Toy Review - Combiner Wars Devastator

[GoktimusPrime]

Series - Combiner Wars
Size/class - Voyagers
Wave - ?
New/remould/redeco – New
Released here - June 2015
Approximate Retail Price - $198
Approximate Size - 45cm (gestalt)
Allegiance - Decepticon
Sub-Group - Constructicon
Alt-mode - construction vehicles
Main Features/Gimmicks – enigmatic combination
Main Colours – green & purple

Way too tired to type a review, so here are some pics to look at.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/acquisitions/acquisition20150625_zpsunf9vond.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_constructicons01_zpsyzczputq.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator01_zpso55bfreb.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator02_zpscfhzjdct.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator03_zpskdbciosk.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator04_zps3tcvocvq.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator05_zpsys2kimln.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator06_zpspchrulis.jpg

[UltimateGalvatron]

ummmmm.... Devastator.... uhhhhhhhhh

:p

[5FDP]

So... was it Scavenger you were saying that had two left fists?

Does anyone else have this issue? I haven't got around to opening mine yet and probably won't until the weekend :o

[christalcase]

Some quick comments:
- I was initially skeptical of Devastator being big for the sake of being big but having him in hand, it makes sense since transforming him is easier with these bigger pieces.
- Engineering is more impressive than I expected, they are about Scout to Deluxe levels of engineering but feels satisfying.
- In combined mode, they peg together very securely.
- More paint applications than I expected, while still a lot of green, there are a decent amount of details painted, especially in individual robot modes. Annoying that they painted three out of four windows purple in vehicle modes and left the last one unpainted.
- Individual robot modes are more poseable than expected, apart from Scrapper lacking elbows and Long Haul's elbows being very restricted (can fold outwards but not inwards?!), no major complaints.
- Devastator is a good size and quite hefty. For once, I am glad they went with hollow parts wherever possible as he is heavy enough already and have slight balancing issues when posing him.
- Bonecrusher is the only one I'm not too fond, he needs way more color since he is just very bland, coupled with odd proportions and the crotch piece somewhat unstable (likes to unpeg when moving his legs).
- Each individual figure is bulky and great fun on their own. Scavenger is my favorite with a wicked head sculpt.

And now, some pictures...

http://i.imgur.com/6G3CnnU.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hzetysj.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/e2Q3Rmr.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MEBX043.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/YuBA67Z.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vJRXjb8.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/3GCtzuX.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/OfCMAvn.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/HOAnY6f.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Qj4ajcH.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/u26jZvp.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/AKh9Fow.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/D4uySWM.jpg

[philby]

Some quick comments:

- The combiner kibble not being able to be stored in vehicle modes suck (that, or the instructions are even poorer than at first glance since they don't even show the weapons at all).


i'm 99% sure the video review posted in the global news thread shows all the stuff attached somewhere on the various vehicle modes

[Nevac]

If only MP Tracks was out then we could recreate the deleted scene from the movie but maybe use Wheeljack as a stand in? On the whole I find him a pretty impressive package his combined mode is definitely his strongest point. I am disappointed that the vehicle modes are not very functional. I mean would it have been that hard to make Hook's crane extend and rotate? Long Haul not being able to dump loads is understandable as it's how he transforms, and no rotating barrel for Mixmaster.

As for the robots Scavenger and Bonecrusher are designed the best, I really like how Bonecrushers front end form his chest. My Devastator is now my centerpiece in my Decepticon camp really want a MP Megatron now, Apollyon is looking very tempting now. I don't normally buy non MP toys but since I don't own any version of Devastator or want to shell out for 3rd parties I just couldn't pass this up.

http://i.imgur.com/HlFFEYl.jpg

[christalcase]

i'm 99% sure the video review posted in the global news thread shows all the stuff attached somewhere on the various vehicle modes

Thanks, I take that comment back :). Boy, the weapon storage in vehicle modes look very stupid.

[dsphatlite]

http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u451/byrne771/IMG_2088%20-%20Copy_zpsqin5lsd3.jpg ("http://
Bent gun tip on mine with no way this could have happen other than from production

Try the hair dryer?

[Dimi194]

So far, all I can say about this guy is... wow

Vehicles:
No problems, all look good enough. Not much paint, but I think it emanates the G1 look, and something minimalist is fine for me, as the bright green makes it clear they're not trying to be realistic :P Weapon storage on Long Haul was a good idea, but it does make him look a little odd. Nice option either way.

Robots:
Wow. Sure, again the paint isn't that crazy, but as a group they look amazing. The lack of joints on LH and Scrapper do not worry me at all, as they have short enough arms with enough movement in the shoulders to kinda 'fake' an elbow.
Only real issue is the way Bonecrusher's leg's join seems prone to coming apart when posing, so one must be careful. Enough weapons to go around which is cool!

DEVASTATOR:
Wow. WOW WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW.
Amazing!!! IT'S SO BIG! I can no believe how bit it ends up being. Also very heavy. Ratchets are strong and stiff, and enough of them so he is very stable. Things hold together really well, just gotta figure out all the tabs etc first :P
Simply awesome; the arms I thought might have been a tad short but I have not noticed them :)

Overall, 10/10. Sure, some things could be improved (See Tarkara, which I might get so I can have it in robots modes), but for what you get all up, they did an amazing job.

[Zommael]

Try the hair dryer?

Best way to fix them, I have found, is boiling water. I have heard of others experiencing shrinkage when doing it that way though. The advantage is you can straighten it in the boiling water then use cold water to harden it right away. I'm a little leary of the hairdryer method myself.

My Superion has a similar issue, so that suggests to me it could be a plastics problem. It might be that the toys are exposed to temperatures high enough to cause warping during shipping to Australia, the guns being particularly prone because of the length of the barrels.

[Handsprime]

After trying to find the $10 deluxes, I can't be bothered giving a proper review, but instead I will say this.
It is better than ROTF Devastator (the big one, the smaller one is a case of YMMV).

[griffin]

The packaging should have said 5 Voyagers and 1 Leader, as Long Haul is heavier than Ultra Magnus by about 25%.

I have to go play with mine now, but all the photos and comments are making this look like a winning toy from Hasbro.

[Handsprime]

The packaging should have said 5 Voyagers and 1 Leader, as Long Haul is heavier than Ultra Magnus by about 25%.

I have to go play with mine now, but all the photos and comments are making this look like a winning toy from Hasbro.

I would say he's somewhere between an Ultra Class figure and a Leader class figure

https://41.media.tumblr.com/41276c76169489974119bcf4757a3ec9/tumblr_nqho4mq7yr1roirsjo1_540.jpg

As seen here, he is bigger than Jetstorm, but he doesn't actually feel like a Leader class figure.

[CoRDS]

here he is with my MP/3MP collection (and green giant)
http://i.imgur.com/0XuKZWV.jpg?1

[griffin]

I've so far transformed them into robot mode, and I am liking these. Simple enough to be fun to play with, but not too simple like gimmick toys.

The transformations are intuitive enough to figure out with a bit of a play, but for Longhaul I had to look at the box to see that the legs were backwards.
And Longhaul is probably the one that looks worst in robot mode, and is over-sized in vehicle mode (the vehicles aren't meant to be to scale, so the size issue is obviously due to its combining requirement).

I'm a bit annoyed that the packaging and instructions don't show where the weapons go in vehicle and robot modes.

Still, very nice so far... and are the right size and sculpting to sit among the Masterpiece toys and not look out of place.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c828.jpg

[Megatran]

Longhaul. Hehehehehe.

[Handsprime]

OK so I'm a little bit more awake and here are my thoughts on Devastator:

The combined mode is nice, he is very articulated and has a better grasping of his gun than Ultra Magnus. His gun is a bit bent, which is really odd and I have no idea why (this isn't a one off thing as there are multiple reports, unlike what Gokitimus has dealt with). While he doesn't have articulated fingers, you can always do a little bit of customization to give Devastator some fingers.

With the robot modes, the one I'm not really a fan of is Long Haul. Is it just me or when you try to turn his legs around, it just makes this cracking noise that makes you fear you're gonna break something? Other than that some of the flaws seen are Hasbro's problems and will be fixed with the TakaraTomy version (which I am uncertain if I would get, knowing that it's gonna cost more than $198, including shipping)

I didn't mention much, but I would like to say it is a nice toy. It gives a good modern update on the toy I bet most of you had as a kid. However the construction army does feel like its lacking some stuff, which I mentioned will be filled in the TakaraTomy release.
So overall, if you want a giant green robot thing, I don't care which version you get as the Hasbro version is alright. If you want the constructions, wait for the TakaraTomy version, because apparently they have better weapons :p

[GoktimusPrime]

More pics. :o

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Classicsverse/compar_devastator_zpsm4uid6xk.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator07_zpsrrrfzf7f.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator08_zpsb0af6nmj.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator09_zpst6fizrvt.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator10_zps2cf6kbhs.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator11_zpspnt6eapl.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator12_zpskq8azft1.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator13_zpszkqxjvc0.jpg

[Raptormesh]

Looks like a fun set! Although I have zero interest, I'm glad they released this as I really enjoyed the reviews. :)

[Nevac]

http://i.imgur.com/5dVZFB3.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/NeHi2e0.jpg
Playing with my new toy

[philby]

that's pretty cool haha :)

[Maruten]

When they announced this guy, I thought... I never picked up Metroplex, so I'll splurge on a Devastator -- cool to have someone that big around. But then I sort of thought, well, he's a bit too big, but I'll buy him if the individual robot modes are nice. Then: Elbowgate. I was out. It's 2015!

But suddenly he was here, so I figured why not? The individual Constructicons are pretty nice. Basic for their size, but some clever stuff going on in their transformations. I wasn't sure I'd ever bother combining them (I'd assumed he'd be combined in the box).

But I did and holy gosh. Devastator is magnificent. Much more than the sum of his parts.

Just don't misplace his chestplate, because there's nothing but empty air behind it.

[Nonalyth]

Definitely happy with this guy. Vehicle modes are nice, even if they do lack a little functionality. Individually the robot modes are... Adequate. A bit hollow, and lacking some crucial joints. Concessions have been made, that's for sure.

Totally worth it.

All merged up he's just about perfect. Very solid, stiff joints, not a gap to be seen. If I had to pick one flaw (and thanks to a condition medical science cannot explain, I do) it's that his upper arms are a bit spindly. Honestly though that's no complaint at all.

I... Love him.

[griffin]

It's nice seeing people loving this toy when they get it home... so much so, that people are posing it and posting photos.

There may only be rare gems like this one every few years, but when they do, it really renews the love of the whole Brand for many fans from it.

:D

[drifand]

Is one of the bots that get non transformers fans interested as well.

[agentwaway]

Just got him out of the box this morning and I so pleased I got this figure. I don't mind the "elbow" issue with some of the individual bots as I will be displaying him combined.

[griffin]

As mentioned somewhere else, Hasbro at BotCon mentioned that they chose not to have elbows on some of the bots because Devastator was not stable enough with them (like with Scrapper, who needs solid arms to be the ankle of Devastator).

Even if it wasn't an issue with Devastator, missing elbows is such an insignificant element, considering the reduced amount of articulation with quite a few Transformers toys these days anyway.

[5FDP]

Does anyone else have issues separating Scavengers waist (this step here (https://youtu.be/BhvpC7YEhF8?t=1206))? I've been trying for about 20 mins and it won't budge. What's the trick? I'm really worried I'll break it if I apply too much force.

[griffin]

Does anyone else have issues separating Scavengers waist (this step here (https://youtu.be/BhvpC7YEhF8?t=1206))? I've been trying for about 20 mins and it won't budge. What's the trick? I'm really worried I'll break it if I apply too much force.

I was worried too, but eventually forced it apart. It doesn't help that there are moving parts there to make it difficult to get a good grip.

[Nevac]

Yeah that part is incredibly stiff on mine but it does come apart just like in the video

[griffin]

Fits in well on the Masterpiece shelf... I'm surprised that TakaraTomy didn't label their Devastator as a Masterpiece release, like they did with two Movie toys a few years ago.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c829.jpg

[5FDP]

I was worried too, but eventually forced it apart. It doesn't help that there are moving parts there to make it difficult to get a good grip.


Yeah that part is incredibly stiff on mine but it does come apart just like in the video

Thanks guys. I finally managed to budge it. It was a very stressful moment.

One other problem I had with mine and wanted to know if this is common - Bonecrushers foot came right off :eek: Where it splits in two, there's a shiny pin holding it in place and the pin basically popped out. I pushed it back in but there was no 'click' or some other such noise to indicate it went back in properly. So, what's holding this pin in place? I suspect that kup may be able to answer this best.

[Trent]

Thanks guys. I finally managed to budge it. It was a very stressful moment.

One other problem I had with mine and wanted to know if this is common - Bonecrushers foot came right off :eek: Where it splits in two, there's a shiny pin holding it in place and the pin basically popped out. I pushed it back in but there was no 'click' or some other such noise to indicate it went back in properly. So, what's holding this pin in place? I suspect that kup may be able to answer this best.

Friction holds those pins in. Sounds like a tolerance issue with yours.

[davieanix]

Mine is a little bent but not as noticeable as that pic.

Is everyone else having issues with Bonecrusher's crotch? (lol). If I try and move his legs, the crotch pieces come apart.

[GoktimusPrime]

I have no issue with the gun barrel or Bonecrusher's crotch. Bonecrusher's crotch gets a bit fiddly during mid transformation. I initially had trouble making it connect because I kept on squeezing the two halves of his pelvic girdle together, but I actually find it better to just squeeze from his hips; i.e. the upper part of his legs rather than the crotch pieces themselves. Works on mine anyway. :o

Anyway, here are some more comparison pics between Devastator and other large Transformers.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/compar_devastator_menasorcw_zpsvh1kgcs7.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/compar_devastator_trypticon_zpsjgpfoq2m.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/compar_devastator_scorponok_zpswwcvy6fo.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/compar_devastator_omegasupremeplat_zpsm7bmo5kz.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/compar_devastator_fortressmaximus_zpsl8zxjwsz.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/compar_devastator_metroplexgen_zpsf0xinsyj.jpg

[5FDP]

Friction holds those pins in. Sounds like a tolerance issue with yours.

Cheers mate.


Question?
How many of you that have this in hand have a BENT GUN TIP?

Mine is ever so slightly bent that you'd have to examine it very closely to even notice.


Is everyone else having issues with Bonecrusher's crotch? (lol). If I try and move his legs, the crotch pieces come apart.

Yeah, both sides are really hard to click into place and do tend to come apart easily if not properly secured. The pegs that hold them together are quite small with a tiny hook on the end. You'll know it's together correctly if you hear a slight 'click'.

[Nevac]

I accepted this was never going to click tab from first attempt and having just tried once again have come to the conclusion the world is against me, with me getting a bent gun LOL
This sux but Devastator is great over all. It is frustrating to stand Bonecrusher due to this so if I display him in robot mode I will have to bluetak his groin/waist/hip.

You're not the only one I also had problems with his crotch too I had him posed on my desk to take a pic and he just did the splits. The joint was pretty fiddly to get it to stay together.

[GoktimusPrime]

Have you guys tried squeezing from the hips rather than the groin? When I first tried to transform him to robot mode, I squeezed at the groin, but then I tried again by squeezing the hips and was able to get that sucker to lock in. Once it does lock in, it's pretty tight.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/cw_bonecrusher_pelvis_zpsbind9dro.jpg
→← = groin; avoid squeezing here
→← = hips; squeeze here

Mine holds together well enough for Bonecrusher to balance precariously on top of a rock melon without splitting apart.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_bonecrusher00a_zps5wwjmxwt.jpg

[GoktimusPrime]

You're most welcome, Zechariah. :cool:

[philby]

As mentioned somewhere else, Hasbro at BotCon mentioned that they chose not to have elbows on some of the bots because Devastator was not stable enough with them (like with Scrapper, who needs solid arms to be the ankle of Devastator).



i wonder how they test that kind of stuff. do they leave it standing with different types or joints for a while or something, or put something on top? did they make the elbow joints and then change them to what they have now? just curious because if hasbro says that they couldn't do it but then takara goes and does it, does that mean takara found a better way than hasbro did, or they aren't worried about it or what? hmm.

obviously combined mode is the big drawcard but i would definitely at least once in a while have them separately or something.

[griffin]

Got mine combined yesterday, and it was very nice and a lot sturdier than I had expected for such a huge figure. Aside from Hook coming apart a little while posing/playing, Devastator is like a single solid toy. Hasbro & TakaraTomy have done well on this set.
I only needed to look at the back of the box a few times to see how each Constructicon needed to look for their parts to join together.
It is imposing and impressive... and If I were to vote on a favourite 2015 toy, I don't think I could pick one out of all of the Combiners this year.

(unfortunately this is a bad timing toy, as it is distracting me from processing my BotCon photos and news)

While building it from the feet up... Long Haul on stilts. :p
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c834.jpg

With some random toys of different sizes, towering over all of them.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c833.jpg

Climbing my Masterpiece shelf to get at the Autobots. (he's actually holding onto the shelving with his hands and feet)
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c832.jpg

The Autobots about to fire back.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c830.jpg

It reminded me of the episode "City of Steel", which had Devastator climbing the Empire State Building like King Kong.

[Nonalyth]

Mine holds together well enough for Bonecrusher to balance precariously on top of a rock melon without splitting apart.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_bonecrusher00a_zps5wwjmxwt.jpg

This raises so many questions...

[GoktimusPrime]

Got mine combined yesterday, and it was very nice and a lot sturdier than I had expected for such a huge figure. Aside from Hook coming apart a little while posing/playing, Devastator is like a single solid toy.
Have you ensured that Hook is securely attached to Long Haul via all four connection points? The two obvious ones are the black connectors which plug into Long Haul's smoke stack and the driver's compartment roof, but there are also two tabs on the top of Long Haul's shoulders which plug into two small slots underneath Hook. They're small and easy to miss, but I find that they do notably help to secure the attachment between Long Haul and Hook. The connection on my Hook can be less secure if I don't have those tabs properly plugged in, but it's fine if they are. Works on my Devastator anyway. :o

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

Okay, I'm going to be slowly reviewing each Constructicon separately to appraise each toy on its own merit before reviewing Devastator as a whole. Today I'm looking at...

SCAVENGER

Photo links
Vehicle mode (http://news.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2015/02/CONSTRUCTICON-SCAVENGER-V_1423963393.jpg)
Robot mode (http://news.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2015/02/CONSTRUCTICON-SCAVENGER-R_1423963393.jpg)
Devastator (http://news.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2015/02/TRANSFORMERS-GENERATIONS-COMBINER-WARS-CONSTRUCTICON-DEVASTATOR_1423841423.jpg) (right arm)

Vehicle Mode
L: 10.5cm W: 7.3cm H: varies 6.5cm to top of roof or 18cm with shovel arm fully extended
True to his G1 counterpart, CW Scavenger transforms into a massive excavator. Primarily lime green with purple treads and windows. The hydraulic piston on the shovel arm is painted silver, and there are further silver and red highlights on the sides. There are also silver and red paint apps on the back, giving the appearance of rear tail/brake lights, although I have no idea what a giant excavator would do with tail lights considering that they're not even road-worthy vehicles (they need to be transported on backs of trucks (http://s.mcstatic.com/thumb/2617840/10121002/4/flash_player/0/1/uploading_excavator_on_truck.jpg)). Ah well, I guess kids won't notice (the Constructicons drove around on roads in G1 and it never bothered me :p). There's actually a lot of really nice detail throughout the sculpting of this toy, although much of it is lost in the G1-accurately bland colour scheme. I don't necessarily mean this as a criticism of this mode btw, as I said, it is G1 accurate. :) Unfortunately the upper section of the vehicle cannot swivel, although the shovel arm can, so you can have Scavenger with the scoop face either forwards and backwards. Scavenger has 3 wheels which helps the toy roll along, which is a big improvement over G1 Scavenger which just had... nothing (you just had to slide the toy along and scrape the bottom of the treads!). There's also a small Decepticon logo tampographed on the front of the driver's cabin which looks pretty nice.

Transformation
* Separate and swing down the caterpillar tracks
* Swing down waist and swing up groin section. Some force may be needed to untab it.
* Swing pelvis up.
* Swing tracks down and extend to form legs.
* Open bottom of tracks to form feet and heel spurs.
* Swing shovel arm forward and flip cabin towards the middle.
* Lift up rear sections of each side (robot arms)
* Swing shoulders forward
* Lower arms and flip out fists.
* Compact shovel arm into recess on back
* Open chest panel
* Flip out head and close chest panel

Robot mode
H: 17.5cm W: 10.5cm D: 9cm
Points of articulation: 11
A really good rendition of G1 Scavenger's cartoon model accentuated by the exquisite detail from the alt mode. There are also additional paint apps in this mode to break up the blandness, and also homage some of the detailing from the original G1 toy (which the cartoon model omitted). So sculpt wise, it looks like the G1 cartoon model, but with extra paint ops which reference the G1 toy. The face is silver with a red visor, just like the cartoon. The head, shoulders, elbows and knees are all on ball-and-socket joints, allowing for a free range of motion. The ankles are on swivel joints. Like many contemporary toys, it does use some "hollow" parts to reduce the amount of plastic used, but none of it really compromises the integrity of the toy, so it seems that HasTak are getting gooder in the use of hollow parts. Scavenger's weapon is a hand held missile launcher which forms Devastator's right hand. The missiles themselves aren't individually painted like in some promotional images.

Overall
One of the best Voyagers to come out in a long time, and for the equivalent price of a Deluxe! Unfortunately mine came with two left fists, but I haven't heard of anyone else having this problem.

Highly recommended. :)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/jaam_yum.gif

[GoktimusPrime]

BONECRUSHER

Photo links
Vehicle mode (http://toys.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2015/02/CONSTRUCTICON-BONECRUSHER-V_1423991132.jpg)
Robot mode (http://toys.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2015/02/CONSTRUCTICON-BONECRUSHER-R_1423991132.jpg)
Devastator (http://news.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2015/02/TRANSFORMERS-GENERATIONS-COMBINER-WARS-CONSTRUCTICON-DEVASTATOR_1423841423.jpg) (left arm)

Vehicle Mode
L: 15cm W: 8cm H: 7cm
True to his G1 counterpart, CW Bonecrusher transforms into a predominantly lime green bulldozer. There are some silver highlights on the sides and front grill with purple windows, as well as a Decepticon insignia tampographed in the scoop. There are 3 wheels underneath which help the vehicle to roll, although the clearance towards the front is very low with only about a millimetre of space. It rolls fine on a perfectly flat surface like a table top, but not so well on any rougher terrain like carpet etc. I guess Bonecrusher must've been lowered for speed. :p Still, at least the undercarriage does clear, unlike say Long Haul's undercarriage. And the wheels are a welcome improvement over the original G1 toy which has no wheels at all and just relies on you dragging it along the ground. This mode desperately needs more colours to break up all the lime green, but on the other hand, it is rather G1 accurate in its monotone. :o

Transformation
* Separate caterpillar tracks
* Swing down halves of the pelvic girdle
* Re-position hips to the outer sides of the pelvic girdle
* Squeeze hips together to connect the pelvic girdle halves; this works better than attempting to squeeze the pelvic girdle halves themselves
* Pull down on caterpillar tracks to reveal knees
* Open lower part of tracks to form feet and heel spurs
* Pull back and disconnect rear section
* Lower scoop
* Separate bonnet
* Flip back driver's cabin
* Flip up robot head
* Unfold lower halves of bonnet to form arms. Lower at shoulders.
* Lower black connector and lift up from the centre to connect rear section onto chest, completing the torso
* Raise scoop to form robot chest

Robot mode
H: 18cm W: 10.5cm D: 7.5cm
Points of articulation: 11
A good rendition of Bonecrusher's G1 cartoon model with additional silver paints on the chest and arms which greatly helps break up the blandness, as well as paying homage to the G1 toy (which the cartoon model omitted). Bonecrusher had two main head styles in the G1 cartoon; one with larger (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--WauyUHqYmI/T_DxmiPb83I/AAAAAAAAD4k/hoF6Boj1Fd4/s640/G1_Heavy_Metal_War_Hook_bonecrusher_long_haul.jpg) "ears (http://statici.behindthevoiceactors.com/behindthevoiceactors/_img/chars/char_504.jpg)," and the other with smaller (http://statici.behindthevoiceactors.com/behindthevoiceactors/_img/chars/char_10613.jpg) "ears (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/b/b6/Lineup.jpg)." This one has gone with the smaller "ears" version of the show model. The head, shoulders, elbows and knees are all on ball-and-socket joints, allowing for a free range of motion. The ankles are on swivel joints. Like many contemporary toys, it does use some "hollow" parts to reduce the amount of plastic used, but none of it really compromises the integrity of the toy, so it seems that HasTak are getting gooder in the use of hollow parts. Scavenger's weapon is a hand held missile launcher which forms Devastator's right hand. The missiles themselves aren't individually painted like in some promotional images. I just wish that the driver's cabin could swing back further rather than just sticking out behind the head.

Overall
One of the best Voyagers to come out in a long time, and for the equivalent price of a Deluxe! A really solid figure. Highly recommended. :)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/jaam_yum.gif

[Maruten]

Bonecrusher was one of my first TFs as a kid and the only Constructicon I had, so I'm more attached to him than the rest of Devastator's components. But I think he and Scavenger are the weakest in this set by a wide margin. Those tread legs... terrible! Scavenger looks slightly better because at least his legs are a different colour. But poor Bonecrusher. No.

[UltimateGalvatron]

Bonecrusher was one of my first TFs as a kid and the only Constructicon I had, so I'm more attached to him than the rest of Devastator's components. But I think he and Scavenger are the weakest in this set by a wide margin. Those tread legs... terrible! Scavenger looks slightly better because at least his legs are a different colour. But poor Bonecrusher. No.
I actually think they are the best:o IMO They are more MP then any of the other constructicons.

Just my 2c

[Maruten]

On the whole I'm happy with all of them -- the elbows aren't as big an issue as I expected.

Almost tempted to get a second set to display individually if he does hit wider retail down the track.

[GoktimusPrime]

Came across this variant which I suspect may be an earlier prototype. It basically features two shades of green; the regular lime green that we have on the standard release of the toy, and this weird "Shrek" green that just randomly appears in some places. It's much more noticeable IRL than in photos.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator_proto1_zpsai9qe28u.jpg

I was allowed to take the right hand from Scavenger from this set and swap it with the spare left hand from my store-bought Scavenger, so you can see that my Scavenger now has a "Shrek green" right fist.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator_proto2_zpsi5lyubha.jpg

[crankcase76]

Have you guys tried squeezing from the hips rather than the groin? When I first tried to transform him to robot mode, I squeezed at the groin, but then I tried again by squeezing the hips and was able to get that sucker to lock in. Once it does lock in, it's pretty tight.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/cw_bonecrusher_pelvis_zpsbind9dro.jpg
→← = groin; avoid squeezing here
→← = hips; squeeze here

I have this same problem, have tried the advise noted above but seems to be that the hooks that click together on mine are not long enough to hold together.:(. So just have to be careful while displaying him in robot mode.

[yoshi594]

devastator's back kibble...can that be reduced in anyway?

[Alpha Supreme]

I LOVE this figure... although I may say this about all the Transformers I buy :-/
Great Reviews Gok thank you.

[Bidoofdude]

devastator's back kibble...can that be reduced in anyway?

It's always been a part of Devastator's image, at least from the back. I don't see a way it could be reduced.

[GoktimusPrime]

devastator's back kibble...can that be reduced in anyway?
No, but it can be unlocked and lifted up if it's in the way. It's a damn sight better than the big backpack kibble on all of the AoE Leader Class Optimus Prime toys! :eek:

I LOVE this figure... although I may say this about all the Transformers I buy :-/
Great Reviews Gok thank you.
Thank you for your kind words, good sir. :)

I've noticed that some people have Scrapper slightly mistransformed on Devastator in some photos -- namely the driver's cabin. It should be turned 180 degrees so that it's facing towards the rear of the vehicle and the Decepticon logo is upside down. This locks Scrapper's legs more tightly and prevents them from dislodging when Devastator's leg is moving during play. :cool:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_devastator_tfscrapperleg_zpszhhvs4d5.jpg

[Nevac]

I've noticed that some people have Scrapper slightly mistransformed on Devastator in some photos -- namely the driver's cabin. It should be turned 180 degrees so that it's facing towards the rear of the vehicle and the Decepticon logo is upside down. This locks Scrapper's legs more tightly and prevents them from dislodging when Devastator's leg is moving during play. :cool:


While true I've noticed in your pics and others including mine that people haven't been bending Mixmaster's elbows in Devastator mode this allows Mixmaster to act as an ankle tilt giving greater stability to Devastator but does look a little off from the rear with his bent elbows.

[GoktimusPrime]

yeah, officially Mixmaster's elbows are meant to be bent for the reason you've described, but aesthetically I prefer to have them up. I personally find that it doesn't affect Mixmaster's stability as a leg (so far) ;)

[prjkt]

Well my collection just got devastated.

Just opened the box, transformed each into bot mode, then into combined form and put him together.

I have to say I'm very impressed at how the whole thing comes together, the way each leg is connected in four spots, same for Hook/Long Haul and the way the rear treads of each arm clip into Long Haul's arms, then the front chest plate secures the front treads into the torso, in addition to the main connection port. Designed really well, this is no, "quick on, quick off" CW quintet like the other combiners in the line, and it shows. Each bot is designed solely for the location on Devastator he takes, and it works really well.

On the other hand, it's clear that the bot modes were where most of the sacrifices had to be made, but overall, considering their size and cost per unit (~$33) I'm quite willing to forgive this, as they are HUGE in comparison to anything I've got apart from Metroplex. Definitely bigger than most voyagers I own, especially Long Haul, who, apart from Metroplex and Hexatron, is probably the biggest single Transformer I currently own.

[CoRDS]

While true I've noticed in your pics and others including mine that people haven't been bending Mixmaster's elbows in Devastator mode this allows Mixmaster to act as an ankle tilt giving greater stability to Devastator but does look a little off from the rear with his bent elbows.

it already has wicked good ankle tilt

[GoktimusPrime]

SCRAPPER

Stock photo (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/9/98/CombinerWarsScrapper.jpg)

Vehicle Mode
L:16.5cm W:8.5cm H:7cm
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_constructicon_scrapper01_zpsgezhozit.jpg
True to his G1 counterpart, CW Scrapper transforms into a predominantly lime green payloader. The vehicle is almost completely lime green with just some purple breaking it up in the middle, on the windows, as well as a Decepticon insignia tampographed on the roof of the driver's cabin. The wheels are all black with no painted hubcaps, which seems to be standard fare for Hasbro these days. :rolleyes: The scoop can swing up and down and also has joints in the middle of the arms. That's right, the scoop arms have elbows! :p

Transformation
* Swing arms out and push shoulders back
* Flip fists out
* Swing down underside panels beneath rear section of vehicle to reveal robot shins
* Flip down feet
* Swing rear section down to complete robot legs. Separate legs.
* Pull up robot head until it locks into position
* Swing back scoop and bend at 'elbows' until the scoop rests on back

Robot mode
H: 18cm up to top of scoop, 17cm to top of head W: 10cm D: 8cm
Points of articulation: 15
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_constructicon_scrapper02_zpsmb8q7f7k.jpg
Like other CW Constructicons, Scrapper is an excellent representation of his G1 cartoon model, with some details from the G1 toy thrown in for additional detailing. Now let's address the main point of contention here - the elbows. This toy actually does have elbow articulation, which allow the forearms to rotate. Looking at this photo of Unite Warriors Scrapper (http://i.tformers.com/g/generated/26902/116__scaled_600.jpg), it appears that TakaraTOMY have replaced the rotating elbow joint with a swivel joint, similar to that used on Scavenger and Hook. I can completely understand why the swivel joint would be preferable over the rotating joint, but I just want to clarify that the Hasbro version doesn't have less articulation, it just has different articulation on the elbow. I'll put it this way -- I'd rather have this than having elbows with fists aligned 90 degrees outwards that makes the elbow movement look weird (unless they're doing bicep curls), and thus impractical (I'm looking at you, Age of Extinction Strafe, Slash, Slog etc.!)

Overall
Okay, the elbows aren't the greatest, given that the arms do form load bearing heel spurs on Devastator, I can overlook it (I'm curious to see if/how the TakaraTOMY version will overcome this issue). Scrapper is still a really nice and solid Voyager class figure that's still pretty good value at a Deluxe price point. It's still a lot better value for money than say AoE Slog or Galvatron. Recommended.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/jaam_jaam.gif

[philby]

There are also silver and red paint apps on the back, giving the appearance of rear tail/brake lights, although I have no idea what a giant excavator would do with tail lights considering that they're not even road-worthy vehicles (they need to be transported on backs of trucks (http://s.mcstatic.com/thumb/2617840/10121002/4/flash_player/0/1/uploading_excavator_on_truck.jpg)). Ah well, I guess kids won't notice (the Constructicons drove around on roads in G1 and it never bothered me :p).


they drive around on site though so lights are still handy

[GoktimusPrime]

they drive around on site though so lights are still handy
Good point. :)

[philby]

Good point. :)

only 1/6th of devastator is more than enough for a bad day when visibility and communication aren't quite right!
http://www.vista-training.com/wp-blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/haul-truck-pickup-accident.jpg

[Verno]

An odd request, but could someone take a quick snap of him next to a Beast Wars toy so I can get an appreciation of how big this sucker is?

[prjkt]

sorry, no Beast Wars toys here, but here's a couple of other comparison shots.

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_3854.jpg

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_3852.jpg

[GoktimusPrime]

philby: Ouch, man. I bet that car's owner must've been crushed. :p


An odd request, but could someone take a quick snap of him next to a Beast Wars toy so I can get an appreciation of how big this sucker is?
Each Constructicon is about 18cm tall in robot mode, so the same height as Mega BW figures like Polar Claw or B'Boom.

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

MIXMASTER

Stock photos
Vehicle mode (http://news.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2015/02/CONSTRUCTICON-MIXMASTER-V_1423963393.jpg)
Robot mode (http://news.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2015/02/CONSTRUCTICON-MIXMASTER-R_1423963393.jpg)

Vehicle Mode
L:18cm W:8cm H:9cm

True to his G1 counterpart, CW Mixmaster transforms into a predominantly lime green cement mixer. They key departure is that while G1 Mixmaster was a rear-discharge mixer, CW Mixmaster is a forward-discharge mixer (http://www.constructionequipment.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_big_img/public/Terex%20Advance%20FDB6000.JPG?itok=pl-E4L4q). Both types of cement mixers exist in real life. The vehicle is mainly lime green with a big purple barrel which helps to break up the green, and is also accurate to the way that Mixmaster's barrel was coloured in the G1 cartoon. The windows are also purple, and there are silver and black highlights on the front grill. The wheels are all black with no painted hubcaps, although the fuel tanks and smoke stacks are painted silver.

Transformation
* Wriggle arms until they move out and up
* Fold cab section forward to form robot legs
* Separate legs
* Push back rear operator cab
* Open chest panel
* Fold up head
* Close chest panel
* Lock head onto shoulders

Robot mode
H:18cm W:9.5cm D:11cm
Points of articulation: 17
Like other CW Constructicons, Mixmaster is an excellent representation of his G1 cartoon model, with some details from the G1 toy thrown in for additional detailing. The way that the mixing barrel sticks out from behind gives Mixmaster the 'blender-butt' look. Perhaps Mixmaster is the great ancestor of Beast Wars Inferno.
"But Inferno was made from an Autobot-descendant Maximal protoform."
Shut up. Anyway, just as with the G1 character, there are many more colours to break up the lime green in this mode, mostly purple with some silver, black, red and gold highlights. I just wish that the missiles above the head were painted silver. And it seems that even TakaraTOMY have dropped the ball here (http://static.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1434822812_4.jpg) too. Mixmaster's blender bum can also assist with posing the toy, as it can act to help with balance, although the massive heel spurs on the back of Mixmasters foot really does allow Mixmaster to stand in most poses pretty well without needing to rely on additional support from his bottom. Okay, I'll stop making jokes about Mixmaster's cheeky barrel. ;)

Overall
One of the best Voyagers to come out in a long time, and for the equivalent price of a Deluxe! Highly recommended. :D
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/jaam_yum.gif

[philby]

for those that have him in hand now, can you see any particular reason why they changed the style of cement mixer for mixmaster?

[GoktimusPrime]

HOOK

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Classicsverse/compar_dev_hook_zpsjt2rrfhy.jpg
Stock photos
Vehicle mode (http://news.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2015/02/CONSTRUCTICON-HOOK-V_1423963336.jpg)
Robot mode (http://news.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2015/02/CONSTRUCTICON-HOOK-R_1423963336.jpg)

Vehicle Mode
L:15.5cm (17.5cm incl. hook) W:7cm H:6.5cm
True to his G1 counterpart, CW Hook transforms into a predominantly lime green crane with a purple centre and windows, as well as a silver hook and headlights. Unlike the G1 toy, the rear crane operator's cabin section cannot swivel and the crane arm is not extendable, although it can swing up and down.

Transformation
* Swing out shin panels
* Flip feet out
* Separate front cab section and lower to complete legs. Connect shin tabs with slots in legs.
* Lower arms and flip fists out
* Lower rear vehicle section until it connects with back and rests above shoulders

Robot mode
H:18cm W:9.5cm D:11cm
Points of articulation: 15
Red visor aside, CW Hook is the most G1 toy accurate of the CW Constructicons, drawing more from the original toy's design than the simplified cartoon model. Then again, one could argue that the cartoon model was the most toy-accurate, so there's little need for HasTak designers to depart from the G1 toy's aesthetic. The lower legs are the biggest departure from Hook's G1 design, as the front section of the vehicle is now rearward facing instead of front facing. The robot mode presents a lot more colour than the vehicle, with more purple on the body, as well as red, black, gold and silver highlights throughout. Looking at Unite Warriors Glen (http://static.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1434774497_3.jpg), TakaraTOMY appear to have added some more silver highlights, most notably on the shins. I personally prefer the Hasbro version, although I can totally understand TakTOM's decision to give Glen silver shins, as it does make him more G1 cartoon accurate (http://i.ytimg.com/vi/xyWuj-zkx3I/hqdefault.jpg) in appearance.

Overall
One of the best Voyagers to come out in a long time, and for the equivalent price of a Deluxe! Highly recommended. :D
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/jaam_yum.gif


for those that have him in hand now, can you see any particular reason why they changed the style of cement mixer for mixmaster?
I think that it may have been easier to do in order to allow Mixmaster to be an articulated figure in robot mode, and to form a solid and stable foot for Devastator.

[GoktimusPrime]

As mentioned here (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=479956#post479956), Hook and Mixmaster's elbows can actually rotate left-right as well as swing up and down! :D I'm gonna have to amend my reviews to add 2 more points of articulation to each of 'em!
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Combiner%20Wars/cw_constructicon_hook01_zpsol2drvjw.jpg

[GoktimusPrime]

LONG HAUL

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Classicsverse/compar_dev_longhaul_zps788rpqhc.jpg
Stock photos
Vehicle mode (http://news.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2015/02/CONSTRUCTICON-LONG-HAUL-V_1423963336.jpg)
Robot mode (http://news.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2015/02/CONSTRUCTICON-LONG-HAUL-R_1423963336.jpg)

Vehicle Mode
Long Haul dwarfs his fellow Constructicons at an imposing 18.5cm (L) 14.5cm (W) and 10cm (H), he's actually the size of an Ultra Class figure rather than a Voyager. True to his G1 counterpart, CW Long Haul transforms into a predominantly lime green rigid dump truck (as used in mining and heavy construction) with purple windows and fuel tanks, as well as some black and silver highlights.

Transformation
* Swing fuel tanks (forearms) out
* Detach front grill section and lift shoulders up
* Swing entire lower section of toy down and click front bonnet/grill section to form chest
* Rotate waist 180 degrees
* Flip feet out
* Lower tray and lock into back
* Raise head

Robot mode
H:20cm W:17.5cm D:13cm
Points of articulation: 12
Not surprisingly, Long Haul is by far the largest of the Constructicons in robot mode, also being closer to the size of an Ultra figure rather than a Voyager. Like the other CW Constructicons, Long Haul's aesthetics is a fusion between the G1 toy and cartoon model, with the head being directly modelled and coloured like the show model (http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/1/11002/235327-56194-long-haul.jpg). Long Haul's robot mode retains more lime green than any other Constructicon, mostly because the purple core of the body is covered. But G1 Long Haul was always the greenest anyway. There are additional silver and red highlights added in this mode. Visually, Long Haul does have 'thunder thighs,' but that's because his legs become Devastator's thighs, unlike G1 Long Haul who entirely depended on that purple connector piece to connect him with Scrapper and Mixmaster. It also allows Devastator to have actual thighs as he did (https://public.dm2302.livefilestore.com/y2pnHU-Mv35pTiTIpeNflakpxM_xHwBL8KZX4u9mSBbxdBz56n6ehyp_q IJojQ64rynkWxI2leLS1FNkDn1zzKSRRw6x0dWd_XP80ZMxA_A H5I/Devastator_toon.jpg?rdrts=97546243) in the G1 cartoon (https://media3.giphy.com/media/UrRC4BtuUNF9S/200_s.gif).

Overall
One of the best Voyagers to come out in a long time, and for the equivalent price of a Deluxe at the size of an Ultra! :eek: Highly recommended. :D
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/jaam_yum.gif

[Maruten]

Man, I do love these guys, but with the compromises they made for Devastator's structural integrity, they do not in any way match real Voyagers!

[prjkt]

Man, I do love these guys, but with the compromises they made for Devastator's structural integrity, they do not in any way match real Voyagers!

Same can be said of the CW Deluxes, but I'm ok with it, considering the average retail for a voyager class figure here is $40-50, and we only paid ~$33 per constructicon

[GoktimusPrime]

Man, I do love these guys, but with the compromises they made for Devastator's structural integrity, they do not in any way match real Voyagers!
I respectfully disagree. I find that these Constructicons are far superior to some recent Voyagers such as:
* AoE Galvatron
* AoE Grimlock
* AoE Slog
* TFP Dreadwing
* TFP Skyquake
* TFP Thundertron
* TFP Shockwave
* DotM Shockwave
* TFPBH Optimus Prime

And they can combine, which always affects engineering/design. And as prjkt has rightly pointed out, they're better value for money too. I feel that I'm getting way more bang for my buck paying just $3 above full RRP for a Deluxe for 6 Voyagers, one of which (Long Haul) is really the size of an Ultra ($70 @ full RRP).

So even if you think that they're lacklustre Voyagers (and one Ultra), you've only paid $33 for each, as opposed to say paying $50 for a regular lacklustre Voyager. :o

[Maruten]

I agree they're phenomenal value -- when a Defensor at local retail will take you to $170 (or $190 if you add Legends Groove), Devastator is amazing bang for your buck.

And I should have been more specific, you're right, some of those Voyagers you list are pretty sad. It's hard to compare the fiddly, messy TFP and AoE toys (many of which I love) with the new clean, mellow CW designs.

But if I put the CW Constructicons next to Hot Spot or Cyclonus, the real Voyagers win by a pretty big margin in my opinion.

The Constructicons are trapped in a weird position -- they're basically Voyager size, but I think engineering-wise, they feel more like... upscaled Deluxes? And yet then you get to the elbows and some of them are outperformed by Legions.

I absolutely understand the choices they made at the expense of the individual bots in order to ensure that Devastator was solid. I went from "buying this for sure" at first announcement, to "individual robot modes are not good enough for me to bite" to "thank god I bought this".

Seriously tempted to get a second when he's more widely available, because I don't want to have to choose between modes for display.

What an absolutely shockingly great time to be a TF fan. Here's to Sky Lynx!

[drifand]

With PC listing for $209 isn't it a taco girl situation? Why not have both takara and hasbro

[GoktimusPrime]

The Constructicons are trapped in a weird position -- they're basically Voyager size, but I think engineering-wise, they feel more like... upscaled Deluxes? And yet then you get to the elbows and some of them are outperformed by Legions.
I personally think that they're a lot better than just being 'upsized Deluxes,' but even if that's how you feel about it, you're only paying about the price of a Deluxe for each of them anyway. So even at worst, they're still reasonably good value. :)

With PC listing for $209 isn't it a taco girl situation? Why not have both takara and hasbro
Because I can use that $209 to buy many more other toys that I don't have rather than a variation of something I already own. :p I take your point, if you are going to get a second Devastator, then by all means get one a TakaraTOMY one for close to the same price as a local Hasbro one. :D

[Zommael]

Another thing to point out is just because a toy is upsized from a smaller size class doesn't necessarily make it a bad toy. Cybertron Starscream lacked the effort put in to make it both better and larger, but compare for instance TFP Ultra Magnus and Cyberverse Ultra Magnus. Or the upscaled Beast Hunters Voyagers; both end up being very big, very well put-together toys, with substantial improvements over their smaller original designs. So upscaling doesn't necessarily mean bad at all.

[drifand]

This toy is great but it also shattered any hope for a mp combiner. Therefore I take it as Takara is not looking at mp combiner in a long run.

This is as close as it gets.

I am thinking if they ever did a Titan omega supreme as well it would be within the same boat.

How many are now thinking they should have bought the takara one as is only $10 more?

[MayzaPrime]

How many are now thinking they should have bought the takara one as is only $10 more?

Does that include postage and currency conversion? If so I should have waited. :o

[prjkt]

Excluding postage, but that's the Aus preorder price from PC from the looks of it.

I'm happy with the Hasbro version. Sure, some more articulation in Bot mode would be nice, but I'm never going to display them as such, and I won't have to wait until Dec :) - saying that I totally understand the want to have what Takara is offering.

As for comparing them to the other voyagers, I only have three of those listed by Goki - AoE Grimlock, Slog and TFP Thundertron. I like all of them to a point, but even saying that, I think the Constructicons pull of their transformations so much better - each of those three I listed are only decent in one more (and decent is pushing it for Slog) but the Constructicons are excellent in vehicle and combined mode, and for the most part pretty damn good in bot mode too.

I'll say it again, but I feel I got a bargain at the price we paid.

[millhouse]

I've ordered a Takara one. I cannot understand the appeal of the SDCC one (besides the different head sculpt). The vac-metal applications have always looked tacky to me.

Fingers crossed for a local one too, in which case Takara will be individual robots.

[GoktimusPrime]

I've ordered a Takara one. I cannot understand the appeal of the SDCC one (besides the different head sculpt). The vac-metal applications have always looked tacky to me.
You can slap the ugliest^weirdest colours on a toy, make it a limited exclusive, and people will scramble to get one like a flock of pigeons fighting over bread crumbs. :p Case in point (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=21121)... ;) Not that SDCC Devastator is that "unique," but yeah... :p

[millhouse]

Yeah, but I own YOTG Soundwave and Linkin Park Soundwave. Both ugly, ugly toys.

[drifand]

Does that include postage and currency conversion? If so I should have waited. :o

Is free postage so is inclusive.

[Nonalyth]

I have to say, I kind of feel like they would have been better as deluxes as well. I mean I understand the appeal of Devastator being huge, but at the same time the deluxe size class would have helped lessen some of the more glaring concessions while letting him stand better with the rest of the CW figures.

Then again I have no idea how titan wars is going to turn out, so it might all make sense in the end.

[doublespy]

Had more time to mess with him today. I feel like writing a lengthy, proper review now cause there's just so much about him I wanna comment on. But in short, I feel like he's well worth the $200.

One thing I noticed though is that when the legs are straight, the two feet are not in the same plain; with the shovel properly tabbed in place, it makes the right foot to tilt forward ever so slightly compared to the left foot. I've checked and checked, the hip joints are in the same click, knee joint are set straight and I made sure Long Haul's knee joints are straight as well. This makes it a bit annoying when posing him. Sometimes I bend the two legs to the exactly same angle, and end up with left foot firmly planted, but the right "toe" (shovel) barely touching the ground. Possibly it's a combination of the asymmetry in the hip joint construction on my copy, wiggle room between clicks of the ratchet joints, and the way they designed Scrapper...

Anyone else have this issue?

[GoktimusPrime]

Anyone else have this issue?
Nope (http://otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=480722&postcount=2827) :confused:

[5FDP]

I don't have this issue either. Mine is displayed with both feet firmly on the ground.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Well after reading 9 pages of reviews i don't really think there is much I can add. Loving the vehicle modes, loving the robot modes, REALLY loving the combined mode! Just thinking this is a great set of toys and an awesome figure! :D

Only slightly negative thing I could say was I had a little trouble with Scavenger. Opened the jolly green giant in front of my wifes rellies so had so show I coud transform them all without the instructions. Only problem was Scavenger - for some reason his hip and torso were really stuck together and I could tell they should come apart. In the end I had to get a butter knife to make them separate.




One thing I noticed though is that when the legs are straight, the two feet are not in the same plain; with the shovel properly tabbed in place, it makes the right foot to tilt forward ever so slightly compared to the left foot. I've checked and checked, the hip joints are in the same click, knee joint are set straight and I made sure Long Haul's knee joints are straight as well. This makes it a bit annoying when posing him. Sometimes I bend the two legs to the exactly same angle, and end up with left foot firmly planted, but the right "toe" (shovel) barely touching the ground. Possibly it's a combination of the asymmetry in the hip joint construction on my copy, wiggle room between clicks of the ratchet joints, and the way they designed Scrapper...

Anyone else have this issue?

Yes I've had this issue too. Sometimes I've had to push Scrappers fists out to make him balance properly.

[prjkt]

Yeah I hear you on Scavenger, mine took a fair bit of force to split that groin area the first time, and still isn't the easiest to separate now, after a dozen or so transformations

[Trent]

Opened the jolly green giant in front of my wifes rellies so had so show I coud transform them all without the instructions.

Well, that should have no doubt reaffirmed to them the man that you are and that they absolutely made the right decision in letting you marry their daughter :p

[RCguy]

I am so jealous of this, I have always wanted Devastator and so happy he is back. $200 is steep though!

[MayzaPrime]

I am so jealous of this, I have always wanted Devastator and so happy he is back. $200 is steep though!

Actually $200 is reasonable for 6 voyager sized figures it works out to be $33 each figure. Normally voyagers at Aussie retail are between $45 - $50 each...

[Sinnertwin]

Well, that should have no doubt reaffirmed to them the man that you are and that they absolutely made the right decision in letting you marry their daughter :p

ha! :D
10 points.

[drahsrebu]

Got this guy last week and managed to get 20% off!!

WOW THIS GUY IS AMAZING!!

I'm willing to say he's the figure of the year for me, and I've bought just about all hastak releases so far.
Love him so much I'll be keeping my takara order, I'll be getting that add on so I can have prowlstator and devastator. :)

[Winstor]

Anyone else going to wait for the Unite Warrior release from Takara? Heard it has slightly better articulation with some of the individual bots and posable feet/ankles in combiner mode.

[Bidoofdude]

Anyone else going to wait for the Unite Warrior release from Takara? Heard it has slightly better articulation with some of the individual bots and posable feet/ankles in combiner mode.

It does. Long Haul and Scrapper have elbows, guns for the robots, and a face that can change from visor to eyes.

[UltraMarginal]

Anyone else going to wait for the Unite Warrior release from Takara? Heard it has slightly better articulation with some of the individual bots and posable feet/ankles in combiner mode.

I am, I have a pre-order paid for, now I'm just waiting.

[philby]

so i got my takara version the other day, so far i've only transformed them from vehicle to robot but i love the colours and the details :) a couple of small gripes though, the ball joints on my Scavenger's hips/legs are pretty loose and it was REALLY difficult separating the legs on Scrapper. It was so difficult that when they finally came apart i think a sliver of plastic on the tab has peeled off or something, it looks a bit damaged :( it was a real pain joining the legs/groin area on Bonecrusher too. Despite that I love the heft, details and articulation. Each one is almost as tall as superion! I want to try a couple of poses and photos before i merge them.

[GoktimusPrime]

Despite that I love the heft, details and articulation. Each one is almost as tall as superion! I want to try a couple of poses and photos before i merge them.
Yeah, despite the use of hollowed out plastic, the Constructicons actually have a decent level of mass. According to BWTF's review (http://www.bwtf.com/toyreviews/generations/sdcc/hook), Hook weighs in at 176g, compared to Generations Springer who weighs 147g with his weapons! These are really satisfying Voyagers, and the fact that they can combine into a gestalt makes 'em even sweeter. :D

This is what the Revenge of the Fallen Constructicons should have been like. :rolleyes:

[Zommael]

Yeah, despite the use of hollowed out plastic, the Constructicons actually have a decent level of mass. According to BWTF's review (http://www.bwtf.com/toyreviews/generations/sdcc/hook), Hook weighs in at 176g, compared to Generations Springer who weighs 147g with his weapons! These are really satisfying Voyagers, and the fact that they can combine into a gestalt makes 'em even sweeter. :D

This is what the Revenge of the Fallen Constructicons should have been like. :rolleyes:

Weighing Transformers has to be the single worst way I can think of to classify them as satisfying. I don't own Springer, but I certainly wouldn't say that his remould, Sandstorm, is less "satisfying" than Hook, a very simple toy. Why are some collectors so obsessed with how much their toys weigh despite the differences in construction and engineering between toy lines?

[Borgeman]

Weighing Transformers has to be the single worst way I can think of to classify them as satisfying. I don't own Springer, but I certainly wouldn't say that his remould, Sandstorm, is less "satisfying" than Hook, a very simple toy. Why are some collectors so obsessed with how much their toys weigh despite the differences in construction and engineering between toy lines?

The only thing I would say the weight might signify is the thickness (and potentially) the durability of the plastic used, which could give it a more satisfying feel when held, because you're not holding it like a piece of glass for example.

[drifand]

Weighing Transformers has to be the single worst way I can think of to classify them as satisfying. I don't own Springer, but I certainly wouldn't say that his remould, Sandstorm, is less "satisfying" than Hook, a very simple toy. Why are some collectors so obsessed with how much their toys weigh despite the differences in construction and engineering between toy lines?

Because you pay top dollar. You shouldn't expect cheap light plastic.
If you collect other toys, you would have a better understanding why.

[millhouse]

Because you pay top dollar. You shouldn't expect cheap light plastic.
If you collect other toys, you would have a better understanding why.

A light toy has zero to do with engineering costs. Material costs, yes, but nothing in terms of the intricacy, design considerations, licensing etc.

Your comment is a complete moot point apart from in the vaguest of discussions.

[Zommael]

Because you pay top dollar. You shouldn't expect cheap light plastic.
If you collect other toys, you would have a better understanding why.

I do collect other toy lines, and the pricing for Transformers is hardly "top dollar". If I were willing to pay the $100 plus prices expected these days for Play Arts Kai figures, I would expect generally better construction than I typically see with them. To go further, I have never had any issue with plastic quality with Transformers. To be quite honest, the logic that suggests weight and plastic quality are a measure of the quality of a toy would suggest a well-made ABS plastic brick is a better toy than CW Devastator. It wouldn't be and isn't.

What I look for in a Transformer is engineering and design; design being the artistic and appearance related facets of a toy, and engineering being the practical work used to put that in place. What fans who talk about weight don't seem to get is that better engineering leads to stronger toys (or products in general, really) that weigh less. That's why Generations Metroplex weighs less than G1 Fortress Maximus despite being on just about every level the better toy.

But even with modern lines, for some figures, the design and engineering will mean that it weighs less than another toy in the same size class. Case in point, Generations Springer (or Sandstorm, as it's the nearest comparison I have) and CW Hook (or just about any of the Devastator components). The constructions are very simple toys with limited articulation and easy transformation, whose primary design feature is the combination into Devastator. On the other hand, the Springstorm mould is a highly articulated figure which transforms into two separate relatively convincing alt modes. Taken on their own, I'd have to say Sandstorm is the better figure; it has better detailing, is better engineered with all the articulation, looks nicer in robot mode, etc - none of which is to say Hook is a bad toy, because it's not, just not as good as Sandstorm. In this case, Sandstorm weighing less isn't an aspect of the quality so much as it is a facet of the engineering; the Combiner Wars Constructicons in general need the extra strength that comes from weight to support one another as Devastator, but that doesn't mean Sandstorm is made of pixie dust or that Hasbro skimped out on quality when designing it.

Weight is a bad measure of quality because numerous other features go into the manufacture of toys. We should assess them based on how well-designed and engineered they are, not how much they weigh.

[drifand]

A light toy has zero to do with engineering costs. Material costs, yes, but nothing in terms of the intricacy, design considerations, licensing etc.

Your comment is a complete moot point apart from in the vaguest of discussions.

Sorry light weight does have things to do with engineering. Material like you said are all part of the engineering. Putting too much weight isn't great either, putting weight in the wrong areas is also bad engineering.
I didn't come into this thread to have a dispute, I only explain why some people feel that way.< I didn't say anyone is right or wrong, is how people expect when you throw some money into it.

Zero factor? Afraid not.

Masterpiece paper prime for $100?
Yeah okay

[Lint]

Because you pay top dollar. You shouldn't expect cheap light plastic.
If you collect other toys, you would have a better understanding why.

I actually kinda appreciate the trend moving towards lighter toys. Remember how clunky a Voyager toy was from 5+ years ago? Anything with a backpack would pretty much fall over backwards unless it had ridiculously oversized heel spurs.

Lighter toys helps with balance and hence the stability of dynamic poses. Sadly they've also cut back on the number of joints/parts which absolutely ruins pose ability. What do they have against wrist joints?

I think CW Devastator would benefit from a lighter mass and stronger joints: at least for Hook, Bonecrusher and Scavenger. The weight makes outstretched limbs sag. But hey, a Devy of that scale is an achievement in itself and progress is always in baby steps.

[millhouse]

What do they have against wrist joints?

Cost would be my assumption. That and potential for choking hazards/child safety standards across multiple markets.

[drifand]

Well if you let ages 1-3 play with this, then it sure answers a lot of questions about materials, weight and a whole different category.

I think the toy is fine if you paid rrp for it. Sure a lot of things can be better but this is not a masterpiece.

As for weight of this toy, is exactly what I expected. And I am not saying it should be lighter or heavier.

[Smint]

I think he's far from MP quality but combined he's super impressive. Great articulation, solid joints, well proportioned and aesthetically hes very pretty.

The individual figures are a disappointment. Mixmaster is borderline G1 quality. Elbows are awful. None of the transformations are particularly clever. Scrapper is the only one that comes remotely near MP in terms of articulation and proportions. Everyone else just looks a bit weird.

But all those issues dont worry me, i bought it for Devy and as Devy im satisfied with him as much as one of my MP's.

[philby]

i just put it all together, this thing is huge lol

[canofwhoopass_87]

i just put it all together, this thing is huge lol

Yeah me too! Devastator is massive.

Loving the G1 homage, especially the head sculpts. The figures feel solid, but with a good balance of weight that allows greater movement and more poses.

As much as I enjoy the set, it would've been nice if the crane arm on hook could be detracted (sticks out a bit too much in combined mode) and the chest wing parts featured different plug ins (rather than peg holes that feel like they're going to snap when I pull the wing apart).

I have the TakTom UW set and for an extra $10 the significant improvements in design and paint apps as well as additional accessories are well worth it.

On a side note - I think "Not even interested" should be removed as a voting option on a toy review poll. Aren't we all here to vote on a toy that we've actually purchased and discussing design/quality etc? Seems like a redundant voting option. Doesn't add much value if some people aren't even interested in buying the reviewed toy in question :confused:

[UltraMarginal]

I haven't assembled Devastator yet, but I've finally over the course of the week transformed them all into robot mode. I too really like the G1 head sculpts and the extra articulation lends to much more dynamic pose ability I feel. I love the metallic silver highlights across the team.

while they are sometimes quite simple in transformation, I'm very impressed with the elegance of the design so far. I too feel that the extra $10 and 2 month wait ( I never saw one at the mid year sale) is well worth the extra elements of the UW version. The corner of the coffee table is a little crowded at the moment. I like the G1 guns much more than the chest shield component guns.

[TAAUBlaster]

Just got to my UW Dev today and I really like his combined mode. The single bot modes are ok (I like the face sculpts) but thing like Hook's crane and Mixmaster's backpack are really poor designs. I reckon Hook's crane would have benefited from an extra snap hinge about half way along. That way it could fold up in bot mode, and fold down onto the back of Devastator's shoulder when in combined mode.

Another thing on mine, were Scrapper's new hinged elbows. I put quite a lot of force into trying to unclip them, but they wouldn't budge even a little. It got to the point where I was putting enough pressure trying to release the clip, that the swivel joint plastic was actually bending (but luckily no stress marks.) So I gave up after that. :(

[GoktimusPrime]

Another thing on mine, were Scrapper's new hinged elbows. I put quite a lot of force into trying to unclip them, but they wouldn't budge even a little. It got to the point where I was putting enough pressure trying to release the clip, that the swivel joint plastic was actually bending (but luckily no stress marks.) So I gave up after that. :(
So does this mean that his elbows are really hard to bend? If so, I suspect that it may be to make his arms more solid as load-bearing heel struts for Devastator (which is why I think Hasbro didn't bother having them in the first place).

[TAAUBlaster]

I don't know if it is the elbow hinge or not. But I just can't get mine to unclip in the first place. It won't budge at all. I tried again just now, and its "deforming" the plastic when I try to bend it. Not comfortable putting any more pressure than that on it.

I haven't seen it mentioned in any reviews - which if it was a design thing it would be on almost everyone's UW Dev.

[doublespy]

The upper arms (where the wheels clip on), are made in a different, more bendier plastic, and are designed to take some angular load when you use the ankle rocker. The Hasbro version uses the same plastic. Pretty sure you can force a little bit to un-clip the forearms. Grab the elbow where the hinge is and apply firm force. Mine was the same at first, after a couple times they work just find now.

[TAAUBlaster]

I've tried using a few different grabbing points, but they elbows are just stuck and won't move. And for a $200 odd figure, I don't want to risk breaking it. :o

[doublespy]

Since the plastic can flex, the chances of breaking are low, as long as you apply force on the right place to protect the hinge.

Then again, I feel your pain. It is the uncomfortable combination of flex + rigid plastic with a strong clip in the middle. Any force you apply the soft plastic will bend first.

[Smint]

It's tight but the plastic is flexible. I think if you bend it slowly there's actually more chance of doing damage to it because the plastic spends more time in that flexed position. That's my theory anyway.

Once i had a feel of how it bends i just quickly snap it at the joint.