here are more G1, he's visorless and there is no Hasbro grey. The new version looks a bit cheap to me. *shrugs*

The transformation wasn't a highlight for me and now that I've got him back into robot mode, I'm not compelled to transform him again. By comparison, I bought Slug yesterday and can't put him down! As good as the cab mode is, the robot mode is where this toy shines for me. I've always digged the ILM visorless Prime design, and you get to see it in fine form on this little beauty.

The plastic is glossy and the colours look fantastic, granted there isn't a lot of extra detailing in terms of bringing out the lights, hubcaps etc but what is there looks damn good. I'd say the overall quality is on par with FE Prime which I was super surprised (and relieved) to see. Nothing looks cheap, washed out or transparent (other than the glass ;)) on this toy.

I could rattle on but I'll finish by recommending this fella as one of the coolest recent Prime's of any size class. You need this toy in your life!

[Sinnertwin]

Layby'd the Platinum Ed. version today
3 down, 1 to go :D

[griffin]

I also can't remember the last time I posted anything on OTCA either but that's neither here nor there. :p I was going to buy a few others but I thought nope, this is the one and I'm going to savour him.

I thought we had lost you to "Transformers overload" after BotCon last year, as you hadn't posted since you got back last July.

[Doubledealer]

I thought we had lost you to "Transformers overload" after BotCon last year, as you hadn't posted since you got back last July.

Haha, I just got busy with life around then. Marriage, bought a house, work promotion, family drama. A lot has happened since Botcon 2013!! Are you going to Botcon this year? If so, I'll see you in the line for the box set. ;)

[griffin]

You going again?
That'll be great. Check out the meet topic (http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/levine-hasbro-exec-helped-create-gi-joe-dies-23854274). :)

[yoshi594]

The only toy I'm keeping from the aoe line up thus far. His transform is fun! But it's also cheating that this prime has a separate chest AND grill for bot mode xD, but yeah it's kinda hard to get the g1 cab looking like movie prime without cheating or extremely fiddly bits.

[Omega Metro]

The only toy I'm keeping from the aoe line up thus far. His transform is fun! But it's also cheating that this prime has a separate chest AND grill for bot mode xD, but yeah it's kinda hard to get the g1 cab looking like movie prime without cheating or extremely fiddly bits.

This is the only AOE voyager/deluxe together with High Octane Bumblebee that I don't want. The front of the truck is ugly with too many panel gaps. The colours yuk. Robot mode is awful, especially that grill and the faceplateless head.

I kinda wonder if it wasn't a copy of the G1 truck, would it be any less popular? ;)

[GoktimusPrime]

The only toy I'm keeping from the aoe line up thus far. His transform is fun! But it's also cheating that this prime has a separate chest AND grill for bot mode xD, but yeah it's kinda hard to get the g1 cab looking like movie prime without cheating or extremely fiddly bits.
Heh, in that sense this toy's kinda reminiscent of Powermaster Optimus Prime. ;)

I kinda wonder if it wasn't a copy of the G1 truck, would it be any less popular? ;)
I was going to skip this toy... then I saw the trailer. I don't think I would've gotten this toy if Optimus Prime didn't actually appear in the film in this form. :p Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised by this toy -- I was fully expecting to dislike it, but I've found it to be a really fun toy that's quite addictive to play with. :) The "paint by numbers" colours are incredibly mundane though, you'll get no argument from me on that. :o

[Omega Metro]

Got the Platinum version today with the Myer sale. He is soooooo much nicer with the chrome and the face plate! My favourite AOE toy now.:)
http://flic.kr/p/nDJsGn

[Penetrator]

I was really tempted to buy this piece and it seems to have gained a lot of love from most people.

from the pictures, the truck mode looks great! in bot mode, it the paint job does make it look very bland.

first thing i noticed are the pointy things on his shoulders are red and not silver. The whole bot mode just makes it look like chucks of blue and red plastic with very little detail.

and if they did do a more worn out look, im sure it will still look great.

[Sinnertwin]

Never fear, Penetrator!
The AD02 by TakaraTomy is a much better alternative ;)

http://tformers.com/transformers-4-lost-ageage-of-extinction-advanced-series-ad-02-classic-optimus-prime-images/23392/news.html

I apologise to your wallet in advance

[millhouse]

Layby'd the Platinum Ed. version today
3 down, 1 to go :D

Am I assuming Hasbro, Takara AD-02, Hasbro Platinum, and...?

I've managed to get the above, and have ordered the TRU JP Takara "rusty" version, so I'm still looking to get the TRU US Evolutions 2-pack version too.

[Omega Metro]

Ad-02 still uses that horrible dark grey plastic though. And still no faceplate. I like the AD-02 silver wheels though but that's all.

[millhouse]

Ad-02 still uses that horrible dark grey plastic though. And still no faceplate. I like the AD-02 silver wheels though but that's all.

Hah! Fair enough. I've got a shelf with three alt modes in a row, eventually crawling to five in a row. There's no Bayformers visible. :P

[Sinnertwin]

Am I assuming Hasbro, Takara AD-02, Hasbro Platinum, and...?

I've managed to get the above, and have ordered the TRU JP Takara "rusty" version, so I'm still looking to get the TRU US Evolutions 2-pack version too.

Thats right :D
I'll P/O Rustimus once i get paid. Hopefully RK'll have some left for me

[BigTransformerTrev]

Finally took mine out of the box and had a go at him tonight. Like Leader-Class Grimlock the instructions are arse-backwards. Unlike leader Grimlock I was able to figure him out without resorting to youtube and quite enjoyed the little challenge. Not a bad transformation process overall :)

Can't says I think a lot of his robot mode, but loving his alt-mode - good stuff! Very G1-esque and imagine all the placated fanboys if they had brought this figure out when the first live action movie appeared :p

I reckon he is definitely worth getting. Whilst I usually display most of my TF's in robot mode, the Dinobots and Prime (which together make up 2/3rd's of my AoE toys thus far) are definitely living in their alt-modes :D

[SMHFConvoy]

Despite the lack of paint and the fact he can't hold his shotgun by the handle I like him and he's the only AoE tf figure that I've bought. The rest have been the dinobot riders and I'm now eyeing off the constructbot Slash...

Gave Evasion Prime, cybertron armorhide's rifle last night looks good with him.

[Penetrator]

Never fear, Penetrator!
The AD02 by TakaraTomy is a much better alternative ;)

http://tformers.com/transformers-4-lost-ageage-of-extinction-advanced-series-ad-02-classic-optimus-prime-images/23392/news.html

I apologise to your wallet in advance




dammit sinnertwin!! poor enough as it is!

I have already purchased YOTH Prime. First TF since back on the forum and out of buying for a few years. and MP Magnus on pre-order

This is all your fault Sinnertwin!!! :mad:

[Sinnertwin]

dammit sinnertwin!! poor enough as it is!

I have already purchased YOTH Prime. First TF since back on the forum and out of buying for a few years. and MP Magnus on pre-order

This is all your fault Sinnertwin!!! :mad:

Awww, i'm feeling the love right now
:p

[kurdt_the_goat]

two things were super bugging me about this (aside from the paint XD ) - the bit with the fake smoke stacks in robot mode that makes the bottom of the grill in truck mode is always sitting at an angle and not flat, and the windows didn't quite line up, so i did a little mod!

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb366/jaina85/2_zpse0eff24d.jpg

cutting that little stopper type piece back a little bit where i drew the black square fixes it, so now it folds up super flat and YAY, BONUS, the other grill piece can go in a little further now and the windows line up perfectly with no other mods!

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb366/jaina85/1_zps1373b534.jpg

its so square and aligned and perfect now :o

I don't think anyone commented on this, so i'm quoting it cause i made the alteration and now i'm really pleased with Prime's windows aligning properly!

I got the Takara version and i have to say i'm really impressed. The paint work has no faults, the plastic feels better than i expected, and his joints are tight all over.

It's really only got a few more paint apps over the Hasbro version, but it makes a world of difference. I think the transformation is excellent and love the concept of turning the G1 vehicle into the new movie Prime. Now, when i have both G1 Prime & Evasion Prime in alt mode on the shelf, it's almost like "which one's which?" He's truly a master of disguise!

My only complaint is his gun looks a bit naff in his hand - strangely a bit like how G1 Prime's also sits higher than his fist, so maybe it's intentional! I think my favourite aspect of this toy is how slender he looks with no obtrusive kibble and a great front and side profile.

[Dimi194]

Despite the lack of paint and the fact he can't hold his shotgun by the handle I like him and he's the only AoE tf figure that I've bought. The rest have been the dinobot riders and I'm now eyeing off the constructbot Slash...

Gave Evasion Prime, cybertron armorhide's rifle last night looks good with him.

Couldn't agree more-I think I'll pick him up (only just gotten back into TF toys), as all my other ones from AoE are the construct bots... I've got all the wave one ones except Drift (who I'll grab on Saturday)... this might convert me (Wallet cries).

[Sky Shadow]

Is there any decent-looking weapon-storage option for this toy?

[GoktimusPrime]

Are you saying that mounting it on the roof isn't decent? :p

Btw, the window panels seem to line up pretty well my Breakout Battle Optimus Prime. Looks like Hasbro finally fixed that issue (it's still misaligned on my Evolutions 2-pack figure)

[SharkyMcShark]

Picked this up on a whim yesterday, and I quite enjoy it.

This is a good figure even by pre-2011 quality drop standards.

+ good articulation - all the standard stuff, plus all the stuff that has (unfortunately) become bells and whistles now like bicep, wrist, waist and thigh swivels, really solid and flexible ankles. Importantly all of it is basically unimpeded as well.
+ oozes character - in the same way that Generations Springer does for example - good silhouette, strong face, good range of head movement.
+ A lot of molded detail
+ Solid - Pegs together in both modes very very solidly.
+ Upper body transformation - creative, the cab basically turns inside out. It does have a sniff of using fake part kibble (the outer bits of the window boobs aren't the same windows from the outside of the cab - those end up on the elbows), but I actually don't mind here because of how much fun the rest of the process is. Maybe I'm getting soft in my old age?



- Lack of paint - the main downer, a lot of the molded detail is lost. I genuinely like this mold enough to perhaps shell out for the Takara version with more paint.
- Gun isn't that great - I get that it's meant for DOTM Megatron, but I'd have loved something a bit closer to a faux G1 Ion blaster, or whatever he used in the film in the one scene he was a robot in this body.
- Rear of the vehicle mode - not great, bit gappy and the feet are a bit obvious. That said there hasn't yet been a figure aside from MP-10 that has done the G1 Prime truck mode proper justice at all so it's hard to hold it against the figure (MP1, Robotmasters, the Glassics G1 two pack one, Hybrid - all have gappy alt modes - this is on part with or better than most of these).

The G1 homage angle wasn't really a pro or a con for me so YMMV.

So yeah basically now I want to spend a stupid amount of money on the Nemesis Repaint.


As an aside, if budgets (and thus part and paint count) is getting tighter I wish they'd entirely abandon firing missile gimmicks. Would definitely rather have more more engineering/paint/molded detail than a missile I'm going to either lose or set aside after about 3 minutes.

[FruitBuyer]

I'm so thankful that I didn't pick up the basic release and instead got him in the Hasbro Evolutions 2-pack and Grimlock/Prime 2-pack. The improved deco just makes the figure that much better.

He does stand nicely with Classics Voyager Prime as they have similar proportions. They're definitely two of the best voyagers ever released.

[prjkt]

I'm so thankful that I didn't pick up the basic release and instead got him in the Hasbro Evolutions 2-pack and Grimlock/Prime 2-pack. The improved deco just makes the figure that much better.

I ended up getting the same two packs - Grimlock/Prime because he was on sale at Myer, and Evolutions because I wanted a classics Prime, and that was the best version I could find (I love my shiny)