Generations review: 2014 Takara/Million Shouki

Series - Tomy Takara/Million Publishing Generations 2014
Size/class � Deluxe
New/remould/redeco � Remould/Redeco
Released here � No
Approximate Retail Price - $99.00 US
Allegiance � Autobot / Decepticon
Alt-mode � Train / Space shuttle
Main Features/Gimmicks � Triple changer
Main Colours � Blue, Grey, White, Gold,
Main Accessories � Gun, Daniel from the PCC minicon series.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/...ps245c9136.jpg

Robot Mode
I was quite pleased with this figure when it was first release into the classics line and it is still a good interpretation of Astro Train. Although it seems Tomy has Teamed up with Million Publishing for this release of Shouki, the first impression i got when i opened the box was how detailed and crisp are the paint apps as he was already in robot mode. Daniel is also included in this release as a PCC minicon for Shouki and becomes his Bow and Arrow for one of his weapons. The paint apps on the Daniel figure are great as well, they have put alot of effort into this for a Minicon figure. As well as the standard gun from the original release, the only irritating part of this remould is degeneration. I have found that the covers for his forearms have become very loose and as you slide them out to expose his hands they keep sliding back. Also the PCC minicon is not really designed to go with this figure as when he is holding Daniel in weapon mode the restriction on his articulation at his elbow makes it impossible to hold it up as a bow and arrow. It seems that to get it right you have to point his arm out from the shoulder. Still overall a great robot mode.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/...psceee5f2c.jpg
http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/...psdf8208b5.jpg

Train mode / Autobot
Very good, the fact that with the great paint apps on this figure makes him great with the selection of new or old placement in your Generations line. Typical of the remould is the easy transformation from robot to train. And with Daniel transforming into the Pantograph for the train I found it to be an unexpected bonus. The colour scheme is very good though I find the white and grey to be predominant colors on this mode with the small amout of blue and gold just enough to break it all up. Also in this mode Shouki is aligned with the Autobots, so it is good that we can send him over to the good guys for once. The only gripe i have with this mode is the fact that one: as the Pantograph is in the slot where the gun should go. It has to be left off. And two: when you are trying to get the front part of the train together, due to degeneration they keep seperating and the shoulder covers keep popping out.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/...ps823cf9f3.jpg

Space shuttle / Decepticon
Looks great! Paint apps again are very detailed and crisp, another great use of this mould. Has this time been aligned with the Decepticons, so it looks like he is a doulble agent, which has me questioning what side to put him on? Also with the Daniel figure has no part in this Alt mode which was a shame as now he goes back into robot mode and is left to the side. Might be due to the double agent part. I found a few frustrating parts about it, one: again the degeneration of the mould makes it loose with the connecting of the front of the space shuttle due to the pegs. And two: the pegs and slot for the side panels to connect into are worn down, which keeps them seperating slightly.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5125b120.jpg

Transformation
Not overly complicated. Only a few steps to robot mode and a couple between both Alt modes.The only things that irritated me were the covers for the forearms, and due to this mould have plenty of runs the degeneration of the overall mould. Besides that it�s a good transformer and will look great in your collection.

Overall
Well I�m not going into too much detail here as we all pretty much might have a couple of this guy in our collections. And due to the release only being international it might not be on everyones list. But i think for a Tom/Tak release that it has been detailed to a high standard. Everything is top notch and even the artwork on the box is quite unique, even the instruction manual has a small comic at the bottom. Which would need translating. Very pleased to have him in my 2015 line up.:D

Great review.

I like the Astrotrain mould (have the recent Generations Specialist version) but have no connection to the character, so the cost was a bit much for me for this guy. I did pick up their Infiltrator Starscream though.

Ohh, Didn't realise this guy was a double agent chappy. Was the character always so, or is a new addition.

Nice review. I've always liked the classics Astrotrain mould. I think the hands problem might have always been there, as my original one always had the nose pieces covering the hands back up again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy

Ohh, Didn't realise this guy was a double agent chappy. Was the character always so, or is a new addition.

A new addition to explain the third (shuttle) mode of this toy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by griffin

A new addition to explain the third (shuttle) mode of this toy.

Yep i say so bossbot, but unfortunately the instructions need to be translated from Japanese. Might get Goki to look at it at the next parra fair.

got him today :) He isn't a double agent, his third mode is a replica of the decepticons thunder arrow so he and Daniel can perform under cover missions :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy

Nice review. I've always liked the classics Astrotrain mould. I think the hands problem might have always been there, as my original one always had the nose pieces covering the hands back up again.

this is exactly what I was going to say.