Toy Review - Titans Return Hardhead with Furos

Hardhead with Furos
Series – Titans Return
Size/class - Deluxe
New/remould/redeco - New
Wave - 1
Released here – Not yet
Approximate Retail Price - $28
Approximate Size - 15cm
Allegiance - Autobot
Alt-mode – Cybertronian Tank
Main Features/Gimmicks – Headmaster feature
Main Colours – Green, Gray
Main Accessories – Cannon, Rifle, Titan Master Furos

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/...psi61d8cde.jpg


Robot Mode
Very indicative of the G1 version of the character. I think it’s a nice touch that you can manuver the cannon on his back to sit up or over the shoulder. Quite good articulation, well proportioned, good colour scheme, poseable.

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/...psi0v5yeim.jpg


Vehicle Mode
A bit flatter than the G1 version, very streamlined, very much how he looked waaaay back at the start of the IDW comics before they gave him his Universe-styled body. Once again the cannon is mauverable and like the G1 toy you can place a gun in the top of the cannon. Furos can either sit in the cab or the back of the cannon opens up so he can be stood there. He looks a little weird standing right back on the pegs he is supposed to so I personally reposition it so that he looks like he is operating the gun.

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/...ps50lqhi3f.jpg


Transformation
I dunno, on the one hand as a parent who gets little time to actually play with these figures, and has a son that constantly wants them converted, these simplistic transformations are a bit of a Primus-send. On the other hand as a TF nut of over 30 years, something more challenging (yet not frustrating) would be appreciated.

Overall
A few years ago I got the Universe Hardhead from Fatbot with the 3P upgrade which made a huge bulky toy even better, and from SS77 earlier this year I got G1 Hardhead (shows the salesyard here is a great place to shop!). This figure has pros and cons when compared to both but I will say it is perhaps the most cartoon accurate version of the character. Furos is a nice little Headmaster and the way he can interact with the tank mode in multiple ways is a plus. Overall this figure is recommended.

I'm looking forward to finding this toy locally and getting it (until such time I'm reserving judgement about it).

I understand why they can't use the name Duros, since it's most likely trademarked by Disney/Lucasfilm (hence Hasbro can only use it for Star Wars), which is a shame since Duros is actually Latin for 'hard' (which is where English gets words like "durable" and "endurance" from). Furos on the other hand isn't actually a real word, although it is similar to the word Furo which is Latin for "rage" (it's where English gets "furore" from). It's also Japanese for bathtub. :p

Hardhead, as his name implies, is known for being massively stubborn... but not prone to bursts of uncontrollable rage. Hardhead often refuses to retreat, not because he necessarily enjoys violence, but because he's too obstinate to know when to quit while he's ahead. ;) I'm curious to know what Hasbro's reasoning was for choosing the name "Furos."

This is the best of the wave 1 Deluxes I think. He looks great in both modes and it's a pretty interesting transformation. I love the head and can't fathom why people are going after the Takara version.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

I'm curious to know what Hasbro's reasoning was for choosing the name "Furos."

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They couldn't call him Euros so the next available letter was F... :p

Hasbrexit. :p

Picked up my TT version of Hardhead and I got to say, the brief play I've had with him as been pretty enjoyable. I initially skipped him as I thought the tanks mode was a bit flat, but after seeing some pictures of the robot mode, I changed my mind.
Glad I did, I think he's a great toys!
He has cuffs! Now to find him a tie!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

Furos on the other hand isn't actually a real word, although it is similar to the word Furo which is Latin for "rage" (it's where English gets "furore" from). It's also Japanese for bathtub. :p

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Bathtubs are pretty durable!

I can't wait to get this guy, Hardhead along with Doublecross were my first Transformers as a child.

picked up the Takara version last night from the PO, and I really like him. He's a little small compared to what I was expecting - but not by too much.

I'm loving the comic/cartoon accurate head, and as above, the interactivity with different parts of the vehicle mode. Bonus is that the head is much much more easily removed that on Skullcruncher.


I can now re-create the IDW Devastation battle with Sixshot (Prime, Bee, Jazz, Prowl, Nightbeat, Hardhead, Ratchet)

I'm quite impressed with this toy and it's fairly typical of how smaller/cheaper Transformers tend to be better value for money than the bigger/dearer ones (TR Wheelie is still the most impressive TR toy that I've seen thus far). While some people may have preferred seeing the Headmasters as Voyagers, making them Deluxes has - predictably - seen them being better made relative to size and price. And of course it makes it much more affordable to collect! :D (my wallet isn't crying quite as badly :p) Picking up two Deluxes for $9 more than a single Voyager? Yeah, I'll have the Deluxes thanks. :) So I for one am pretty happy to see Deluxe become the default size for most Headmasters.

This toy is pretty much everything you could want in a modern updated version of Hardhead. It carries over the aesthetics of G1 Hardhead really well but with loads of added details in the sculpting and decos. The relatively larger cannon gives Hardhead a considerably more imposing look. The transformation also emulates the G1 transformation pretty well, only with some extra steps (because the G1 toy is actually quite simplistic). While this toy's transformation is relatively basic, it still manages to be intuitive and fun. :)

The tank mode itself is like a little playset for other Titan Masters, capable of carrying up to seven Titan Masters! :eek: One in the driver's seat, two in the cannon, and four along the chassis of the tank; Hardhead is able to carry an entire crew. You could imagine:
* Driver (in the driver's compartment)
* Gunner (in the cannon's seat)
* Loader (behind the gunner)
* Commander (rear left of the driver)
* x3 additional infantry (just because ;))
This gives Hardhead additional play value and also further use for those individual Titan Masters.

Furos is also a pretty good adaptation of Duros (except for the name :rolleyes:), although for some reason known only to Hasbro the helmet is green instead of dull brown. The forward facing parts of the cheek guards have vertical lines like this [\][/] instead of the horizontal lines that resemble a grill on the G1 toy. Neither are media-like, as the Sunbow cartoon just left that part blank (as did the Marvel Comics), and the Toei anime either left it blank or had it recessed, but either way neither the diagonal lines nor the horizontal lines (as seen on the TakaraTOMY version) are media-accurate. Although the horizontal lines are more toy-accurate, the Hasbro version does feature a more toy-accurate faceplate whereas the TakaraTOMY version goes for a more media-accurate mouth. I think both versions look fine so it's really a matter of personal taste/preference (I prefer toy-accuracy). :)

I can't cite any real flaws with this toy. Highly recommended. :D
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...s/jaam_yum.gif

Photos!

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...ps2j8cxszd.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...psarcje74r.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...pst9ktmqnl.jpg

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

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...pse0kzsocj.jpg

hah, you're right - armoured transport indeed.

Although I'd call the guy behind the gunner a "spotter" as he can't really load the canon from there
http://i.imgur.com/OOedoNM.jpg

I bought hardhead this week, and I have to admit that I'm impressed.
I was very shocked at the tiny size of the titan masters, but the amount of detail makes up for it.
Very much looking forward to what other figures have to offer.
One question, do the front treads tab in anywhere? They dont seem to?

9 /10 :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by morg176

One question, do the front treads tab in anywhere? They dont seem to?

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That's two questions. :p Hopefully this can answer both. ;)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...psmchgzopg.jpg

Was never a fan of Generations Warpath (I found him bland) who also transforms into a somewhat similar four track tank but Hardhead is really what I wish Warpath could've been. Hardhead has more going for him with the versatility of the headmaster feature and the tank mode is more futuristic.:D

In Warpath's - POW! - defence, he does have more - KABLOOEY! - features in his tank mode. He's got a - ZAP! - rotatable turret with a barrel that can elevate and - BLAM! - retract as well as a missile launcher. The treads may not be that - ZOWEE! - realistic, but overall it's an arguably more realistic looking tank than - SPLAT! - Hardhead. Other than carrying Titan Masters and having a barrel that can - PEW! - elevate, Hardhead's tank mode doesn't - BORT! - offer as much play features as Warpath's. It's still a - WHACK! - nice tank mode, but they're just achieving different - BOOM! - things; Warpath bears closer resemblance to a - CRACK! - light tank whereas Hardhead is entirely based on a - SMASH! - fantasy tank. Generations Warpath is certainly a big improvement over - ANGRY GIRAFFE NOISE! - G1 Warpath which was a terrible pegwarmer.

I like IDW Hardhead's self description, as mobile/reserve artillery rather than tank. Kinda glad we got this guy rather than the planned/rumoured Warpath repaint as the two separate moulds work well for the respective characters.

Having said that, with Hardhead's cannon being removable I'm predicting further uses of this mould/engineering may have different weapons in place

Quote:

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Originally Posted by prjkt

I like IDW Hardhead's self description, as mobile/reserve artillery rather than tank. Kinda glad we got this guy rather than the planned/rumoured Warpath repaint as the two separate moulds work well for the respective characters.

Having said that, with Hardhead's cannon being removable I'm predicting further uses of this mould/engineering may have different weapons in place

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Thank you, prjkt.:D

I have to admit this guy is pretty good, I was expecting to like Skullcruncher more, but this guy is way better. He's not nearly as obviously hollow and his Titan Master gimmicks work without compromising the overall toy.

Hardhead is the best Hasbro deluxe I've seen in years.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lord_Zed

I have to admit this guy is pretty good, I was expecting to like Skullcruncher more, but this guy is way better. He's not nearly as obviously hollow and his Titan Master gimmicks work without compromising the overall toy.

Hardhead is the best Hasbro deluxe I've seen in years.

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Thank you, Lord Zed.:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lord_Zed

I have to admit this guy is pretty good, I was expecting to like Skullcruncher more, but this guy is way better. He's not nearly as obviously hollow and his Titan Master gimmicks work without compromising the overall toy.

Hardhead is the best Hasbro deluxe I've seen in years.

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Agreed!

He's full of detail and the he has more paint apps than most deluxes from the last few years. The only complaint I can think of is that I wish he was upscaled as a voyager.

I'm glad he's not a voyager. At deluxe size the toys hollowness and other flaws are acceptable to me, when it gets to the $50 price point I except a bit more from my toys.

On the tank wars, I've always considered Hardheads alt mode, mobile artillery rather than a battle tank, I mean he can'r very well traverse that huge cannon of his to engage his foes easily, unlike Warpath.

Mobile artillery is definitely a better and more accurate description than battle tank.

Picked this toy up today, really impressed. I'm hoping that hasbro/TT repaint and retool him as BM tankor aka, "fat tankor" :)

Feeli like I've had enough time to mess about with him to form a good opinion on him.

Man, this is a great toy! AS I said before, I got the Legends version of Hardhead and while I was in two minds about how I'd feel about the head having the mouth, I really like the mouth over the masked version. Which is odd, as I have the G1 toy and thought the head sculpt was great.

I initially skipped him as I thought the tanks wasn't tanky enough, but as others have said, he is more like a mobile artillery vehicle and I like that definition. Especially since his firepower isn't over the moon. I kind of see him as a Batmobile sort of vehicle now, fast, armoured and has some decent blammo to him, but when compared to say warpath, or Brawl, he loses out on power but makes up in speed.

The thing that pushed me to get this guy despite my reservations on the vehicle mode were the shots of the robot mode. His root mode just looks so good! I do wish he came with two rifles though.

I much prefer TTs colours too. While I complained about it in my review, the elbow beige breaks up the arms rather nicely and the consistent thigh colour avoids him looking like he's running around in a pair of boxer briefs. Which I can't unsee after Gok's photo!

If all the deluxes are up to this standard, it's gonna be hard to resist them!

My blog review with a LOT of pictures. I got soooo carried away!

Fast... on caterpillar treads... :p ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

Fast... on caterpillar treads... :p ;)

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Well, he is a space tank. ;)

Picked him up today.

I'm impressed. There's not a lot not to like. I agree with Lord Zed, at a voyager size, there'd be lots to criticise but as a deluxe, it just works. Almost worth RRP.

Am particularly a fan of the neck articulation. It may limited, but the fact that there is any at all is impressive.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy

My blog review with a LOT of pictures. I got soooo carried away!

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Tetsuwan, I'm especially impressed with the section of your blog review where you torn Hardhead into a mounted gun platform. It looks like a cross between Cybertron Scrapmetal on one hand and Armada Demolishor & Generations Darkmount/Lord Straxus on the other hand.:cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shockNwave

Tetsuwan, I'm especially impressed with the section of your blog review where you torn Hardhead into a mounted gun platform. It looks like a cross between Cybertron Scrapmetal on one hand and Armada Demolishor & Generations Darkmount/Lord Straxus on the other hand.:cool:

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Ha ha ha, Thanks, but I can't take credit for it, I think I saw it on Hasui's Twitter feed first.:o:D

Finally got one today so I can vote... :p

He looks awesome, cant wait to get home and open it up. I am tempted to open it up on the bus ride home, since my phone is on 3% cause I was playing Pokemon at lunch :D

Picked up Hardhead today. He looks good wearing Grimlocks head as well. Can't wait for Chromedome to come tho.

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...pscwrn36u1.jpg

I'm not really sure how I feel about this figure.

Mine is floppy in the wrong places - the arms once extended don't really hold pose well if they're holding the rifle, and the arm assembly that holds the cannon is perfectly tight in all the boring configurations but has an annoying looseness for all the interesting ones (like cannon over the shoulder, or cannon raised in vehicle mode).

Not really a fan of the engineering on this one either. None of the treads attach firmly enough to the chassis for my liking, and both the arms and legs tend to look a bit bowed. I suppose having inwards curling wrists and transformation joints that require the knees to collapse sideways doesn't help that look. Compared to Blurr, being the only other TR figure I own, Hardhead lacks in this department.

That said, the play value on this figure is absolutely phenomenal. Whereas with Blurr I'm not convinced the headmaster gimmick adds or detracts anything from the figure, here it only helps. I love that Furos can man the main gun or drive the vehicle, and I love the different ways you can get the weapons to plug into the figure.

Another plus is a surprising amount of paint work for a 2016 Hasbro deluxe figure.

I'm not as enthralled with Hardhead as I am with Blurr, and to be fair part of that might be because I got one with not great QC vis a vis the joint tightness.

Love this toy as per all the positive feedback above, except for one niggle - the way he holds his rifle. The stock doesn't mesh very well with his massive 'Federer' forearms, leaving it sitting very raised and odd like G1 Optimus Prime. Other than that, sweet toy with lots of playability.

Finally got this one, and it was my most anticipated of wave 1!

Does not disappoint! Good play value, plenty of posing and just looks great. The colours and textures are really nice, give him an 'army' vibe without being your standard tank design.

Very happy!

Hardhead was my favourite of the original Headmasters, so this one was the first I opened, but I was a little disappointed that this one was like a pancake in tank mode... it felt like a steamroller ran over it.
Still the best of the first four TR Deluxes to me, particularly with the robot mode and transformation, but I think it could have been bulkier in tank mode.

I paired him with Brawn arming the gun so now he has an attack as well as a defensive option.