Toy Review - Titans Return Hardhead with Furos

[Bumbleb33]

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

[prjkt]

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)

[GoktimusPrime]

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! (my wallet isn't crying quite as badly ) 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! 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 ), 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.


Photos!

[prjkt]

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

[morg176]

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

[GoktimusPrime]

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

That's two questions. Hopefully this can answer both.

[shockNwave]

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.

[GoktimusPrime]

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.

[MayzaPrime]

Finally got one today so I can vote...

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

[Deano85]

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