Toy Review - Titans Return Fortress Maximus

[Krayt]

Yeah, yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should.

FORTRESS MAXIMUS
Series - Titan Wars
Sub-line - none
Size/class - Titan
New/remould/redeco – Remould of Generations Metroplex
Wave - 1
Released here - May 2016
Approximate Retail Price – $369.95 (Myer)
Approximate Size - 60cm
Allegiance - Autobot
Alt-mode - Space Cruiser or City
Main Features/Gimmicks - Headmaster, Sound chip, Size
Main Colours – Blue, Grey, Red, White
Main Accessories – Cerebros, Emissary, 2 shin guns (detachable for hand guns), Black weapons emplacement (hand gun for Cerebros) Helipad gun emplacement


Vehicle Mode
The space cruiser mode stays faithful t othe original, except the ratchets are too loose... Try and fly and he takes on properties of the 12 letter without warning is it a bird? Is it a plane? No.... It's a flying L!!!


City Mode
Looks like the 1987 pack in catalogue was the only piece of reference material given to the Redesigner of this guy. We have a perfect recreation of the advertised 3rd mode, and Fort Max is now able to be displayed as intended!

Robot Mode
Be honest.... This is why you will get Fort Max. As a robot, he delivers, and has been changed enough from Metroplex you can forget try are the same base. This has been done in amazingly subtle ways.... Lower legs the same, but hip spin puts left on right side, right on left side. Wheels were removed, and replaced with a kids shoe with hidden rollers thingy I should have mentioned in vehicle mode. The Arm Ramps? These are repositioned Metro leg ramps. The chest/body is new.... But for some reason, the mechanism to move Metroplex's arm to rear tower mode is still there and functional. Oh, this is on the other side as well.... Don't know why, but they just spun his whole top 180 degrees....


Heads
Cerebros is AMAZING!!! Finally a comics/tv version with good proportions, that isn't just a weird head with tech counter display in chest. Now he is a good looking head with sound and battery compartment hidden in head. FMs horns are no longer on the legs, and knees now bend properly. A nice update. Emissary is like a pre-serum Steve Rodgers, but the Cerbros head is perfect.

Biggest issue.... You have to spin Emissarys head 180 for attachment... Don't know why. And surely it wouldn't have broken the budget to fold Cerbros hands away.... They show just above the head nomatter what.... At least this guy will live on high and won't be seen due to height.

Transformation
Decapitate. Raise rear ramp. Push over. Flail arms towards the sky as he falls. At some stage, rotate centre tower halves into position. Tickle toes until in position.

When parked, do splits.

Not noted in the instructions, shin guns are detachable and hand grips fold down for handgun mode.

Overall
Typical city brick.... But so was the original. But you know what?.... You want it. Some how you'll get it...articulation upgrades make it way more playable than G1... But they just don't make homes (or cities) like they used too...

[VERT]

I noticed with mine that if you open that arm that is a metroplex leftover. You will find a big open space. You can use it as a jail for decepticon little headmaster guys. Like G1 Max had a jail.

[Krayt]

Had the same thought....

Hey... How's the clip that holds on your leg/wheel cover blue thingy on the helipad side? Mine unclipped first time, and has scrapped off the tiny micron of plastic that was locking it in place.

And did you notice the gun handles?

[Deonasis]

Just saw a semi-G1 toy base mode.. http://news.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/05/Hasbro-TW-Titan-Returns-053.jpg

Is this layout with the legs upright any good or unstable as heck?

[Krayt]

Tried one leg.... Beyond unstable. Need a rear shot to work out how they did it vertical, the ratchets can't take any weight

Edit....

Ok, spin upper leg 90 degrees to allow a couple of clicks past verticals, and weight pulls leg back to near vertical. But waist has no support, so is floppy side to side, and nothing to lock in the back of the legs, so these flop around in the breeze...

[BigTransformerTrev]

Nice review - can't wait to collect mine! :)

Some generous bugger was able to get me one at nearly half price - it's just sitting at a mates place in Melb waiting for me to collect ;)

[davieanix]

The blue pieces on the back of his legs do seem to want to pop out a little on mine too Krayt. I tried taking them off to apply the stickers, which I don't think I should have done.

[VERT]

Yeah the blue bits like to pop off on one leg. Gun handles? Where? Im thinking of getting some better springs for the ratchet joints.

[Krayt]

Yeah the blue bits like to pop off on one leg. Gun handles? Where? Im thinking of getting some better springs for the ratchet joints.

Both shin guns have connectors like the helipad does, but on both sides. So pull out from the leg and under neath is a gun handle.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Is he compatible with Perfect Effect Warden?

[VERT]

Hey thanks. Just found the gun handles :)

[GoktimusPrime]

The poll options appear to be gauging people's interest/anticipation in the toy rather than their opinion of the toy itself. None of these options appear to give people the option of voting on whether people think that this toy is worth buying or not. JMHO.

[Krayt]

The poll options appear to be gauging people's interest/anticipation in the toy rather than their opinion of the toy itself. None of these options appear to give people the option of voting on whether people think that this toy is worth buying or not. JMHO.

Looked at all poll options, including your own, and they are all done the same way.... Open your narrow mind and interpret "will it be on your top shelf" as " is it worth buying"

Interpret the parental voice as a "no"

[doublespy]

Loved the review. Honest and on point.:D

[Maruten]

My opinion is coloured by never having seen Metroplex in the flesh, but I think Fort Max is amazing. There's a huge amount of fun to be had just with Cerebros and Emmissary. Even at dreadful Myer prices this is a purchase I feel was worthwhile.

Bring on the rest of TR because this Headmaster gimmick is just brilliantly executed.

[GoktimusPrime]

My opinion is coloured by never having seen Metroplex in the flesh, but I think Fort Max is amazing. There's a huge amount of fun to be had just with Cerebros and Emmissary. Even at dreadful Myer prices this is a purchase I feel was worthwhile.
Or one could wait a few weeks and buy it from Big W for $160 odd less. :o I wonder why they called the smallest Headmaster unit "Emissary" instead of Spike, because we know that Hasbro still holds the trademark for "Spike Witwicky" from Dark of the Moon.

[Krayt]

The Emissary was the name for Cerebros in RID... So maybe it's linked to the trademarks.... Or maybe just a nice nod without causing a "you called it spike? But it's Galen!!!" Fight

[MayzaPrime]

The Emissary was the name for Cerebros in RID... So maybe it's linked to the trademarks.... Or maybe just a nice nod without causing a "you called it spike? But it's Galen!!!" Fight

Beat me to the punch, I have been watching RID with the kids lately and thought that it was pretty cool that the headmaster component was called Emissary... :D

[GoktimusPrime]

Beat me to the punch, I have been watching RID with the kids lately and thought that it was pretty cool that the headmaster component was called Emissary... :D
I get the reference, but it doesn't make sense to me. Imagine if Combiner Wars Swindle was called "Rollbar" as a homage to RiD, but still looked like Swindle and the rest of the Combaticons kept their G1 names. :eek: JMO

[MayzaPrime]

I get the reference, but it doesn't make sense to me. Imagine if Combiner Wars Swindle was called "Rollbar" as a homage to RiD, but still looked like Swindle and the rest of the Combaticons kept their G1 names. :eek: JMO

If it means that we get a Ruination repaint then I would be all for it :p

[Krayt]

I get the reference, but it doesn't make sense to me. Imagine if Combiner Wars Swindle was called "Rollbar" as a homage to RiD, but still looked like Swindle and the rest of the Combaticons kept their G1 names. :eek: JMO

It would be like taking a heroic character failing a simple translation by warping it's classic and well known personality into your own personal fan fiction, just coz that's what a couple of badly edited comics have done in recent times

[Fungal Infection]

Anyone know where the gun he's holding on the box art, is located??

[Krayt]

Anyone know where the gun he's holding on the box art, is located??

In the mind of the artist.....

[VERT]

In the mind of the artist.....

LOL:D

[Megatran]

(It's Titans Return)

[Krayt]

(It's Titans Return)

Stupid running changes! You think I spent time reading the box? It got hidden from the wife in record time!

Plus I poured over the initial sdcc pics or leak or whatever it was that called it Titan wars... So that's stuck in the Ol' memory banks

[Handsprime]

Anyone know where the gun he's holding on the box art, is located??

Yeah it seems old how he's holding a gun in the art, but he doesn't include on at all.
And based on older images of him, I don't think he had a gun in the first place. Apparently you can take out the cannons in his legs, but I want a giant gun to shoot all the lil decepticons trying to dismantle him :p

UPDATE: Apparently there is a gun that can be used by Cerebros. It's the gun that the Titan masters can use in City mode.

[Megatran]

Is Generations (Titan class) Metroplex still the 'Biggest Autobot Ever'? That is, tallest figure? It's hard to tell from this pic (http://hobby.dengeki.com/ss/hobby/uploads/2016/05/DSC_2393.jpg).

[Handsprime]

Is Generations (Titan class) Metroplex still the 'Biggest Autobot Ever'? That is, tallest figure? It's hard to tell from this pic (http://hobby.dengeki.com/ss/hobby/uploads/2016/05/DSC_2393.jpg).

Fort max is slightly taller (from head to feet)

[Sutton]

So opened him up today, and got to say he's a bit disappointing, and not just in the ways that you can see in the pictures.

The build quality doesn't seem as high as Metroplex for starters. Getting Cerebros into his 'tower slot' for the alt modes is a bit frustrating, and both alt modes look quite incomplete without him in there, meaning opportunity to have Cerebros himself out on display is a bit limited.

The feet/toes are difficult to lock in place in alt mode, and don't sit flush with the floor - that means they spend a lot of time not properly locked into place hanging at an odd angle. For that reason alone, the fan-made G1 Fortress Mode is actually more secure once you set it up nicely.

There's also no denying that both alt modes are a robot lying down, or a robot lying down doing the splits. The shared engineering between Metroplex and Fort is also a little odd - the legs retain the ability to splay open like on Metroplex, but for no purpose whatsoever (except for the marginally more satisfying fan mode). Also, the right arm still has the ratched hinge for it to become the tower behind Metro's helicopter pad. It has no function here at all (can't even fan mode it!). Seems like a waste of materials that could have been better used to have the legs transform more.

Another annoying thing is that Fort's hands are pinned this time. Some might see that as an improvement, but it was quite useful being able to easily remove Metro's hands and therefore improve the look of City mode. At least Fort's are coloured the same as the arms and blend better.

As it is, I can only recommend Fort Max for completist CHUG fans. I wouldn't recommend it as a fun toy for kids either, which Metroplex was. Here's hoping that Hasbro does a better job on Trypticon!

[Dimi194]

Some thoughts after getting this guy today:

1. SO BIG! I don't have Metroplex so I had no idea what to expect, but his size is just awesome! And the massive ratchets mean I've no issues getting him into poses (it's more the weight that's the issue).

2. Doesn't need all the stickers, but they do make him pop, especially the Autobot logo ones and those long ones on the guns.

3. Cerebros is excellent (almost want another of him to display solo) and I was surprised by just how small the Titan Masters are, esp compared to Brainstorm's.

4. Bot mode is super cool. Wish he had head tilt but otherwise great! Could have done with another weapon (sword/gun, so I'll probs get a 3rd party one if possible) but even with the leg guns he looks menacing, and the fact he can hold them in his arms is even better.

5. Other modes are kinda meh, I don't have much of an interest in the city mode so the battle ship thing is my preferred of the 2.

Overall super happy with this guy (though, like Devy last year, I'll probs see the SDCC version and wish I waited), at $240 not too bad (though 200 would be nicer as though he's larger than Devy he's only 2(3) robots... but electronics... )

Either way, recommended!

[Jazz]

So much fun with the head & the sound effect,
I will apply the decal later.
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13427864_1730836163861889_1163660823974586750_n.jp g?oh=8f97248f84b510b53fc11291fa3ae1b1&oe=57D89D31
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13418690_1730836540528518_5622869243415439286_n.jp g?oh=085344e1a55522775c7cd90d2693ea8c&oe=57D78254
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13423961_1730836197195219_4185153931902515546_n.jp g?oh=eeeab4ae41d357cb57940d1d67aaddd6&oe=57C2CF36
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xal1/v/t1.0-9/13419175_1730836223861883_5683016823465528790_n.jp g?oh=1083d73d59d8d4aadfb8d7ed1a5a3e99&oe=57E7DD9F&__gda__=1473957043_3a62d009a9b6eaf04432f7f86bd42ff 9
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/13418995_1730836297195209_8274351797326037591_n.jp g?oh=fff2cf859b687f5b796676f928561356&oe=57D90210&__gda__=1473638464_06c1981b935abe273270fe8b44735f1 6
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/13466452_1730836480528524_4326128710025228508_n.jp g?oh=64be7c77db345d0a3c46f9e5941e6cca&oe=57D1E0CB&__gda__=1473573531_0e82e5d8aaad48f1a80746b2eeefc7d 2
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/13413794_1730836460528526_364687483293909623_n.jpg ?oh=5f8978d1aab328ad40c3dea3b5345cbf&oe=57D489FC&__gda__=1472450710_efff42dc8e7bc7038b6b98992a14e3d c
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13407136_1730836490528523_8970918471376033231_n.jp g?oh=6d9e4804b2739c58a9ffaf793b111429&oe=57C3481C
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13418790_1730836123861893_1577873312527496375_n.jp g?oh=e798cc8fa909853dfa4c1940271a4b35&oe=57C6F132

[BigTransformerTrev]

Nice pics mate but Krayt already did a thread about this toy. So this post should really go in there.

Don't worry, I did the same with MP G2 Lambor :o

[GoktimusPrime]

If we are to have a second review (http://www.dictionary.com/browse/review) thread for Fortress Maximus, I wouldn't mind it having a poll that follows the more standard protocol for review threads; i.e. asking people about what they think about the toy rather than our anticipation for the toy. Just suggesting.

[Krayt]

If we are to have a second review (http://www.dictionary.com/browse/review) thread for Fortress Maximus, I wouldn't mind it having a poll that follows the more standard protocol for review threads; i.e. asking people about what they think about the toy rather than our anticipation for the toy. Just suggesting.

For a school teacher who constantly complains about the behaviour of others, you seem to be lacking in respect for others and purposely intending to create an argument

[Omega Metro]

Nice pics mate but Krayt already did a thread about this toy.

But this one has pics! And because of that, I might buy one now.

[BigTransformerTrev]

But this one has pics! And because of that, I might buy one now.

Heh - I never noticed before that not one post in the other thread has pics in it :people

[Bladestorm]

Thanks for the photos. The base mode pics are really interesting, especially with other TF's in there for scale.

How does it compare to metroplex? Which is the better city-former play-wise. Whatever we decide it will be a play toy not a display piece.

I'm still really undecided if this guy is worth adding or if I should hunt down a Metroplex instead...

[GoktimusPrime]

Heh... Metroplex's butt (http://www.tmnttoys.com/reviews/transformers/metroplex/2096.jpg) is now Fortress Maximus' crotch! And it looks like it's the same on TakaraTOMY's Fort Max (http://www.thechosenprime.com/assets/images/takara%20titans%20return/lg31%20fortress%20maximus/lg31-fortress-maximus-02.jpg). I suppose because rotating the waist 180 degrees isn't necessarily for either of Fort Max's alt modes, but it also has the added effect of making his waist look different from Metroplex's. :o

[reillyd]

Nice photos, showing the scale with other Legends/Legion figures.

You've motivated me to bust Fort Max out of the box and transform him

[griffin]

Please don't pick on the newbies... check first if they've been here long before pointing out if they haven't done something the senior/active members don't even think about, and please mention it to one of the staff instead of publicly posting about it for the whole world to see. You will scare them off, and anyone else thinking of joining, if we aren't welcoming, forgiving and inviting to the new blood here (especially ones like this who is really excited and keen about this new toy of theirs... they may not want to do it again now).

I'll eventually get around to merging duplicate review topics when I see them, but I'm not on here every minute of the day.

[Sinnertwin]

(Insert non combative general preface here) yeah.... really not doing anything for me.
I just can't find anything to like about this figure. The Headmaster gimmick raised the heart rate about two beats, but the rest just seems so... bleh.

Also, is it possible to rotate him at the waist and then rotate his thighs around so that his crotch piece is the same as Metroplex's?

[Krayt]

(Insert non combative general preface here) yeah.... really not doing anything for me.
I just can't find anything to like about this figure. The Headmaster gimmick raised the heart rate about two beats, but the rest just seems so... bleh.

Also, is it possible to rotate him at the waist and then rotate his thighs around so that his crotch piece is the same as Metroplex's?

Yes it is.... As long as the helipad/gun turret is removed

The strangest thing is.... The legs are still attached the same way as metroplex.... So after you rotate the waste, you spin around below the knee.

In other words... Metro left lower is FM right lower.... And Metro right lower is FM left lower

[doublespy]

His robot mode looks good and Cerebro looks to be a really good stand alone figure- I absolutely love the quirky Rebirth faithfulness. If he had a better city more and more involved engineering, he would be a perfect classics-verse Fort Max. It's a shame really.

[drifand]

So opened him up today, and got to say he's a bit disappointing, and not just in the ways that you can see in the pictures.

The build quality doesn't seem as high as Metroplex for starters. Getting Cerebros into his 'tower slot' for the alt modes is a bit frustrating, and both alt modes look quite incomplete without him in there, meaning opportunity to have Cerebros himself out on display is a bit limited.

The feet/toes are difficult to lock in place in alt mode, and don't sit flush with the floor - that means they spend a lot of time not properly locked into place hanging at an odd angle. For that reason alone, the fan-made G1 Fortress Mode is actually more secure once you set it up nicely.

There's also no denying that both alt modes are a robot lying down, or a robot lying down doing the splits. The shared engineering between Metroplex and Fort is also a little odd - the legs retain the ability to splay open like on Metroplex, but for no purpose whatsoever (except for the marginally more satisfying fan mode). Also, the right arm still has the ratched hinge for it to become the tower behind Metro's helicopter pad. It has no function here at all (can't even fan mode it!). Seems like a waste of materials that could have been better used to have the legs transform more.

Another annoying thing is that Fort's hands are pinned this time. Some might see that as an improvement, but it was quite useful being able to easily remove Metro's hands and therefore improve the look of City mode. At least Fort's are coloured the same as the arms and blend better.

As it is, I can only recommend Fort Max for completist CHUG fans. I wouldn't recommend it as a fun toy for kids either, which Metroplex was. Here's hoping that Hasbro does a better job on Trypticon!

I am so glad I skipped this piece. Your review verified my thoughts.

[Sutton]

I am so glad I skipped this piece. Your review verified my thoughts.

So, I'm still glad I've got him - it's still an impressive, imposing piece overall - but just think that for all the retooling it's a bit of a let down. And think about it further, one of the things I liked about Metro's alt mode was it's sprawl - in city mode, he takes up a whole bunch of the man-cave, whereas Fort Max is very tight and compact. You're not feeling the same sense of awe.

[Sutton]

Now, I'm not going to claim this as an ingenious fan mode by any stretch, but I do think this is a much cooler looking fortress mode than the standard config, and goes some way to eliminate the look of a headless fallen robot. It has the look of a very strong impenatrable fortress/maximum security prison, which works.

http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y464/darthsutius/13442259_10209446174058874_3873784982561230583_n_z psqvbqwcjn.jpg

[Sutton]

Just another couple of little shots of some things:

First up is the tank mode not mentioned in the instructions. It seems pretty obvious that this is meant to be a thing...

http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y464/darthsutius/13419147_10209446226860194_8615826555616125788_n_z psv780d8oa.jpg

...except for these little annoying fins left over from the previous mold. They prevent it from sitting nice and flat and leave it on a tilt. You could cut them off of course, but it's probably why they left it out of the instructions.

http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y464/darthsutius/13428436_10209446226660189_8378422363913221270_n_z psaefcnkni.jpg

It's been shown elsewhere, but just again, the leg cannons can absolutely pop out and turn into dual pistols, which Fort Max looks pretty cool using John Woo style. They're quite hard to pull out the first few times, but the handles are unmistakedly intentional. Again, not mentioned in the instructions. The only catch with this is...

http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y464/darthsutius/13442180_10209446226060174_9041123497578699475_n_z ps4ebqkeup.jpg

...it leaves a bit of a hole in one of the legs, where Metroplex's service repair arm used to be. IMHO, it actually looks kind of cool, like a little trench for small dudes to hide in. But would it have been so hard to just leave the service repair arm in? Especially considering the next photo...

http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y464/darthsutius/13465935_10209446226340181_5389971294708870682_n_z psmtvpzgen.jpg

Mystery ratchet joint FTW! There's a lot of material (and sturdiness!) built into this joint from Metro's old left arm, used to produce the tower behind the helipad. It serves no real purpose here at all, and due to the remolding doesn't sit flush or straight at all, so no good for fan modes either really. I suppose it could be used in this case as a really steep launching runway for jets, but that's a stretch.

http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y464/darthsutius/13432220_10209446225860169_6658770335386509704_n_z psfxtdqy3f.jpg

[Sutton]

One last shot: by pulling the handles off of the cannons and flipping them the other way around, you get options to make the fortress mode have less static defenses and increase it's badassery:

http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y464/darthsutius/13310450_10209446387104200_5206122175457111703_n_z pscoytr7sy.jpg

[Krayt]

You could also rotate the arm with the red hatch to be another door in the front...

And the little tank.... Emissary sits perfectly in the "hole" at the back if you have it red side up

[BigTransformerTrev]

I paid $200 for mine (through the generosity of a friend with contacts) which while expensive was a decent price all told.

I really like him and my son has loved the lights and sounds. They've done a great job of recreating a figure that resembles G1 Fort Max by reworking Generations Metroplex. That said, I think that G1 Fort Max has more cool gimmicks to him like all the blasters in the arms, waist and hands, the jail, the working lift etc. And I think Gen Metroplex makes for a cooler looking (as well as bigger looking) city.

So yeah, glad I've got him and I think he is very cool but I can't say I massively blown away. Surprised noone has postede a comparison pic in this thread yet so I'll pop one in. Will try to do a proper review during the school holidays when I have time :)

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y342/sare111/IMG_3514_zpszm5cdjod.jpg (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/sare111/media/IMG_3514_zpszm5cdjod.jpg.html)

[Deonasis]

^I'm pretty certain bossbot was not referring to you. PM and ask.


Man, those pics from Jazz and Sutton are great.
I got my Metroplex down off the shelf for a look today because of them. I <3 fan city modes for these big dudes. :cool:

[reillyd]

These may have seemed pretty obvious to you Sutton, but I totally didn't realise that could make a tank, or that the guns were removable. It looks much better in the base mode with the cannons mounted, and it's nice to have a weapon in robot mode (until his third party sword arrives).

Thanks for putting up the photos.

[Sutton]

These may have seemed pretty obvious to you Sutton, but I totally didn't realise that could make a tank, or that the guns were removable. It looks much better in the base mode with the cannons mounted, and it's nice to have a weapon in robot mode (until his third party sword arrives).

Thanks for putting up the photos.

Sorry, I meant, pretty obvious once you've actually got it together! It didn't occur to me to do it straight away until I realised the Spike/Galen/Emissary could sit in the gun turret neatly, and I wanted to see if the leg gun could pop off because I've always thought the Fort Max leg turret looked lame.

But yep, once it's together it's like 'yeah, that's definitely a half-baked abandoned feature for sure'.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

...except for these little annoying fins left over from the previous mold. They prevent it from sitting nice and flat and leave it on a tilt. You could cut them off of course, but it's probably why they left it out of the instructions.What's it remolded from? Genuine question.
I've been looking at pics of Metroplex and I can't see anything like it there.

[Krayt]

What's it remolded from? Genuine question.
I've been looking at pics of Metroplex and I can't see anything like it there.

Shoulder flip over gun emplacement... Well the red piece... The blue is new

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Cheers.

[5FDP]

He does look very impressive but I just wish he had more play value, especially for the asking price. I think I'll be sticking with my G1 Fort Max.

[Mythirax]

You have him in some awesome positions Sutton. Think I'll have to pick mine up this week now :D

[GoktimusPrime]

NB: I've yet to test any of the electronic gimmicks at the time of writing this post.^I've tested the electronics now. See pics and comments below.

Pros
Cerebros is very nice. I love the Western media-accurate head sculpt and it seems to be a neat idea giving it an electronic gimmick since, being a head unit, it's already has a blocky core. Waist articulation is sacrificed, but that's fine. Cerebros is ultimately an accessory for Fort Max and as such it's actually really well done. The gun emplacement which becomes Cerebros' gun looks silly (oversized) in his hand, but it's an acceptable weapon. The thrusters on the underside of the "backpack" is a really lovely touch and finally answers the question of exactly how the hell Cerebros manages to reach Fort Max's shoulders in order to become his head! I always imagined it as a super leap, but this Cerebros has jump jets!
Emissary^Spike is tiny! (as I anticipated given the tiny cavity in TR Wheelie's vehicle mode); the basic design is much like Generations Arcana but at a smaller scale, so Cerebros now has head articulation
Fortress Maximus carries over many of the qualities of Metroplex, such as the impressive size and poseability
The retooling really helps to make this toy look like Fortress Maximus; it reduces to "Metroplexness" of the overall mould. This toy also has a far more happening colour scheme than Metroplex, further accentuated by a buttload of stickers! :eek:
The battleship mode is basically the robot lying down. It's dull, but G1 accurately so! :D They've made better use of Cerebros who forms the top of the tower. Cerebros always felt more superfluous on the G1 mould
The toy has several spots for Titan Masters to sit in or stand on (pegs for holes under their feet), as well as connection points for Leader Class figures like Blaster, PM Optimus Prime etc.

Cons
The city mode, in its official configuration, isn't much of a city. There's only one ramp that touches the ground that leads to a car port (not even a garage!). The folded up legs on G1 Fort Max formed the bulk of the city component of that toy, but as this toy cannot do this, we don't get that "metropolis" feel to this mode at all. The so-called city mode is really just an attack base mode, similar to Powermaster Optimus Prime's combat deck or Countdown's rocket base etc.
While the retooling is quite extensive with numerous additional bits, there are also a notable number of subtracted parts as well.
Maybe it's just my figure, but I find that the feet on my Fort Max don't lock solidly into place in alt mode(s). Also the rear blue leg 'braces' is made of fairly flimsy plastic. I removed it to make it easier for me to apply the thruster stickers and on the right leg brace I created a stress mark on the tab that holds it into place. Putting the tab back into was difficult. The left leg brace also doesn't lock firmly in.
Emissary Spike doesn't lock into place when sitting in the gun emplacement, whereas G1 Spike does lock into place when riding Gasket... kinda disappointing to see the same gimmick being done better on a toy that's 29 years older than this one
Arms... Cerebros' arms don't seem to have any way of locking into place in alt mode. Also, Spike's arms can pop off if they get in the way when disconnecting Cerebros from Fortress Maximus. Thankfully they are on ball/socket joints which can easily pop back on, but exercise caution.

Electronic gimmick
Meh. Pushing on Cerebros' head activates a variety of scifi noises and a really uninspiring emotionless robot voice that goes: "Cerebros." Transforming Cerebros to robot mode activates the G1 transformation noise. When binary bonded to Fortress Maximus, you can press the button on his chest to make more generic scifi noises plus a total of 3 lines:
* "Autobot"
* "Decepticon"
* "Fortress Maximus"
...yep, just names. Not even any complete sentences like, "These Decepticons scatter like cowards," or "Metroplex heeds the call of the last Prime." And this is either an electronically generated voice, or they must've used a really amateur voice actor, cos it just sounds so generic. A far cry from the booming cadence in Fred Tatasciore's Metroplex voice. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKmSdHWdxbo) The electronic gimmick doesn't add much to the toy. I would've preferred for the eyes to be solidly coloured in and with the whole gimmick just skipped in favour of improving other aspects of the toy.

PICTURES

Cerebros (pre-sticker app)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus01_zpsalvggkq0.jpg

You can see Fort Max's eyes peeking at you from that little slot. Very Ned Kelly.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus02_zpsl7xuxetw.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus03_zpspmkixzjm.jpg

Jets
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus04_zpscb8sq3xz.jpg

He can fly!
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus05_zpsrodht9ke.jpg

Fortress Maximus; robot mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus06_zpsfvxz3tld.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus07_zpsjgjw3li1.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus08_zpsnhbihi6m.jpg

Battleship Maximus mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus09_zpsa0angyo8.jpg

Allegedly-a-city mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus09a_zpsoypfprp4.jpg

Spike in gun emplacement... cos that's totally what emissaries do. :p
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus10_zpsxp3dw3lg.jpg

Car port
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus11_zpstpuwxjks.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus12_zpsnn8g3hcs.jpg

Cerebros
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus13a_zpsmab1zbnv.jpg

Spike riding Wheelie
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus15_zpskzpwt6ut.jpg

Comparison w/ G1 Fort Max
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus16_zpsquxejid0.jpg

Comparison w/ G1 Cerebros
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus17_zpsgodiffyl.jpg

Comparison w/ G1 Spike
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus18_zps1jvvcagr.jpg

Comparing Cog (Gasket/Grommet) w/ Gun emplacement
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus19_zps5nfbyrmy.jpg

Comparison w/ Generations Metroplex
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus20_zpsseismexh.jpg

Electronic lights
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus21_zpspfnxzhhk.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/fortressmaximus22_zpsm4etbbeo.jpg

Overall
When I weigh up all the pluses and minuses on this toy, I find that it's more or less on par with Metroplex, and as such it's harder to justify the increased price point. IMO this toy would be worth getting at around the $200 mark.
Titans Return Fortress Maximus poll (https://www.playbuzz.com/goktimusprime10/titans-return-fortress-maximus); I voted for "Only if (relatively) cheap"
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/th_like.jpg

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

That's pretty disappointing about the voice clips. I don't get why they like toys yelling their names all the time. "I am Optimus Prime", "Fortress Maximus" etc etc I tell ya, if I were Fortress Maximus, I'd just assume that everyone knows my name. Y'know, coz I am bloody Fortress Maximus!!

Cerebros nipple LEDS for the win though. Do the leds pulse and glow, or just flick on and off?

Final comment for now, I think it's clever the way they used the same body, but made Maximus a bit taller by increasing the size of his shoulder pieces!

[UltraMarginal]

Nice review Goki, thanks for the detailed thoughts.



That's pretty disappointing about the voice clips. I don't get why they like toys yelling their names all the time. "I am Optimus Prime", "Fortress Maximus" etc etc I tell ya, if I were Fortress Maximus, I'd just assume that everyone knows my name. Y'know, coz I am bloody Fortress Maximus!!


I couldn't agree more, the same goes for calling out a weapon/attack before firing it. talk about a tell.

[MayzaPrime]

I couldn't agree more, the same goes for calling out a weapon/attack before firing it. talk about a tell.

Isnt that all of RID (2000)? :p

Right laser, Left Laser, Centre Laser... I love it :D

[GoktimusPrime]

That's pretty disappointing about the voice clips. I don't get why they like toys yelling their names all the time. "I am Optimus Prime", "Fortress Maximus" etc etc I tell ya, if I were Fortress Maximus, I'd just assume that everyone knows my name. Y'know, coz I am bloody Fortress Maximus!!
If you spent $250~370 on a toy and don't know its name, then it sucks to be you. :p I'd be curious to see if the TakaraTOMY version uses the same cheap voices or if they use a Japanese voice actor (maybe even Sawaki Ikuya (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Ikuya_Sawaki) :o). They couldn't possibly do worse considering that the current voice chip has the vocal range of Dr. Stephen Hawking's voice synthesiser. :rolleyes:


Cerebros nipple LEDS for the win though. Do the leds pulse and glow, or just flick on and off?
Flick on and off. It's also too high to be on the nipple line (the screws are more in line for nipples), and there's only one chest LED on Cerebros.

Speaking of comparative human anatomy, I've noticed that Fortress Maximus has this red panel on his pubic basin (http://www.highdefdigest.com/images/post/10/10976/original.pjpeg), but I can't figure out what it's supposed to do. :confused:


Nice review Goki, thanks for the detailed thoughts.
Thank you, good sir.



I couldn't agree more, the same goes for calling out a weapon/attack before firing it. talk about a tell.
Isnt that all of RID (2000)? :p

Right laser, Left Laser, Centre Laser... I love it :D
I don't know which is worse, hearing characters announce the names of their moves, or seeing their opponents failing to do anything about it. Cos this is how these fights would end in real life...
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/meme_voltron_zpsjudnzzuh.jpg

You guys should check out an anime series called Martian Successor Nadesico - aside from a very serious and emotional and character driven story, it also parodies super robot/mecha anime clichés, including announcing one's moves to the enemy.

[noel0leon]

As a Metroplex owner I'm pretty torn whether or not to get this guy. And the city/playset mode is the big clincher for me. I like how the arms and ramps are done on FortMax, but am very curious about the legs.

Can a kind Metroplex owner show him in city mode but with the legs opened up Metroplex style?
How does this work as a playset?

[Batfan007]

Nice review Goki, thanks for the detailed thoughts.




I couldn't agree more, the same goes for calling out a weapon/attack before firing it. talk about a tell.

It's not a Japanese action hero/robot/whatever if they don't spend five minutes telegraphing every attack before they do it why their enemies conveniently stand around starry eyed doing nothing.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

If you spent $250~370 on a toy and don't know its name, then it sucks to be you. :p I'd be curious to see if the TakaraTOMY version uses the same cheap voices or if they use a Japanese voice actor (maybe even Sawaki Ikuya (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Ikuya_Sawaki) :o). They couldn't possibly do worse considering that the current voice chip has the vocal range of Dr. Stephen Hawking's voice synthesiser. :rolleyes:

Cheers Goki.

IIRC, I have seen tweets ot blurb stating that TT intend to have original FM quotes from the va in it. Either they are re-recording or ripping them from the show.

[1AZRAEL1]

I couldn't agree more, the same goes for calling out a weapon/attack before firing it. talk about a tell.

MEGATRON ATTACK!!!! :p

[noel0leon]

I reckon it would be awesome to put Titan Metroplex legs on FortMax

[Ozgardian]

I reckon it would be awesome to put Titan Metroplex legs on FortMax

Then Metroplex's firepower would be 100+!:eek: ...lol.

[GoktimusPrime]

Uh... some of the Autobot text on the stickers are so freakin' tiny and not helped by the reflective foil stickers that they're virtually impossible to read from the naked eye, and are often blurred in enlarged photos. If anyone hasn't applied their stickers yet, I'd really appreciate a high resolution scan of the sticker sheet.

In any case, here's what Dave (https://www.eyrie.org/~dvandom/BW/) and I were able to decipher...
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Fortress%20Maximus/temp_zpspgdwzyqz.png