Toy Review - TFPrime Voyager Megatron

(Please post photos, comments or even a fully comprehensive review - these are just brief details)

Toy Review - Megatron
Series - Transformers Prime
Sub-line - Robots in Disguise
Size/class - Voyager/Powerizer
Wave - 1
New/remould/redeco - New
Released here - March 2012 (Released globally Jan 2012)
Approximate Retail Price - ($45-50?) US$20
Approximate Size - (18cm?)
Allegiance - Decepticon
Alt-mode - Cybertronian spaceship
Main Features/Gimmicks - parts that are illuminated from a certain light-source
Main Colours - Silver, grey, purple
Main Accessories - cannon, hand-weapon

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/tftoys/tfpr05.jpg

Got this toy today, here are my thoughts:

+ The colours on this toy are a major let down. Hasbro Grey(TM) dominates and there's little to break it up.
+ The opaque purple parts look kinda neat in giving him that "Dark Energon" look, although I can see how some people might find it silly looking.
+ The automorph weapon is a forgettably lame gimmick. It has a blade that comes out, but there's nothing to lock it in place (as shown in the stock photo). So that's jolly useless. There's also a blinding red light that swings out (much like the light in MP Megatron's fusion cannon, only there isn't a long shaft to "muzzle" the light, the bulb is fully exposed!)
+ For some odd reason, the weapons, knee caps and toes are copper colour which clashes with the rest of the body.
+ The plastic quality on this toy feels very light and cheap.
+ Shoulder pads can obstruct arm articulation (sigh)

Unlike FE Voyager Optimus Prime, this toy does not offer a substantial improvement over the Deluxe. The transformation is slightly more complex, but this isn't always a good thing. The shoulder pads may be separate panels and not sculpted onto the arms like on the Deluxe, but it interferes with articulation and really doesn't enhance the look of the toy anyway. The alt mode canopy splits and goes back... leaving two large kibblicious wing-a-lings on the back that the Deluxe toy doesn't have!

So in some ways, the more complex elements of this toy's engineering actually make the toy worse than the simpler Deluxe. The only real substantial improvement I'd say that the Voyager has over the Deluxe is that the two chest halves that form the front of the jet -- the lock into better (whereas on the Deluxe they just dangle there). That's it.

The boring monotonous Hasbro Grey and cheap feeling plastic makes this toy look and feel like an oversized Knock-Off of the Deluxe figure. Even though I bought this toy at full retail - I would have to vote on saying "No" -- this toy isn't worth getting. Not at full RRP anyway. And even for a cheaper price, you might as well get the Deluxe.

Only recommended if you really want to have a Voyager size Megatron to tango with Voyager Optimus Prime (that's why I got it). Otherwise, just pass it or what until it's on sale.

Here are some photos comparing the Voyager and the Deluxe:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...on_compar2.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...on_compar1.jpg

IMO the Deluxe looks a lot better (and it's half the price of the Voyager!). (-_-)

Looking at the two Megatrons there, I think the voyager definitely has the better mould, it's just that the deluxe has such better paint apps & colouring, it also doesn't have the kibble behind the shoulders and the gun is much, much nicer.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Doubledealer

Looking at the two Megatrons there, I think the voyager definitely has the better mould, it's just that the deluxe has such better paint apps & colouring, it also doesn't have the kibble behind the shoulders and the gun is much, much nicer.

---

Well you can't have everything, especially with Hasbro.:p

Definitely the colour scheme which makes the deluxe stand out for me, The finish on the Voyager doesn't look as clean either:( I voted only if and that is only if they improve the colour scheme, I'll most probably fold like a deck chair when I see it :D

Voyager Megatron owners - can you unscrew the kibble behind the shoulders and take this piece off for a nicer looking robot mode?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 1orion2many

Definitely the colour scheme which makes the deluxe stand out for me, The finish on the Voyager doesn't look as clean either:( I voted only if and that is only if they improve the colour scheme, I'll most probably fold like a deck chair when I see it :D

---

Apparently that's deliberate, to give him a brushed steel look

Brushed Hasbro grey, it's the new black! :D:p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Doubledealer

Looking at the two Megatrons there, I think the voyager definitely has the better mould, it's just that the deluxe has such better paint apps & colouring, it also doesn't have the kibble behind the shoulders and the gun is much, much nicer.

---

I agree with all of that. Between the two, I would absolutely recommend the Deluxe over the Voyager... in terms of value for money, it's a non-contest.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 1orion2many

Definitely the colour scheme which makes the deluxe stand out for me, The finish on the Voyager doesn't look as clean either:( I voted only if and that is only if they improve the colour scheme, I'll most probably fold like a deck chair when I see it :D

---

Doesn't feel as clean either. The Deluxe is all smooth like a regular TF whereas the Voyager feels rough and gritty which adds to the cheap/KOish feeling of the toy's plastic.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SMHFConvoy

Apparently that's deliberate, to give him a brushed steel look

---

:eek: Well they epically failed in achieving that look.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Doubledealer

Brushed Hasbro grey, it's the new black! :D:p

---

This. :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SMHFConvoy

Apparently that's deliberate, to give him a brushed steel look

---

More like brushed plastic. Already got the deluxe in the entertainment pack, not even slightly interested in the voyager. I prefer the overall look of a figure rather than size accuracy.

Megatron's body glowing thanks to the weapon being mounted on his back.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...megatron02.jpg

A comparison between (L-R): Deluxe Megatron, Voyager Megatron and Megatron's cartoon model.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...on_compar3.jpg

IMHO comparing DLX Megatron w/ VOY Megatron is like comparing Beast Wars with Michael Bay's TF movies -- in both cases the former may be 'cheaper' and have less frills and spills compared to the latter, but offer greater substance and enduring value.

I got this toy because I wanted a Voyager size Megatron for my awesome Voyager size TakTOM FE Optimus Prime to battle. But unless you have this motivation or if you're a completist, then I see no reason to get this toy -- just stick to/get the Deluxe. A much better looking toy for a cheaper price.

Slightly off-topic question: does the packaging have him as 'Voyager' or 'Whatever-it-is-izer'?

Voyager (thank Primus).

From TFwiki:

Quote:

---

Internally, these figures were referred to by Hasbro as "Powerizers" due to this gimmick, but the official name remains "Voyager Class".

---

i think goks review is very biased.
I saw it in the shop yesterday and found it to be a quite a nice looking figure and i liked the look of it and promptly went home and ordered it online

I personally just don't feel that it's a terribly good Voyager toy and inferior value for money compared to the Deluxe for reasons already stated. Especially considering that the Voyager cost me basically TRIPLE what I paid for the Deluxe for a toy that isn't IMHO a substantial improvement over the Deluxe (and in some aspects inferior to the DLX). Voyager FE Optimus Prime (which you saw for yourself yesterday :)) is a significant improvement over Deluxe Optimus Prime and worth the Voyager price point IMO, but I can't say the same for Voyager Megatron.

I really can't stand the amount of Hasbro Grey on that figure. It really puts me off. Plus the oversized lametastic cannon and purple arms are blech. The light chest thingy seems cool, but would have preferred that one needn't have to attach the gun to his back.

I was excited about the Prime toys when the show came out, especially considering how cool transformers had been designed (well up until DOTM) but after seeing the awesome FE ones and then seeing the bland normal line, I am very much less enthused about them.

I understand them being too complex for kids, but they are just beginning to look a bit too rubbishy for my liking.

I see this as a step back for the brand

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy

Plus the oversized lametastic cannon and purple arms are blech.

---

Gimmicks over substance. :( I much prefer a less gimmicky but better designed toy - which IMO we get with Deluxe Megatron... or even Voyager First Edition Optimus Prime. That toy has no electronic gimmicks, no transparent body parts ('cept for the eyes), no 'automorphing' weapons... it's just a really nice solid Transformer toy (and his gun has more paint apps on it than the entire Voyager Megatron figure! :p).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy

The light chest thingy seems cool, but would have preferred that one needn't have to attach the gun to his back.

---

It really doesn't look all that good IRL as it does in my photo. Because the light source is external you have to look at it directly square on from an ideal angle (i.e. the angle where I've photographed it) for it to look perfectly illuminated... otherwise it doesn't look all that good at all. I had to take 3 different shots before getting it at the right angle -- had to use a tripod and everything too. :rolleyes:

Nice or not, it's a fairly superfluous gimmick -- budget money that could have been spent on something else... like paints or engineering the shoulder pads better so they're not in the freakin' way.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy

I was excited about the Prime toys when the show came out, especially considering how cool transformers had been designed (well up until DOTM) but after seeing the awesome FE ones and then seeing the bland normal line, I am very much less enthused about them.

---

Soundwave is alright and I've heard good things about Wheeljack. Does anyone have Cliffjumper?

Seems that as far as the normal line's concerned, the cheaper Deluxes may be better than the dearer Voyagers (although the lack of faction symbols on them bugs me!)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy

I understand them being too complex for kids, but they are just beginning to look a bit too rubbishy for my liking.

---

You can have relatively simple but good looking quality toys - look at Classicsverse or Transformers Cybertron/Galaxy Force etc.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy

I see this as a step back for the brand

---

TFP-RiD Voyager Optimus Prime absolutely looks like a step backwards from FE Voyager Optimus Prime. Yesterday I had my TakTOM FE VOY OP with me at the Parra Meet, and we were comparing it with TFP RiD Voy OP at TRU and quite a few guys were commenting on how the RiD version looked so much crappier than the FE one.

Is Voyager Megatron a step 'backward' from Deluxe Megatron? That's debatable... but IMO it's certainly not a substantial step forward either. Voyager Megatron is nicer than DLX Megatron in some aspects, but worse in others... so in the end, it's kinda like taking a step forward then taking a step backward and ending up in the same place. Only ya know, for triple the price! ;) (or nearly double the price in terms of relative AU RRP terms)

have to agree with the voyager being quiet inferior to the deluxe,and when we seen it on Sunday at TRU for $59.99 it is a total waste of money.:rolleyes:

Well, I love this guy, but there hasn't been a Megatron toy I liked yet.
I really like the brushed steel effect as it makes him look forged, as opposed to just a toy made of plastic. Yes, the big lighty gun/sword gimmick isn't great, and the dark spectre of MechTech seems to loom large over the entire PRIME voyager line (Praise Toy Jesus I forked out for the First Editions of Prime and Bulkhead) but you can manually postion the blades forward to kkeep the sword out and that's kind of neat.

The RID line has it's haters, but y'know what? It's a fun toy.Remember that? That Toys are supposed to be FUN!? For y'know, kids?

And if you're not a fan I'd recommend pre-ordering the Takara version, I'm sure they'll make it a shiny silver that will really pop and it has a minicon instead of the gun dealie!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tallestblue

The RID line has it's haters, but y'know what? It's a fun toy.Remember that? That Toys are supposed to be FUN!? For y'know, kids?

---

Many of us still actively play with our toys and I find the Voyager to be inferior for play value compared to the Deluxe. The shoulder pads obstruct articulation (a significant hindrance to the play value) and the robot doesn't offer much more articulation than the Deluxe. The weapon -- I don't think is awful but doesn't enthrall me. I sometimes find that the back panel which locks onto the chest piece with those two small tabs can pop out during play.

The toy is fine for slow and careful posing but during fast and furious toy play I find parts of it to be limiting where the Deluxe isn't.

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/.../megatrons.jpg

i agree that the deluxe is much better too, the only thing the voyager has going for it is its size, but it looks so cheap next to first edition optimus, that even the size isn't much of a plus :(

the deluxe has a more fun transformation and actually looks like a thing at the end (even if it's a strange flying space crab jet thing XD ), but the voyager looks like a jumble of pieces. i do like the transparent purple, if only the silly weapon took advantage of that instead of.. whatever it is that it's supposed to do other than looking silly?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

The only real substantial improvement I'd say that the Voyager has over the Deluxe is that the two chest halves that form the front of the jet -- the lock into better (whereas on the Deluxe they just dangle there). That's it.

---

I take this back. When the two chest halves are fully brought forward in jet mode, it makes the crotch plate flip up and not lock in properly. So basically you have to choose - either the crotch plate locks in by the chest halves dangle, or the chest halves lock in and the crotch plate dangles. The instructions show the chest halves dangling and the crotch plate locked in; so that's the official config... which is just as bad as the Deluxe (actually worse) so there's NO actual improvement in this area at all.

Also I have posted a series of comparison pics between Deluxe FE and Voyager PRiDE Megatron here; it shows both toys being transformed side-by-side step by step to compare the engineering between both figures... and there really isn't much substantial difference between the two. The Voyager only has two extra steps more than the Deluxe... so it is a little bit more complex than the Deluxe, but it doesn't achieve a whole lot in the end; the only real improvements made in the vehicle mode is that the hands fold in (but you can still see them), the canopy that forms around the robot head is formed from two halves instead of a single piece (which is far less obtrusive than on the Deluxe - that panel is prone to making the two back "vent" panels pop off) and the legs are a little bit better concealed in jet mode. But this is offset by the inferior colours on the Voyager.

In robot mode the Deluxe wins hands down. The stupid shoulder pads on the Voyager are a constant obstruction during play, often getting caught on the retracted blades on the weapon. :( And the weapon is so big and cumbersome (made even more awkward by the blades) that it's hard to pose him shooting straight ahead or above. It's almost as if Hasbro just thought, "okay, it attaches. Good enough." What?!? Don't they ever test-play these things themselves?!?!?!?!? :confused:

And of course, in terms of colours there's no contest - the Deluxe just pwnz all over the Voyager's bland grey and try hard "Dark Energon" transparent purple (which looks really daft in jet mode).

The sole advantage that the Voyager has over the Deluxe, IMO, is size. I do like how he towers over the other Decepticons... although he is shorter than First Edition Voyager Optimus Prime (I imagine he's about the same height as PRiDE Optimus Prime). But I suppose having him be a little bit shorter is better than being substantially shorter like the Deluxe would be.

So unless the size/scale thing is an issue for you, I cannot think of any reason to recommend this toy. Even then, try to get it at below RRP. There's no way this toy is worth $50 (or more).

This is the weakest toy in the Prime lineup imo, if it can't even look good in the packaging then why even bother? Looking forward to Takara deluxe Megs and Gora but also praying for the perfect toy in Weaponiser form.

Be forewarned that the Deluxe Megatron toy is pretty cringeworthy in its own right and is by far the worst of the TF Prime Deluxes; but at half* or a third** the price of the Voyager the Dlx offers much better value for money. :)

-------------------
*The TakTOM Dlx RRP is 2100JPY (AU$24); about 1/2 that of our Voyagers. The additional Arms Micron adds even more value.
**The Hasbro Entertainment Pack cost me AU$34; since it comes with 2 Deluxes if I halve that ($17) then that's approx 1/3 of what I paid for Voyager Megs. The inclusion of the DVD and 3 human figurines adds more value.

Hopefully they'll do the same thing as Animated - an okay deluxe, a terrible voyager and a totally kick butt leader class toy. :)

If they do make a bigger Megatron, what would people like to see?

I'd like:
-Bright red light-piping
-Chrome sword that pops out of the forearm at the press of a button
-Adjustable eyebrows (oh yeah!)
-Adjustable jaw

Come on HasTak, do the best Megatron ever justice!

Megatron's reaction after seeing his voyager class toy
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/u..._83/megs-2.jpg

hahaha. :D

I'd like to see a clip on sword accessory, similar to Voyager Megs' clip on knuckle duster. Don't wanna see a flip out sword unless it actually slides in and out like a switchblade... nah, prefer a clip on. I wouldn't have faith in a decent Leader Class though... most Leader Class toys aren't worth the price point -- Animated Leader Megatron is an exception. Other than him and ROTF Leader OP I can't think of too many other Leader Class TFs that are worth their $90-100 price point. Maybe if they didn't include an electronic sound gimmick in the toy... I'll eat my hat when that happens.

I have been pondering over getting this for the past week and finally decided to bite the bullet and get him today. I really like this voyager! Its good in either mode. His rounded body actually suits the brushed steel look and the purple highlights are a nice touch. Its a real solid figure that stands well and stays together well. His weapons are great, especially the light. He is just a nice sleek toy that is fun and great to look at.:D...............you may attack my comments now.

I like him too. But I like him even more now I have painted him. Hasbro would not do it so I finished him for them. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Decepticon

Its a real solid figure that stands well and stays together well. His weapons are great, especially the light.

---

You don't find the shoulders pop out easily during play? What about the retracted blades? They often hinder arm articulation during play for me. :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Decepticon

He is just a nice sleek toy that is fun and great to look at.:D

---

For me the monotonous colours ruin the look of the robot mode and the over use of transparent purple spoils the look of the vehicle mode. I much prefer the more solid and diverse colours on the cheaper Deluxe figure.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by VERT

But I like him even more now I have painted him. Hasbro would not do it so I finished him for them.

---

...which cost you time and money. :( For a $50 toy I personally expect a LOT better than what I got with this figure. If they're going to give a dull colour scheme, interfering gimmick and poorly connecting shoulder joints... then make the toy cheaper.

And miss out on the painting fun. No way. Never had any problem with the shoulder joints. Weapon is not the best. But better than the crap that Prime has.

I think this toy is awesome well worth the $50.

Some pics of my sexy voyager Megatron :)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b136/vert-01/meg2.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b136/vert-01/meg1.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by VERT

And miss out on the painting fun. No way.

---

Okay, but IMO if a toy is going to have less colours then it ought to be cheaper. My TakTOM FE Optimus Prime cost me AU$48 and yet has exquisite colours throughout it. Heck, my AU$17 Deluxe Megatron has more colours and paint apps on it than my Voy Megs! So considering that the Voyager cost me triple what I paid for the Deluxe, I'm rather disappointed that it's so lacking in colours and playability.

I think if people can get this toy for $30 at Uncie Petes, then sure... but I've yet to be convinced that this toy is even remotely worth its $50 RRP.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by VERT

Never had any problem with the shoulder joints. Weapon is not the best. But better than the crap that Prime has.

---

As crap as Prime's weapon is... I personally find it better than Megatron's as it doesn't interfere with the toy's movement/articulation during play and also manages to light pipe better because the weapon is in direct contact with the arm (whereas Megatron's has this gap, so most of the light escapes). The gimmick itself is inherently stupid though. :p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by VERT

Some pics of my sexy voyager Megatron :)

---

'SEXY' is not really a word I would use to describe his fabulous looks! But each to their own.:p

But Fabulous is...? :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tallestblue

But Fabulous is...? :D

---

I'd rather my Megatron be 'Fabulous' than 'Sexy'. :D

Aah, if only there were a TF Prime Lugnut to interject and say "Glorious." :D