Toy Review - Titans Return Deluxe Chromedome

[doublespy]

Series - Generations
Sub-line - Titans Return
Size/class - Deluxe
New/remould/redeco - Re-used engineering from the CW Dead End mold
Wave - 1
Released here - September 2016


I don't read the IDW comics that much as I'm very particular about the art style I like, no matter how good the story is. But I guess this allows me to assess the toy solely based on its merits.

CAR MODE:
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MISC/2426AE7C-E334-4B7B-A106-71302E6E8AF4_zpsszbcmgcp.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MISC/2426AE7C-E334-4B7B-A106-71302E6E8AF4_zpsszbcmgcp.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MISC/2F256D24-01F8-48F1-8285-062D43703817_zpschc86o6b.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MISC/2F256D24-01F8-48F1-8285-062D43703817_zpschc86o6b.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MISC/313E2D88-1987-4BEC-99C6-F9AD5DFF5BB0_zps9bykinnr.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MISC/313E2D88-1987-4BEC-99C6-F9AD5DFF5BB0_zps9bykinnr.jpg.html)

I love the car mode. Streetwise took Dead End's smooth Ferrari lines and made a hard-edged Gallardo-esque car out of it. And Chromedome took it even further. It is very futuristic looking yet still keeps some of the 80's retro feel to it. Whoever did the concept design for this should go do industrial design for a car company. I may be among the minority but just as on Wheelie, I really like the translucent wheels. They add to the Season 3 space/Sci-Fi motif.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MISC/FE07C037-F7D3-4354-868E-12311EEEEC38_zpsdvyy6ca4.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MISC/FE07C037-F7D3-4354-868E-12311EEEEC38_zpsdvyy6ca4.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MISC/2AEEC247-51BA-45E6-8EBF-81476EE4DEA1_zps4din87kl.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MISC/2AEEC247-51BA-45E6-8EBF-81476EE4DEA1_zps4din87kl.jpg.html)
The now-standard big gun/TM turret mounts on top of the canopy. It's a shame that Chromedome didn't come with his signature double laser pistols though. His small gun is the same as Blurr's molded in red. And the TM Stylor uses the same mold as Blurr's with a different face stuck on the back (which I forgot to take photo of).

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MISC/18F6072A-21A2-4EF6-9D99-6E5938C574A5_zpsptjizif8.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MISC/18F6072A-21A2-4EF6-9D99-6E5938C574A5_zpsptjizif8.jpg.html)
The interior is reasonably detailed.

TRANSFORMATION
He re-uses the core engineering of the CW Dead End mold. I haven't compared Chromedome and Dead End or any of his remolds side by side, but from memory there's not a single part that's the same. As much as I hated the excessive re-molding/re-shelling in Combiner Wars, this is a very clever use of the engineering to even accommodate the TM gimmick.

TITAN MASTER
As mentioned before, Stylor is a re-deco of Hyperfire, with a new face.

BOT MODE
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MISC/C0193BAD-2536-4F99-B307-0C098315411A_zpsy5lamlfs.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MISC/C0193BAD-2536-4F99-B307-0C098315411A_zpsy5lamlfs.jpg.html)
A very strong robot mode. People may have preference on the head sculpt but to me this is close enough to the Rebirth animation model. All the necessary colors/paint apps are present.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MISC/AF9B1235-8D52-43FB-87EC-605D96754FD0_zpsefxgosgt.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MISC/AF9B1235-8D52-43FB-87EC-605D96754FD0_zpsefxgosgt.jpg.html)
Same as Dead End, there's virtually no back kibble.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MISC/DC9C3F4F-EDD4-423A-A681-0027D8926E6D_zpssbhegkwu.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MISC/DC9C3F4F-EDD4-423A-A681-0027D8926E6D_zpssbhegkwu.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MISC/59A124EB-FE0F-415D-9079-C39883170F60_zpszbiulpot.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MISC/59A124EB-FE0F-415D-9079-C39883170F60_zpszbiulpot.jpg.html)
Poseability is your average Combiner Wars level. The lower legs provide good stability which we don't see often enough on TR Deluxes.


http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MISC/99D77B73-738B-4372-9B5E-3197BE7C6978_zpsweuyysmk.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MISC/99D77B73-738B-4372-9B5E-3197BE7C6978_zpsweuyysmk.jpg.html)
Mine came with a left fist not cured properly in the mold. It misses some of the geared area so the left fist doesn't lock in place nor can it ratchet. Unsure if it's a wide spread QC issue though.

OVERALL
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MISC/31631503-F433-432D-B7FE-59B2BCCC07E8_zpsqyujsxnm.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MISC/31631503-F433-432D-B7FE-59B2BCCC07E8_zpsqyujsxnm.jpg.html)

Both modes are strong. Definitely worth picking up.

[prjkt]

Nice photos, still waiting on my order of this guy, but liking the look. Not exactly IDW/MTMTE look, but the I've got the TFCC Chromedome for that. This guy will be plonked right next to the rest of the TR figures on my shelves.

[Lint]

It's an ugly arse car but I can't remember the last time I had a pleasure of transforming such a solid car mode. The tolerances are all spot on and the transformation design ensures all panels are locked down, nothing is floppy or easily deformable. I am thoroughly impressed!

Downside is that of all the figures released so far it appears to be the most unfinished in terms of paint apps. Not sure what's with the transparent wheels either.

[Deano85]

I ended up buying two chromedomes from kmart while they are on special. That way I keep one in car mode and the one in robot mode gets to have two red guns like the original.

[GoktimusPrime]

I cannot even FIND this guy in stores, and I searched about half a dozen Kmarts and Big Ws yesterday. :( :( If anyone has recently found one (or any other of his casemates) in Sydney, please post on the NSW sightings thread!

[SharkyMcShark]

The comparison to a Combiner Wars deluxe car has turned me right off this figure.

[Lint]

The comparison to a Combiner Wars deluxe car has turned me right off this figure.

Your loss, while it shares the same transformation design philosophy, the execution achieves the polar opposite of the CW stunticon molds: a good quality transformer.

[Deano85]

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/XternalForces/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160929_172104_zpsbcrzrkhg.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/XternalForces/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160929_172104_zpsbcrzrkhg.jpg.html)

[SharkyMcShark]

Your loss, while it shares the same transformation design philosophy, the execution achieves the polar opposite of the CW stunticon molds: a good quality transformer.

With your recommendation in mind I'll give it a good look over if I ever happen across it.

As much as I appreciated the sentiment behind CW I found a lot of them to be bland cookie cutter figures, especially the Stunticons and the Aerialbots.

[UltraMarginal]

I felt the same about this guy, which is why he was the first one I opened up.

While the base concept takes a lot from the Combiner Mould there is some extra parts and transformation that largely reworks the top of the car and the structure around the front.

While it does rehash some combiner wars it's fresh enough to be interesting

[Trent]

I wasn't underwhelmed, but I wasn't overwhelmed either.

I'm whelmed.


I also had to file down one of the pegs that clips the front car section in. It was too big for the slot. But I do like the clear wheels as something different.

Edit: it appears that I'm the only one so far to vote "only if". I got him and Highbrow for $20 each in Kmart's toy sale. I'd be highly annoyed if I had paid full price for them.

[GoktimusPrime]

Considering how impossible it has been for me to find this toy, I'd be willing to pay full price to save time and fuel in continuing to hunt for it. :rolleyes:

[GoktimusPrime]

I'm quite impressed with this toy and generally agree with UltraMarginal's sentiments. :) If I'd been living under a rock during Combiner Wars and then got this toy, I probably wouldn't notice or suspect that it was retooled from a pre-existing figure with its gestalt gimmick removed.

The sculpting is a fantastic interpretation of IDW Chromedome, which makes me chuffed. However if I weren't a reader of the IDW comics then I probably wouldn't be as much of a fan of this sculpt and would more likely lean towards TakaraTOMY's more G1 accurate version (albeit at double the price of Hasbro's). Overall I think that this is a really nice toy. Highly recommended, although if the IDW sculpting bothers you then you might want to consider the Legends version if you think the $50+ price tag is worth it. The paint apps on Stylor are pretty pathetic though, as is the lack of effort in the tech specs bio.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/jaam_jaam.gif

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Titans%20Return/TR_chromedome01_zpsvwzmzmdg.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Titans%20Return/TR_chromedome02_zpsodbkujsy.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Titans%20Return/TR_chromedome03_zpsubxl9oip.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Titans%20Return/TR_chromedome03a_zpsqhkyu8zv.jpg

[shockNwave]

I also had to file down one of the pegs that clips the front car section in. It was too big for the slot. But I do like the clear wheels as something different.

Same here. I also had to file a peg. But apart from that the smooth running of the car mode when pushed along is excellent engineering (once to often I've come across car modes where three wheels touch the ground at best). The kids will love that provided they can transform it properly.:p

[GoktimusPrime]

Chromedome Action pics posted here (http://otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=539571&postcount=3219). :)

[SharkyMcShark]

So I did end up buying this at the recommendation of you folks, and memories of enjoying reading the MTMTE comics years ago.

It's a fairly average figure, in both the good and bad way. It doesn't do anything particularly poorly, but it also doesn't excel anywhere except the headsculpt, which is adorable.

Middle of the road for me. I've got 5 of the 8 deluxes released in this line so far and it's just about tied in third place (1st Blurr, 2nd Wolfwire, 3rd Hardhead/Chromedome, 5th Highbrow).

[GoktimusPrime]

New/remould/redeco - Re-used engineering from the CW Dead End mould
This article (http://bwtf.com/articles/chromedome-deadend/) points out in painstaking detail how Chromedome is not a redeco of Dead End.

[CaminusPrime]

This article (http://bwtf.com/articles/chromedome-deadend/) points out in painstaking detail how Chromedome is not a redeco of Dead End.

if you look at the moulding on blur and chromedome, specifically the upper legs its the same parts just in different colours. one of the guns are identical just again different colours

[prjkt]

if you look at the moulding on blur and chromedome, specifically the upper legs its the same parts just in different colours. one of the guns are identical just again different colours

That doesn't bother me at all. Both Chromedome and Blurr end up as totally distinct bots and vehicles, so a few minor parts shares is all good. Also, if a bit of mould-sharing helps HasTak spread the budget over more characters, I'm perfectly ok with that.

As for my thoughts on Domey, I like him. Took the basics from the best of the two CW sedans, and improved on them, adding actual feet, a bumper/bonnet section that folds in to the body much better, a moving canopy for the Titanmaster, and due to the TM, much better head articulation

[doublespy]

This article (http://bwtf.com/articles/chromedome-deadend/) points out in painstaking detail how Chromedome is not a redeco of Dead End.

I didn't say re-deco, re-used engineering rather. Was just following the format.

And I didn't need to read that painstakingly long article to figure out Chromedome is not a repaint

[FatalityPitt]

Spending most of my childhood in Malaysia, the first Transformers fiction I got exposed to was the Headmasters anime. So the Chromedome character is iconic to me.

I like this toy. The transformation is very different from the original G1, which is a real treat because it makes it more than just a remake of an old toy. Aesthetically, he's unmistakably Chromedome in both modes, except the guns.

The original Chromedome had 2 distinct matching rifles, while the TR version has a red version of Blurr's rifle and another gun that doubles as the Titan Master's turret. Fortunately, if you have the original G1's guns, the TR figure can hold them.

http://s1244.photobucket.com/user/TheTransformerPitt/media/IMG_20161127_173140_zpslk0t91lt.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

My only issue with TR Chromedome is the sheer tightness of the figure, especially in the hinges attaching the car bonnet/backpack to the torso. I felt a great sense of fear of breakage during my first time transforming him. It also took me a while to figure out how to open the cockpit without risking breaking the toy or my nails.

He's a good toy by my standards. So much that I'd even buy the Getaway Breakaway figure as a spare body for Chromedome (or as an Arctic Battlesuit upgrade).

[GoktimusPrime]

So much that I'd even buy the Getaway Breakaway figure as a spare body for Chromedome (or as an Arctic Battlesuit upgrade).
Or perhaps as Getaway? If you were watching The Headmasters in Malaysia then I'm assuming that you had access to Masterforce too? (no doubt in those awful StarTV dubs :p). Besides, if Chromedome can withstand being in the vacuum of space, I'm sure that he can withstand being in the Arctic.* ;)

--------------------------------------------------------
*The coldest temperature in the Arctic is -50°, which isn't even the coldest place in the Northern Hemisphere. That would be in the interior of Russia's Far East. The rural district of Oymyakon (Оймяко́н) the lowest recorded temperature is -71.2°. The coldest place on Earth is Antarctica, with the lowest recorded temperature of -89.2° (coincidentally recorded at the Russian Vostok station). In space, objects can become as cold as -270.45°.

[FatalityPitt]

Besides, if Chromedome can withstand being in the vacuum of space, I'm sure that he can withstand being in the Arctic.* ;)

--------------------------------------------------------
*The coldest temperature in the Arctic is -50°, which isn't even the coldest place in the Northern Hemisphere. That would be in the interior of Russia's Far East. The rural district of Oymyakon (Оймяко́н) the lowest recorded temperature is -71.2°. The coldest place on Earth is Antarctica, with the lowest recorded temperature of -89.2° (coincidentally recorded at the Russian Vostok station). In space, objects can become as cold as -270.45°.

Interesting facts. I'd never have thought there'd be a place in the Northern Hemisphere colder than the Arctic.

Also, from memory, the final battle in the Headmasters anime took place in the South Pole. Before that, Chromedome and team fought Galvatron in Alaska where they buried Galvatron in ice (this was the last we ever saw of G1 Galvatron in the cartoons).. There are a lot of Tundra battles in that show now that I think of it. Even though Chromedome never wore white on the show, I like to think he would have during the tundra battles if the idea and means came about - just to look cool (pun half-intended).