Transformers Review – G1 Perceptor (Universe Commemorative)

Intro:

            Perceptor – the Autobots’ number one scientific nerd, has been one of those well known characters that has received only a handful of starring episodes, one of which was called Microbots where he received constant verbal abused from Brawn for not participating actively in open battles – which Perceptor was clearly not meant for. Anyways, having said that, Perceptor has been involved directly in a gunfight, as depicted in the 1986 movie where he was seen defending the Autobot City on Earth valiantly. 

            I never thought that I would ever owned an actual G1 Perceptor before, but in one of my recent trips to Sabah (Borneo), I was surprised that the Kota Kinabalu’s Toys “R” Us  (1 Borneo Branch) has one on the shelf when I can’t even find him anywhere else in the country. 

            Anyways, needless to say, I didn’t hesitate for even one second. So, on to the reviews…

           

Alternate Mode (Microscope):

            This mode is probably one of the reasons why Perceptor still remains quite popular with the fans. His unusual alternate mode, which is an actual-scaled microscope, is actually a functioning microscope! No, you can’t really use it for your scientific research or projects, but yes, it functions. Scalpel, from Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen – his alternate mode was clearly inspired by Perceptor, and yes Michael Bay, we, the fans appreciate that. 

 

            Anyways, I think it’s a really neat alternate mode.

Alternate Mode (Tank):

            To be honest with you, I initially didn’t quite like this mode, probably because it wasn’t really a part of the G1 continuity, but as I am doing this review, I feel like the mode is starting to grow on me. One thing’s for sure, unlike most 3^rd Modes that I do not like, this wasn’t a half thought mode. When this figure was released in 1985, it was based on an older Microman figure, and back in those days, it featured a small Microman figure piloting this tank mode. 

 

            The mode is held on three free rolling wheels and has a tilt-able turret, which is formed by the scopes. 

            It’s a neat mode.

 

Robot Mode:

            Yep, this is Perceptor alright – unmistakably him. It has the shoulder cannon, formed by the scopes, which can either be placed on the left or the right shoulders. 

 

 

            The set also comes with 2 guns – one, a molded gun; the other is supposedly a spring-loaded gun with 3 bullets. On mine, however, this function fails to work due to a missing spring, which is kinda sad. 

            Standing at about 6 ¼” (to the head) or 7” (to the top of the shoulder cannon), the figure comes with a set of commendable articulations, which is surprising for a mould his age: there is no head articulation; shoulders turn 360°; the elbows bend (yay!); hips swings awkwardly outward; bendable knees and the toe-flaps flap up and down. 

            My only complaint of this mode is probably the head sculpt, which has a mouth plate instead of his normal animated look. 

            A wonderful mode and he still looks cool even when posed with his Generations counterpart. 

 

Overall:

            Nostalgia rules. Perceptor is one of those characters that has one of the most unique alternate modes. A wonderful design and he is definitely a must for fans that grew up with the Generation 1 series.

           

            Highly recommended.

            Final verdict: 9/10.