Intro:
Finally,
the march towards the Age of Extinction (AOE) has begun. Nope, I’m not talking
about anything apocalyptic, but rather the 4th movie in the
Transformers Live Action franchise.
To
kick things off, we are going to review the Platinum Edition Voyager Optimus
Prime, which was sold in a two-pack set with Grimlock (we’ll be reviewing him
in the next entry).
Seeing
as how it has been a common practice for Has-Tak to make any Optimus Prime
figures to be the best in their respective size-classes, as well as the series
itself, a lot is actually riding on this figure.
Although
this is not solely applicable to this set, but rather the entire series, the
AOE action figures have seen a significant increase in prices, as compared to
the previous Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters series.
Extreme
increase in production cost? Maybe…
Anyways,
let’s not get sidetracked here, and let’s move on with the review.
Alternate
Mode:
Finally,
our prayers have been answered! Michael Bay, and everyone at Has-Tak finally
decided to listen to all those Transformers purists out there.
We’ve
finally got a flat-nose truck, reminiscence of the G1 Optimus Prime!!! Many
have been clamoring for it since the first movie franchise photos were first
leaked way back in 2006, and after 8 long years, we have finally got him, minus
the trailer.
 |
| Compared with the original G1 Optimus figure in front |
The
first thing that you’d noticed is how small this figure actually is. Regardless
that this figure is billed as a Voyager, the truck mode is so small, that it
kind of feel like a Deluxe-class instead.
 |
| From left: AOE Optimus and G1 Optimus |
In
fact, when compared to the original G1 Optimus Prime truck mode, they are
almost the same size, and anyone would know that the original G1 Optimus Prime
isn’t really that big.
 |
| Going up against Voyager Grimlock |
When
compared to his set partner – Grimlock, Optimus is diminutive. It feels as if
Grimlock could just kick him around all over town.
 |
| Both Optimus and Grimlock fully armed |
Anyways,
moving on… Aside from the back portion of the truck, the rest of the truck is
very reminiscent of his G1 counterpart. The color scheme is good and the chrome
kind of accentuates the overall look. I do wish that there could’ve been more
parts coated with chrome, such as the smokestack, the front bumper as well as
the front grill. That would’ve made this mode nearly perfect.
Oh
look! No flame decals!!! Gah!!!
Ehem…
One
other thing that I have an issue on about this figure is the back of the cab. It
feels like there should be something to cover up that gaping cavity. While the
tried to cover it up with the fake chest pieces, it clearly needs more work. And
if you look closely, you could even see Optimus’s head piece in there, looking
at you.
Unlike
all previous G1 and movie Optimuses, this version comes with only 1 smokestack,
which kind of added a little bit of asymmetrical dimension to this figure.
As
for the front windshield, I wished that it could’ve been painted on, instead of
being transparent. It kind of reveals everything that wasn’t supposed to be
revealed. Unless it has a perfect interior, then yes, it should be transparent.
 |
| Horrendous Hole Between the Legs |
The
kibbles are obvious, unfortunately, especially for the legs. The gaping hole
through the legs is an eyesore to me. I just wished that somehow, that would be
covered.
As
for the Ion Blaster, there are several ways to mount it onto the truck mode,
and it’s really up to you on whichever looks that work for you.
Robot
Mode:
This,
my friend, is where this figure truly shines. The figure itself is very lanky
and streamlined. Compared to the previous DOTM Voyager Optimus Prime, this
version is more humanlike and less blocky.
Maybe,
for the past 3 years, Optimus has been working out hard in the gym? Hmm…
Anyways,
I really like how the chrome parts blend in with the iconic Optimus Prime red
and blue color schemes.
Although
there are no overwhelming gaps or hollow parts that are quite evident with the
current newer generations of Transformers figures, the figure does feel very
light. Gone are the days of heftily-weighed action figures, this action figure
actually weighs lighter than most older generation figures that I know of.
 |
| Size comparison between Optimus and his G1 self |
 |
| Voyager Grimlock & Optimus |
 |
| The same figures, but now featuring Universe Inferno |
Articulation-wise,
this figure shines, baby!!! The head sculpt is on a ball joint, that it itself
is on a swivel joint. That alone provides a lot of posing options for the head.
He can look up; down; left or right; and even into his chest, if he wants to.
 |
| Long Neck |
The
shoulders are on a combination of tight hinge and clicking joints – delicious. The
arms rotate above the bendable elbows. The wrists can rotate, but very, very
tight.
Also,
there is waist articulation! The hips are on soft ratcheting joints.
 |
| Chrome Parts and Wheels Joints |
The
wheels near the hips are on separate joints mounted on the upper torso. The wheels
do move out of the way to accommodate some fancier moves and poses that you
could put this figure through.
 |
| Wheels move out of the way to allow more hip movements |
The
knees bend 90° and the ankles that tilt in-and-outwards, up and down.
The
articulations more than makes up whatever shortcoming the robot mode might
have. You will definitely have a lot of fun posing him around.
Summary:
Optimus
Prime is a good effort for this line, granted that this is only a Voyager, and
not a Leader-class figure, there are shortcomings in both modes for this action
figure.
I
like the basic concept of Optimus transforming into a G1-ish truck mode, but if
only they could make him just a little bit bigger and with less obvious gaps and holes.
The
robot mode is excellent and I am glad that the robot is not really that hollow. The articulations are amazing and definitely a must
for TF-movies action figures collectors.
Recommended.
Rating – 8/10
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