Mods please feel free to remove/update/change these posts as you see fit. Also could not find good pictures to use for the opening thread.

Review time:

I ordered both Elite and Scout sized figures, but only had time to build one. Since other members had mentioned building Ironhide I went with Starscream.

Starscream
Series - Construct-Bots
Sub-line - Construction
Size/class - Scout
Wave - 1
New/remould/redeco - new moulds, with some pieces shared across the classes.
Released here - August 2013
Approximate Retail Price - Various prices for each class
Approximate Size - Varies
Allegiance -Decepticon
Alt-mode - Futuristic jet
Main Features/Gimmicks - build your own bionicle style hero, interchangeable pieces, transform without removing or changing parts like the kreo sets.
Main Colours - Grey, Black, white, red, blue, gold.
Main Accessories - 2 mini guns

Starscream is the smallest of the new Construct-Bots sets, running in at a measly 40 pieces (compared to 45 for his case mate Ironhide).

The build is pretty easy and quick, but that has nothing to do with the instructions. You could build Starscream from a look at just the packaging which is good, what they advertise is what you get. He has a great range of movement due to the tight ball and socket joints, and there is plenty of opportunity to customise and adapt the figure to look and stand however you want. The build is easy, fun and as you build you are already thinking of ways to better or adapt the very basic design.

The concept is fantastic, even if the whole figure feels oversized and hollow, there are lots of gaps and ugly pieces, but it is a decent start, future waves should be able to rectify the build issues and overall aesthetic of these toys later on.

What I cannot understand is the quality of the whole package. While the packaging is very nice, with raised printing and shiny pictures, once you open the box it is all downhill. The plastic itself feels brittle and tacky, like KO toys you buy from the markets. Some pieces are different colours or look different than they do in the instructions, not a problem for an adult, but could be annoying or problematic for younger hands and eyes.
Another issue is the instructions themselves. They are printed poorly on what feels like cheap toilet paper and look worse than something you would've printed off your home printer a decade ago. Overall it cheapens the feel of a product that should feel special and different and engaging.

Worst of all Starscream's head is only 1/3 painted black. The rest is Hasbro grey. This is the type of QC that should be picked up on immediately, as mine is far from a one off case.

Overall this is an okay toy. It gets the build right, I was interested in the whole process even through my annoyances at the cheapness of Hasbro. The original design is basic and hollow, which is partially to cut costs, and partially to invite customisation. Parts and pieces will be making their way into many kitbashes and scratchbuilds in the future I am sure.
They will not be replacing your real transformers, nor do I believe they are ever intended to. It is a widening of the brand that in no way dilutes or reflects poorly (any more than other QC issues in the main lines do) the transformers brand.

If only Hasbro could employ someone with a good design background to create their Construct-Bots and Kreo lines to give them a bit more of a magic or special feel. As is, they are a pale imitation of Lego Bionicle and subsequent lines.

Hopefully the other 3 figures I have yet to construct can brighten my outlook for this subline.