Toy Review - JP MP-24 Masterpiece Star Saber

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Finally opened MP Star Saber. It is one of those toys that you will either like or won't depending on your Japanese G1 appreciation or for big imposing toys.

As we know the toy is divided into 3 figures - Brain (little bot), Star (Base ship and large body) and Saber (Mid size bot)

Engineering wise it looks to be a nearly straight adaptation of the G1 toy. If you have the Robot Masters release of the character, it is basically an upscale version with the inclusion of Brain. There is a bit of engineering on Saber, specially the legs but not a lot to differentiate. Basically, if you know the G1 and Robot Masters release, you know this.

The reason why the other takes on the toy have very much similar engineering despite size is because this is a very simplistic toy with a sci-fi mode. The original was also simplistic and the animation model transformation that is shown to us in detail reflects that. Adding any more engineering complexity would end up distancing the toy from its attempt to represent a Victory cartoon Star Saber, and as we know, cartoon accuracy is the main style focus of the MP line at present. Don't expect engineering innovation or anything of the sort here. This is a straight up animeish modular or 'Load-Bearer' super robot .

Having said that, this is just an alright toy at best and specially for the price point. Aesthetically, it does the job really well as it looks like Star Saber straight from the cartoon. The brain master gimmick on Saber is fun and Saber is also fun to transform if a bit simple. However the 'Star' part of the toy is kind of unwieldy and bulky in ship mode (but very cartoon accurate so displays well) and in super robot mode, Star Saber has loose elbow joints with poor weight tolerance, specially when holding his accessories due to less than adequate plastic than is not hard enough to apply the correct pressure on the ratcheting springs. This is specially noticeable when he wields the sword and and shield.

The accessories are alright, the shield works also as a stand for the Base ship which is pretty good. Both Star Saber and the Saber components get swords although unfortunately there is no where for the Saber sword hilt to go in Super robot mode but the blade stores fine. During transformation of Saber, Brain also pulls off the Brainmaster gimmick really well.

Overall: Worthwhile if you like the character and like the Victory cartoon. It is also a recreation of the original toy but with more modern looks and better aesthetics. Certainly a much cheaper alternative than tracking down the vintage G1 toy and it provides a similar experience. For people looking for innovation or a transformation challenge, look elsewhere. Also loose ratcheting joints on elbows is also disappointing.