Transformers Review: G2 Megatron (United Deluxe)

Intro:

            Throughout history, Megatron have had a variety of alternates modes – race car, Cybertronian fighter jets, trucks, weird creatures (i.e. RiD series), dragons & dinosaurs (i.e. Beast Wars/ Machines, although technically, it’s a totally unrelated Megatron), tanks and of course, the iconic gun.

            No matter how many reincarnations of Megatron that we may had, or will have, to me, Megatron will always be synonymous with the gun, just like how I will always associate Optimus with a truck; Starscream with a jet; and Soundwave as that mini-cassette deck, however so obsolete that may be. 

            When you think about it though, it makes more sense for Megatron to be a power-packed tank rather than a small time hand gun. Still, being a tank still means that he is technically still a gun-esque contraption – a ginormous gun that moves.

            In line with the release of G2 Laser Optimus Prime in the United line, it makes sense that his counterpart is released as well , hence here we are with the review of this figure.

Alternate Mode:

            G2 Megatron transforms into a deep-purple-colored tank, instead of the overall green-colored jungle theme that he sported back in the 80’s. 

            Typically of all Takara-Tomy releases, the color applications are bright and eye-catching. The details are good – you could see all the small details carved straight onto the body of the vehicle. 

            The main gun moves up (and I do mean REAL up) and back down. The small gun attached to the turret can rotate, while the entire turret itself can rotate, albeit very loosely. Finally, the entire tank rolls quite smoothly. 

            While I am kinda okay with the overall design, as well as still trying to get used to the color scheme, the main gun itself doesn’t fit in snuggly onto the turret, thus causing the main gun to detach from the turret if certain pressure is applied.

            Overall, it is a neat little tank mode.

Robot Mode:

 

            The transformation from tank mode to robot mode is insultingly easy – you’d probably be able to transform him in less than 1 minute!

            The head sculpt is dead on – definitely Megatron. 

            Articulation-wise: the head rotates; the shoulders rotate and swing outward; the elbows bend and rotate; there is also an existing waist joint and also what looks like an abs crunch; the hips are ball-jointed, and a very loose one at that; the knees bend; the legs rotate slightly below the hips; and finally the ankles pivot.

            Overall, I’m really not too impressed with the articulations and I think based on Takara-Tomy’s own standard, they definitely could do much better, especially with the loose joints and all.

I love to say that this figure is good, since he is the Emperor of Destruction, but I just can’t due to several issues plaguing this him.

            For one, the right arm is awkwardly designed. That arm was meant to have a rotating arm from the elbow downward. There is a small peg on the upper arm, triggering of which will cause the lower arm to rotate in a helicopter rotor motion. I don’t have that much issue with the gimmick (though I don’t necessarily have to like it either), the elbow joint is a bit too low compared to his left arm. So while the left arm bends naturally, the right arm bends awkwardly.

            Also, that same lower arm detaches way too easily for my liking, especially when you try to bend the elbows.

            And also the gun – while I think it’s good that the blaster in tank mode can be wielded as a gun in robot mode, you’d probably ask: why on Earth does Megatron, who already has a freaking powerful fusion cannon at his disposable, ever need another pipsqueak gun anyway? It just seems so redundant.

            I really think that Takara-Tomy could’ve done way better did than this. Loose joints and bad designs really plague this figure.

Overall:

            Tank-formers are cool – most of the time, and so far, the Top 3 best tank –former that I ever have, in my opinion are 2007-movie Leader-class Brawl, United Warpath, and ROTF Voyager Bludgeon. This G2 Megatron is not even close.

            It’s such a shame that this figure fails to deliver its promises and I would’ve loved to love and recommend this figure, but I can’t.

            Final verdict: 4.5/10.

                                                                                          

Transformers Review – Jazz/ Meister (Alternators)

Intro:

            Jazz – one of the better known G1 Autobots. Appeared since the first episode of the original G1 series, Jazz played the role of Second-in-Command – a role that belonged to Prowl in the comics, even though officially, he was only a Special Ops Commander.

            Back then, Jazz transforms into a Porsche 935, so I was kinda hoping that Jazz would again transform into a Porsche, but probably due to some licensing issues, it wasn’t meant to be.

            Anyways, despite Hasbro having marketed this Alternators figure as Meister, instead of his christened name likely due to some legal issues, I still prefer to use the name Jazz, cuz I’m just so used to the name.

            This mold would eventually be reused for the character Shockblast (Shockwave).

                                                         

Alternate Mode:

            Jazz transforms into a white-colored Mazda RX8. It is actually one of the few 4-seaters in the entire Alternators/Binaltech line, and is also one of the few cars with four doors in the line.

            As with most other figures from the Alternators/Binaltech line, Jazz is incredibly detailed. All four doors, hood and trunk open. The rims are metallic-painted and the tyres are made from rubber marked with the brand CYBERTRONIAN RADIAL. 

            The kibbles are quite minimal, although the fists are still noticeable. 

            Some other unique features of this mode are the exhaust pipe and the steering system. Unlike most of his other brethrens, the figure uses interlocking mechanism (instead of magnets) to ensure the wheels turn in tandem, and instead of having his engine block turning into a handheld weapon, Jazz has his exhaust main pipe doing that. 

            Other details include the Mazda emblem in front and at the back of the car, the words MAZDA and RX8 at the back, as well as the license plate bearing the Autobot emblem and the name MEISTER.

            One big problem for this figure, in my opinion, is the different materials used as the finishing of the chassis. I say this because as this figure of mine ages, I’ve seen this figure yellowing unevenly. Some of the portions are still pearl white, but areas such as the trunk, bumper and the middle of the hood yellowing at a faster rate compared to the rest of him. 

            The side mirrors are also lacking a particular feature – a reflective surface, which would’ve been great that had been included.

            Otherwise, this is a good car mode, by any rate.

Robot Mode:

            Whatever this figure is officially called, this figure is clearly and unmistakably Jazz. 

            The overall design of the mode screams Jazz – the head sculpt, the wing doors, wheels on shoulders and hood as chest are dead ringers.

            Articulation-wise, he’s quite okay: the head rotates 360°; inner shoulders rotate; the shoulders-proper swing outward; the elbows are double-jointed; the wrists are on some sort of a ball joint; the lower waist rotates; the hips are on universal joints that provide all around motions; the knees bend; the ankles rotate and hinges; and finally, the front feet pieces are on combinational joints that provides all around movements as well. 

            Jazz can perform quite a variety of poses, but the looseness of some of the joints kinda weakens those articulations. The shoulders, for instance are too easily detachable. 

Also, due to the designs of the feet, the figure may have some issues to stand up properly, but it can be done, as long as you can find that sweet spot.

            Overall, Jazz is one good looking bot.

           

Overall:

            I like Jazz, no doubt about that. He looks good, the articulations are good and the transformation sequence is satisfyingly good.

            Definitely a worthy addition to any collection.

Highly recommended.

Final verdict, 9/10.

Transformers Review: Wheeljack (Alternators)

Intro:

            One of my biggest regrets in the Alternators/ Binaltech line was that I didn’t get Grimlock when I had the chance. It was back in 2005/6 when I first came across the Binaltech version of Grimlock. He was very expensive and I didn’t have the cash, so I can’t really do anything about it, can I?

            I was banking on my slim chance on coming across an Alternators version of Grimlock, but I never had that privilege.

Then in 2006/2007, I finally came across the mould – in the form of Wheeljack. Having missed out on Grimlock, I wasn’t about to let this guy go.

Wheeljack was one of the major characters back in the G1 era. He was the Autobot’s resident Mechanical Engineer (read Mad Scientist) that the team could always count upon when in need.

            Among his greatest creations were the Dinobots, and was the co-creator of the Aerialbots. However, as the series progressed, Wheeljack’s job scope was slowly taken over by Perceptor, and eventually, when the events of the 1986 movie came to pass, he was one of the many Autobots casualties in the battle of the Autobot’s base on Earth.

            It was a sad end to an awesome character, and such a shame it was, but it was inevitable since HasTak really needed to introduce new characters and figures into the line.

            So without further ado, let’s go straight to the reviews.

Alternate Mode:

            Wheeljack transforms in the ever-so-popular Ford Mustang GT. It is probably one of the more famous muscle cars to the Asian public. 

            Apart from the Dodge Ram SRT-10, a.k.a. Optimus Prime/ Nemesis Prime, this mould is probably the next most imposing vehicle mode in the entire Alternators/ Binaltech lines. 

            Everything about this vehicle oozes power and masculinity – the spotlights, the hood, the mustang insignia up front, the overall aerodynamics of the car, absolutely everything. 

            Wheeljack’s mould probably has one of the best undercarriage in the entire line – the kibbles are virtually non-existence, save for the minimal exposure of the fists. Another cool feature is that Wheeljack’s sword is also stored underneath, which is very creative of the designers.

            As usual, the doors and trunk open up, and the hood open up to reveal the engine underneath.

           There are also the words MUSTANG and GT on both sides of the car, as well as the GT symbol on the trunk. 

            He also bore a typical Autobot license plate, with the word WHLJCK, which is the short form of Wheeljack.

            One drawback of this figure is the spoilers, which is a bit slanted. 

            The interior is also incredibly detailed.

            My only complaint for this figure is probably the doors. Maybe it’s just mine, but the doors detach way too easily, and I always find myself having to reattach the doors during transformations. Sometimes, when I get too pissed, I just leave ‘em completely off.

            Anyways, it’s still a cool vehicle mode.

Robot Mode:

            After a not-too-complicated transformation process, you’ll with one heck of a good-looking robot.

            As a robot, he is absolutely imposing, almost as imposing as Nemesis/ Optimus Prime, but minus the cons. His movements are not too restricted or limited. 

 

            Articulations-wise: the head, the elbow and hips are on ball joints; the shoulders move outwards; the elbows’ ball joints themselves are on joints that allows in and outwards motions; standards fingers movements for an Alternator;  the waist rotates; the knees bend; and finally the ankles swing from side to side. 

            The engine block itself can be taken out and transformed into a double-barrel blaster. Wheeljack also wields a blue-colored dagger, as I like to call it – it’s just too short to be a darn sword. 

            The head sculpt is a winner here. That in itself is a winner for this figure. If there is any question on the identity of this character, that’s your answer right there.

            Fantastic robot mode.

Overall:

            So after having bought Wheeljack for the wrong reason, i.e. as a substitute for Grimlock, this Wheeljack figure has clearly proven me wrong.

            It’s a fantastic figure in its own right, and I am really glad to have not missed out on this figure.

            The figure itself won’t be that easy to come by nowadays, but if you do come across him somehow, go out and grab him.

            Highly recommended.

            Final verdict: 9.5/10.

Transformers Review: Swindle (Alternators)

Intro:

            Of all the choices of characters to receive an Alternators/ Binaltech, Swindle has got to be the oddest of ‘em all. Even Windcharger, as minor a character as he is, he still makes more sense than Swindle, seeing as how the latter is one of the 5-bots Combaticons and none of his other teammates received the same treatment.

            In the Binaltech/ Alternators continuity, he was the first Decepticons to receive the Binaltech body through his trademarked swindling way (pun intended) that was originally meant for Trailbreaker.

            First released in 2005, Swindle was my second ever Alternators after Windcharger, originally purchased as a substitute for the Alternators Hound that I missed out. The same mould would eventually be reused for the character Rollbar, released in 2006.

Alternate Mode:

            Swindle transforms into a Jeep Wrangler, bearing his signature yellow body paintjob. 

            One thing noticeably different between Swindle (and this mould in general) with most of the early Alternators/ Binaltechs is that he doesn’t have any front wheel steering action. 

            But whatever Swindle’s lacking in steering, he more than makes it up with his fantastic suspension system. Each wheel has their own individual springs and is unconnected to any other wheels. 

            Apart from the steering mechanism, Swindle is every bit as detailed as any other Alternators that came before him. The chrome rims and front grille looks sparklingly shiny, which is always a bonus. There are also the words “JEEP WRANGLER” & “SPORT” on both sides of the car, as well as the brand name “JEEP” on the spare tyre compartment.

            The spare tyre compartment do not possess any spare tyre of course, but instead a folded up gun used later in robot mode. 

            Both doors open, as well as the hood to reveal what looks like an engine block, formed by Swindle’s arms. 

            Despite that there are only two doors, Swindle comes with four seats, and the car’s internal compartments looks very detailed.

            I absolutely love this car mode – fantastic.

Robot Mode:

            As with most Alternators, he is the size of your typical Voyager-class figure.

            The design of his feet is both the making and the undoing of this figure. First and foremost, the feet are kinda awkwardly-shaped, sort of like a snow-shoe, but that is the exact same reason why this figure is so darn stable. You can put Swindle is various types of poses and you won’t have to worry about any balance issues. 

            The legs are a bit asymmetrical due to the spare tyre compartment, but that’s a really, really minor issue.

            Articulation-wise: the head is on a ball joint, as well as the shoulders, and the hips; the elbows bend and the wrists rotate; Swindle also comes with a waist articulation, which is always a welcome; the knees are double-jointed, but the bending of the knees may be slightly restricted by the front and back wheels; and finally, the ankles themselves bend in and outward – really good with various poses.

            There is one issue though that you might want to take note of, although this may be very minimal. While the chrome is shiny, they will be prone to fading as time goes by. After six years of owning him, those chromes on my figures are beginning to show those signs. 

            Another one would be the head articulation. Since the head’s position maybe a bit closer to the chest, the movements can be a bit restricted.

            Still overall, I really love Swindle, and for me personally, it’s definitely a good substitute to Alternators Hound.

Overall:

            I like this figure, and although it’s a bit awkward to have only him without the rest of the Combaticons in the line, the figure itself is awesome.

            Overall good design and he definitely earns a place in any collection.

            Highly recommended.

            Final verdict: 9.5/10.