Toy Review - First Edition TF4 Optimus Prime

[griffin]

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

Series - none (TF4 movie)
Sub-line - First Edition
Size/class - ??? Ultimate
Wave - n/a
New/remould/redeco - New
Released here - March 2014 (globally February 2014)
Approximate Retail Price - $130? (US$60 in America = AU$68)
Approximate Size - 27cm (robot), 28cm (truck without shield)
Allegiance - Autobot
Alt-mode - Western Star Truck
Main Features/Gimmicks - Sword of Judgement, Sentinel Shield, changes in 15 steps.
Main Colours - blue, red, silver, grey
Main Accessories - Sword, Shield.

(official images to come)

In box (it came in a tight fitting shipping box that had to be from Hasbro, but had no product name or company printed on it)


Robot mode (with some recent exclusives)


Instructions


Colour instructions are nice, a bit like early Gen1 instructions. Don't be fooled by the labelling of it as a shell-former, as the transformation isn't a
complete walk in the park. It is NOT a "challenge" type Transformer, but there is still a little bit of creative engineering involved in the design. A
commendable effort when you consider that the back when the designers started on this figure, they would only have had photos of the truck mode
and some early concept CGI for the robot mode (as such, most of the truck shell folds up onto the back and only a little is incorporated into the robot body - the legs).
The shiny parts and rubber wheels, plus the big bulky toy in both modes and decent articulation, makes for something I consider is above average
for the fairly high price point... but is likely to be below average for those who don't collect Transformers toys to play with (who value more the
engineering and displayability of the figures).


The mid-section, showing how the backpack is part of the robot waist, so isn't removable. You can also see from this photo, that only the lower legs
of the robot mode forms any part of the truck (shell).


In vehicle mode, with Ultimate BH Optimus, DLX FOC Optimus, Green BAPE Optimus, MP YOTH Optimus, Rescue Bots Trailer Optimus.


Instead of rub-signs to prove authenticity, or a holographic sticker... we get a logo on the packaging, which anyone could put on KOs quite easily.
Also, this notes a Transformers App - is that something that's been out already, or something new?

[BigTransformerTrev]

To be honest I've been in two minds about this figure. On the one hand I've gotten the leader-class Prime from the last 3 movies so would be good to continue the trend. And a lot of people have been talking about how cheap he is to get online at the moment. On the other hand I really don't like his look in either mode, so I think I'm going to break precedent and wait and see if a better looking Voyager version of TF4 Prime gets released.

[Mythirax]

so I think I'm going to break precedent and wait and see if a better looking Voyager version of TF4 Prime gets released.

Exactly my thoughts.

[UltraMarginal]

The best version of the Prime from the first 3 movies came out in the second one, so I won't be russing out for this. it's certainly interesting to see the different approach and wow, Rubber Tyres!

[griffin]

It's hard rubber though... almost as hard as plastic. I wouldn't have even realised it if I hadn't have read about it on one of the fansites.

[Sinnertwin]

Pfft. Increasing the transformation steps from 13 to 15 with the addition of the weapons.

While i find the robot mode quite sad, that alt mode is great

[griffin]

Did anyone else order one? At US$60 plus shipping, it's cheaper than it will be here (apparently $130), and cheaper than BBTS (US$80) even with shipping.

At least there looks to be plenty of stock... or the fandom is avoiding it.

It might not be the best toy, but is the price (about AU$80) of what the BH Ultimates were here, and with similar complexity. (it is certainly not worth $130 - if you think you might buy it when it gets here, save a lot of dollars and import it)

[b1b2]

Picked up the new prime from tf4 today at target. Not as well built as the older movie series and the plastic quality is not as good.

Still looks pretty cool though

[liegeprime]

Th e quality of the new movie line is shall we say "all flash, no substance". Prime for instance reminds me of a flashy Pretender shell from G1.

[VERT]

I picked one up today. Opened him had a look. Showed it to my wife. She said it looks like one of those chrome KO from Go Lo or the local junk shop. Then I showed him to my 6 year old son. He gave Prime two thumbs down and said it looks bad. So I boxed him up again and he will be going back tomorrow. I knew he was crap when I got him. I was just hoping he would look better in hand. Nope still not my thing.